Head to head
Bobcat E55z vs Caterpillar 301.7 CR
The Bobcat E55z is the bigger machine by 3,356kg and has 21kW more power.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Bobcat E55z is the bigger machine by 3,356kg.
- Engine power: the Bobcat E55z has 21kW more power.
- Dig depth: the Bobcat E55z digs 89cm (3ft) deeper.
Specifications side by side
| Bobcat E55z | Caterpillar 301.7 CR | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 5271kg | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) |
| Dig depth | 3434mm | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) |
| Engine power | 36.4kW | 15.7 kW (21 hp) |
| Breakout force | 30.99kN | - |
Sources: Bobcat E55z, Caterpillar 301.7 CR. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the E55z if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 3,356kg
- you want one that has 21kW more power
- you want one that digs 89cm (3ft) deeper
A midi excavator for groundworks, utilities and landscaping contractors. At 5.3 tonnes it arrives on a lorry rather than behind a car. It digs to 3434mm. 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
Buy or hire the 301.7 CR if...
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 E55z and the Caterpillar 301.7 CR?
The Bobcat E55z is the bigger machine by 3,356kg and has 21kW more power. The Bobcat E55z is a midi excavator, zero tail swing, 3 to 6 tonnes; 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.