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Head to head

Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Hitachi ZX210LC-7

The Hitachi ZX210LC-7 is the bigger machine by 19,985kg and has 113kW more power.

Last reviewed 13 September 2026

Caterpillar 301.7 CR
Caterpillar 301.7 CR - image: Caterpillar
Hitachi ZX210LC-7
Hitachi ZX210LC-7 - image: Hitachi Construction Machinery

Key differences

Specifications side by side

Caterpillar 301.7 CRHitachi ZX210LC-7
Operating weight1,915 kg (4,222 lb)21,900 - 23,900kg
Dig depth2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick)6,180mm
Engine power15.7 kW (21 hp)128.4kW (ISO14396) / 122kW (ISO9249)

Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Hitachi ZX210LC-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 ZX210LC-7 if...

  • you want one that is the bigger machine by 19,985kg
  • you want one that has 113kW more power
  • you want one that digs 3.64m (12ft) deeper

A mainstream medium excavator for groundworks, bulk dig and drainage contractors who need reliable output without stepping up to a large-plant class. A common size for muckshifting and foundation packages on housing and commercial sites.

Listed by

Full ZX210LC-7 specifications →

Common questions

What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Hitachi ZX210LC-7?

The Hitachi ZX210LC-7 is the bigger machine by 19,985kg and has 113kW more power. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Hitachi ZX210LC-7 is a 21-24 tonne long-undercarriage crawler excavator.

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