Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Kubota KX027-4
The Kubota KX027-4 digs 20cm deeper.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Dig depth: the Kubota KX027-4 digs 20cm deeper.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Kubota KX027-4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 2740mm |
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | - |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | - |
| Width | - | 1400mm |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Kubota KX027-4. 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 KX027-4 if...
- you want one that digs 20cm deeper
The 1.5 tonne class is the busiest size in UK hire fleets. In this size it digs to 2740mm for footings, drainage runs and fence posts.
Listed by
- Standard Plant Hire - Keston
Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Kubota KX027-4?
The Kubota KX027-4 digs 20cm deeper. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Kubota KX027-4 is a 1.5 tonne class mini excavator.
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