Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Yanmar ViO23-6
The Yanmar ViO23-6 is the bigger machine by 330kg. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 1kW more power.
Last reviewed 6 October 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Yanmar ViO23-6 is the bigger machine by 330kg.
- Engine power: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 1kW more power.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Yanmar ViO23-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 2245 kg (Canopy) / 2405 kg (Cabin) |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 2450 / 2655 mm |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 14.6 kW at 2400 rpm |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Yanmar ViO23-6. 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 has 1kW more power
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 ViO23-6 if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 330kg
A compact mini excavator that keeps within its track width when slewing, used by landscapers, groundworkers and hire fleets for work beside walls, fences and buildings. It can be moved on a trailer behind a pickup or van.
Full ViO23-6 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Yanmar ViO23-6?
The Yanmar ViO23-6 is the bigger machine by 330kg. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 1kW more power. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Yanmar ViO23-6 is a 2.3 tonne zero tailswing mini excavator.
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