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Head to head

Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Wacker Neuson ET65

The Wacker Neuson ET65 is the bigger machine by 4,163kg and has 26kW more power.

Last reviewed 13 September 2026

Caterpillar 301.7 CR
Caterpillar 301.7 CR - image: Caterpillar
Wacker Neuson ET65
Wacker Neuson ET65 - image: wackerneuson.co.uk

Key differences

Specifications side by side

Caterpillar 301.7 CRWacker Neuson ET65
Operating weight1,915 kg (4,222 lb)6,078 to 7,358 kg
Dig depth2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick)4,184 mm
Engine power15.7 kW (21 hp)42 kW
Breakout force-50.7 kN
Length-6,137 mm
Width-1,950 mm
Height-2,478 mm

Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Wacker Neuson ET65. 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 ET65 if...

  • you want one that is the bigger machine by 4,163kg
  • you want one that has 26kW more power
  • you want one that digs 1.64m (5.5ft) deeper

A 6 to 10 tonne machine for site clearance, drainage and bulk digging, often run with a dumper alongside. At 6.1 tonnes it moves on a lorry or low-loader. Dig depth is 4,184 mm.

Listed by

Full ET65 specifications →

Common questions

What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Wacker Neuson ET65?

The Wacker Neuson ET65 is the bigger machine by 4,163kg and has 26kW more power. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Wacker Neuson ET65 is a tracked excavator, 6 to 10 tonnes.

GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Model and brand names are the trademarks of their owners.