Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs JCB 3CX Compact
The JCB 3CX Compact has 39kW more power and is the bigger machine by 4,155kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the JCB 3CX Compact has 39kW more power.
- Operating weight: the JCB 3CX Compact is the bigger machine by 4,155kg.
- Dig depth: the JCB 3CX Compact digs 2.46m (8ft) deeper.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | JCB 3CX Compact | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 6070 kg |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 5 m |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 55 kW |
| Travel Speed | - | 40 kph |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, JCB 3CX Compact. 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 Compact if...
- you want one that has 39kW more power
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 4,155kg
- you want one that digs 2.46m (8ft) deeper
Aimed at utility, highways and town-centre work where a full-size backhoe will not fit. Used for trenching, loading and breaking out on narrow roads, estates and tight sites.
Full 3CX Compact specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the JCB 3CX Compact?
The JCB 3CX Compact has 39kW more power and is the bigger machine by 4,155kg. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the JCB 3CX Compact is a compact backhoe loader about 2 m wide.
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