Cat 305 Mini Ex Demo

[AWJ Services]

I will be picking up the machine at the first of the week for demo.
It is a used 2005 machine with around 700 hours.Has Cab,heat and Air.

I think it can be purchased for 40k with a couple buckets and a hyd thumb.
Thats about 25k less than new.

I have never used a Cat mini ex.
Looking forward too it.

Any advice on pros and cons about the machine and what too look for as in potential problems please speak up.:)

[ksss]

I would demo that one and then run a C model and see if the improvements are worth the money. Buying the last year of the old series is kind of a bummer unless you can get a good deal on it.

[AWJ Services]

I would demo that one and then run a C model and see if the improvements are worth the money. Buying the last year of the old series is kind of a bummer unless you can get a good deal on it.

Not really sure what year they started the C Model.

I am well versed in Takeuchi just not Cat.:)

[gammon landscaping]

well i think the other way buying the last year of a series is always a good idea cause the probably have most of the bugges worked out. as apposed to buying the first year of a series were it maybe the next ford 03 6.0 of that product line...

[Scag48]

I've heard of no issues with the CCR series excavators as of yet. The first year of release for the 305CCR was 2006 I believe, so a 2005 would be a 305CR.

[AWJ Services]

did some searches on differeneces between the 2 models but did not have much luck.

What are the main differneces between them?

[Construct'O]

One thing i saw was the way you can get to things for checking oil and batterys and so fore.The door in the back opens out instead of up which is better.CCR

CR you can't get to the radiator cap very good to see how much water is in it .Just have to pour until it runs out.

The side panel where the hydaulics are is a two piece on the CR and harder to get to things add hydraulic oil have to have a funnel for about everything ,where the CCR is a one piece and can get to things better.

You can start with that much.

Maybe gps,got his 305 CCR by now and maybe he will report to us.Good Luck.

[AWJ Services]

Thanks Construct'O

The salesman will leave it with me for as long as needed so I will not be rushed in my demo.

[jayvanderplaat]

I took delivery of mine, 305C CR last October, little things, like bucket teeth, made me nuts. with in the first hour, 3 of them had broken off. Next day my salesman was at my door with 5 more, by the next day I had broken all 5 off. CAT gave me 2 new heavy duty, large capacity buckets which they had cut off and replaced the tooth and post to a TLB style with side pins rather than a coil type top pin. Other wise its been great. I had a 304.5. It had manuel glow plugs. The 305, everything is electronic. When its -15 took a little while longer to get running, when I changed to CAT's 5 - 30 Syn Artic oil everything got better. It was a joy to change the oil. Wish I could enjoy the process as much as on my 277B. When CAT changed the tooth style a whole new world of teeth, and digging opens up.

[Tigerotor77W]

I love the 305C CR -- it is incredibly smooth and powerful (I like it better than Cat's backhoe loaders...). Major changes were to the cab (operator comfort) and stick and bucket forces; Cat also realigned its models, so the 305C CR is actually a larger machine than the 305CR.

[AWJ Services]

Were can I find the specs on the 305 CR?

[Tigerotor77W]

305 CR or 305C CR?

The latter you can pull from Cat's website... 305 CR is at:

https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/xwang22/Construction/305%20CR.pdf

[AWJ Services]

Thanks for the link.

The Bucket breakout force is alot better on the C Model.

[AWJ Services]

Had a small problem with the financing through Cat.
The salesman has not returned my calls since.
I have finacing arranged through an outside source.
I guess he does not want too sell me the machine unless he gets the financing?

It is really strange how the events transpired.
Oh well I guess I will have too keep looking.:)

[cddva]

So they didn't drop off the machine for a demo? Apparently the salesman thinks HE can get a better deal?! He may have been looking at a big kickback if you financed through CAT. Now he may be looking at increasing his asking price to you if you finance through someone else? The numbers game seems to be ever changing. What about a Takuechi mini-ex to go with the TL140? It would keep your "color scheme" in line! :cool2:

[AWJ Services]

So they didn't drop off the machine for a demo? Apparently the salesman thinks HE can get a better deal?! He may have been looking at a big kickback if you financed through CAT. Now he may be looking at increasing his asking price to you if you finance through someone else? The numbers game seems to be ever changing. What about a Takuechi mini-ex to go with the TL140? It would keep your "color scheme" in line!

May be true.

I called my Takeuchi salesman today and mentioned too him that I may only be interested in a used machine for money reasons.
I actually left him a voicemail explaining what I wanted.
Within the hour he returned my call.
I did not answer my phone but he left a voicemail.
He basically stated that he did not have a "good" used machine available ,but he had access too several people that were in the used equipment business and would do his best too help me get a machine.

Just goes too show you that some people want too be "Your Salesman" and will do what ever it takes.

Makes me feel like a piece of crap for not discussing this with him first and giving him the opportunity too sell me a used machine. :nono:

Live and Learn.

[Scag48]

That's so strange, I don't know why Cat sales guy are burning guys. We've had such great luck with Cat and our sales guy is awesome, he was always there for us when we needed him. I don't blame you for moving on away from Cat if the sales guy blows you off. It doesn't matter if the Cat is the best machine for your operation, if you can't get any cooperation from the dealer and sales team it means absolutely nothing.

[AWJ Services]

That's so strange, I don't know why Cat sales guy are burning guys. We've had such great luck with Cat and our sales guy is awesome, he was always there for us when we needed him. I don't blame you for moving on away from Cat if the sales guy blows you off. It doesn't matter if the Cat is the best machine for your operation, if you can't get any cooperation from the dealer and sales team it means absolutely nothing.

The company is a very Large Cat dealer and I guess I am just a nobody too them.

One other thing is that I am not very pushy during the sales process.
I generally allow the salesman too pace the process which in turn my lead them too think I am not serious about the purchase.
I am also not desperate for a machine.

I think the Cat would have been a good machine.
I may still end up with one who knows.

The issue with the Financing involved the "Personal Guarantee" that they wanted me too commit too.
The finance person blatantly lied too me about it .
I do not take kindly too things of this nature.

[fhdesign]

The problem with the salesman sounds very strange, Cat salesman are usually very good with small companies. I think I would call the salesman for a meeting (in person) and discuss the problems stated here and be very clear I'm not always "pushy" either so I bring notes with me. If he has a problem with you I'm sure he'll say what it is, always good to stay on good terms with everyone, you may need them in the future.
I do have to say I also like the Takeuchi machines.

[vntgrcr]

The problem with the salesman sounds very strange, Cat salesman are usually very good with small companies. I think I would call the salesman for a meeting (in person) and discuss the problems stated here and be very clear I'm not always "pushy" either so I bring notes with me. If he has a problem with you I'm sure he'll say what it is, always good to stay on good terms with everyone, you may need them in the future.
I do have to say I also like the Takeuchi machines.
I know it sounds harsh, but here in the northeast, I will never own another CAT peice of equipment because of the sales force with Milton Cat and it isn't just the small guys that are getting hosed. I know a local large company that get's treated like crap by the big iron salesperson. It is too bad CAT corporate doesn't monitor these sites or care about lost sales. Please look elsewhere for equipment. There are MANY other makes out there that really want your business. I will be demo'ing a ASV next week and the guy is bending over backwards for my business. Keep looking until you find someone that wants to work with you. Don't let them tell you how to spend your hard earned $$$$$!

[AWJ Services]

There was a major problem with the financing that I was told by the Finance office that they would only do the loan with a personal guarantee signature.
I was adamant that I would not go forward with it that way.
They were adamant that it was no go without it.
I put my foot down and said call me if something changes.
They said no need too wait on a call because this is the only way too get me approved for financing.

Funny thing I got a call today from my salesman and he said everything was good and I was approved without a personal guarantee on the loan.

Interesting.

[Lazer_Z]

AWJ, Try to get a 1 on 1 with the salesman.

I have never before bought a piece of CAT iron but considering how well I have been treated by a rep for my area I wouldn't hesitate to buy from him. I'm actually thinking smaller right now and I have to call back a Toro Dingo rep to set up a time slot for a demo. Good luck AWJ, I hope everything gets resolved.

Rob

[ProLandscapes]

Personal guarantees are pretty standard on financing for a company. They just want the option to come after you also if you don't pay or file bankruptcy. As far as I know it's required on allot of financing.

[AWJ Services]

Personal guarantees are pretty standard on financing for a company. They just want the option to come after you also if you don't pay or file bankruptcy. As far as I know it's required on allot of financing.

That is what they want you believe since it is too there advantage too have it.

The reality is that they only ask for it when they deem necessary.

[Tigerotor77W]

I know it sounds harsh, but here in the northeast, I will never own another CAT peice of equipment because of the sales force with Milton Cat and it isn't just the small guys that are getting hosed. I know a local large company that get's treated like crap by the big iron salesperson. It is too bad CAT corporate doesn't monitor these sites or care about lost sales.

Your comment will be passed along.

AWJ -- I'm not familiar with the whole aspect of financing a machine, but something about the dealer doesn't quite ring true in my head. If others with more experience say it's all good, perhaps it is, but the guy seems fishy to me for some reason.

[AWJ Services]

AWJ -- I'm not familiar with the whole aspect of financing a machine, but something about the dealer doesn't quite ring true in my head. If others with more experience say it's all good, perhaps it is, but the guy seems fishy to me for some reason.

The sales guy seemed too come around when I meet him too pick up the demo.I always give people the benefit of the doubt and allow them too show there true colors.
I post alot of info when dealing with salesman because it my help someone else in their dealings in the future.

I am lacking in my experience as far as the construction industry goes ,but the business end of being self employed I am well versed on.That is why the finance office irritated me so.

The machine was a really nice 500 hour machine with Cab.It however had a few issues that I discovered after using it for a day.
I had too dig a 7ft x 20 ft hole as deep as the machine would reach.
The machine was really slow bringing the boom up from the hole.
The down swing of the boom was almost uncontrollable and very fast.
Almost no "finesse" going down and really slow going up.
I switched patterns and the problem stayed with the boom.
The handles also have a much higher resistance than most machines I am used too.
It burned a 1/2 tank of fuel in 4 hours of use at 3/4 throttle.
Seemed a little excessive.
The cab was comfortable once inside it but the entry door was a little tight for me.
The machine digged well and had a really fast cab rotation and the crowd speed and bucket curl was fast and controllable so that is why I think something is wrong with the boom control.
Overall the Cat seems too be very sturdy with all the crappy construction being minor issues mostly with the cab enclosure.
The A/C was great.
The twist throttle was very easy too bump with my cell phone on my hip and I kept slowing it down.
It was noisier than most excavators I have run .
I would however purchase it if they can alleviate the boom issues.

My Takeuchi guy is dropping off a machine next week .
I have run no low hour Takeuchi machines.

So far the Komatsu's have the "best" controls I have used.
They are very smooth and have alot of Finesse for that close digging.

[Tigerotor77W]

Apart from the fuel usage, which I don't know about, the C-series mini-ex have addressed those concerns. I know you're looking used, but just an fyi for you or anyone else.

[Lazer_Z]

The sales guy seemed too come around when I meet him too pick up the demo.I always give people the benefit of the doubt and allow them too show there true colors.
I post alot of info when dealing with salesman because it my help someone else in their dealings in the future.

I am lacking in my experience as far as the construction industry goes ,but the business end of being self employed I am well versed on.That is why the finance office irritated me so.

The machine was a really nice 500 hour machine with Cab.It however had a few issues that I discovered after using it for a day.
I had too dig a 7ft x 20 ft hole as deep as the machine would reach.
The machine was really slow bringing the boom up from the hole.
The down swing of the boom was almost uncontrollable and very fast.
Almost no "finesse" going down and really slow going up.
I switched patterns and the problem stayed with the boom.
The handles also have a much higher resistance than most machines I am used too.
It burned a 1/2 tank of fuel in 4 hours of use at 3/4 throttle.
Seemed a little excessive.
The cab was comfortable once inside it but the entry door was a little tight for me.
The machine digged well and had a really fast cab rotation and the crowd speed and bucket curl was fast and controllable so that is why I think something is wrong with the boom control.
Overall the Cat seems too be very sturdy with all the crappy construction being minor issues mostly with the cab enclosure.
The A/C was great.
The twist throttle was very easy too bump with my cell phone on my hip and I kept slowing it down.
It was noisier than most excavators I have run .
I would however purchase it if they can alleviate the boom issues.

My Takeuchi guy is dropping off a machine next week .
I have run no low hour Takeuchi machines.

So far the Komatsu's have the "best" controls I have used.
They are very smooth and have a lot of Finesse for that close digging. I did that in 2 days while at full throttle 99% of the time. The 305 that was dropped for me had just over 300 hours and according to the rep I dealt with was a fairly "NEW" machine with the amount of hours it had on it. Did you say anything to the rep about the problem you had with the boom? Good luck with what ever you purchase.

Rob

[AWJ Services]

Apart from the fuel usage, which I don't know about, the C-series mini-ex have addressed those concerns. I know you're looking used, but just an fyi for you or anyone else.

Which ones?

I did that in 2 days while at full throttle 99% of the time. The 305 that was dropped for me had just over 300 hours and according to the rep I dealt with was a fairly "NEW" machine with the amount of hours it had on it. Did you say anything to the rep about the problem you had with the boom? Good luck with what ever you purchase.

I mentioned the boom too him and he said that he would need too use the machine too see if it was abnormal.

If the controls are normal there is no way you could pour me into this machine.
It would drive me crazy.

[Lazer_Z]

AWJ, It's strange you had trouble with the controls. I had only been in one other machine and that was a 277 and when I got the demo it was my first time operating an excavator of any kind and the controls were as smooth as could be. Maybe that machine you got was messed with in some way. If your guy can, see if he can put you into a new "C" series mini, I'm not a small guy by any means and I too had a little trouble climbing in and out of the cab of the older 305 that I used, but then I attended MAHTS this past February and I had a chance to climb into the cab of a new 303.5 C CR and it was really nice it had a ton more room than the 305. Sorry for writing a novel here but it seems strange that you have had the problems you have had.

Rob

[Tigerotor77W]

Which ones?

Oops, sorry -- I meant the controls issue. The 305C CR I operated had softer controls than the Cat skids I've run. The 302.5 (A-series), not so much. That machine was fun, though -- I killed the engine on a mini-ex. :rolleyes:

Anyhow -- back on topic -- the boom issue didn't exist on my machine, either, so either the A-series had a problem or your machine was a little upset. The throttle switch and door didn't bother me because I'm a small guy, but I want to say that the throttle wasn't near my hip at all.

All this is kinda moot if you're looking at used, though -- a used C-series probably won't come cheap.

[AWJ Services]

AWJ, It's strange you had trouble with the controls. I had only been in one other machine and that was a 277 and when I got the demo it was my first time operating an excavator of any kind and the controls were as smooth as could be. Maybe that machine you got was messed with in some way. If your guy can, see if he can put you into a new "C" series mini, I'm not a small guy by any means and I too had a little trouble climbing in and out of the cab of the older 305 that I used, but then I attended MAHTS this past February and I had a chance to climb into the cab of a new 303.5 C CR and it was really nice it had a ton more room than the 305. Sorry for writing a novel here but it seems strange that you have had the problems you have had.


I was hoping it was something out of adjustment.
I will know more tomorrow when I meet with the salesman again.

The Cat was thrown into the mix because of price.

My first choice is a TB153
Second Choice KX161
Third choice Komatsu PC50

Thats as far as new machines are concerned.
The Komatsu with the long stick has a 13' 8" digging depth.:weightlifter:

Takeuchi has a new website.They also have the new ZTR mini ex on there.

[AWJ Services]

All this is kinda moot if you're looking at used, though -- a used C-series probably won't come cheap.

I want new for a used price actually.:)

If the boom issue was not there I could live with the other stuff.

I really like how beefy the Cat is built.
All the pins,arms and cylinders are really big.

[AWJ Services]

Took the machine back this morning and the salesman jump up on the machine and went to lower the boom and his eyes got real big when he tried too stop it and iit about threw him outta of his seat.

It does not appear too be normal.
They will run it through the shop and see.

[Construct'O]

AWJ there has to be something wrong,my 303 CR hydraulics are really smooth,doesn't have the drop or lift problem you mention.The same with the controls they are very easy and smooth to move.

I demo a Deere 35 D this summer and it was nice ,but as soon as i got to run the 303 CR i was impressed.I know it's not a 305,but surely has about the same stuff except probably bigger.Good luck with what every you chioce .

[AWJ Services]

AWJ there has to be something wrong,my 303 CR hydraulics are really smooth,doesn't have the drop or lift problem you mention.The same with the controls they are very easy and smooth to move.


I am sure you are right.
He has a 305CCR on hold for demo as well for me.
I hope too have it next week too try out.
My sales guy does big and small iron because the area I live in.

[Lazer_Z]

AWJ there has to be something wrong,my 303 CR hydraulics are really smooth,doesn't have the drop or lift problem you mention.The same with the controls they are very easy and smooth to move.

I demo a Deere 35 D this summer and it was nice ,but as soon as i got to run the 303 CR i was impressed.I know it's not a 305,but surely has about the same stuff except probably bigger.Good luck with what every you choose .According to CAT's site a 305C CR with cab comes in at 11,725, w/out cab is 11,465. a new 303C CR comes in at 7,835 w/ cab & 7,575 w/ out. HP to HP, Net for a 305 is 47, Gross is 48.5 & for the 303 Net is 30, Gross is 31.

Rob