Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs JCB 8018 CTS
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is the bigger machine by 93kg and digs 7cm deeper.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR is the bigger machine by 93kg.
- Dig depth: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR digs 7cm deeper.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | JCB 8018 CTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 1,822kg with cab, standard dipper, 18in bucket, full tanks and operator |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 2,470mm with dozer blade raised, 2,570mm lowered |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | - |
| Maximum reach | - | 4,028mm |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, JCB 8018 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 93kg
- you want one that digs 7cm 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 8018 CTS if...
A very compact machine for groundworkers and landscapers working in domestic gardens, narrow access sites and occasionally indoors. The small footprint is the whole selling point over a 2 to 3 tonne machine, and it is what decides whether the job is possible at all.
Full 8018 CTS specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the JCB 8018 CTS?
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is the bigger machine by 93kg and digs 7cm deeper. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the JCB 8018 CTS is a 1.8 tonne tracked mini excavator.
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