Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Takeuchi TB260
The Takeuchi TB260 is the bigger machine by 3,820kg and digs 1.35m (4.5ft) deeper.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Takeuchi TB260 is the bigger machine by 3,820kg.
- Dig depth: the Takeuchi TB260 digs 1.35m (4.5ft) deeper.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Takeuchi TB260 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 5735 kg |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 3895 mm |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | - |
| Dump height | - | 4220 mm |
| Breakout force | - | 43.2 kN |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Takeuchi TB260. 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 TB260 if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 3,820kg
- you want one that digs 1.35m (4.5ft) deeper
A 6 tonne class digger used by groundworks, drainage and civils contractors for deeper trenches, pipe laying and loading lorries. Hire fleets stock it as the step up from 3 to 4 tonne machines.
Full TB260 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Takeuchi TB260?
The Takeuchi TB260 is the bigger machine by 3,820kg and digs 1.35m (4.5ft) deeper. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Takeuchi TB260 is a 5.7 tonne compact excavator.
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