Caterpillar has unveiled an affordable grade assist system for its 6- to 10-tonne mini excavators at Equip Expo 2022. For many years contractors have been able to equip excavators of multiple sizes including the 3.5- to 10-tonne machines with Cat Grade Advanced 2D or 3D control systems. Those systems automate machine functions to help operators of all experience levels improve grade accuracy and consistency.

¢â‚¬Å“Once you get into Cat Grade you¢â‚¬â„¢re talking about a lot of technology¢â‚¬Â said Greg Worley Cat product marketing professional.

However for smaller contractors the investment in full Cat Grade technology is often a bit steep when they¢â‚¬â„¢re uncertain how often they would use it.

¢â‚¬Å“To be quite frank that's a very expensive technology on these smaller products for these owner-operators who are using these mini hydraulic excavator machines¢â‚¬Â Worley said.

Cat's solution comes in the form of the Ease of Use Indicate and E-Fence offerings on the Cat 306 CR 308 CR and 309 CR Next Gen mini excavators as its ¢â‚¬Å“entry-level¢â‚¬Â grade control system.

Worley referred to it as ¢â‚¬Å“the best damn tape measure you'll ever have in your toolbox.¢â‚¬Â He said these technologies are ideal for digging footings drainage and septic systems irrigation electric utilities and applications near structures or obstacles operators need to avoid.