Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs JCB 6ST-2S5 Swivel
The JCB 6ST-2S5 Swivel is the bigger machine by 2,925kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the JCB 6ST-2S5 Swivel is the bigger machine by 2,925kg.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | JCB 6ST-2S5 Swivel | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 4,840kg |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | - |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | - |
| Skip capacity | - | 3,191 litres (heaped) |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, JCB 6ST-2S5 Swivel. 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 6ST-2S5 Swivel if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 2,925kg
Suits groundworkers who need to tip to the side or rear without turning the whole machine, useful in trenches or narrow access where reversing to line up a straight-tip skip is awkward. The 6 tonne capacity sits in the middle of JCB's swivel dumper range.
Listed by
- McGovern Plant Hire - Hounslow, Cranford
Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the JCB 6ST-2S5 Swivel?
The JCB 6ST-2S5 Swivel is the bigger machine by 2,925kg. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the JCB 6ST-2S5 Swivel is a 6 tonne swivel-skip site dumper.
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