Head to head
Bobcat E17z vs Caterpillar 301.7 CR
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 6kW more power and digs 31cm (1ft) deeper.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 6kW more power.
- Dig depth: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR digs 31cm (1ft) deeper.
- Operating weight: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR is the bigger machine by 203kg.
Specifications side by side
| Bobcat E17z | Caterpillar 301.7 CR | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1712kg | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) |
| Dig depth | 2230mm | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) |
| Engine power | 10.1kW | 15.7 kW (21 hp) |
| Breakout force | 11.92kN | - |
Sources: Bobcat E17z, Caterpillar 301.7 CR. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the E17z if...
The 1.5 tonne class is the busiest size in UK hire fleets. At 1,712kg it goes on a braked plant trailer behind a large 4x4 or pickup, and digs to 2230mm for footings, drainage runs and fence posts. Zero tail swing means the back of the machine stays inside the tracks when it slews, so it can work tight against a wall or in one lane of a road.
Full E17z specifications →Buy or hire the 301.7 CR if...
- you want one that has 6kW more power
- you want one that digs 31cm (1ft) deeper
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 203kg
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 E17z and the Caterpillar 301.7 CR?
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 6kW more power and digs 31cm (1ft) deeper. The Bobcat E17z is a 1.5 tonne class mini excavator, zero tail swing; the Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator.
GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Model and brand names are the trademarks of their owners.