Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Kubota U36-4
The Kubota U36-4 is the bigger machine by 1,840kg and digs 87cm (3ft) deeper.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Kubota U36-4 is the bigger machine by 1,840kg.
- Dig depth: the Kubota U36-4 digs 87cm (3ft) deeper.
- Engine power: the Kubota U36-4 has 2kW more power.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Kubota U36-4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 3755 kg |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 3410 mm |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 17.8 kw |
| Width | - | 1700 mm |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Kubota U36-4. 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 U36-4 if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 1,840kg
- you want one that digs 87cm (3ft) deeper
- you want one that has 2kW more power
A zero-tail swing digger for builders, utility firms and hire fleets working beside walls, fences and live traffic. Common for trenching, foundations and drainage on urban sites.
Full U36-4 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Kubota U36-4?
The Kubota U36-4 is the bigger machine by 1,840kg and digs 87cm (3ft) deeper. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Kubota U36-4 is a 3.5 tonne zero-tail swing compact excavator.
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