The Caterpillar 307B hydraulic excavator with an operating weight of between 6,500 kilograms (14,330 lbs.) and 8,418 kilograms (18,555 lbs.) and 40 kilowatt (54 hp) is the company’s newest entry to the B-Series line. Caterpillar maintained the successful 300 family design concept and added customer requested improvements. The 307B maintains the high approval of the 307 while adding several new features and attachments that significantly add to the machines’ performance and operator comfort:

Swing Boom. The 307B Swing Boom is a new addition to the B Series excavator model lineup. The boom swings to the left 60 degrees and to the right 60 degrees, enabling side ditch digging against walls, fences or other obstacles.

New Buckets. Four new or improved buckets are available. These buckets are drilled for sidecutters and feature dual radius for improved loading, improved steel in the lower sides and bottom, horizontal wear strips and splayed corner teeth.

Dozer Blades. The 307B can be equipped with these for backfilling, leveling and site cleanup.

Auxiliary Power Supply. A 12v, 5 amp power supply for cell phone, two way radios, etc. A cigar lighter-type receptacle is behind the operator’s seat.

Performance. Drawbar pull and lifting capacity help determine how a machine performs overall. High drawbar pull is beneficial in poor underfoot conditions. The 307B produced 55 kilonewtons (12,360 lbs.) of drawbar pull in low gear, compared to the 307 which produced 52 kilonewtons (11,700 lbs.) of drawbar pull under the same conditions.

The 307B overall track length has been increased compared with the 307, providing increased lifting capacity and stability.

Operator Comfort. Greater operator comfort is a key design element because it helps maintain high productivity. Now that contractors are using excavators in a growing variety of applications, they need a machine that’s both comfortable and efficient.

The 307B offers a well-designed work environment that increases operator comfort. Low sound levels, excellent all-around viewing area and easy-to-use controls help keep operators productive over long periods of time.

The 307B incorporates four viscous mounts in place of the six rubber cab mounts on the 307. Viscous mounts, made of rigid liquid-filled rubber, absorb vibrations in two stages. They deliver a higher level of vibration damping compared to the rubber mounts used previously. Also, more sound is shut out.

Ground Level Maintenance. The engine hood on the 307B is fully openable from ground level at the rear of the upper structure. So on the 307B, all daily maintenance areas are situated where they can be easily reached from ground level.

Changing the engine oil filter, checking the engine oil level, changing the fuel filter, checking the radiator fluid level, checking the window washer fluid level, inspecting the air filter, changing the pilot filter and checking the battery can be accomplished easily from ground level by opening the engine hood.

Today's top stories

Fed Funding to Increase U.S. Battery Production

Teichert Tackles Tough Job Through Teamwork

Maze of Policy Changes May Complicate IIJA Implementation

AECON Installs 50-Ton Girders for New Washington Bridge

VIDEO: Tsurumi Pump Celebrates 100 Years

SPS New England, Select Demo Lead Boston Bridge Project

Alex Lyon Holds Annual Barbecue, Hay Camp, Auction

Kevin Chodkowski Joins Baschmann Services as Sales Representative