CAT 305.5 E2 vs CAT 306 E2: Which Excavator Is Right for You?
The CAT 305.5 E2 and CAT 306 E2 are two of the most popular mini excavators ever made — and we sell both. Customers ask us every week which one they should buy. The honest answer: it depends on your work. Here's the real breakdown.
The Specs: Side by Side
| Spec | CAT 305.5 E2 | CAT 306 E2 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Weight | ~12,100 lbs (5.5 t) | ~13,700 lbs (6 t) |
| Engine | Cat C2.4, 44 HP | Cat C2.6, 55.9 HP |
| Dig Depth | ~12 ft (3.6 m) | ~13.5 ft (4.1 m) |
| Max Reach | ~19 ft (5.8 m) | ~21 ft (6.4 m) |
| Bucket Digging Force | ~10,000 lbf | ~12,100 lbf |
| Tail Swing | Conventional | Conventional |
| DPF / Emissions | None (Pre-Tier 4) | None (Pre-Tier 4) |
| Auxiliary Hydraulics | Yes — Factory | Yes — Factory |
| Hours (our units) | ~2,222 | ~2,750 |
| Our Price (machine only) | $65,000 CAD | $75,000 CAD |
| Our Price (complete package) | $84,900 CAD | $94,900 CAD |
Where the 305.5 E2 Wins
- Price — $10,000 less at every level. If budget matters, that's a real difference.
- Weight — 1,600 lbs lighter. Easier to transport, less ground pressure, less damage to finished surfaces. If you're doing a lot of backyard landscaping on established lawns, lighter is better.
- Fuel economy — Smaller engine burns less diesel. Over a year of daily use, you'll save $1,000-$2,000 in fuel.
- Trailer flexibility — At 12,100 lbs, it fits on virtually any equipment trailer. The 306 at 13,700 lbs starts pushing the limits of lighter trailers.
- Lower hours — Our 305.5 has ~2,222 hours vs ~2,750 on the 306 units. More life left on paper.
Where the 306 E2 Wins
- Power — 55.9 HP vs 44. That's 27% more power. You feel it when digging in hard clay, running a hammer, or loading heavy material into trucks.
- Dig depth — 13.5 ft vs 12 ft. That extra 1.5 feet means you can dig deeper utilities, septic systems, and foundation footings without repositioning.
- Reach — 21 ft vs 19 ft. Two extra feet of reach means fewer machine moves per day. On a big grading job, that adds up.
- Bucket force — 12,100 lbf vs 10,000. The 306 digs harder ground more efficiently. Less time struggling, more time producing.
- Attachment performance — More hydraulic flow means your hammer hits harder and your compactor packs tighter. If you're running attachments daily, the bigger machine works them better.
So Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the 305.5 E2 if: You're a landscaper, small contractor, or farmer who does mostly light-to-medium excavation. You want the lowest cost of entry and don't regularly dig deeper than 12 feet. You do a lot of work on lawns, driveways, and finished surfaces where weight matters.
Buy the 306 E2 if: You're a contractor who digs foundations, runs utilities, or does demolition work. You use a hydraulic hammer regularly. You want more power, more reach, and don't mind paying $10K more for a machine that handles harder work without straining.
The Real Answer: You Can't Go Wrong
Both machines are CAT. Both are non-DPF. Both are fully refurbished with new bushings and fresh paint. Both come with quick coupler, thumb, and digging bucket standard. Both can be bundled with brand new attachments for a complete package that's ready to work on day one.
The 305.5 is the lighter, cheaper, more nimble option. The 306 is the bigger, stronger, more capable option. Neither one is the "wrong" choice — it comes down to what work you're doing and what you want to spend.
If you're still not sure, call us. Tell us what jobs you do and we'll give you a straight recommendation — even if it means telling you to buy something else entirely. We'd rather help you buy the right machine than sell you the wrong one.
Current Availability
- CAT 305.5 E2 — 1 unit in stock. From $65,000 CAD (machine) / $84,900 (complete package).
- CAT 306 E2 — 2 units in stock. From $75,000 CAD (machine) / $94,900 (complete package).
- Attachments — Hydraulic hammers, buckets, compactors, and tracks available individually.
Ready to Decide?
Come see both machines in person in Kingston, Ontario — or call us and we'll walk you through the differences over the phone.
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