Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator. The Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E is a a 22 tonne class crawler excavator for medium civils and groundworks.
Last reviewed 2 November 2026
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 20,470 - 25,760 kg |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | - |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | - |
| Gross power | - | 129 kW |
| Bucket capacity | - | 0.48 - 1.44 m3 |
| Max. digging depth | - | 6,730 mm |
| Max. digging reach | - | 9,930 mm |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E. 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 EC220E if...
The Volvo EC220E is a mid-size crawler excavator used on larger UK groundworks, civils and demolition sites where a mini or midi excavator no longer has the reach or bucket capacity needed. Its Stage V D6 engine and Volvo cab are aimed at operators running long shifts. It is specified against similarly sized excavators from Caterpillar, Komatsu and Hitachi in the 20-22 tonne class.
Full EC220E specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E?
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E is a a 22 tonne class crawler excavator for medium civils and groundworks.
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