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Head to head

Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Kubota U10-5

The Caterpillar 301.7 CR digs 74cm (2.5ft) deeper.

Last reviewed 13 September 2026

301.7 CR
Caterpillar 301.7 CR
Kubota U10-5
Kubota U10-5 - image: kubota-eu.com

Key differences

Specifications side by side

Caterpillar 301.7 CRKubota U10-5
Dig depth2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick)1800mm
Operating weight1,915 kg (4,222 lb)-
Engine power15.7 kW (21 hp)-

Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Kubota U10-5. 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 digs 74cm (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 U10-5 if...

The 1.5 tonne class is the busiest size in UK hire fleets. In this size it digs to 1800mm for footings, drainage runs and fence posts.

Listed by

Full U10-5 specifications →

Common questions

What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Kubota U10-5?

The Caterpillar 301.7 CR digs 74cm (2.5ft) deeper. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Kubota U10-5 is a 1.5 tonne class mini excavator.

GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Model and brand names are the trademarks of their owners.