Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Niftylift HR15 4x4
The Niftylift HR15 4x4 is the bigger machine by 2,585kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Niftylift HR15 4x4 is the bigger machine by 2,585kg.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Niftylift HR15 4x4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 4,500kg diesel, 4,800kg hybrid, stated as minimum |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | - |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | - |
| Working height | - | 15.7m (51ft 6in) |
| Working outreach | - | 9.4m (31ft) |
| Platform capacity | - | 225kg |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Niftylift HR15 4x4. 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 HR15 4x4 if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 2,585kg
A British-built boom lift favoured by hire fleets for its narrow 2m width and tight turning circle, which let it reach working heights that normally require a much larger machine on a more constrained site. The flexible boom design allows working up and over obstacles.
Full HR15 4x4 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Niftylift HR15 4x4?
The Niftylift HR15 4x4 is the bigger machine by 2,585kg. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Niftylift HR15 4x4 is a self-propelled articulating boom lift.
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