Caterpillar to design and produce small excavators in-house
Starting from 2018, Caterpillar will design and produce its smallest hydraulic excavators in-house, ending an alliance with German manufacturer Wacker Neuson.

Caterpillar will focus on growing its global mini excavator business as it leverages existing facilities and design teams to deliver cost-effective and efficient new machines weighing less than 3 tonne.

Its Building Construction Products Division will design and manufacture the new products, building on the attributes of the larger Cat mini excavators. Five of the current models ? the 301.4C, 301.7D, 301.7D CR, 302.2D and 302.4D ? manufactured by Wacker Neuson will be phased out in mid-2018. A sixth ? the 302.7D CR ? will follow at the end of 2019. The 300.9D will be phased out at the same time, or later upon mutual agreement.