Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Mecalac TA6
The Mecalac TA6 has 39kW more power and is the bigger machine by 2,230kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Mecalac TA6 has 39kW more power.
- Operating weight: the Mecalac TA6 is the bigger machine by 2,230kg.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Mecalac TA6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 4145 kg (9138 lb) to 4345 kg (9579 lb) |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 55 kW (74hp) |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | - |
| Payload | - | 6000 kg |
| Travel speed | - | 25 km/h |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Mecalac TA6. 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 TA6 if...
- you want one that has 39kW more power
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 2,230kg
A 6 tonne site dumper for groundworks, drainage and general site haulage on UK sites, with a choice of front or swivel skip. It has a foldable ROPS bar with side protection gates.
Full TA6 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Mecalac TA6?
The Mecalac TA6 has 39kW more power and is the bigger machine by 2,230kg. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Mecalac TA6 is a 6 tonne site dumper with straight or swivel skip.
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