Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Merlo P27.6 PLUS
The Merlo P27.6 PLUS has 538kW more power and is the bigger machine by 2,935kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Merlo P27.6 PLUS has 538kW more power.
- Operating weight: the Merlo P27.6 PLUS is the bigger machine by 2,935kg.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Merlo P27.6 PLUS | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 4850 kg |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 55,4 kW at 2,200 rpm |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | - |
| Load capacity | - | 2700 kg |
| Lifting height | - | 5.9 m |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Merlo P27.6 PLUS. 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 P27.6 PLUS if...
- you want one that has 538kW more power
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 2,935kg
A compact telehandler for building sites, farms, estates and landscaping where space is tight but 2.7 tonne lifts to about 6 metres are needed.
Full P27.6 PLUS specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Merlo P27.6 PLUS?
The Merlo P27.6 PLUS has 538kW more power and is the bigger machine by 2,935kg. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Merlo P27.6 PLUS is a compact 2.7 tonne telehandler.
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