Used CAT 305.5, 306 and 307.5 Mini Excavator for Sale: China Export Guide

Release time: 2026-11-02

Shanghai yards regularly stock compact Caterpillar excavators in the 305.5, 306 and 307.5 class. These mini machines dig trenches, work in city compounds and travel on a truck without special permits, which makes them popular with African and Latin American contractors who need a reliable Japanese-built CAT under 8 tons. This guide compares the three sizes, lists live stock examples, and explains how to buy a used CAT 305.5, 306 or 307.5 mini excavator from China.

Which mini CAT fits your job?

  • CAT 305.5 / 305.5E2 (about 5.5 tons): the compact all-rounder for landscaping, drainage and housing sites. Examples: 305.5E2 #797, 305.5E2 #846 and 305.5E2 #878.
  • CAT 306 / 306E2 (about 6 tons): a step up in digging force while still easy to truck. Examples: 306E2 #798 and 306E2 #880.
  • CAT 307.5 / 307E2 (about 7–7.5 tons): more reach and breakout for light demolition and loading small trucks. Examples: 307.5 #862 and 307E2 #851.

For a broader mini overview see our Kubota and CAT mini excavator guide. All current CAT units are listed under used Caterpillar excavators.

Video inspection checklist for mini CAT units

  1. Serial plate and hour meter in one uncut clip; confirm the model matches the listing (305.5E2 vs 306E2 vs 307.5).
  2. Cold start, smoke colour and idle stability; listen for unusual injector or pump noise.
  3. Full hydraulic cycle: boom, stick, bucket and swing at working RPM with no hesitation.
  4. Boom drift: hold a loaded bucket for one minute and watch for creeping.
  5. Pins, bushings and swing bearing play — mini machines work hard in tight spaces, so wear shows early.
  6. Undercarriage: track tension, sprocket teeth, roller flanges and shoe height.
  7. Auxiliary piping and quick coupler if you need a breaker or thumb.

Shipping mini excavators from Shanghai

Most 305.5–307.5 units fit an open-top container with the bucket removed; some go by RoRo when the destination has a car-carrier berth. Ask for FOB Shanghai and CIF quotes to ports such as Dar es Salaam, Mombasa, Lagos, Callao or Santos. Confirm age and inspection rules with your broker before you book. Our Africa import guide and Latin America guide cover the paperwork side.

Request stock and a walk-around video

Tell us the preferred model (305.5, 306 or 307.5), budget and destination port, and we will send available units with a live video. WhatsApp / Tel: +86 180 1734 8066 · www.ychs-machinery.com

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