Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs JCB 3CX
The JCB 3CX is the bigger machine by 6,220kg and digs 1.7m (5.5ft) deeper.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the JCB 3CX is the bigger machine by 6,220kg.
- Dig depth: the JCB 3CX digs 1.7m (5.5ft) deeper.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | JCB 3CX | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 8,135kg standard and Contractor, 8,435kg on 3CX Super |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 4.24m with standard dipper, up to 5.46m with Extradig |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | - |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, JCB 3CX. 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 3CX if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 6,220kg
- you want one that digs 1.7m (5.5ft) deeper
The machine most people picture when they think of a building site, and still the default where one machine has to both dig and load. Groundworkers and utilities contractors buy it precisely to avoid putting two machines on a small site.
Full 3CX specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the JCB 3CX?
The JCB 3CX is the bigger machine by 6,220kg and digs 1.7m (5.5ft) deeper. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the JCB 3CX is a wheeled backhoe loader.
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