Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs JCB STH-2S5 Swivel
The JCB STH-2S5 Swivel is the bigger machine by 475kg and has 3kW more power.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the JCB STH-2S5 Swivel is the bigger machine by 475kg.
- Engine power: the JCB STH-2S5 Swivel has 3kW more power.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | JCB STH-2S5 Swivel | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 2,390kg |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 18.9kW |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | - |
| Skip capacity | - | 1,615 litres (heaped) |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, JCB STH-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 STH-2S5 Swivel if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 475kg
- you want one that has 3kW more power
A compact swivel dumper for smaller groundworks and landscaping contractors who need to tip to the side without repositioning, popular on domestic extension and garden sites where access is tight.
Listed by
- McGovern Plant Hire - Hounslow, Cranford
Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the JCB STH-2S5 Swivel?
The JCB STH-2S5 Swivel is the bigger machine by 475kg and has 3kW more power. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the JCB STH-2S5 Swivel is a 3 tonne swivel-skip site dumper.
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