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 addition 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.
“Pilot hydraulic controls also need continuous pressure, which puts a load on the engine. This extra load generates more heat and reduces available power for other systems,” Paul said.
“Electric controls require less energy, freeing up engine power that can be used to keep the air conditioning system running more effectively.
“With hydraulic systems, you can feel there’s something in the ground, the machine seems to lag a bit. You don’t have that with the electric set-up.
“Of course, there’s the green aspect, because it’s carrying less oil to operate the machine.
“Previous models used to be fully hydraulic. Could you imagine all the hoses that have to go through the machine? It was like a mass of spaghetti, and now it’s just one bit of cable.
“And there are so many other benefits. We have electric actuators instead of hydraulic ones, for example, so it also keeps the weight of the machine down.
“Keeping the cab closed also keeps out dust and rain and keeps me protected from the elements.”
Paul said he valued the AC unit just as well during the cold winter months.
“It’s great just sitting there toasty warm with the heater on, and safe from the winds and rain,” he said.
Compact fuel-efficient workhorse
But of course cab comfort is just one of the many features of the 301.8 that have made this model a purchase that Paul has no regrets over.
There is the excavator’s undeniable and renowned strong lift and dig prowess that helps get jobs done faster, and the compact size and retractable undercarriage which enable access and work in the tightest areas.
Apart from those, Paul also loves the fuel efficiency, achieved through a number of sustainability initiatives implemented in the model.
For example, the Auto Idle capability helps reduce unnecessary fuel burn and greenhouse gas emissions by allowing the engine to automatically go into idle mode when the machine is not working.
The Engine Idle Shutdown Timer reduces fuel burn, emissions and idle time by shutting down the machine after a pre-set idling period.
Meanwhile, the cruise control helps operators maintain a constant speed as they travel across jobsites, saving on fuel.
“I make sure those functions are engaged all the time. Fuel consumption is well down, maybe by up to 40 per cent,” Paul said.
And wait, there’s more. Paul loved the machine’s blade float function, which allows the dozer blade to follow the ground contour without operator input, making it easier to achieve a smooth, level finish.
When engaged, the hydraulic pressure is released, letting the blade rest on the surface naturally.
“It’s fantastic for cleaning up and filling trenches and reducing the number of controls needed, saving time and reducing fatigue,” he said.
The Cat connection
Paul formed his business in 2001, mainly carrying out commercial irrigation work.
Starting out with one excavator, he expanded the fleet to about eight machines by 2018 as the list of projects grew.
“In that time, I’ve owned several Cat 301.7 and 301.8 models,” he said.
“But in recent years, I have downsized to just one as I want to cut down on the workload … and the stress.”
Delighted with the current model, which he’s owned for about a year, Paul said he would not consider using any other brand than Cat.
“I switched to my first Cat excavator initially as I was very disappointed in the after-sales service offered by the supplier of a previous brand I was using,” he said.
“Service is really important as it comes down to downtime of machinery, which we can’t afford, and parts availability.
“I get my Cat equipment from WesTrac and I am absolutely happy with the level of service I get from sales consultant and account manager Matthew Curtis, and those before him when I got my first Cat machine.
“Let me give you an example. The previous brand that I had used did not help me out once the warranty ran out.
“But it was so different with my first Cat purchase. There were some small issues but WesTrac did everything possible to resolve them.
“They helped ensure I could keep the machine running, and that’s just one instance that has kept me with them.”
Paul said he currently uses WesTrac’s field service, which offers him many benefits.
“I used to do service and minor maintenance myself but now I leave it to the WesTrac field service team,” he said.
“I find that the time savings for me offset the costs of field service technicians coming to the site and doing the work for me.
“It’s just easier to get them to come out and do it. Two or three hours on the site servicing the machines, and they’re done and on their way.
“Whereas if I was taking it to them, it’s a couple of hours to drive to the facility, then having to go back and pick it up, and then it might have to remain there for a day as well.
“So in short, I have a lot less downtime. You may pay a bit more for the service, but I save on the back end and in the long run.
“I also get regular reports from every service about the state of the machine, such as fluid samples, and that is very valuable.”
Paul said he also had a FitFleet® Customer Value Agreement (CVA), designed to help equipment owners reduce downtime, manage maintenance costs, and extend the life of their machines.
These agreements provide a proactive approach to machine care, aiming for optimal performance and reliability, as well as using only genuine Cat parts.
“WesTrac has always done the right thing by me with any issues I have had with my machine: from warranty problems and getting parts if they were not in Perth,” Paul said.
“I believe it’s the culture of WesTrac to deliver that type of service. It’s easy to say it, but harder to deliver, and WesTrac certainly delivers.
“I will only keep on using Cat equipment in the future.”
Working with WesTrac
Matthew said he started looking after Paul when he took over the PGC account about 11 years ago.
“At that stage he had quite a few Cat open cab machines for his irrigation projects,” he said.
“He contacted us to upgrade his 1.7 tonne models for something with a few more creature comforts, and we introduced him to the Next Gen model with the air con cab.
“We traded them in for the 301.8 and he’s been absolutely rapt with it, particularly as the features made it so much more comfortable to work in.
“For example, with the older machines, Paul had to put in his own customised sound system, with big speakers at the top.
“So when I showed him that he could get an AC cab along with the Cat radio system and Bluetooth as part of the new model, he was smitten.
“The 301.8 is also available with an open cab canopy, but aside from the climate control, Paul also really wanted to be out of the dust and the heat, so the closed cab works perfectly.
“And that’s an important point. What we all have to be concerned of is whether there is asbestos in dust, and you don’t want to be playing in in soil that’s potentially got asbestos or any similar hazardous materials.
“The fully sealed pressurised cab offers greater protection when working.
“We’re starting to see that change, especially here at the WA minesites, where the big Tier 1 companies are focusing on that safety aspect, even on smaller-sized skid steers or mini excavators and the like.
“And of course, at the mines, where temperatures can be in the 40-45 degree range, having fully enclosed AC cabs are beneficial, and helps keep the operators more productive.”
Matthew said every iteration of a Cat machine would always be an improvement on the previous model.
With the 301.8, there is an abundance of electronic features, making controls easier to use, such as the intuitive Next Generation LCD monitor providing easy to read machine information.
“Moving around the job site is even easier with the Cat Stick Steer option. The operator can easily switch from traditional travel controls with levers and pedals to joystick controls with a push of a button,” he said.
“There’s also a commonality to the cab control interfaces and setups.
“In this regard, all the Cat machines are identical. If he needed to, Paul could jump from the mini into a six- or eight-tonner, and operating them would be a breeze because the instrumentation, the monitors, the joysticks, would all be the same.
“This consistency of configuration means operators do not have to spend time learning how to drive different machines.”
Matthew also echoed Paul’s endorsement of the electric controls.
“With the electric-over-hydraulic system, we’re not robbing Peter to pay Paul when it comes to power,” he said.
“With a fully hydraulic system, if you push the joystick forward, it will steal some of the hydraulic potential.
“So whether you’re driving forward and using the boom, or trying to go up an embankment or load their trucks, and bits and pieces like that, you’re always going to be slowing down because there’s only so much oil and a pump can handle.
“With the EH system, now it’s just a joystick. The computer will recognise the tasks and will balance power throughout the machines.”
The less use of hydraulic components also means lower maintenance costs, Matthew said.
“For example, we don’t need to worry about filters and serviceability costs on hydraulic parts,” he said.
“That’s an important consideration when it comes to looking at costs in the big picture. The machines use less fuel and the savings help to make up for any difference in purchase cost. You could be here all day working on one tank of fuel.”
Matthew said the FitFleet CVA was an essential part of ensuring that Paul’s equipment would keep performing as efficiently as possible.
“Fitfleet CVAs provide customised maintenance, parts, and service solutions to enhance machine performance, reduce ownership costs, and extend equipment life,” he said.
Matthew said that used in conjunction with Caterpillar’s VisionLink® asset management software, Paul can proactively manage his equipment and extend machine lifespan.
The system offers insights into equipment performance, fuel usage, idle time, location, and maintenance needs.
Using real-time equipment tracking helps earthmoving businesses optimise productivity, minimise downtime, and lower operating costs.