2018 Caterpillar 305 Diesel

Hours 1010 · Year 2018 · Make Caterpillar · Model 305 · Category Excavator

Overview

This 2018 Caterpillar 305 Excavator, NLEQ# 147964, represents a strong balance of capability, efficiency, and value for serious buyers who expect a job-ready machine. With only 1,010 hours, diesel power, a crawler undercarriage, and a 24-inch bucket, this Caterpillar 305 offers the control and digging performance contractors demand on a wide range of projects. As with every unit offered by NLEQ, this excavator has been carefully tested and inspected before listing, so you can count on accurate, honest, and reliable information. If you are shopping for a used Caterpillar 305 excavator for sale, this 2018 unit is a compelling opportunity to add a versatile excavator to your fleet at a competitive $59,875 price point while avoiding the depreciation hit of new equipment.

Specifications

• NLEQ Stock Number: 147964
• Year: 2018
• Make: Caterpillar
• Model: 305
• Category: Excavator
• Hours: 1,010
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Drive: Crawler
• Bucket Size: 24"
• Price: $59,875

Only the details listed above are confirmed for this unit. Please contact NLEQ to verify any additional configuration or attachments you may require for your application.

Condition

NLEQ carefully tests and inspects every excavator prior to offering it for sale, and this 2018 Caterpillar 305 is no exception. The recorded 1,010 hours are a key indicator of light operational use for its age, and the machine has been evaluated so that buyers receive accurate and reliable information about its working status. Buyers can expect a work-ready excavator that reflects Caterpillar’s build quality, with diesel power for consistent performance and a crawler undercarriage for dependable traction. While specific cosmetic or component details should always be confirmed, NLEQ’s process is designed to give you confidence in what you are purchasing. If you want more clarity, ask our team for the latest inspection notes, a walk-around video, or additional photos to help you assess condition before the machine arrives on your jobsite.

Advantages

The Caterpillar 305 is well regarded for combining maneuverability with real digging and lifting capability, making it a staple on mixed-use jobsites. The diesel engine delivers strong torque at low RPM for trenching, backfilling, and handling materials efficiently, while also supporting fuel economy and long service life when maintained properly. The crawler undercarriage is a productivity advantage in soft, uneven, or sloped terrain because it spreads ground pressure and increases stability for precise digging and lifting. The included 24" bucket hits a sweet spot for utility work—narrow enough for efficient trenching and service line installation, yet large enough to move material and backfill without constant cycling. The 2018 model year helps ensure you benefit from Caterpillar’s more modern refinements in controls and hydraulics compared to older machines. Low hours (1,010) mean more usable life, fewer immediate wear concerns, and generally lower near-term maintenance risk compared with higher-hour alternatives. Finally, the asking price of $59,875 positions this excavator as a cost-effective upgrade or fleet addition, allowing you to preserve cash while stepping into Caterpillar reliability.

Applications

With diesel power, a crawler undercarriage, and a 24-inch bucket, this Caterpillar 305 Excavator is well-suited for a broad range of tasks across construction, utility, and site development. Typical applications include trenching for water, sewer, and electrical service; digging footings and foundations; stormwater and drainage improvements; backfilling and grading; light demolition and site clearing; setting small structures and tanks; and general material handling around the site. On tighter sites, the 305’s balanced footprint and control responsiveness make it easier to work close to structures and within easements. The 24" bucket allows efficient trench profiles and can reduce over-excavation, saving time and aggregate. The crawler setup brings stability when unloading trucks, shaping slopes, or working along uneven grades. If your work shifts from trenching to backfilling or handling compacted materials, the Caterpillar 305’s dependable hydraulics and stable stance support precise, repeatable operation, which translates to reduced rework and better finish quality.

Ownership Value

Choosing a used Caterpillar 305 Excavator with verified hours and a documented inspection from NLEQ helps reduce risk and protect your return on investment. Diesel engines in this class are known for durability and extended service intervals, and Caterpillar’s parts availability and dealer support infrastructure can help minimize downtime over the life of the machine. The 2018 model year offers a favorable balance between modern design and cost, letting you capture much of the performance of later units without paying a new-equipment premium. The crawler undercarriage contributes to predictable traction and grading performance, supporting consistent productivity across soil conditions. The 24" bucket provides a good day-to-day configuration for utility and residential contractors, with the option to swap to other bucket sizes or attachments if your requirements change. If you are comparing units that list features like a Cab, Heated Cab, A/C, Hydraulic Thumb, Quick Coupler, a Standard Leveling Blade, or Rubber Belted Tracks, know that these options can add comfort, speed attachment changes, protect surfaces, and enhance finishing work; please confirm the exact configuration on this NLEQ 147964 excavator. If you specifically need warranty coverage (for example, listings that indicate Warranty Remaining Through April 2026 or 3000 Hours), our team can help you verify availability on this unit or suggest comparable Caterpillar 305 machines that match those requirements.

Why This 305

Among used excavators in this size class, this 2018 Caterpillar 305 stands out for its practical specification and low-hour profile. The essentials are in place: a diesel engine for dependable torque and fuel efficiency, a crawler undercarriage for stability in varied conditions, and a 24" bucket for highly useful trenching and utility work. With just 1,010 hours and Caterpillar’s reputation for rugged construction and intuitive controls, this machine is well-positioned to deliver immediate productivity. The $59,875 price gives you a path to expand or refresh your fleet with a known, respected model, often at a total cost of ownership that is significantly lower than buying new. If you are standardizing on the Caterpillar 305 platform across crews, this unit can fit seamlessly into your operations and simplify training, parts, and service practices.

Why Buy from NLEQ

NLEQ is one of the top leaders in selling used heavy construction equipment, with a track record built on integrity and repeat customers. Every machine we list is carefully tested and inspected before being offered for sale, ensuring that buyers receive accurate, honest, and reliable information. Our team understands what contractors need from a used excavator: transparent hour reporting, straightforward condition insights, and no-nonsense guidance on specs that matter in the field. We focus on presenting real value, not just low prices—helping you match the right machine to your workload so you can hit the ground running. From coordinating shipping and providing additional photos and videos, to discussing options and attachments for your Caterpillar 305 Excavator, we make the buying process efficient and predictable. If you need to evaluate similar units or expand the search to other excavators, we can provide side-by-side comparisons to support a confident, informed decision.

Next Steps

Ready to move forward on this 2018 Caterpillar 305 Excavator, NLEQ# 147964? Contact our team to request the latest inspection details, confirm the machine’s configuration, and discuss any attachments you may want to pair with the 24" bucket. We can provide additional photos or a walk-around video, review transportation options, and deliver a fast, competitive quote. If you require features such as a Cab, Heated Cab, A/C, a Hydraulic Thumb, a Quick Coupler, a Standard Leveling Blade, or Rubber Belted Tracks, let us know so we can verify availability on this unit or recommend another Caterpillar 305 that matches your exact needs. Secure your purchase today at $59,875 and put this tested, inspected excavator to work on your next project with confidence.