Head to head
Bobcat S450 vs Caterpillar 301.7 CR
The Bobcat S450 has 20kW more power and is the bigger machine by 450kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Bobcat S450 has 20kW more power.
- Operating weight: the Bobcat S450 is the bigger machine by 450kg.
Specifications side by side
| Bobcat S450 | Caterpillar 301.7 CR | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 2365kg | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) |
| Engine power | 35.9kW rated (48.1kW max, Kubota V2403 diesel) | 15.7 kW (21 hp) |
| Rated operating capacity | 608kg (ISO 14397-1) | - |
| Lift height | 2.8m | - |
| Tipping load | 1215kg | - |
| Dig depth | - | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) |
Sources: Bobcat S450, Caterpillar 301.7 CR. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the S450 if...
- you want one that has 20kW more power
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 450kg
Bobcat's entry-level skid steer, small enough for tight domestic and groundworks sites but still able to run a full range of buckets and attachments. Plant hire fleets keep it as their smallest skid steer for jobs a mini digger cannot reach.
Listed by
- JMP Plant Hire Essex - Ingatestone, Norton Heath
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 S450 and the Caterpillar 301.7 CR?
The Bobcat S450 has 20kW more power and is the bigger machine by 450kg. The Bobcat S450 is a compact skid steer loader; 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.