Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Thwaites MACH2080 (3 Tonne Power Swivel)
The Thwaites MACH2080 (3 Tonne Power Swivel) has 2kW more power.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Thwaites MACH2080 (3 Tonne Power Swivel) has 2kW more power.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Thwaites MACH2080 (3 Tonne Power Swivel) | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 18.1 kW / 24.3 bhp at 2,000 rpm |
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | - |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | - |
| Payload | - | 3,000 kg |
| Unladen weight | - | 2,250 kg |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Thwaites MACH2080 (3 Tonne Power Swivel). 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 MACH2080 (3 Tonne Power Swivel) if...
- you want one that has 2kW more power
The Thwaites 3 Tonne Power Swivel, badged MACH2080, is the step-up size from the 1 tonne class and a standard fixture on larger UK groundworks and civils sites needing higher payload per cycle. Its power swivel skip rotates independently of the direction of travel, letting the operator tip to the side without turning the whole machine around. It is hired alongside excavators of a similar class to keep material moving off the dig face.
Full MACH2080 (3 Tonne Power Swivel) specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Thwaites MACH2080 (3 Tonne Power Swivel)?
The Thwaites MACH2080 (3 Tonne Power Swivel) has 2kW more power. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Thwaites MACH2080 (3 Tonne Power Swivel) is a a 3 tonne payload swivel-skip site dumper.
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