Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Caterpillar D3
The Caterpillar D3 has 62kW more power and is the bigger machine by 7,447kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Caterpillar D3 has 62kW more power.
- Operating weight: the Caterpillar D3 is the bigger machine by 7,447kg.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Caterpillar D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 9362kg (20,640lb) |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 77.6kW (104hp) |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | - |
| Blade capacity | - | 2.19m3, or 2.34m3 with LGP tracks |
| Engine | - | Cat C3.6 |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Caterpillar D3. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
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 →Buy or hire the D3 if...
- you want one that has 62kW more power
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 7,447kg
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 Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Caterpillar D3?
The Caterpillar D3 has 62kW more power and is the bigger machine by 7,447kg. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Caterpillar D3 is a small crawler dozer.
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