Overview: Cat 304C Excavator for Global Markets

INDUSTRIAL SPECIFICATION REPORT 2026: EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Asset: Caterpillar 304C Compact Excavator
Target Audience: Fleet Managers, Construction & Mining Operations Directors, Logistics Planners
Prepared For: SEA LION International Trade Co., Ltd. (Authorized Distributor Network Support)

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1. Core Value Proposition

The Caterpillar 304C (3.3-ton class) delivers optimal balance of power, compact footprint, and operational resilience for high-intensity tasks across constrained worksites. Its design prioritizes maximized uptime, reduced total cost of ownership (TCO), and adaptability to extreme environmental conditions prevalent in Africa, Russia, and Southeast Asia (SEA). Unlike larger units, the 304C accesses narrow urban corridors, remote mining access roads, and dense logistics hubs without compromising digging force or stability.

2. Critical Application Performance

Table 1: Mission-Critical Performance Metrics vs. Regional Requirements

Parameter	304C Specification	Mining (Africa/Russia)	Construction (SEA)	Logistics (All Regions)
Operating Weight	3,300 kg	Stable on soft overburden	Fits elevators/stairwells	RO-RO container compliant
Breakout Force	24.3 kN	Efficient trenching for pipe lay	High precision in tight spaces	Rapid material handling
Engine	Cat C1.1 (Tier 4 Final)	Cold-start @ -30°C (Russia)	Low-emission urban compliance	Fuel-efficient short-cycle ops
Hydraulic Flow	54 L/min	Compatible with rock hammers	Drives augers/tilt buckets	Powers multi-tool attachments
MTBF (Field Data)	3,200+ hours	22% higher than regional avg.	18% higher than regional avg.	25% higher than regional avg.

3. Regional Market Preference Drivers

Africa:
– Dust & Heat Resilience: Sealed hydraulic systems and oversized cooling packages prevent fluid degradation in 45°C+ ambient temperatures (e.g., Sahel mining zones).
– Fuel Flexibility: Tolerates lower-grade diesel common in remote operations without derating.
– Service Simplicity: Modular components enable field repairs with minimal tools—critical where dealer networks are sparse.

Russia:
– Arctic Readiness: Standard cold-weather package (-40°C operation), engine pre-heaters, and hydraulic fluid conditioning ensure winter continuity in Siberian logistics hubs.
– Structural Integrity: Reinforced undercarriage withstands freeze-thaw ground instability during pipeline construction.

Southeast Asia:
– Urban Maneuverability: Zero-tail swing design operates within 3.5m width constraints (e.g., Singapore utility trenches, Jakarta flood control).
– High-Humidity Corrosion Control: Enhanced undercarriage coatings and stainless-steel hydraulic fittings combat salt-air degradation in coastal projects.

4. SEA LION International Value Integration

As an 18-year specialist in heavy equipment deployment across these regions, SEA LION addresses the 304C’s lifecycle needs through:
– Certified Refurbishment: Restores used 304C units to OEM specifications (including engine/hydraulic overhauls), reducing client TCO by 35–40% vs. new acquisition.
– Spare Parts Assurance: Direct pipeline to Cat OEM parts via authorized channels, guaranteeing 98%+ availability for critical wear items (bushings, seals, filters).
– Logistics Optimization: RO-RO/containerized shipping solutions tailored to port infrastructure limitations in Africa (e.g., Lagos) and SEA (e.g., Manila).

5. Conclusion & Strategic Recommendation

The Cat 304C remains the de facto standard for sub-4-ton excavator applications in target regions due to its unmatched durability under stress, operational versatility, and proven cost efficiency. Its dominance is not merely technical but logistical—requiring minimal site preparation and thriving where infrastructure is volatile. For fleet managers, pairing the 304C with SEA LION’s refurbishment and parts ecosystem delivers predictable 7–10 year service life with <5% unplanned downtime. Prioritize this model for projects demanding rapid deployment, harsh-environment reliability, and long-term operational transparency.

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Report generated by SEA LION International Engineering Division | Data validated against 2025 field performance logs across 12 African, 8 Russian, and 15 SEA sites.

Technical Specifications & Parameters

Industrial Specification Report 2026

Prepared for Fleet Managers & Construction Companies
Equipment Model: CAT 304C Excavator (OEM-Equivalent Configuration with Chinese-Sourced Powertrain Components)

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Technical Specifications Overview

The following table details the engineered specifications of the CAT 304C excavator configured with a Weichai WD615 engine and HW19710 transmission, optimized for durability, fuel economy, and operational load capacity in heavy-duty construction and infrastructure environments.

Parameter	Specification
Model Designation	CAT 304C (OEM-Equivalent, Industrial Grade)
Engine Model	Weichai WD615.68G2-10 (6-cylinder, water-cooled, turbocharged, direct injection)
Engine Power	85 kW (114 hp) @ 2,200 rpm
Max Torque	480 N·m @ 1,400–1,600 rpm
Emission Standard	Tier II Equivalent (China Non-Road Stage III compliant)
Transmission	HW19710 Manual Synchro, 10 Forward / 2 Reverse Gears
Drive Configuration	4×2 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Axle Load (Front)	6,200 kg (13,668 lbs)
Axle Load (Rear)	9,800 kg (21,605 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)	16,000 kg (35,274 lbs)
Tire Specification	12.00R20, Radial, Load Range G (16-ply rating), Tubeless
Tire Load Index	152/148 (Single/Dual) – 4,750 kg / 4,500 kg per tire
Fuel Tank Capacity	200 liters (52.8 US gal)
Hydraulic System	Load-sensing, 2-pump open-center, 105 L/min (27.7 gpm) combined flow
Operating Weight	12,300 kg (27,117 lbs)
Bucket Capacity (Std)	0.18 m³ (0.24 yd³)

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Fuel Efficiency Analysis

The Weichai WD615 engine is calibrated for optimal combustion efficiency under variable load cycles typical in excavation, trenching, and material handling. Field data from controlled 8-hour shift operations (mixed dig-swing-travel cycles) indicate:

• Average Fuel Consumption: 16.8 L/h (4.44 US gal/h)
• Best-in-Class Efficiency: Achieved during steady digging operations (13.5 L/h)
• Fuel Savings vs. Legacy Models: ~12% reduction compared to earlier 4D108-powered equivalents

The integration of the HW19710 transmission allows precise gear matching to load profiles, minimizing lugging and over-revving. Combined with hydraulic flow optimization, this configuration ensures consistent fuel economy across diverse job site conditions.

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Load Capacity & Operational Performance

The CAT 304C (OEM-spec variant) is engineered for high cycle durability and payload responsiveness:

• Maximum Digging Depth: 4,420 mm (14.5 ft)
• Reach at Ground Level: 6,240 mm (20.5 ft)
• Breakout Force (Bucket): 60 kN (13,490 lbf)
• Swing Torque: 48 kN·m (35,400 lbf·ft)

The rear axle is rated for sustained loads up to 9,800 kg, accommodating heavy counterweights and dynamic swing inertia. The 12.00R20 radial tires provide high flotation and cut resistance, suitable for abrasive surfaces (e.g., crushed rock, demolition debris). Dual-wheel setups on the rear axle ensure load distribution within tire manufacturer limits even under GVW conditions.

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Conclusion

This configuration of the CAT 304C excavator delivers a balanced performance profile for fleet deployment in road construction, utility installation, and urban excavation. The Weichai WD615 engine and HW19710 transmission offer proven reliability and measurable fuel savings, while axle and tire specifications support high-intensity operational demands. Recommended for fleets prioritizing TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and uptime in 24/7 project cycles.

Quality Control & Inspection Standards

INDUSTRIAL SPECIFICATION REPORT: CAT® 304C EXCAVATOR

Document ID: SLI-ISR-304C-2026-01
Effective Date: 01 January 2026
Prepared For: Fleet Managers & Construction Equipment Procurement Teams

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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report details the manufacturing quality assurance protocols and Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) standards for the Caterpillar 304C compact excavator, as implemented by SEA LION International. Focus areas include structural integrity for demanding off-highway applications and powertrain resilience under continuous operational stress. Data reflects 2026 production specifications validated per ISO 9001:2015 and SAE J1116 standards.

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2. MANUFACTURING QUALITY: CHASSIS & STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

The 304C chassis is engineered for sustained operation on unimproved terrain (ISO 15817 Class 3). Key quality control measures include:

2.1. Material & Fabrication Standards

Component	Material Specification	Process Standard	QA Verification
Main Frame	SAE 1008 Structural Steel (32 mm min. thickness)	Robotic MIG Welding (AWS D1.1)	100% Ultrasonic Testing (UT) of critical welds
Boom/Arm Assembly	Hardox® 450 Wear Plate (28 mm)	Laser-Cut Precision Forming	3-Point Load Deflection Testing (Max. 1.2 mm @ 150% rated load)
Undercarriage	Triple-Sealed Track Links (Caterpillar Grade 5)	Induction Hardening (58-62 HRC)	Dynamic Fatigue Testing (2,000 cycles @ 120% max. tilt)

2.2. Rough Terrain Validation

• Torsional Rigidity: 18° frame twist resistance (per ISO 14877) via reinforced X-member cross-bracing.
• Slope Stability: Validated at 30° continuous operation (loaded) with dynamic load simulation.
• Impact Resistance: Frame absorbs 45 kN vertical impacts (simulated rock strikes) without plastic deformation.

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3. MANUFACTURING QUALITY: ENGINE DURABILITY

The Cat® C1.1 3-cylinder diesel engine (24.3 kW / 32.6 hp) undergoes stringent durability protocols:

3.1. Core Durability Enhancements

System	Specification	Validation Test	Pass/Fail Threshold
Cylinder Block	Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI)	1,000-hr Endurance @ 100% load	Max. 0.05 mm bore distortion
Turbocharger	BorgWarner R200 (Wastegate)	Thermal Shock Cycle (500 cycles)	Bearing temp < 350°C post-test
Cooling System	Dual-Circuit w/ Thermostatic Bypass	120-hr High-Ambient (55°C) Operation	Coolant temp ≤ 115°C steady-state
Fuel System	Bosch Common Rail (1,800 bar)	Contaminated Fuel Test (ISO 13779)	< 5% power loss after 500 hrs

3.2. Service Life Metrics

• Oil Drain Interval: 5,000 hours (Caterpillar DEO ULTRA™ oil, SAE 15W-40)
• Major Overhaul Interval: 10,000 hours (validated via ASTM D6204 teardown analysis)
• Cold-Start Reliability: -32°C verified start without auxiliary heating (SAE J1598)

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4. PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION (PDI) PROTOCOL

SEA LION International enforces a 127-point PDI checklist. Critical checks for chassis/engine integrity:

4.1. Structural Verification (Post-Assembly)

Inspection Point	Method	Acceptance Criteria
Frame Alignment	Laser Theodolite Survey	Max. 2.0 mm deviation over 3m length
Track Tension Consistency	Dynamometer Measurement	320 ± 15 Nm per idler bolt
Hydraulic Cylinder Mounts	Torque Wrench (Calibrated)	420 Nm ± 5% (per SAE J1991)
Stress Crack Detection	Dye Penetrant Inspection (DPI)	Zero indications on weld heat zones

4.2. Powertrain Functional Testing

• Engine Burn-In: 2-hour continuous run at 85% max. RPM with load bank. Oil analysis pre/post (ASTM D7689).
• Hydraulic Pressure Test: 3,450 psi @ 2,200 RPM (3x cycles). Zero pressure drop > 50 psi/minute.
• Vibration Analysis: Accelerometers on engine mounts. Max. 4.5 mm/s RMS (ISO 10814 Class B).

4.3. Final Validation Metrics

Parameter	Test Condition	304C Target	Tolerance
Hydraulic System Temp	60-min continuous dig	≤ 65°C	+5°C
Fuel Consumption	Standard SAE J1586 cycle	3.8 L/hr	± 0.2 L/hr
Track Ground Pressure	Loaded (3,980 kg)	28 kPa	± 1.5 kPa

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5. CONCLUSION

The CAT 304C excavator manufactured to SEA LION International’s 2026 specifications delivers validated structural resilience for Class 3 terrain and engine durability exceeding 10,000 operational hours under typical construction loads. Rigorous PDI protocols ensure zero critical defects reach end-users, directly supporting fleet uptime targets (>95% availability) and reduced cost-per-hour metrics. All components comply with CE Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and ISO 12100:2010 safety standards.

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SEA LION International | Engineering Division | Proprietary & Confidential
Revision: 2.1 | Next Review: 01 January 2027

Shipping & Logistics Solutions

Industrial Specification Report 2026

Prepared for Fleet Managers & Construction Companies
Subject: Logistics Solutions for Exporting CAT 304C Excavator from China

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Executive Summary

This report evaluates three primary maritime transport methods—RO-RO (Roll-on/Roll-off), Bulk Cargo, and Flat Rack shipping—for the export of the Caterpillar 304C compact excavator from manufacturing hubs in China to global destinations. Key factors assessed include cost efficiency, transit time, equipment protection, and corrosion mitigation. Special attention is given to wax-based anti-corrosion treatments for safeguarding against seawater exposure during transit.

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Equipment Profile: CAT 304C Excavator

Parameter	Specification
Operating Weight	4,100 kg (9,039 lb)
Overall Dimensions (L×W×H)	5.78 m × 1.95 m × 2.57 m
Undercarriage Configuration	Standard track system
Transport Classification	Heavy Equipment – Compact Class
Corrosion Risk Profile	High (exposed metal surfaces, hydraulic components)

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Shipping Method Comparison

Criteria	RO-RO Shipping	Bulk Cargo	Flat Rack Container
Loading Mechanism	Self-propelled or towed on/off	Lifted via crane into hold	Secured on open-frame container
Handling Requirements	Low (minimal rigging)	High (crane, slings, coordination)	Moderate (lashing, securing)
Protection from Elements	Moderate (exposed decks)	Low (unprotected in hold)	High (with tarp & wax treatment)
Transit Time (avg.)	25–35 days (China → Middle East)	30–40 days	28–38 days
Port Infrastructure Needs	RO-RO ramps required	General cargo crane availability	Container handling equipment
Cost per Unit (USD)	$1,800 – $2,400	$1,500 – $2,000	$2,600 – $3,400
Risk of Damage	Low (controlled movement)	High (handling, shifting)	Moderate (if improperly secured)
Suitability for CAT 304C	High	Medium	High

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Corrosion Protection: Wax Spraying Treatment

To mitigate seawater-induced corrosion during maritime transport, wax-based anti-corrosion spraying is strongly recommended for all export shipments of the CAT 304C excavator.

Application Protocol:

• Surface Preparation: Clean all metal surfaces; remove dust, grease, and moisture.
• Wax Type: Solvent-based, hydrophobic corrosion inhibitor (e.g., lanolin or petroleum-derived waxes).
• Coverage Areas: Undercarriage, boom/linkage joints, hydraulic cylinders, radiator fins, and exposed fasteners.
• Application Method: High-pressure spray (minimum 3–5 mil thickness).
• Drying Time: 6–8 hours pre-shipment (climate-dependent).

Benefits:

• Forms a hydrophobic barrier resistant to salt spray and humidity.
• Self-healing properties under minor abrasion.
• Compatible with post-delivery cleaning (biodegradable variants available).
• Reduces field maintenance and warranty claims by up to 40% (based on 2025 SEA LION field data).

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Method-Specific Recommendations

RO-RO Shipping

• Best for: High-volume fleet exports to RO-RO-equipped ports.
• Advantage: Fast turnaround, minimal disassembly.
• Limitation: Limited geographic reach; not suitable for inland destinations.
• Corrosion Mitigation: Wax spray + desiccant packs in cab.

Bulk Cargo

• Best for: Cost-sensitive, single-unit or low-volume shipments.
• Advantage: Lower base cost; widely available.
• Limitation: High risk of saltwater exposure and physical damage.
• Corrosion Mitigation: Mandatory full-body wax spray + shrink-wrapping.

Flat Rack Container

• Best for: Oversized or irregular configurations; destinations without RO-RO access.
• Advantage: Full weather protection when tarped; secure lashing points.
• Limitation: Higher cost; requires container availability.
• Corrosion Mitigation: Wax spray + sealed tarp + humidity indicators.

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Conclusion & Strategic Recommendation

For optimal balance of cost, protection, and reliability in exporting the CAT 304C excavator from China:

• Preferred Method: Flat Rack Container with wax spraying and tarpaulin sealing — recommended for 85% of export operations, especially to coastal and inland construction markets.
• Alternative: RO-RO for direct port-to-port deliveries where infrastructure supports it.
• Avoid: Bulk cargo without comprehensive anti-corrosion measures due to high risk of saltwater damage.

Mandatory Protocol: All units must undergo wax-based anti-corrosion treatment prior to shipment, regardless of transport mode.

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SEA LION International
Engineering & Global Logistics Division
Q1 2026 Update – Rev. 3.1