Model against model
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs SANY SY26U
Two models people put on the same shortlist. Every figure below is sourced, and where one side has a specification the other does not publish, the row is left out rather than filled with a guess.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | SANY SY26U | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 2,660 kg |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 2,810 mm |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 14.6 kW at 2,400 rpm |
Only specifications published for both models appear here. Full Caterpillar 301.7 CR figures and full SANY SY26U figures.
Choose 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 specifications →Choose the SY26U if...
The SANY SY26U is a 2.6 tonne mini excavator positioned as a value alternative to the established Kubota, JCB and Takeuchi machines in the same size class, sold in the UK through a small number of appointed dealers. SANY's UK presence is newer and thinner than the market leaders, so buyers weigh the lower purchase price against a less mature parts and resale network. It is more often bought outright by owner-operators than stocked in volume by the large national hire fleets.
Full specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the SANY SY26U?
Caterpillar 301.7 CR: 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. SANY SY26U: The SANY SY26U is a 2.6 tonne mini excavator positioned as a value alternative to the established Kubota, JCB and Takeuchi machines in the same size class, sold in the UK through a small number of appointed dealers. SANY's UK presence is newer and thinner than the market leaders, so buyers weigh the lower purchase price against a less mature parts and resale network. It is more often bought outright by owner-operators than stocked in volume by the large national hire fleets.
Are these figures reliable?
Every figure on this page was read off a manufacturer or established dealer page and is linked to its source. Anything we could not verify is left out rather than estimated. Specifications change by model year and configuration, so confirm with the supplier before relying on them.
GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Model and brand names are the trademarks of their owners.