Cat unveils ‘entry level’ assist system for mini excavators

02 Nov 2022 CW Team

Caterpillar has unveiled an affordable grade assist system for its 6- to 10-tonne mini excavators at Equip Expo 2022.

For many years, contractors have been able to equip excavators of multiple sizes, including the 3.5- to 10-tonne machines, with Cat Grade Advanced 2D or 3D control systems. Those systems automate machine functions to help operators of all experience levels improve grade accuracy and consistency.

“Once you get into Cat Grade, you’re talking about a lot of technology,” said Greg Worley, Cat product marketing professional.

However, for smaller contractors, the investment in full Cat Grade technology is often a bit steep when they’re uncertain how often they would use it.

“To be quite frank, that's a very expensive technology on these smaller products for these owner-operators who are using these mini hydraulic excavator machines,” Worley said.

Cat's solution comes in the form of the Ease of Use Indicate and E-Fence offerings on the Cat 306 CR, 308 CR, and 309 CR Next Gen mini excavators as its “entry-level” grade control system.

Worley referred to it as “the best damn tape measure you'll ever have in your toolbox.” He said these technologies are ideal for digging footings, drainage and septic systems, irrigation, electric utilities, and applications near structures or obstacles operators need to avoid.

Infrastructure Transport

13 Oct 2025

Tata, Airbus to Build India’s First Private Helicopter Line

In a landmark development for India’s aerospace sector, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus will establish the country’s first private-sector helicopter assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka. The facility will manufacture the Airbus H125 and H125M, marking a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in aviation and defence manufacturing. The new Final Assembly Line (FAL) will produce the H125, the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, known for its versatility and performance in extreme environments. The first ‘Made in India’ H125 is expected to ro..

NeGD to Support Bharat Taxi in Building Cooperative Ride Platform

In a significant move for India’s digital and mobility transformation, the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) of the Digital India Corporation, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has entered into an advisory partnership with Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, the company behind Bharat Taxi — a first-of-its-kind, cooperative-led national ride-hailing platform. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between NeGD and Sahakar Taxi to provide strategic advisory and technical support covering key areas such as platform integration, cybersecurity..

MeitY Hosts Pre-Summit for India–AI Impact Summit 2026

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, hosted a series of Pre-Summit events for the upcoming India–AI Impact Summit 2026 at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 in New Delhi. These sessions mark a key milestone ahead of the main summit, scheduled for 19–20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Delivering the inaugural address, S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, highlighted India’s innovative and frugal approach to AI development. “We have adopted innovative means by learning from others’ experiences to build projects and products that..