THE 1ST CAT 305 CR NEXT GENERATION EXCAVATORS LAUNCHED INTO THE UK

Any new machinery delivery is exciting to ‘unwrap’ but this one was particularly so as the first Cat 305 CR Next Generation Excavators arrived in the UK and made their way to the ASHBROOK head office in Congleton.

Cat first launched their next generation excavators back in 2018 with the Cat 320.  Since then, this superior design and technology has been making its way through the range with the Cat 304 and 305 being the latest machines to receive the upgrade treatment.

ASHBROOK were extremely pleased to take delivery of the first Cat 305 CR Next Generation Excavators to arrive in the UK, on the 4th July 2022. The company is no stranger to the Next Generation range with them leading the way in ordering and receiving the first Cat 320 SLR, Cat 315GC and being amongst the first to take delivery of the Cat 336, Cat 330, Cat 325, Cat 320, Cat 313, Cat 308 and the Cat 301.7.

James Ashbrook, MD, comments, ‘frequent fleet renewals are central to our business success ensuring that our hire machines are always of high quality and boast the latest technology and efficiency. Therefore, it is great to receive these latest next generation excavators, allowing those customers whose work best suits 5t hydraulic excavators access to the improvements of the next gen fleet.’

‘We have an excellent relationship with FINNING UK who facilitate, not only the arrival of the 100s of new pieces of Cat/ ASHBROOK machinery each year but also provide outstanding aftercare with any issues dealt with quickly and efficiently. Thereby, minimising downtime for us and our customers and supporting another key pillar of our business, customer service excellence.’

Cat 305 CR Next Generation review

Before new machinery arrives at the Cheshire-based firm, the team takes the time to familiarise themselves with the equipment. Paul Pitney, ASHBROOK General Manager, provides a review of the key features of the new Cat 305 CR Next Generation excavator.

‘A big benefit to this next gen excavator versus previous models is the improved efficiency that it offers. Better fuel usage is brought about by using a Cat C1.7T engine which manages to provide greater Net Power versus earlier iterations in addition to fuel-saving. Further savings can be made by using the auto idle and auto shut down functions.’

‘Real-time on-site improvements in performance will be seen with enhancements in lift, swing, travel and multifunction.’

‘To help counter operator fatigue the 305 comes with stick steer and cruise control meaning less effort and better control. You can move easily between conventional lever/ foot-pedal steering controls to joystick operation at the flick of a switch.’

‘The load sensing hydraulics with a variable displacement piston pump allows for greater efficiency of movement and digging. You’ll have 18% more digging force (long stick) and 10% more digging force at the bucket.’

‘The ASHBROOK Cat 305 CR Next Generation diggers come with 400mm tracks with rubber belt, making their movement around the site more versatile. Rubber tracks can operate over asphalt and concrete without risk of damaging it, in a way that steel tracks cannot. Therefore, their size and track choice make these 305 diggers ideal for construction projects in the later stages of development.’

‘Our 305’s have been built with a cab with heater option and also overhead front window storage, meaning you can have the added flexibility of canopy vision if you wish to stow the window.  In terms of tech, they come with the next generation monitor complete with security option and large feature display’.

Paul concludes, ‘Cat set out to build the biggest most powerful machines in the smallest package and that’s what they’ve achieved.’

To hire a Cat 305 CR next generation excavator, contact our hire desks today.

Author: ASHBROOK

We are leading plant, access and agricultural machinery hire experts with specialist transport and groundwork divisions.  ASHBROOK was established during the late 1990s by James Ashbrook, who is still our Managing Director today.  We are a family-run firm and use the latest machines and exceptional customer service to ensure that we meet the exacting needs of our customers time and time again.  Based in the Northwest of the UK, close to main transport routes, we are able to deliver throughout the country and ensure that we are on time, every time, nationwide.