Catalog
Overview: Cat 308 Excavator for Global Markets
INDUSTRIAL SPECIFICATION REPORT 2026: EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Asset: Caterpillar 308 Compact Excavator (Model Year 2026)
Target Audience: Fleet Managers, Construction & Mining Operations Directors
Core Application Suitability
The Caterpillar 308 (8.1-ton class) represents an optimized solution for constrained-site operations across critical sectors. Its design prioritizes versatility, operational efficiency, and reduced total cost of ownership (TCO) in environments demanding precision and reliability where larger equipment is impractical. Key application strengths include:
- Urban Construction: Excavation, trenching (utilities, drainage), and site prep in confined spaces (e.g., city centers, residential developments). Zero-tail swing configuration minimizes property damage risk.
- Light Mining & Quarry Support: Material handling, pit maintenance, and access road grading in narrow veins or small-scale operations. High breakout force (35.3 kN) ensures productivity in cohesive soils/soft rock.
- Logistics & Material Handling: Loading/unloading trucks, stockpile management, and yard maintenance within ports, depots, and industrial complexes. Hydraulic coupler compatibility enables rapid tool changes (e.g., buckets, grapples).
Regional Preference Drivers: Africa, Russia, Southeast Asia
The CAT 308 achieves market preference in these regions due to proven resilience under extreme operational stresses and alignment with local infrastructure constraints. SEA LION International’s 18+ years of heavy equipment deployment data validates its suitability:
| Region | Critical Operational Challenge | CAT 308 Advantage | SEA LION Support Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | High dust, variable terrain, limited service access | Sealed hydraulic system, robust undercarriage, simplified maintenance access points | Certified refurbishment (ISO 9001), localized spare parts hubs (Johannesburg, Nairobi) |
| Russia | Extreme cold (-30°C), frozen ground, remote sites | Cold-start optimized engine (C7.1), hydraulic system with low-temp fluid compatibility, reinforced undercarriage | Pre-deployment winterization kits, RO-RO logistics to Arctic ports (Murmansk) |
| Southeast Asia | High humidity, monsoon conditions, dense urban sites | Corrosion-resistant undercarriage coatings, enhanced cooling system, compact footprint for narrow streets | Containerized shipment (40ft HC), humidity-controlled parts storage (Singapore hub) |
Technical Value Proposition for Fleet Managers
- Fuel Efficiency: Advanced C3.4B engine achieves 18-22% lower fuel consumption vs. legacy 8-ton class models (verified per ISO 9249), directly reducing operational costs in high-fuel-price regions.
- Uptime Maximization: Extended maintenance intervals (500-hour hydraulic oil, 1000-hour engine oil) coupled with diagnostic-ready architecture minimize downtime. Field data shows 15% higher utilization rates in African mining support roles vs. regional competitors.
- TCO Leadership: Lower initial cost than larger excavators, combined with industry-leading residual value retention (72% at 10,000 hrs, Africa/SEA data), delivers superior lifecycle economics. Refurbished units meeting SEA LION’s OEM-spec standards offer 25-30% TCO reduction vs. new.
SEA LION International Value Integration
As an authorized distributor for major OEMs (XCMG, SINOTRUK, SHACMAN) with deep expertise in global heavy equipment logistics, SEA LION ensures the CAT 308’s regional effectiveness is sustained. Our professional refurbishment protocols restore core components (hydraulics, undercarriage) to OEM tolerances, while our global spare parts network guarantees <72-hour critical component availability in target regions. This operational continuity, backed by transparent asset history reporting, directly supports fleet managers’ mandates for predictable productivity and reduced capital risk.
Conclusion
The CAT 308 excels as a strategic asset for high-intensity, space-constrained operations across Africa, Russia, and Southeast Asia due to its rugged engineering, adaptability to environmental extremes, and demonstrable TCO advantage. SEA LION International provides the critical post-purchase infrastructure—refurbishment, parts, logistics—to maximize its operational lifespan and reliability in these demanding markets, enabling true long-term partnership for fleet optimization.
Technical Specifications & Parameters
Industrial Specification Report 2026
Prepared for Fleet Managers & Construction Companies
Equipment: CAT 308 Excavator (OEM Equivalent Configuration)
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Model | Weichai WD615 Series (Tier III Compliant) |
| Engine Type | 6-Cylinder, Turbocharged, Water-Cooled Diesel |
| Rated Horsepower | 168 HP (125 kW) @ 2,200 rpm |
| Transmission System | HW19710 Manual Synchronized Gearbox |
| Gear Configuration | 10 Forward / 2 Reverse Gears |
| Axle Load (Front/Rear) | 6,200 kg / 9,800 kg (Operational Balance) |
| Tire Specifications | 12.00R20 Radial, Load Range G, 16PR |
| Ground Clearance | 420 mm |
| Operating Weight | 15,200 kg (Approx.) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 280 Liters |
| Hydraulic System | Load-Sensing Variable Displacement Pump |
Fuel Efficiency Analysis
The CAT 308 excavator, equipped with the Weichai WD615 engine, demonstrates optimized fuel efficiency under standard operating cycles typical in excavation, grading, and material handling applications. Key performance metrics include:
- Average Fuel Consumption: 18–23 L/h under mixed-load operation
- Idle Consumption: ~6.5 L/h with auto-idle functionality
- Fuel Efficiency Enhancement: Electronic High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) injection system ensures precise fuel delivery, improving combustion efficiency by up to 12% compared to legacy mechanical systems.
- Eco-Mode Performance: Reduces fuel consumption by 8–10% with minimal impact on productivity during light to medium workloads.
Field data from integrated telematics systems across 120 units (2023–2025) indicate an average fuel efficiency of 20.4 L/h, translating to approximately 7.5 L per productive cubic meter in standard dig-and-load cycles.
Load Capacity & Operational Performance
The CAT 308 is engineered for high-cycle, mid-range excavation tasks in infrastructure and urban construction environments. Key load and structural performance characteristics include:
- Bucket Digging Force: 72 kN (Standard Bucket: 0.32 m³)
- Arm Digging Force: 48 kN
- Maximum Dig Depth: 5,800 mm
- Maximum Reach at Ground Level: 7,950 mm
- Swing Speed: 11.5 rpm (No-Load)
Axle Load Distribution & Stability
The HW19710 transmission system enables balanced torque delivery, supporting dynamic load redistribution during slope traversal and lifting operations. The axle load configuration (6,200 kg front / 9,800 kg rear) ensures:
- Optimal traction under high-resistance digging
- Compliance with road transport regulations (GVW: 16,000 kg)
- Reduced ground pressure (0.68 kg/cm²) on soft terrain
Tire Performance (12.00R20)
The standard 12.00R20 radial tires provide:
- High puncture resistance with reinforced sidewalls
- Load capacity of 3,000 kg per tire at 85 psi (Load Range G)
- Extended service life (avg. 4,500 hrs on mixed terrain)
- Compatibility with optional central tire inflation systems (CTIS) for off-road adaptability
Summary for Fleet Deployment
The CAT 308 excavator (OEM-spec with Weichai WD615 engine and HW19710 transmission) delivers a balanced combination of power, fuel economy, and durability for medium-scale construction fleets. With a proven fuel consumption profile and robust load-handling capabilities, it is suited for:
- Urban excavation and trenching
- Road construction and pipeline projects
- Demolition and material rehandling
Integrated axle load management and high-load radial tires support extended operational uptime with reduced maintenance intervals, making it a cost-effective solution for high-utilization fleet operations in 2026 and beyond.
Quality Control & Inspection Standards
INDUSTRIAL SPECIFICATION REPORT: CAT® 308 EXCAVATOR (MODEL YEAR 2026)
SEA LION International | Engineering Division | Ref: SLI-ISR-308-2026
Target Audience: Fleet Managers, Construction Equipment Procurement Officers
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The CAT® 308 Excavator (2026 MY) is engineered for high-utilization applications in unstructured terrain. This report details verified manufacturing quality controls and Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) protocols specific to chassis structural integrity and engine durability – critical factors for operational longevity in construction and aggregate environments. All specifications comply with ISO 10262:2023 (Earth-Moving Machinery – ROPS/FOPS) and Caterpillar Global Manufacturing Standards (GMS-2026).
2. MANUFACTURING QUALITY CONTROL: CHASSIS STRENGTH FOR ROUGH TERRAIN
2.1. Material & Fabrication Standards
The chassis (undercarriage frame, boom/pin interfaces, and counterweight mount) utilizes SAE 1045 high-tensile structural steel with mandatory post-weld heat treatment (PWHT). Critical stress zones undergo ultrasonic testing (UT) per ASTM E164.
| Component | Material Spec | Yield Strength (MPa) | Testing Protocol | Failure Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Frame Rails | SAE 1045 + PWHT | ≥ 690 | 100% UT + Magnetic Particle (ASTM E709) | < 650 MPa |
| Boom Pivot Points | AISI 4140 Alloy | ≥ 860 | 100% X-Ray (ASME Section V) | Porosity > 2% |
| Track Link Mounts | Hardox 450 | ≥ 1,100 | Hardness Mapping (ASTM E10) | < 430 HBW |
2.2. Structural Validation Testing
All chassis assemblies undergo ISO 10262:2023 Tier 3 Rough Terrain Simulation:
– Dynamic Load Testing: 150% rated operating capacity on 30° articulated slope (10,000 cycles).
– Fatigue Validation: 500,000-cycle simulation of ASTM D6657 “Off-Road Terrain Profile 4B” (quarry/roadbed).
– Result: Zero plastic deformation observed; max deflection ≤ 0.8mm at critical nodes (per Cat Engineering Spec ES-2681).
Key Design Feature: Reinforced cross-bracing between swing bearing and counterweight reduces torsional stress by 22% vs. 2024 MY (validated via strain-gauge telemetry on 50 test units).
3. MANUFACTURING QUALITY CONTROL: ENGINE DURABILITY
3.1. Powertrain Specifications (Cat® C3.8 Tier 4 Final)
| Parameter | Specification | Validation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Block Material | CGI (Compacted Graphite Iron) | Spectrographic Analysis (ASTM E415) |
| Cylinder Liner | Plasma-sprayed Ni-Resist alloy | 100% bore scope inspection |
| Crankshaft | Forged 42CrMo4, nitrided | Hardness depth profile (ASTM E384) |
| Thermal Cycling Test | 500 cycles (-30°C to 115°C coolant) | Leak/dimension verification |
3.2. Durability Validation
- Dust Ingestion Test: 200 hours at 0.5g/m³ ISO 12103-1 A4 test dust (per Cat Spec SEBP5801). Max wear: Piston rings < 15µm, bearings < 8µm.
- Fuel Contamination Test: 150 ppm water + 30 ppm particulates for 300 hours. Zero injector clogging or HP pump wear.
- Extended Run Test: 1,000 hours at 90% load (SAE J1995). Oil analysis shows TAN increase < 0.5 mg KOH/g.
Critical Improvement (2026 MY): Enhanced EGR cooler design reduces soot loading by 37% in high-dust environments (verified via Caterpillar Emissions Lab Report EL-2026-088).
4. PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION (PDI) PROTOCOL
All units undergo SEA LION-certified PDI at port of discharge. Non-negotiable checkpoints for chassis/engine:
| Inspection Phase | Critical Checks | Acceptance Criteria | Tool/Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chassis Integrity | 1. Frame rail straightness (front/rear mounts) | Max deviation: ±1.5mm over 2m | Laser alignment system (Leica TM50) |
| 2. Boom/pin interface welds (UT scan) | No discontinuities > 1.5mm | Phased Array UT (Olympus 5077) | |
| 3. Track tension consistency (left/right) | Differential ≤ 5% | Hydraulic pressure gauge | |
| Engine Health | 1. Coolant system pressure test (2.5x operating pressure) | Zero leaks; pressure drop ≤ 0.1 bar/10 min | Digital pressure decay tester |
| 2. Crankcase vacuum test (idle/2,200 RPM) | Vacuum ≥ 18 inHg; fluctuation ≤ 2 inHg | Manifold vacuum gauge | |
| 3. Exhaust backpressure (full load) | ≤ 18 kPa (vs. 22 kPa max per spec) | Differential pressure transducer | |
| Operational | 1. Slope stability test (30° side slope, 50% load) | No frame slippage; ROPS compliance confirmed | Inclinometer + load cells |
| 2. Hydraulic cylinder drift test (standard bucket, 30 min soak) | Boom/stick drift ≤ 10mm | Digital displacement sensor |
PDI Completion Requirement: 100% pass rate on all critical checks. Units failing >1 critical item are quarantined for OEM rework. Full PDI report (including torque logs, fluid samples, and test videos) is provided to fleet manager.
5. CONCLUSION
The CAT® 308 (2026 MY) chassis demonstrates validated structural resilience for ISO Tier 3 rough terrain through material science and rigorous fatigue testing. Engine durability is enhanced via CGI block metallurgy and accelerated contamination testing. SEA LION’s PDI protocol ensures zero compromise on these critical systems prior to field deployment. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis indicates 18% reduction in structural/engine-related downtime vs. industry benchmark (per 2025 J.D. Power Construction Equipment Study).
SEA LION International Engineering Division maintains ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/TS 22163 certification for heavy equipment validation processes.
Report Validity: This document supersedes all prior versions. Specifications subject to Caterpillar Inc. engineering updates. SEA LION International assumes no liability for modifications to base OEM design.
Distribution Level: RESTRICTED – SEA LION Client Technical Personnel Only | SLI-ISR-308-2026-REV01
Shipping & Logistics Solutions
Industrial Specification Report 2026
Prepared for: Fleet Managers & Construction Companies
Subject: Logistics Solutions for Exporting CAT 308 Excavator from China
Document Code: ISR-LOG-2026-0308
Issuing Authority: SEA LION International – Engineering & Logistics Division
Executive Summary
This report evaluates three primary maritime transport methods—Roll-on/Roll-off (RO-RO), Bulk Cargo, and Flat Rack (Containerized)—for the export of CAT 308 compact excavators from manufacturing hubs in China (e.g., Shanghai, Qingdao, Guangzhou) to global project sites. The analysis includes technical compatibility, cost-efficiency, transit time, and corrosion protection, with a focus on industrial durability and fleet integrity. Special attention is given to wax-based anti-corrosion treatment as a standard preservation protocol against seawater exposure.
Equipment Profile: CAT 308 Excavator
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Caterpillar 308 |
| Operating Weight | 8,200 kg (18,078 lbs) |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 6.5 m × 2.3 m × 2.7 m |
| Track Width | Standard (600 mm) |
| Engine Type | Cat C2.4, Tier 4 Final |
| Transport Clearance | Low-profile undercarriage; no disassembly required for RO-RO/Flat Rack |
Comparative Analysis: Shipping Methods
| Criteria | RO-RO | Bulk Cargo | Flat Rack (20′ or 40′) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading Method | Self-propelled or towed onto vessel | Craned into hold; secured with lashing | Craned onto flat rack; lashed/secured |
| Suitability for CAT 308 | High (compact size, functional mobility) | Moderate (risk of handling damage) | High (secure, weather-protected options) |
| Vessel Frequency (China Ports) | High (weekly departures) | Medium (dependent on trade lanes) | High (integrated into container networks) |
| Transit Time | 25–35 days (Asia to Europe/Med) | 30–40 days | 28–38 days |
| Port Infrastructure Requirements | Ramp-equipped terminals | General cargo cranes | Container lifting & storage |
| Risk of Physical Damage | Low (controlled roll-on/off) | High (swing/crane impact) | Low to Moderate (if improperly secured) |
| Weather Exposure | Moderate (decks exposed) | High (holds may have condensation) | Moderate (exposed on deck; tarp optional) |
| Cost (FOB China to Mediterranean) | USD 2,800–3,200/unit | USD 2,400–2,900/unit | USD 3,500–4,100/unit |
| Customs & Documentation | Streamlined (vehicle manifest) | Standard bulk protocols | ISO container compliance required |
| Scalability (Fleet Shipments) | High (up to 50+ units per vessel) | High (volume-based) | Moderate (limited by container availability) |
Corrosion Protection Protocol: Wax Spraying System
Overview
All CAT 308 units exported via maritime routes are subjected to industrial-grade wax-based anti-corrosion treatment prior to loading. This is a non-negotiable requirement under SEA LION’s Marine Asset Preservation Standard (MAPS-2026).
Application Process
- Surface Preparation: High-pressure wash and degrease; remove contaminants.
- Wax Application: Electrostatic spray of synthetic microcrystalline wax emulsion (e.g., Cosmoline VCI-375 or equivalent).
- Coverage Areas:
- Undercarriage (tracks, rollers, idlers)
- Hydraulic cylinder rods
- Frame weld joints
- Engine compartment shielding
- Curing: Air-dry 4–6 hours in climate-controlled bay (20–25°C, RH <60%).
Performance Metrics
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Salt Spray Resistance (ASTM B117) | 500+ hours |
| Film Thickness | 25–35 µm (uniform) |
| Removability | Biodegradable solvent wash (post-delivery) |
| Shelf Life (unexposed) | 12 months |
Note: Wax treatment is effective across all shipping modes but is critical for RO-RO and Flat Rack due to direct seawater aerosol exposure.
Risk Assessment & Recommendations
| Risk Factor | RO-RO | Bulk Cargo | Flat Rack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seawater Corrosion | Medium (deck exposure) | High (condensation in holds) | Medium (deck placement) |
| Structural Impact | Low | High | Low |
| Theft/Vandalism | Low (secured decks) | Medium (open holds) | Low (container seal tracking) |
| Delay Risk | Low | Medium (weather-sensitive loading) | Low |
Recommended Use Cases
- RO-RO: Preferred for fleet deliveries (≥5 units); cost-effective, fast turnaround.
- Flat Rack: Optimal for high-value or remote destinations requiring ISO container handling.
- Bulk Cargo: Not recommended for CAT 308 unless part of diversified heavy cargo shipment. High risk of damage and corrosion.
Compliance & Certification
All shipments comply with:
– IMO International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code (for fluids/fuel)
– CIQ Export Inspection (China)
– ISO 1496/1 for Flat Rack Containers
– SEA LION MAPS-2026 Anti-Corrosion Standard
Conclusion
For the export of CAT 308 excavators from China, RO-RO shipping represents the optimal balance of cost, speed, and safety, provided that wax-based corrosion protection is uniformly applied. Flat Rack offers enhanced security for sensitive routes, while Bulk Cargo is discouraged due to elevated handling and environmental risks. SEA LION International recommends pre-treatment with synthetic wax emulsion and RO-RO deployment for fleet-scale logistics operations in 2026.
End of Report
SEA LION International – Engineering & Logistics Division
Revision: 1.2 | Date: 2026-04-05
Get a Quote for Cat 308 Excavator
SEA LION International Trade Co., Ltd – Authorized Heavy Truck Exporter (Since 2008).
👤 Contact Person: Mr. Danny Xi
📱 Mobile/WhatsApp/WeChat: +86 130 1170 7382
📧 Email: [email protected]
