Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs JCB 8008 CTS
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is the bigger machine by 909kg and digs 85cm (3ft) deeper.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR is the bigger machine by 909kg.
- Dig depth: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR digs 85cm (3ft) deeper.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | JCB 8008 CTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 1,006 kg |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 1.69 m |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | - |
| Transport width | - | 0.7 m |
| Transport length | - | 2.68 m |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, JCB 8008 CTS. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the 301.7 CR if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 909kg
- you want one that digs 85cm (3ft) deeper
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 8008 CTS if...
The JCB 8008 CTS is a micro excavator sized to fit through a standard doorway, making it a fixture on UK internal strip-out, basement and confined-access hire fleets. Its short tail swing lets it work close to walls in spaces a 1.5-2 tonne machine cannot reach. It is typically hired for a specific job rather than bought outright.
Listed by
- Compact Plant Sales - Farnham
Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the JCB 8008 CTS?
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is the bigger machine by 909kg and digs 85cm (3ft) deeper. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the JCB 8008 CTS is a a sub-1 tonne micro excavator for confined-space and internal demolition work.
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