Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Wacker Neuson ET08
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is the bigger machine by 886kg and has 6kW more power.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR is the bigger machine by 886kg.
- Engine power: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 6kW more power.
- Dig depth: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR digs 77cm (2.5ft) deeper.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Wacker Neuson ET08 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 1,029 to 1,115 kg |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 1,766 mm |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 9.9 kW |
| Breakout force | - | 8.9 kN |
| Length | - | 2,850 mm |
| Width | - | 700 mm |
| Height | - | 2,261 mm |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Wacker Neuson ET08. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the 301.7 CR if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 886kg
- you want one that has 6kW more power
- you want one that digs 77cm (2.5ft) deeper
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 ET08 if...
A micro digger. At 1,029kg it is the machine people hire for back gardens, small drainage runs and work inside buildings. At 700 mm wide it goes through a standard side gate. It digs to 1,766 mm.
Full ET08 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Wacker Neuson ET08?
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is the bigger machine by 886kg and has 6kW more power. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Wacker Neuson ET08 is a micro excavator, under 1.3 tonnes.
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