Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Kubota K008-5
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 8kW more power and is the bigger machine by 940kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 8kW more power.
- Operating weight: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR is the bigger machine by 940kg.
- Dig depth: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR digs 82cm (2.5ft) deeper.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Kubota K008-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 975kg |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 1,720mm |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 7.6kW |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Kubota K008-5. 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 has 8kW more power
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 940kg
- you want one that digs 82cm (2.5ft) 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 K008-5 if...
The smallest class of digger, used by landscapers and utility contractors for work inside buildings, through standard doorways or in back gardens where nothing larger will fit. Its retractable undercarriage narrows it further for tight access.
Listed by
- McGovern Plant Hire - Hounslow, Cranford
- Compact Plant Sales - Farnham
Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Kubota K008-5?
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 8kW more power and is the bigger machine by 940kg. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Kubota K008-5 is a 0.8 tonne micro excavator.
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