CATERPILLAR has introduced the new Cat® 301 Compact Radius (CR) micro hydraulic excavator, designed to deliver improved performance in confined spaces. Announced on October 7, 2026, the new model is developed for contractors who need a compact, versatile machine capable of handling demanding tasks in restricted working environments.   Compact Design for Confined Spaces   The Cat 301 CR is designed for indoor demolition, landscaping, agricultural work and other applications where access is limited. Its compact radius design minimizes machine overhang, allowing operators to work closer to fixed structures. The excavator can pass through doorways measuring just 762 mm wide and 1,981 mm high, with its rollover protective structure folded.   The expandable undercarriage provides flexibility when moving through narrow access points and helps improve stability during operation. Compared with the Cat 300.9D, the new model features an undercarriage that is 26% wider when fully expanded and offers more than 80% greater lift capacity.     Enhanced Performance and Operator Convenience   The Cat 301 CR combines practical design features with improvements in digging, lifting and travel performance. Its maximum operating weight is 1,230 kg, while its travel speed reaches up to 3.6 km/h. The machine also features a maximum bucket force of 9.6 kN and a stick force of 6.2 kN.   Operator-focused features include a simplified instrument display, side-mounted joystick controls and a standard LED boom work light. The foldable ROPS supports access through height-restricted openings, while the tilt-up seat provides easier access to the engine compartment and key service points.   A closed-loop swing system is designed to support faster cycle times and improved energy efficiency. In addition, the machine's auxiliary hydraulics and attachment options allow it to handle a variety of tasks, including trenching, drilling and breaking concrete or asphalt.   Versatility for Different Jobsite Requirements   The Cat 301 CR is compatible with a range of purpose-built attachments, helping contractors adapt the machine to changing jobsite requirements. Its quick attachment-change system is designed to simplify tool changes and reduce downtime between tasks.   As construction projects increasingly require equipment that can operate in restricted spaces without sacrificing versatility, compact excavators remain an important solution for contractors, landscaping professionals and utility crews. With its expandable undercarriage, improved lifting capability and operator-friendly features, the new Cat 301 CR expands CATERPILLAR's compact equipment offering.   For further information about specifications, attachments and regional availability, customers can contact an authorized CATERPILLAR dealer or visit the company's official website.  

Many equipment owners believe antifreeze is a winter-only product. That misunderstanding costs them engines every summer.   Antifreeze—more accurately called antifreeze coolant—is designed for year-round protection. Its full name reveals its dual purpose: it prevents freezing in cold weather and boiling in hot weather.   Water boils at 100°C. Quality antifreeze coolant boils at approximately 110°C or higher. In summer, when excavator engines operate under heavy loads and ambient temperatures climb, the difference between 100°C and 110°C is the difference between a stable cooling system and a boil-over that shuts down the job.     The problem extends beyond boiling point. Water contains minerals that form scale and rust inside the cooling system. Scale deposits on radiator tubes and engine water jackets reduce heat transfer efficiency. Over time, the engine runs hotter and hotter until overheating becomes chronic. Antifreeze contains anti-corrosion and anti-scale additives that prevent this buildup, protecting the radiator, water pump, and engine block.   Manufacturer maintenance guidelines from XCMG and KOBELCO emphasize several key practices for coolant care. Check the expansion tank level weekly—it should sit between the MIN and MAX marks. Top up with the same brand and type of coolant; mixing different formulations can cause chemical reactions that degrade protection. Never use tap water as a substitute or to dilute coolant. Follow the manufacturer's replacement interval, typically every 2 years or 4,000 operating hours.   For fleet managers, the message is straightforward: antifreeze is not a seasonal product. It is a year-round investment in engine longevity. Using water instead saves nothing—it costs radiators, water pumps, and ultimately engines.