Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs JCB 86C-2
The JCB 86C-2 is the bigger machine by 6,685kg and has 32kW more power.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the JCB 86C-2 is the bigger machine by 6,685kg.
- Engine power: the JCB 86C-2 has 32kW more power.
- Dig depth: the JCB 86C-2 digs 1.98m (6.5ft) deeper.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | JCB 86C-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 8600 kg |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 4.52 m |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 48 kW |
| Dump height | - | 5.39 m |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, JCB 86C-2. 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 86C-2 if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 6,685kg
- you want one that has 32kW more power
- you want one that digs 1.98m (6.5ft) deeper
Used by groundworks and civils contractors for deeper trenching, pipe laying and loading on housing and utility sites. Hire fleets stock it as the step between mini diggers and full-size excavators.
Full 86C-2 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the JCB 86C-2?
The JCB 86C-2 is the bigger machine by 6,685kg and has 32kW more power. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the JCB 86C-2 is a 8.6 tonne conventional-tailswing midi excavator.
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