Acquire a virtually brand-new, showroom-quality Next Generation mini excavator at an exceptional pre-owned value with this immaculate 2023 Caterpillar 304. Showing a mere 182 original operating hours on the meter, this machine is barely past its initial factory break-in period. As a part of Caterpillar's highly acclaimed "Next Gen" lineup, the 304 features an innovative, stable 4-ton chassis that delivers incredible zero-tail-swing agility alongside advanced stick-steer options and industry-leading auxiliary customization.
At its core is a quiet, highly efficient 1.66L Caterpillar C1.7 3-cylinder diesel engine built for precise throttle response and low fuel consumption. Fully optioned with a deluxe enclosed climate cab, standard two-speed travel, a factory hydraulic quick coupler, a matching Caterpillar hydraulic thumb, and an adjustable pattern changer, this machine is completely configured to hit the ground running on premium commercial utility or residential job sites.
Key Technical Specifications:
Model Year: 2023
Hours: 182 (Pristine, ultra-low "like-new" condition)
Serial Number: CAT00304VAN401559
Engine: Caterpillar C1.7 1.66L 3-Cylinder Diesel (Delivers consistent, quiet, high-torque hydraulic performance under heavy loads).
Transmission: Hydrostatic drive with Two-Speed Travel (Enables rapid, high-productivity tracking across larger work sites).
Control Customization: Factory Control Pattern Changer (Allows operators to toggle instantly between ISO and SAE excavator joystick configurations to match operator preference).
Chassis Balance: Outfitted with removable counterweights to easily tailor machine stability, lifting capacity, and transport weight configurations.
Advanced Next-Gen Geometry & Premium Attachments:
Boom Swing: Independent boom swing functionality (Enables offset digging directly parallel to foundations, fences, and active traffic lanes without rotating the upper house).
Stick Profile: Equipped with a 5' 6" dipper stick that strikes the perfect balance between aggressive breakout forces and deep, productive vertical trenching reach.
Quick Coupler: Upgraded factory Hydraulic Quick Coupler, allowing the operator to switch out buckets and secondary attachments instantly from the comfort of the cab.
Hydraulic Thumb: Premium factory-fitted Caterpillar Hydraulic Thumb.
Note: Operated via precise proportional joystick rollers, this heavy-duty thumb is an absolute necessity for smoothly handling, sorting, and loading landscape boulders, concrete chunks, demolition waste, and tree debris.
Excavating Bucket: Includes a genuine Caterpillar 19" wide trenching bucket fitted with 4 aggressive, heavy-duty digging teeth built to slice through dense clay, frost, and hardpan.
Operator Comfort & Grading Capabilities:
Enclosed Cab: Premium Next-Gen enclosed ROPS cab featuring high-output, operational Air Conditioning and Heating systems for absolute multi-season comfort. Includes an advanced LCD display panel for machine telemetry and diagnostic tracking.
Auxiliary Hydraulics: Plumbed with an advanced Two-Way auxiliary hydraulic system down the boom, perfectly configured to drive bi-directional attachments like thumbs, augers, tilting couplers, or breakers.
Backfill Blade: Heavy-duty, high-clearance 67" wide backfill blade designed for rapid backfilling, site grading, and serving as a stable platform anchor while excavating over the front.
? Dealer Note: The Next Generation Caterpillar 304 is highly sought-after because it represents a massive leap forward in compact excavator electronics, joystick response, and cab comfort over legacy models. Finding a 2023 unit with under 200 original hours?completely loaded with a factory hydraulic thumb, hydraulic coupler, and full two-way auxiliary lines?is an exceptional pre-owned find. This machine has been fully workshop-detailed, multi-point inspected, and fluid-checked. It is 100% turn-key and ready to go directly to work for your operation today!