Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Mecalac 9MDX
The Mecalac 9MDX has 538kW more power and is the bigger machine by 3.4 tonnes.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Mecalac 9MDX has 538kW more power.
- Operating weight: the Mecalac 9MDX is the bigger machine by 3.4 tonnes.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Mecalac 9MDX | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 5315 kg (11718 lb) to 5715 kg (12600 lb) |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 55,4 kW (74 hp) |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | - |
| Payload | - | 9000 kg |
| Travel speed | - | 25 km/h |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Mecalac 9MDX. 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 9MDX if...
- you want one that has 538kW more power
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 3.4 tonnes
A 9 tonne dumper with a fully enclosed ROPS/FOPS cab for bulk earthmoving, civils and road works on UK sites. Available with front tip or swivel skip.
Full 9MDX specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Mecalac 9MDX?
The Mecalac 9MDX has 538kW more power and is the bigger machine by 3.4 tonnes. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Mecalac 9MDX is a 9 tonne cabbed site dumper.
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