Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Hitachi ZX75US-5
The Hitachi ZX75US-5 is the bigger machine by 6,815kg and has 27kW more power.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Hitachi ZX75US-5 is the bigger machine by 6,815kg.
- Engine power: the Hitachi ZX75US-5 has 27kW more power.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Hitachi ZX75US-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 8730kg (19,244lb) |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 42.4kW (56.9hp) |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | - |
| Max digging depth | - | 4.61m (15'1") |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Hitachi ZX75US-5. 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 ZX75US-5 if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 6,815kg
- you want one that has 27kW more power
A 7-8 tonne excavator with a reduced tail swing radius, letting it work close to walls and in restricted urban sites. A common size in UK plant hire fleets for groundworks and drainage.
Listed by
- Red Plant Sales Ltd - Colchester, Frating
Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Hitachi ZX75US-5?
The Hitachi ZX75US-5 is the bigger machine by 6,815kg and has 27kW more power. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Hitachi ZX75US-5 is a reduced tail swing excavator.
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