MINI EXCAVATOR \\ CAT 302 REVIEW // (The One You NEED To See BEFORE You Buy! $$$

Hi guys!
When I was researching mini excavators on KZbin, I could not find one that showed real good footage of them working, so I figured, once I got mine, I would do some REAL work with it, and see what it was made of.
This could have been a much longer video, but I sped up the digging part in 2x speed. Or, it could have been a much shorter video if I had a bigger excavator LOL!
This Cat 302 is actually the perfect size machine for what I need it for. I will be clearing woods of mostly saplings, holding trees up with the bucket and thumb for cutting firewood, trench work, grading and ditching.
The next piece of equipment I would like is a dump trailer. This mini excavator weighs in at just under 5000 pounds, so it will be easy to tow around inside the trailer.
The Cat 302 is really handy for getting into tight spaces as well - the tracks retract underneath the machine to 42.9 inches and expand to 55.12.
Here are some other key specs:
Net Power - 21 HP
Operating Weight - 4987 lbs
Dig Depth - 101.2 inches
Boom Reach - 167 inches
Stick Steer
If you have any suggestions, please let me know!
Thank you for watching, I really hope this helps!

[@KL220]

Great job! What a fun little machine. I am thinking of the projects I could get myself into if I had one. Lol

[@BuildwithBrian]

Thank you! I've wanted one for a long time, we have plenty of projects around the farm to keep us busy with it!

[@moltenmetal5645]

Thanks for the videos. I am close to buying a mini, just trying to figure out what size i want/need. It will just be used on my ranch and possibly on some neighbors land but not planning to start an excavation business or anything. So trying to juggle the size vs price at this point.

[@BuildwithBrian]

I just sold my 302 because it was undersized for my needs. I will have to do a follow up video, but honestly, I'm actually leaning more towards a better tractor with loader and backhoe. I currently have a John Deere 2038r and I love it, but looking to upgrade to a 3046r with a cab... We'll see :)

[@chazman4461]

Small machine requires finesse. You are not going to bully them out. Even the smaller ones. I found that leaving a stub of 4 feet or so helps with leverage to help pop them loose. Or, before you dig, try using the blade on it like a bulldozer from multiple angles and that will help loosen them.

[@BuildwithBrian]

Yeah, this Cat 302 is not meant for land clearing, but I find it to be very useful for digging trenches and holes. It does a pretty good job of grading too, however, I also have a John Deere 2038r that I use for grading. Both pieces of equipment have their strengths and weaknesses. Thanks for the comment!

[@dougmiller7643]

I have the Cat 304CCR. It is a 10k machine. But one smooth running ex.

[@MIGHTYX2010]

👍

[@BuildwithBrian]

Thanks for watching Paul! I plan on doing more videos on this Cat 302 CR soon!

[@rontopping2048]

Great machine in tight areas you must work in the city

[@BuildwithBrian]

Thanks Ron! Do you have an excavator? I'm an electrical contractor / builder and own a 25 acre hobby farm, so I bought this for small construction projects and yard work, but I'm thinking of upgrading to a 303.5 already. Reason is because I need the extra power for land clearing, but I don't want something too big that my Silverado and dump trailer will struggle to haul. Thanks for the comment!

[@rontopping2048]

@@BuildwithBrian yes I own John deere 35g and 50g. Smooth and well balanced

[@ethanlancaster76]

@@BuildwithBrian The 303-5 is almost a 5 ton machine and will be very overweight by the time you add another 3-4 thousand pounds for a dump trailer for a 1/2 ton truck unfortunately.

[@BuildwithBrian]

@@ethanlancaster76 I tested a 303.5 and I actually prefer my 302. You are absolutely correct, would be pushing the limits of my tow capacity. I like to Tow & Go set-up I currently have!

[@ethanlancaster76]

@@BuildwithBrian yes, the 302 is much more versatile and with a smaller bucket it’s a beast of a machine! And it’s the perfect weight for still having the capability of doing bigger jobs, of course it will take a little longer for grading than with a larger bucket, but it’s easy to transport (especially if you’re using a dump trailer) and it’s plenty strong enough to handle most stumps. I think the Cat has the strongest hydraulic system of any of the other minis I’ve run. Once you get some more time on the stick you will be able to use it like an extension of your body! You’re already getting some heavy work done in a hurry with your new machine.

[@JJPlaycek]

I am choosing between cat 302 cr and 302.7. Would You next time also buy 302, or You think the 302.7 would be better choice?

[@BuildwithBrian]

I think it depends on your budget, what your towing capacity is (if you plan on mobilizing it) and what you plan on using it for. If I were to do it over again, I would buy something a little larger, like a 303.5. I think the 302 is great specialty tool for a contractor who needs something tough for tight spots, like getting into a backyard to demolish a pool or concrete patio, but if you don't need to get into tight spaces all the time, then I would go bigger, more power. The 302 was a little undersized for what I needed it for, so I ended up selling it. I was going to use it to remove a bunch of trees from my property, but it struggled with the larger ones. Other than that, it is a very fast machine, and digs great. If I were you, I would definitely test them out first, maybe go to a dealer and play around with a couple, but to directly answer your question, bigger is better!

[@JJPlaycek]

Thank You, I ordered 302.7 CR@@BuildwithBrian

[@JJPlaycek]

THANKS we bought 302.7 and its delivered today to our placd. @@BuildwithBrian

[@BuildwithBrian]

Awesome!! They are so handy! Congrats :)

[@mikes5389]

Where are you in Ohio? I have a 302 cr In Parma

[@BuildwithBrian]

I'm in Michigan

[@ral3178]

Push them over, then cut the stumps off

[@BuildwithBrian]

That 302 CR was not strong enough to push them over, unless I dug out one side first then pushed, but it was still underpowered for that kind of work. I ended up selling it and got a John Deere 3039r loader back hoe

[@bobsmith-nc7hu]

Invest in a ripper. And remember excavators have no side swing power

[@BuildwithBrian]

I will look into the rippers next!

[@davidballard2170]

this guy is a bit rough on the equipment... a genuine no hire!

[@BuildwithBrian]

If you think I was rough on this piece of equipment, just wait until you see what I do next!