Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Mecalac 6MCR
The Mecalac 6MCR has 538kW more power and is the bigger machine by 3,785kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Mecalac 6MCR has 538kW more power.
- Operating weight: the Mecalac 6MCR is the bigger machine by 3,785kg.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Mecalac 6MCR | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 5700 kg (12,600 lb) / 6100 kg (13,500 lb) |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 55,4 kW |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | - |
| Tail swing radius | - | 1170 mm |
| Travel speed | - | 10 km/h |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Mecalac 6MCR. 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 6MCR if...
- you want one that has 538kW more power
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 3,785kg
A compact crawler excavator for utility trenching, landscaping and work between buildings where a 2 tonne class footprint is needed with 6 tonne digging performance. Used by groundworks and utility contractors on tight UK sites.
Full 6MCR specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Mecalac 6MCR?
The Mecalac 6MCR has 538kW more power and is the bigger machine by 3,785kg. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Mecalac 6MCR is a 6 tonne crawler skid-excavator with compact tail swing.
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