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Diff in 2025 Cat 305 and 305.5

lmducks ยท 2025-12-22 15:47

Hey guys, I've started thinking about a new/newer Cat 305 and have seen several 2025 Cat 305.5 available at auction. not seeing the 305.5 on the US Caterpillar site. is this a model that isn't sold in the US now? Much different look than the standard 305. It looks much more basic inside. can anyone tell me a little bit about these. I don't want to buy an oddball that I can get parts for or can't handle the normal 305 attachments. Thanks for any assistance. Mark

Replies6
  1. #1Nige2025-12-22 16:17

    AFAIK the 305.5 was marketed in the USA from around 20 years ago. It iterated through B, D, E, & E2 models up to the latest 305.5 GC. All it needs is to check the Serial Number on the system. Provided that all the info pops up there should be no issues getting parts & service information. There may be one or two models that were intended only for the Japanese market.

  2. #2lmducks2025-12-22 16:28

    JGZ503399 this looks way too short but this is whats listed

  3. #3Nige2025-12-22 16:34

    Actually it's too long by one character. Only the last 8 of the 17-character PIN are the machine Serial Number. GZ503399 is a 305.5GC that was manufactured on 15th April 2025. Parts & service information are 100% available. Despite only being 8 months old it may not be a current model. It looks as though it may have been originally manufactured for the Chinese market. Can you post up a photo of the Serial Number/PIN plate.? Who has it for sale, a Cat dealer.?

  4. #4lmducks2025-12-23 09:19

    So was this machine intended for Japan? it looks so different than most. It has a very square body on it. My concern is does it have all the features and functionality of the regular Cat 305

  5. #5Nige2025-12-23 09:25

    I think (but not sure) that it was originally intended for the Chinese market. It may have been built in Japan or China (again not sure) but a photo of the PIN plate will answer that question.

  6. #6CM19952025-12-23 12:51

    I would stay away from the "new" 305.5's. We have a 2024 - 305 that is a very good machine. It's loaded with hydro coupler, cab with A/C and angle blade. The old 305.5's were a 305 with a longer stick. That "new" 305.5 is not intended for the US market and you will have some trouble with it. How much is anyone's guess.