Overview

The Cat 300.9D Mini Excavator is one of the smallest and most compact excavators in Caterpillar’s lineup, designed for tight spaces and indoor applications. With an operating weight under 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg) and a retractable undercarriage, it can easily fit through standard doorways, making it ideal for urban construction, landscaping, and interior demolition work. Despite its small size, the 300.9D offers solid performance with a 13 hp Yanmar diesel engine, ensuring reliable operation for small-scale excavation tasks.

Technical Specifications

• Operating Weight: 2,170 lb (985 kg)
• Engine: Yanmar 31NV70, 3-cylinder diesel
• Net Power: 13 hp (9.6 kW) at 2,100 rpm
• Maximum Digging Depth: 5.68 ft (1.73 m)
• Maximum Reach at Ground Level: 10.09 ft (3.07 m)
• Bucket Digging Force: 2,000 lbf (8.9 kN)
• Undercarriage Width: 2 ft 5 in (730 mm) – Adjustable
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 2.64 gal (10 L)

Advantages

✅ Ultra-Compact Size: The narrow design (only 2 ft 5 in wide) allows it to pass through standard doorways and work in extremely confined spaces.

✅ Lightweight & Easy Transport: With a weight of just 2,170 lbs, the 300.9D can be transported on a small trailer behind a pickup truck.

✅ Adjustable Undercarriage & Blade: The retractable undercarriage improves maneuverability, and the extendable dozer blade increases stability when needed.

✅ Low Fuel Consumption: The small Yanmar diesel engine is fuel-efficient, making it cost-effective for small-scale projects.

✅ Simple & User-Friendly Controls: The intuitive joystick controls make it easy to operate, even for less experienced users.

Disadvantages

🔴 Limited Power: With only 13 hp, it may struggle with tougher digging conditions, such as rocky soil.

🔴 Shallow Digging Depth: The 5.68 ft (1.73 m) max dig depth is sufficient for small jobs but may not be deep enough for more demanding excavations.

🔴 No Enclosed Cab: The open operator station offers less protection in bad weather and dusty environments.

🔴 Basic Features: Lacks advanced hydraulic options and additional attachments found in larger models.

Best Use Cases

• Interior Demolition: Small enough to fit through doorways, making it perfect for removing flooring and breaking concrete indoors.
• Urban Construction: Ideal for narrow alleys, sidewalks, and areas where space is extremely limited.
• Landscaping: Great for small excavation projects like digging garden beds or installing irrigation systems.
• Utility Work: Useful for light trenching and underground pipe installations in tight spaces.

Price & Competitors

Price: Starts at $30,000 – $35,000 USD, depending on configuration and attachments.

Top Competitors:

• Bobcat E10e – Offers similar size and performance but features a fully electric option for zero-emissions work.
• Kubota K008-3 – Slightly more powerful (10.3 hp) and known for smooth hydraulic controls.
• Takeuchi TB210R – Offers better stability with a more robust undercarriage design.

Final Thoughts

The Cat 300.9D Mini Excavator is one of the smallest excavators on the market, making it a top choice for indoor work, tight spaces, and light excavation tasks. While it lacks power and advanced features, its compact size, low fuel consumption, and ease of transport make it a solid option for small contractors and landscapers. If you need a powerful but ultra-compact machine, the 300.9D is worth considering.