Head to head
Bobcat E17z vs Caterpillar D3
The Caterpillar D3 has 68kW more power and is the bigger machine by 7,650kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Caterpillar D3 has 68kW more power.
- Operating weight: the Caterpillar D3 is the bigger machine by 7,650kg.
Specifications side by side
| Bobcat E17z | Caterpillar D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1712kg | 9362kg (20,640lb) |
| Engine power | 10.1kW | 77.6kW (104hp) |
| Dig depth | 2230mm | - |
| Breakout force | 11.92kN | - |
| Blade capacity | - | 2.19m3, or 2.34m3 with LGP tracks |
| Engine | - | Cat C3.6 |
Sources: Bobcat E17z, Caterpillar D3. 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.
Listed by
- Compact Plant Sales - Farnham
- HG Plant Sales - Maldon, Langford
Buy or hire the D3 if...
- you want one that has 68kW more power
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 7,650kg
Caterpillar's smallest crawler dozer, used for fine grading, landscaping and confined-site work where a full-size dozer won't fit. Common in UK plant hire fleets alongside mini excavators.
Listed by
- B & T Plant Hire - Gravesend
- B & T Plant Hire Ltd - Morden
Common questions
What is the difference between the Bobcat E17z and the Caterpillar D3?
The Caterpillar D3 has 68kW more power and is the bigger machine by 7,650kg. The Bobcat E17z is a 1.5 tonne class mini excavator, zero tail swing; the Caterpillar D3 is a small crawler dozer.
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.