304 Mini Excavator

The Cat® 304 Mini Excavator delivers power and performance in a compact size to help you work in a wide range of applications.

Key Specs

  • Net Power 45 hp
  • Operating Weight 9867 lb
  • Dig Depth 138.2 in

Benefits

4

Industry First Features

Cat Exclusives in a Mini Excavator

Up to 10%

Lower Total Ownership Costs

with extended service intervals, lower repair costs and easy service access

Up to 20%

More Performance

in lifting, digging and multi-function capability

Engine

Net Power 45hp
Engine Model C1.7 Turbo
Net Power - 2,400 rpm - ISO 9249, 80/1269/EEC 45hp
Gross Power - ISO 14396 48.4hp
Bore 3.3in
Stroke 3.9in
Displacement 101in³
Emissions Meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V emission standards.
Note Net power advertised is the power available at the flywheel when the engine is at rated speed and rated power when the engine is installed with the factory configured fan, air intake system, exhaust system, and alternator with a minimum alternator load.

Weights

Operating Weight 9867lb
Minimum Operating Weight with Canopy* 8655lb
Maximum Operating Weight with Canopy** 9647lb
Minimum Operating Weight with Cab* 8875lb
Maximum Operating Weight with Cab** 9867lb
Note (1) *Minimum Weight is based on rubber tracks, operator, full fuel tank, standard stick, straight blade, no bucket and no extra counterweight.
Note (2) **Maximum Weight is based on steel tracks, operator, full fuel tank, long stick, straight blade, extra counterweight and no bucket.

Dimensions - Long Stick

Dig Depth 138.2in
Vertical Wall 99.8in
Maximum Reach - Ground Level 214.4in
Maximum Reach 219.3in
Maximum Dig Height 201.8in
Maximum Dump Clearance 147.2in
Boom In Reach 92.1in
Tail Swing without Counterweight 47.4in
Tail Swing with Counterweight 51.2in
Maximum Blade Height 16.5in
Maximum Blade Depth 18.7in
Boom Height - Shipping Position 75.2in
O/A Shipping Height 100in
Swing Bearing - Height 21.9in
O/A Undercarriage Length 87in
Overall Shipping Length* 194.9in
Boom Swing - Right 28.7in
Boom Swing - Left 20.9in
Track Belt/Shoe Width 13.8in
Track Width 66.9in
Ground Clearance 12in
Stick Length 66.7in
Note *Overall Shipping Length depends on blade position during shipment.

Weight Increase from Minimum Configuration

Counterweight 496lb
Long Stick 66lb
Steel Tracks 430lb
Angle Blade 243lb

Dimensions - Standard Stick

Dig Depth 126.4in
Vertical Wall 94.3in
Maximum Reach - Ground Level 204.7in
Maximum Reach 209.8in
Maximum Dig Height 198.4in
Maximum Dump Clearance 143.5in
Boom In Reach 88.8in
Tail Swing without Counterweight 47.4in
Tail Swing with Counterweight 51.2in
Maximum Blade Height 16.5in
Maximum Blade Depth 18.7in
Boom Height - Shipping Position 63.8in
O/A Shipping Height 100in
Swing Bearing - Height 21.9in
O/A Undercarriage Length 87in
Overall Shipping Length* 194.9in
Boom Swing - Right 28.7in
Boom Swing - Left 20.9in
Track Belt/Shoe Width 13.8in
Track Width 66.9in
Ground Clearance 12in
Stick Length 54.9in
Note *Overall Shipping Length depends on blade position during shipment.

Travel System

Travel Speed - High 3.2mile/h
Travel Speed - Low 2.2mile/h
Maximum Traction Force - High Speed 4271lbf
Maximum Traction Force - Low Speed 7329lbf
Ground Pressure - Minimum Weight 4.2psi
Ground Pressure - Maximum Weight 4.9psi
Gradeability - Maximum 30 degrees

Service Refill Capacities

Cooling System 2.9gal (US)
Engine Oil 1.6gal (US)
Fuel Tank 17gal (US)
Hydraulic Tank 14gal (US)
Hydraulic System 17gal (US)

Hydraulic System

Type Load Sensing Hydraulics with Variable Displacement Piston Pump
Pump Flow at 2,400 rpm 25gpm
Operating Pressure - Equipment 3553psi
Operating Pressure - Travel 3553psi
Operating Pressure - Swing 2611psi
Auxiliary Circuit - Primary - Flow 21gpm
Auxiliary Circuit - Primary - Pressure 3553psi
Auxiliary Circuit - Secondary - Flow 7gpm
Auxiliary Circuit - Secondary - Pressure 3553psi
Digging Force - Stick - Standard 4721lbf
Digging Force - Stick - Long 4316lbf
Digging Force - Bucket 8588lbf
Note Flow and pressure are not combinable. Under load, as flow rises pressure goes down.

Swing System

Machine Swing Speed 9r/min
Boom Swing - Left 78 Degrees
Boom Swing - Right 50 Degrees

Blade

Straight Blade Width 66.9in
Straight Blade Height 14.2in
Angle Blade Width 66.9in
Angle Blade Height 14.2in
Angle Blade - Left 25 Degrees
Angle Blade - Right 25 Degrees

Certification - Cab and Canopy

Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) ISO 12117-2:2008
Top Guard ISO 10262:1998 (Level I)

Air Conditioning System

Air Conditioning The air conditioning system on this machine contains the fluorinated greenhouse gas refrigerant R134a or R1234yf (Europe) (Global Warming Potential = 1430). See label or instruction manual for gas refrigerant identification. The system contains 0.75 kg (1

Sound

Operator Sound Pressure (ISO 6396:2008) 76dB(A)
Average Exterior Sound Pressure (ISO 6395:2008) 97dB(A)
Note European Union Directive “2000/14/EC”

Sustainability

Recyclability 96%

ALL DAY COMFORT

  • Choose either a canopy (not available in some regions) or a sealed and pressurized cab which can be equipped with air conditioning, adjustable wrist rests, and a suspension seat to help keep you working comfortably all day long.

EASY TO OPERATE

  • Controls are easy to use and the intuitive Next Generation LCD monitor provides easy to read machine information. An advanced touchscreen monitor can also be equipped as an upgrade option.

STICK STEER TRAVEL MODE

  • Moving around the job site is even easier with the Cat Stick Steer option. Easily switch from traditional travel controls with levers and pedals to joystick controls to move the machine and to operate the blade. The benefit of less effort and improved control is in your hands!

BIG PERFORMANCE IN A SMALL MACHINE

  • Strong lift and dig performance helps you get the job done faster. The reduced radius tail swing design provides exceptional stability and performance. With a maximum width of 1700 mm (67 in), the 304 can access those hard to get into areas. Dozer float allows for easy clean up. An angle blade is also an option for finished grading and easier backfilling applications.

SAFETY ON THE JOB SITE

  • Your safety is our top priority. The Cat mini excavator is designed to help keep you safe on the job. Courtesy work lights and a fluorescent retractable seat belt are just a couple of the safety features we’ve built into the machine.

SIMPLE SERVICE FOR LESS DOWNTIME

  • Maintenance is quick and easy on the Cat mini excavator. Routine check points are easy to access at ground level through the side doors.

LOWER OPERATING COSTS

  • Equipped with features such as auto idle, auto engine shutdown, and efficient hydraulics with a variable displacement pump, the Cat mini excavator was designed with reducing your operating costs in mind.

SUSTAINABILITY

  • The Cat® C1.7 engine meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, and Japan 2014 emission standards.
  • Cat diesel engines are required to use ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel with 15 ppm of sulfur or less) or ULSD blended with the following lower-carbon intensity fuels up to: 20% biodiesel FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) * or 100% renewable diesel, HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and GTL (gas-to-liquid) fuels. Refer to guidelines for successful application. Please consult your Cat dealer or “Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations” (SEBU6250) for details.
  • Auto Idle 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.
  • Engine Idle Shutdown Timer reduces fuel burn, greenhouse gas emissions and unnecessary idle time by shutting down the machine after a pre-set idling period.
  • Cruise control helps you maintain a constant speed as you travel across your jobsite saving fuel and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The Cat® Seat Belt Reminder provides audible and visual warnings to remind operators to buckle up during machine operation. The easy-to-install system is compatible with all equipment brands to help ensure operator safety.
  • Extended maintenance intervals not only reduce downtime but decrease the amount of fluid and filters that are replaced over the life of the machine.
  • Remote Flash minimizes downtime and maintenance time while keeping your asset running with maximum efficiency. Alerts for machine updates are sent virtually from your Cat dealer and updates can be deployed without a dealer technician needing to be onsite.(if equipped)
  • Remote Troubleshoot decreases maintenance time and keeps your machine running with maximum efficiency by allowing your Cat dealer to virtually test the machine while working. Once a problem is identified, a technician can fix it the first time, saving time and money.(if equipped)
  • Cat Grade with advanced 2D and 3D technologies combine advanced guidance with optional automated machine control helping you reach grading targets while reducing fuel burn and greenhouse gas emissions by improving efficiency, job site productivity, and accuracy. (if equipped).

Standard Equipment

  • Engine
    • Cat® C1.7 Turbo Engine (U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V)
    • Automatic Engine Idle
    • Automatic Engine Shutdown
    • Automatic Two Speed Travel
    • Fuel Water Separator
    • Power on Demand (not available in all regions)
    • Variable Displacement Piston Pump
    • Load Sensing/Flow Sharing Hydraulics
  • Hydraulics
    • Smart Tech Electronic Pump
    • Accumulator
    • Automatic Swing Brake
    • Auxiliary Hydraulic Lines
    • One and Two Way Auxiliary Flow
    • Continuous Auxiliary Flow
    • Auxiliary Line Quick Disconnects
  • Operator Environment
    • Canopy or Cab (Canopy not available in some regions)
    • Stick Steer Mode
    • Travel Cruise Control
    • Control Pattern Changer (optional in some regions)
    • Adjustable Wrist Rests
    • Washable Floor Mat
    • Travel Pedals and Hand Levers
    • Machine Security – Standard Key with Pass Code
    • Fabric Suspension Seat (Cab only)
    • Vinyl Suspension Seat (Canopy only)
    • Hydraulic Lockout – All Controls
    • Retractable High Visibility Seat Belt (75 mm/3 in)
    • Coat Hook
    • Cup Holder
    • Storage Pocket
    • Skylight
    • Mounting Bosses for Front
    • Signaling/Warning Horn
    • Interior Light (Cab only)
    • Boom Light, Halogen (not available in all regions)
    • Utility Space for Mobile Phone
    • Next Generation Color LCD Monitor (IP66)
      – Fuel Level and Coolant Temperature Gauges
      – Maintenance and Machine Monitoring
      – Performance and Machine Adjustments
      – Numeric Security Code
      – Multiple Languages
      – Hour Meter with Wake Up Switch
      – Jog Dial (cab only)
  • Undercarriage
    • Rubber Belt (350 mm/13.8 in)
    • Dozer Straight Blade
    • Dozer Blade Float
    • Tie Downs on Track Frame
  • Boom, Stick And Linkages
    • One Piece Boom (2500 mm/98.4 in)
    • Standard Stick (1395 mm/54.9 in)
    • Front Shovel Capable – Pin-On
    • Thumb Ready
    • Certified Lifting Eye
    • Hydraulic Quick Coupler Lines
  • Electrical
    • 12 Volt Battery
    • Software (machine and monitor)
    • Maintenance Free Battery
    • Lock Out/Tag Out Battery Disconnect
    • 12 Volt Power Socket
    • Product Link Elite
    • Travel Alarm (optional in some regions)
  • Guarding
    • ROPS – ISO 12117-2:2008
    • Top Guard ISO 10262:1998 Level I
  • Other
    • Eco Drain

Optional Equipment

  • Operator Environment
    • Cab with Air Conditioning
    • Cab with Heater
    • No Travel Pedals and Hand Levers (optional in some regions)
    • Machine Security – Push to Start with Key Fob/Pass Code
    • Seat Belt Reminder System
    • LED Front and Rear Lights
    • Mirrors, Left, Right and Rear
    • Camera
    • Radio – Bluetooth®, Auxiliary, Microphone, USB (charging only) (Cab only)
    • Next Generation Advanced Monitor
      – Touch Screen
      – Site Reference System
      – High Definition Camera Capable (IP68 and IP69K)
      – Numeric Security Code
  • Undercarriage
    • Steel Track (350 mm/13.8 in)
    • Angle Blade
  • Boom, Stick And Linkages
    • Long Stick (1695 mm/66.7 in)
    • Front Shovel Capable – Dual Lock Manual Coupler
    • Front Shovel Capable – Hydraulic Coupler
    • Attachments including Couplers, Thumbs, Buckets, Augers and Hammers
    • 2nd Auxiliary Hydraulic Lines
    • Bucket Divert Lines
    • Boom Lowering Check Valve (Europe Standard)
    • Stick Lowering Check Valve (Europe Standard)
  • Electrical
    • Cat Grade Advanced 2D
    • Cat Grade 3D
  • Guarding
    • Top Guard ISO 10262:1998 (Level II)
    • Front Guard (Mesh) ISO 10262:1998 (Level I)
    • Front Guard (Heavy Duty) ISO 10262:1998 Level (II)
  • Other
    • Bio Oil Capable
    • Water Jacket Heater
    • Counterweight (225 kg/496 lb)