Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs JCB 35Z-1
The JCB 35Z-1 is the bigger machine by 1,641kg and digs 94cm (3ft) deeper.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the JCB 35Z-1 is the bigger machine by 1,641kg.
- Dig depth: the JCB 35Z-1 digs 94cm (3ft) deeper.
- Engine power: the JCB 35Z-1 has 3kW more power.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | JCB 35Z-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 3556 kg |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 3.48 m |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 18.4 kW |
| Dump height | - | 3.53 m |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, JCB 35Z-1. 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 35Z-1 if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 1,641kg
- you want one that digs 94cm (3ft) deeper
- you want one that has 3kW more power
A common step up from the 2 to 3 tonne diggers for house foundations, utility trenching and landscaping on tight urban sites. Zero tailswing lets it slew close to walls and traffic.
Full 35Z-1 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the JCB 35Z-1?
The JCB 35Z-1 is the bigger machine by 1,641kg and digs 94cm (3ft) deeper. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the JCB 35Z-1 is a 3.5 tonne zero-tailswing mini excavator.
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