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Head to head

Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Develon DX85R-7

The Develon DX85R-7 is the bigger machine by 7,613kg and has 33kW more power.

Last reviewed 6 October 2026

Caterpillar 301.7 CR
Caterpillar 301.7 CR - image: Caterpillar
DX85R-7
Develon DX85R-7

Key differences

Specifications side by side

Caterpillar 301.7 CRDevelon DX85R-7
Operating weight1,915 kg (4,222 lb)9528 kg
Dig depth2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick)4110 / 4670 mm (standard / long arm)
Engine power15.7 kW (21 hp)48.5 kW (65 hp) @ 2100 rpm
Bucket capacity-0.28 m3

Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Develon DX85R-7. 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 DX85R-7 if...

  • you want one that is the bigger machine by 7,613kg
  • you want one that has 33kW more power

A midi excavator for deeper drainage, ducting and foundation work where a mini digger is too small but a full size machine is not needed. It is used by civils contractors and plant hire fleets on road and utility sites.

Full DX85R-7 specifications →

Common questions

What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Develon DX85R-7?

The Develon DX85R-7 is the bigger machine by 7,613kg and has 33kW more power. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Develon DX85R-7 is a 9.5 tonne midi excavator.

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