Can the CAT306 CR With Stick Steer and XTC Replace Multiple Machines? - Initial Review

[@cyclesingsleep]

Thank you for your thoughtful analysis and sharing. I was hoping to find a video specifically on this 306 XTC...pro's, con's, workability, etc. Your video is fantastic! I do everything you were showing and, in addition, cut new drives in the mountains. Therefore, it could be very helpful for me to be able to drop stone as high as possible from my truck and then travel the stone further up steep grades. It looks like I could do that with this machine without needing to bring a skid loader on site. And, your property is GORGEOUS!!!

[@rayheppner8391]

Great review, why did you not go with the Mecalac? It seems much more versatile and the speed as well. The price does not seem out of line considering the versatility. The 6MCR isn't much more than the Kubota KX80.

[@ericpotter3702]

To turn off your back up alarm more permanently. Simply unplug the wires at the alarm itself. That what I did on my 305.5. You can either tape it up the ends or keep it just close enough that the rubber seal is holding it together but the terminals are not touching. Keeping it sealed somewhat.

[@eric91780]

On my 2018 305.5 there is a setting in the control panel and you can disable the backup alarm

[@ryancarter7644]

Nice video, very informative. Thanks for sharing! Commenting back on the Mecalac, did you try one? The Mecalac machines may be quite a bit more expensive than a regular excavator, but still considerably less than buying an excavator and a skid steer or CTL. The largest benefit is the true versatility you get: the Mecalac MCR units will do everything an excavator does, with greater lift capacity, and you achieve much more lift height than any track loader, and it will reach forward even with the loader bucket or 4-in1 bucket full. Plus they do things that neither standard machines can do. I almost forgot about the use with forks and the negative-lift ability, placing a loaded pallet almost 10' below grade into a basement. Then there is the higher GPM of aux. flow to run mulching heads and mowers... When you consider the versatility for the cost, if you can use it, they are actually well worth the price.

[@driftlessinwi]

I never tried one, I couldn't get past the sticker shock when I got quoted. They look awesome and I like how they are much faster than an excavator (my main beef with my CAT 306). However, they need to be about 30% cheaper to really make sense. My 306 with pallet forks on the arm works well, and I like the XTC for carrying materials in a bucket or on forks. For the price of the Mecalac one can get a really nice excavator and skidsteer. Thanks for the comment!

[@keithhansen3963]

Mecalecs are way way overpriced. I just demo'd one last week. Brain scratcher on how clumsy they are to run. Walked in really wanting it, walked away completely satisfied not to get one.

[@donmutchler939]

What do you own?

[@jeffmayeux1692]

New subscriber here. Your video is excellent. You mentioned the Mecalac as an alternative but the price (yikes). Love your setup, especially the Hookup adapter on the boom. Two questions for you: Did you look at the JCB 1CXT? Did you sell any other equipment yet? Oh, by the way, your Castle Camp is gorgeous.

[@driftlessinwi]

Thanks! I did not look at the JCB 1XCT but I did look at some of the their single boom skidsteers. I have a tractor for field work so a backhoe wasn't on my list of items. I needed rotation ability for the excavator arm because of ditch work, grading, log handling, and forestry work. Also, I have found that I can work on really really steep hillsides with the 306, especially with the XTC and the 4 in 1 bucket. Just point bucket downhill and reverse up hill, use arm to pull as needed, then push bucket all the way down to level and boom you have a fairly stable platform that can work 40ft lanes up a hillside. The biggest downside to the 306 is the speed, I wish it could at least get to 5 mph, but I am getting along fine because at least the cab is comfortable enough that I don't mind taking my time to get to places :) I have sold my RT210 and the wheeled excavator, I am still holding onto the little Gehl RT105 until I am done moving to the new property, it is coming in handy to have around at my current house to get things cleaned up while I move out. Thanks for the comment!

[@jeffmayeux1692]

Thanks for the reply.

[@michaelplewman]

Unplug the travel alarm beeper. I did that in my brand new 305.

[@Bushguyrocks]

Very good video!

[@driftlessinwi]

Thank you very much!

[@rockyroad5035]

Subscribed. Another WI boy here. Considering a 306. It's none of my business, but can you ballpark me the cost of the machine once you get down to brass tacks with the dealer? I also would be using in the woods, so the forestry/demolition guards would be a money saver I am sure. I would probably skip the XTC...I have another machine that would cover those functions. Gorgeous property BTW.

[@driftlessinwi]

With a blade, thumb, hydro coupler, rubber tracks, long stick, most all the bells and whistles, I would say low 80s is a good number. The forestry guards as you see on my machine were an additional $4800ish. If you go XTC, it adds around $7k.

[@andrewabt6327]

I purchased a slightly smaller 2021 Tak tb260 last fall as a 319hr demo (new was $76k ish with coupler) for $69,500 with a geith hydraulic coupler and tag thumb and bucket. Pretty sure the same machine if you can find one this summer is about 10k more. I know a TL 12v2 tak ctl went up about $10k in just under a year.

[@deeper4cheaper128]

Nice rig, I a, considering a 306 and wouldn’t mind more videos and info when you have time. Thanks.

[@driftlessinwi]

Will have lots. What are you using it for? I am very happy with it, very high quality machine. On another level from my other equipment.

[@ericpotter3702]

Hey there Driftlesswi, Saw that you can turn off the back up alarm in settings as well. Watch Diggin for a livin Cat 306 walk around @28:30

[@driftlessinwi]

Sweet, service mode, I will have to check that out. Thanks for the tip!

[@robbinstruckinglandclearin786]

Nice cat 👍

[@driftlessinwi]

Thanks!

[@laganovecer6957]

Nice Machine ! Does this 306 has 2 or 3 AUX lines? Brg

[@driftlessinwi]

The arm has 2 aux lines, the thumb is plumbed inline with aux 1, and the quick coupler technically is another line that could be used for something else. The XTC location has one dedicated aux line. So technically there are 4 total lines that could be used for auxiliary functions.

[@laganovecer6957]

@@driftlessinwi Thank You for the fast respond ! I am looking for a 306 with 2 aux lines, Thumb and a Q/C... no XTC and no angel Blade So i am not sure how i will have to connect a rotating grapple... If i understood Your Answer i would have to disconnect the Thumb and use the Aux 1 for grabbing and Aux 2 for rotating ? The Q/C leaves connected how it is... And in this case i will have the commands on the sliders of each Joystick? If a machine has 3 Aux, where is the function button?

[@driftlessinwi]

You are correct, rotate will be on Aux 2 (low flow) and you will use Aux 1 for grabbing. To disengage thumb you just turn two valves on the arm to divert flow to Aux 1. In cab your left stick thumb rocker button will control rotate and the right will be grapple.

[@driftlessinwi]

The right stick thumb rocker controls 3 aux on xtc, it only works in stick steer mode. The quick coupler hydro is controlled on touchscreen. There may be ways to change logic for controls on the touchscreen but you may need a tech from your dealer to help. I asked about reversing the bucket curl/open when using the skidsteer quick tach adapter on the arm and the dealer thought it would be possible and are looking into it. It is an awesome machine, I think you will like it. Tons of power and a with a grapple actually designed for it, should be a beast.

[@Forestryman707]

Wouldn't a grapple on the excavator itself be better that that skidded attachment

[@driftlessinwi]

Yes, absolutely. It would weigh much less and would be stronger and less cumbersome. I am testing it out because it is an attachment I already have and it has multiple functions. The winch is interesting though and I could see a use for that when pulling logs up or down steep slopes. Also, it could work on the XTC location of the excavator, making the 306 operate like a skidder, I plan to try that next. I am trying to salvage all my skidsteer attachments for use on the 306 if I can. Thanks for the comment!

[@Tiersmoke92555]

Dude, how can you afford all of the equipment???

[@driftlessinwi]

Pay attention in school and start a business :) It also helps to have a little luck. Definitely doesn't come from YT 😜

[@МаксимМатвеев-ь6х]

Пальчик вверх и подписка!

[@dclelectric7003]

Better a skid steer and a excavator than this....

[@driftlessinwi]

True, but then the cost is twice as much. I have managed to make things work between the loader tractor and the 306. I do really miss my skidsteer when I need to spread material and use a bucket to flatten. The loader works for that with a box blade on back and a bucket up front, but it isn't as maneuverable. Thanks for the comment!