Helping operators keep their cool

The Cat® 301.8 mini excavator is the first model in the range to have a sealed cab with air-conditioning, a valuable asset in the harsh Australian climate.

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It was a typical blistering hot summer's day in Perth when we caught up with Paul Cross of PGC Irrigation Contractors earlier this year, who was hard at work installing pipes for a large primary school project.

All he needed for the dig was the latest Cat 301.8 mini excavator, and even though the mercury was shooting up to a forecast 40 degrees, he was unfazed.

Why? Because he knew he would be working inside a sealed-and-pressurised cab equipped with air conditioning, chilling out while getting his work done, fast.

This feature is an industry-first for mini excavators of this size, with previous models using only open cabs, making extended operation in high temperatures challenging.

The introduction of air con in the Cat 301.8 signifies Caterpillar's commitment to operator well-being and marks a significant advancement in mini excavator design.

“The air con is great, and when using it I don't notice a draw on power or impact on performance of the excavators at all,” Paul said.

“It's also roomy and I don't feel claustrophobic inside. In some other machines, even with open cabs, I feel squashed up and uncomfortable.”

Paul said one of the reasons for the effectiveness of the AC unit was the machine's use of advanced electric-over-hydraulic (EH) controls instead of traditional pilot hydraulic systems, enhancing precision, efficiency, and operator comfort.

This shift towards EH controls represents a significant advancement in compact excavator technology.

Traditional hydraulic pilot control systems generate heat due to constant hydraulic fluid movement, which in turn increases ambient temperature inside the cab.

With EH controls, there are fewer hydraulic lines and less fluid movement, reducing overall heat build-up in the cab, allowing the AC system to cool the space more efficiently.