Head to head
Bobcat E10z vs Caterpillar 301.7 CR
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 8kW more power and is the bigger machine by 739kg.
Last reviewed 2 November 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 8kW more power.
- Operating weight: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR is the bigger machine by 739kg.
- Dig depth: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR digs 72cm (2.5ft) deeper.
Specifications side by side
| Bobcat E10z | Caterpillar 301.7 CR | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,176 kg | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) |
| Dig depth | 1,820 mm | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) |
| Engine power | 7.5 kW | 15.7 kW (21 hp) |
| Retracted track width | 71 cm | - |
Sources: Bobcat E10z, Caterpillar 301.7 CR. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the E10z if...
The Bobcat E10z is a zero tail swing micro excavator built for confined internal and garden work, competing directly with the JCB 8008 CTS for the same narrow-access hire jobs. Its zero tail swing design lets it rotate its upper structure without the counterweight overhanging obstacles, unlike some other micro excavators of this size. It is typically hired for basement, extension and small landscaping work rather than bought outright.
Listed by
- Compact Plant Sales - Farnham
- Used Trailers Northern Ireland - GG Plant Sales - Dromore
- HG Plant Sales - Maldon, Langford
Buy or hire the 301.7 CR if...
- you want one that has 8kW more power
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 739kg
- you want one that digs 72cm (2.5ft) deeper
The Cat 301.7 CR is Caterpillar's roughly 2 tonne mini excavator, built around the Cat C1.1 engine and backed by Caterpillar's dealer network for parts and service. It is specified on UK sites for the same drainage, groundworks and utility jobs as the Kubota U27-4 and Takeuchi TB216, with buyers often citing Cat's residual values and dealer support over price. It is one of the smaller models in Caterpillar's wider mini excavator line-up, which extends up to around 10 tonnes.
Full 301.7 CR specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Bobcat E10z and the Caterpillar 301.7 CR?
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 8kW more power and is the bigger machine by 739kg. The Bobcat E10z is a a sub-1.2 tonne zero tail swing micro excavator; the Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator.
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