Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Volvo FMX 540
The Volvo FMX 540 has 387kW more power.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Volvo FMX 540 has 387kW more power.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Volvo FMX 540 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 540bhp (D13, Euro 6) |
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | - |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | - |
| Gross weight | - | 32,000kg (32 tonne) |
| Payload | - | 20,000kg |
| Axles | - | 8x4 |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Volvo FMX 540. 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 FMX 540 if...
- you want one that has 387kW more power
A heavy construction truck for muckaway and aggregate haulage contractors who need an 8-wheel tipper or tipper-grab body on a chassis built for site conditions rather than motorway haulage. The high-output D13 engine suits loaded running on soft or hilly access roads.
Listed by
- McGovern Plant Hire - Hounslow, Cranford
Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Volvo FMX 540?
The Volvo FMX 540 has 387kW more power. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Volvo FMX 540 is a 540bhp 8x4 heavy tipper/grab truck.
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