Battle of the Cat 304 Mini Excavators 2014 Caterpillar 304e vs 2020 Caterpillar 304e2

[@joehussey2693]

Thanks for the video guys. I have a 2012 303.5E and a 2020 303.5E2. The 2012 has 4,000 hrs, i agree with most of what Ed has to say, I like the bolt on edge, they should have had that 10 years ago. I feel the new machine has better touch for working around pipes, the mirrors do suck, real cheap. I had a 2005 304 and i changed the window handles and struts twice a year, the cab sucked, in high speed the cab wanted to self destruct.The 2012, i just changed the tracks at 3,750 Hrs, nothing else except maintenance, its still great, the cab is way better than the 2005. Keep the videos coming , I enjoy seeing your work!

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Joe I had two 303.5E a 13 and 14. They were awesome and I should never have gotten rid of the last one. Now I’m looking for a low hr one. I can’t spend the day on a 303.5E2. I have bought, demoed,and rented 10 different ones and was so frustrated with the lack of power and speed. I tried one when I got the new 304e2 and still could not bring myself to buy one. That’s the size I wanted but could not find a used E model so that’s why I bought another 304. I can’t believe that you don’t notice a huge difference between your two machines. Your new one has 7 hp less and very sluggish in my opinion. If you’re happy with them that’s all that really counts. We appreciate you watching Joe 👍🏻

[@DIRT-BOSS]

That was a good video guys that slope gauge on the monitor is sweet. Well it just goes to show you in the old saying they dont make them like they use to !

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Thanks Mike. I do like that grade feature but other than that I’ll take the old one. They are really going to have to up there game to keep my business. Not that they care lol Appreciate you watching Mike 👊

[@Kashaww]

@@fulltiltgrading8366 I called cat a while ago to get a price on a 304 and they never sent me a quote, and I'm definitely not going to call them again or bother to make the hour and a half drive there. I'll go with somebody else. They didn't act like they cared about selling me anything when I talked to them anyway.

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

@@Kashaww that’s Cat for you! If you don’t have a good salesman like I do you’re better off going with another brand that gives you better customer service. Always look for good customer service and a good salesman. Someone you can trust. Thanks for watching 👊

[@sirsparksalot]

The replacement cutting edge on the blade is the only upgrade I’m seeing on the new machine. Do they offer an angle blade option for the 304? I was told they quit offering it on everything below 305 when I bought my 303 in 2016.

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

They said I could get the angle blade on it but they would have had to order it. That is a nice option. The redesigned cab with backup camera is also new but very disappointing. Thanks for watching Chris 👊

[@Gravattack]

Great review. How many hours on a used 304 would you steer away from? After your comparisons I am looking for an older model, most have over 3000 hours and I am wondering if I am just going to be dishing out too much money for repairs. Any opinions welcome

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

I have learned in my search for used machines that ours really don’t matter that much. You have to look at how the machine was taken care of. I bought a used track skid loader with 6200 hours on it and it has not let me down yet. I bought two 303.5 cat mini s One with 3100hrs and one with 1380hrs. They both run every day with no problems just that the one with less hours is a little tighter. Are used to think that hours meant everything but I learned that you just have to inspect what you are buying and run it for at least 20 minutes to get it hot before you purchase it. The biggest expense I have had has been a new set of tracks. Good luck Glenn 👍🏻

[@tomconnor1071]

Another great video. I like the slope/ grade shown on the new one as well as the replaceable cutting edge. 2014 wins it for me. Gotta have the most hydraulic power as possible in a small machine. I'll catch up with you guys soon!!!

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Great to hear from you Texas Tom lol. You were there the first time I moved the 2014. Remember you said it was like a 330! LOL thanks for watching 👊

[@dpd16790]

ive been wanting to upgrade my 304e to an e2... looks like thats gonna be put on hold... guess ill just add the hydro coupler and keep my machine...

[@markyax1467]

I would like to see how my 05 304 CR matched up to the newer models.

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

I believe Dirt Perfect has a C model. I ran it when I was out In September and it felt a little bigger than the new models. I would bet it’s stronger like most none emissions machines.

[@CaptainKleeman]

“You’re gonna have to cut that out” 😂😂. Thanks for taking the time to put this together. Great video guys!

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

😂 It doesn’t get more real than that Captain! I wasn’t quite ready for that I must admit. I had a feeling the old machine was stronger. Appreciate you watching Mike 👊

[@tmacie2]

I was waiting for a Captain Kleeman comment when they were talking about the mirrors! LOL

[@jonathanreilly8938]

Thanks for all the great info! I gotta tell ya, I currently have a 2019 CAT 303.5 , 2021 CAT 304. I also have a 2006 CAT 303cr.... I completely feel the power in 2006 vs. 2019! The 2006 definitely has more lifting power than my 2019!! Now, what I can tell you is, your 304 is a 2019... CAT recognized that exact lifting comparison discrepancies you noted! I’m NOT saying your test was done incorrectly.... I think the folks at CAT saw or heard from it’s customers the exact issue you noted. It has been fixed by CAT. I did a similar test to yours and while I have the articulating front blade which adds 6” inches... I had no problem at lifting 1600 lbs.

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Thanks for the comment Jonathan. I have been looking for a 2008 through 10 303ccr for about A year but I can’t find a nice clean low hour unit. I’ve been hoping to find one that somebody bought and never used. I have been very disappointed with the E2 series machines. I am hoping that the next GEN series is a huge improvement. Just picked up my 304E2 from the cat dealer today they had it five weeks to change out the entire wiring harness. If I could find something better I would but the cats just fit me the best. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@genecoppedge5972]

You’re working with two different style hydraulic pumps. The 2014 has a gear pump and the 2020 has a variable hydraulic pump. The 2020 doesn’t give you maximum output until you need it, which suppose to save you fuel. The gear pump doesn’t vary it’s just pumping all the time when ever the engine is running. The variable pump saves wear and tear on your hydraulic hoses as well.

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

That’s something I never knew. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@mrmikeyd2]

Never lost a mirror on the 304 you say Ed? DON'T LET CAPTAIN KLEEMAN OPERATE IT!!! 🤣🤣😁😁 (Just couldn't resist) Great video and thanks for posting

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

That’s funny Mike 😂🤣 They might be perfect for him. They don’t break they just pop off. As long as you don’t run them over your good 😜 Thanks for watching Mike 👊

[@markstanzeski3550]

Does the thumb go into the trench while using a 12 inch bucket without touching the sides of the trench??

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Yes it does. It is 12” at the widest area. We only get 12” because of the work we do. Thanks for watching 👊

[@markstanzeski3550]

@@fulltiltgrading8366 okay thanks! Do you remember when you demoed the 303.5 was it the same way? Only asking because I’m looking to get a cat mini excavator and do a lot of work with the 12 inch bucket but also do a lot of odd jobs that require a thumb

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

@@markstanzeski3550 yes I believe it was a 12 inch on 303.5. I have owned several 303.5‘s and always had a 12 inch thumb on them as well.

[@markstanzeski3550]

@@fulltiltgrading8366 thanks! Just trying to get some info before I pull the trigger on either a 303.5 or 304

[@njonebale7889]

just subscribed, cool video on the 304’s, did you buy it from Grason at Cat, he’s my boy from way back, i have the same mini only a 2013 it’s a great machine i can sit in it all day, i liked the plate attachment and the grading buckets, i’m actually waiting for this 36” tilt grading bucket to get delivered, was going to get the ami set up, but ransome attachments has some cuttybones in north carolina putting it together...still waiting.

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Thanks for the sub 👍🏻. I have bought all of my machines from Marty he has been my salesman since 1997. Great guy and has always been very helpful but they are moving him to another position so he is extremely busy with that. I feel your pain with the whole waiting thing. Seems like that’s all we are doing anymore these days is waiting. Can’t wait for things to get back to normal when you can actually go buy what you see. Thanks for your support we appreciate it 👊🏻

[@drainprosinc2536]

Do you still have the 306 cat.

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Yup 👍🏻

[@jcnme2020]

Great video Brother's

[@eric91780]

You guys need to adjust the relief valve on the boom on the 304e2. I had to adjust mine on my 305.5e2 to be able to pick up 3,500 pound pallets of concrete.

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

That’s great information! I’ll have to look into that. Appreciate you watching and commenting Eric 👊

[@andrewwiggins7402]

Hey mate how do you adjust the relief valve ?

[@mrandrewdennis1]

I love my 305e2!!!

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

That’s great. I guess I just got used to my E series. I do like my 306cr I hope the next 304 is more like that. Thanks for watching Dennis 👊

[@mrandrewdennis1]

Hopefully I can get in a 306cr. I really want to see if it is all everyone says it is. Still out of my price range. Lol

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

@@mrandrewdennis1 I really like it although you’re right they are very expensive!

[@midstatelandsolutionsllc1515]

I’m getting real close to pulling the trigger on a 2014 304e. Your video makes me think maybe newer isn’t always better

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

You won’t be disappointed! Don’t be to concerned about hours just find a good straight machine. Pins and bushings can be replaced. Good luck 👍🏻

[@midstatelandsolutionsllc1515]

@@fulltiltgrading8366 thanks. The machine looks real clean with 1200hrs. What size grading buckets pair well with the 304? I’m looking at a 42” tilt bucket. I would love a tilt rotator but that’s simply not in the budget

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

@@midstatelandsolutionsllc1515 I have a 12 inch 18 inch 24“ 30 inch and 48 inch grading bucket. It handles the 48 no problem. Tilt rotators are nice but not for 30 to 40,000. All depends on what you’re doing

[@benhogan6987]

I like that you cant tell what one is new and old because they are both so clean

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Believe it or not I have washed and waxed that machine almost every time it came back to the shop from the field since new. It makes such a big difference when you wax these machines and keep them inside when they aren’t being used. The sun is brutal on paint. Thanks for checking out some of our past videos Ben. 👍🏻

[@snowblowerman5115]

Very nice machines yeah your completely right about digging around utilities and radios i never dig with it on matter a fact for the longest time the company I work for would remove the radios or order them with out them to cause less distractions lol

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Thanks. I turn on the radio sometimes when I’m grading or working by myself but I agree definitely a distraction when working with a spotter. Thanks for watching 👊

[@snowblowerman5115]

@@fulltiltgrading8366 if you were to buy a different brand excavator besides a cat what would it be? Myself for big machines i like komtasu for little machines I like Kubota.

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

@@snowblowerman5115 I think the Yanmar is very well built. I’m waiting for a brand to put the swing boom and thumb in the joysticks and have the leg room of the Cat. Until then I’m going to look for low hr E models. As for large excavators I like Cat , Deere and Volvo. If I had the need it would be a pre emission machine for sure. A lot less problems.

[@snowblowerman5115]

@@fulltiltgrading8366 I always forget about yanmar they do look like a very well built machine wish there was good dealer support in my area. I agree with pre emissions we had a brand new Volvo 160 non stop issues with def so ended up getting another few yr old komatsu 160 since our first one has been so great

[@casycasy5199]

nice review

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Thanks for watching Casy 👊

[@JSomerled]

I do like the blade on the newer machine..

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

The blade is an improvement. Being able to replace the cutting edge is a plus. Thanks for watching James 👊

[@alwayshungry24]

nice vid. dump truck in garage have issues? need a shop tour lol

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Thanks Joe. The Peterbilt in the shop runs perfectly we just haven’t had a big need for it this year. If you watch the eight video series of us fixing the tower from falling in the creek you will see it being used. If you want to buy it I will gladly sell it to you because I just don’t use it enough. LOL we have a shop tour video out called mini excavators trucks and skid loader tour. You should check it out. Thanks for watching Joe we appreciate your support 👊

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

That’s like comparing Golden Delicious apples to Orin apples. Both are apples. Both are yellow. One is of American origin while the other is a Japanese import. Though both are tasty, they each have their own distinct flavor. You two did a fine job of differentiating between the two apples. However, as to the subject of apples... I prefer oranges. I don’t think I could make myself put a yellow apple in my orange ‘Kubota Parking Only’ spot!

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Good stuff William you always keep me laughing 😂. This New machine will not have a home here with us very long. As soon as it makes sense we will move it along. I’m eager to see what Cat comes out with next but I’m not afraid to try something else either. Thanks for your support and great comments William 👊

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

@@fulltiltgrading8366 just curious... who answers comments? Ed? Brandon?

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

@@sassafrasvalley1939 most of the time it is me Ed

[@alexosborne5629]

Fight club Ed !!!! The old timer has the edge over the young contender 💪💪💪 Good comparison there between the two, I presume the reason for the boom drop is because you overloaded the machine, and so it decided to release the load in a controlled manner, unlike you when the young buck tried to buck you out the cab 😖🤣 would have been wrong to cut that out Ed !!!

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Yeah Alex I was kind of surprised myself that the older machine with all those hours had a little more strength. I will be looking for more of the E models in the future. No more E2s for me. Thanks for watching Alex 👊

[@tomwainwright7102]

interesting boys,I`ll still not be buying one even though you sold it well,I have to compliment you both on such a neat and tidy setup...a credit to you both.

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Thanks Tom. If you buy one you won’t be able to stop. They are quite addictive lol 😂 Thanks for watching

[@tomwainwright7102]

So that`s why you have two,they`er addictive,I thought one was for digging holes the other for filling in, how wrong was I.@@fulltiltgrading8366

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

@@tomwainwright7102 😂🤣

[@florincutastefan4331]

You should try kubota 👍

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

I plan on trying everything next time I’m looking for new. In the meantime I’m going to try and find A used low our 303.5 E model. Thanks for watching we appreciate it 👊

[@bradnavratil5502]

Awesome video guys...my CX37C case says it's rated for 1500 kgs which is 3307 lb. Maybe I'll try and lift my neighbor's pickup truck lol... thanks for the tip Ed I set up the pylons in the Figure 8 motion it worked well I have been doing some digging... but I think winter is here... thanks again....cheers guys 🍻🍻🍻🍻😎🇨🇦

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

That’s funny Brad! We were walking around here yesterday joking about that then we remembered that all Cat attachments have weight tags on them so it made it easy. You would be surprised how much better control you will have with your machine just by practicing swinging around obstacles. Once you start digging in the ground you will be much more confident. I always tell people starting out that this is the best practice. Appreciate you watching Brad 👊🏻

[@art1muz13]

a good video guys

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Thank you Artemus we appreciate you watching 👊

[@marcogrange176]

Cat, bad guy or good guy?

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

I love cat equipment! Some models are better than others.

[@tmacie2]

Good stuff! People may say you are picky but when you spend that much time and money in and on equipment, you want it to be just right. You really don't seem to be happy with the 2020 machine other than "it will do the job" and I can't blame you for the reasons stated above. I'm betting you'd take a pretty big hit if you traded it for another brand though...

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

I am blessed to have this job and love it the way I do. I have very high expectations of the tools I use. If just one brand would build these machines for people like myself they would be unbeatable! Thanks for watching Travis 👊

[@tmacie2]

@@fulltiltgrading8366 Its all about volume!!!! Its like that in most industries, sadly. If you find that golden machine, be sure to let us know!

[@SomersLaxDef24]

Mitsubishi Vs CAT is all we watched LOL

[@tomwainwright7102]

been catching up on your earlier videos,all 125 of them........not slept for 2 nights

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Wow ! 👀. That’s awesome! So which one was your favorite? LOL We definitely appreciate it Tom. Thanks for your support 👍🏻

[@tomwainwright7102]

I can`t remember........here I go .....again!!!@@fulltiltgrading8366

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

@@tomwainwright7102 keep up the good work my friend 👍🏻

[@larrylittletonjr.5305]

My 2018 is turned down like that

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Over the blade I think it is definitely under powered but I would not want any more lift over the side. It doesn’t seem as stable as the older machine. Appreciate you watching Larry👍🏻

[@bozobennett]

Next time you change the hydraulic filter (return) on either machine, I'd sure appreciate a video! Well, for that matter, any maintenance. Thanks very much.

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Ok we can do that 👍🏻 Thanks for watching 👊

[@mw5905]

I wouldn't be surprised if you guys cuddle with miniature 304s at night...lol

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

I do love them lol 😂 My wife might get jealous and she probably wouldn’t let me bring them in the house. Thanks for watching MW 👊

[@aaronbummmanbehindthescene4931]

I will take the one you don’t want 😂 don’t let Brandon do my job😂🤣😂

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

You can have the one with the payment 😂 Get out here and take over the camera Brandon won’t mind lol You back with DP yet? Thanks for watching Aaron 👊

[@aaronbummmanbehindthescene4931]

@@fulltiltgrading8366 not yet still on nights livin that boiler life

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

@@aaronbummmanbehindthescene4931 I know it’s more fun with DP but hopefully your makin bank 🏦

[@drainprosinc2536]

Sorry spoke to soon. I see the 306.

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Yep we still have it. Appreciate you watching buddy 👊

[@bobbowlinex9319]

You should have your dad do a walk around of the 613

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

We plan on doing that. The summer kind of got away from us with how busy we were and him having hip replacement. We are going to do it. Stay tuned 👍🏻. Thanks for watching Bob 👊

[@bobbowlinex9319]

@@fulltiltgrading8366 I know your dad and mom aren't coming but do you had B want to come to the birthday party

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

@@bobbowlinex9319 with the weather not cooperating during the week we have been working through the weekend. This weekend we will be up in North Jersey at the meadowlands. Saturday and Sunday. When is it ? If I’m not working I’ll try

[@bobbowlinex9319]

@@fulltiltgrading8366 I marysville PA. I will have to get your number from your dad

[@davidstevenson2647]

Try a Kubota next time

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

I’m going to look at everything. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@giangongnattt4285]

in your country how much is a caterpillar 304 ???

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

About 65-70k depending on what options you get

[@giangongnattt4285]

Do you mean 65 thousand dollars?

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

@@giangongnattt4285 Yes U.S. dollars

[@giangongnattt4285]

So how long do you work to get your capital back?

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

@@giangongnattt4285 I get 0% financing for five years so if I work that machine two days a month it will cover the payment.