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Head to head

Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Yanmar ViO33-6

The Yanmar ViO33-6 is the bigger machine by 1,240kg and has 3kW more power.

Last reviewed 13 September 2026

Caterpillar 301.7 CR
Caterpillar 301.7 CR - image: Caterpillar
Yanmar ViO33-6
Yanmar ViO33-6 - image: Field & Forest Machinery Ltd

Key differences

Specifications side by side

Caterpillar 301.7 CRYanmar ViO33-6
Operating weight1,915 kg (4,222 lb)3155 kg (canopy) / 3275 kg (cabin)
Engine power15.7 kW (21 hp)18.5 kW / 24.8 HP at 2200 rpm
Dig depth2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick)-
Breakout force-29.9 kN
Fuel tank-41 l

Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Yanmar ViO33-6. 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 ViO33-6 if...

  • you want one that is the bigger machine by 1,240kg
  • you want one that has 3kW more power

A zero-tail swing digger for groundworkers, utility contractors and hire fleets on trenching, drainage and foundations beside walls and fences. Suits urban sites with limited space.

Full ViO33-6 specifications →

Common questions

What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Yanmar ViO33-6?

The Yanmar ViO33-6 is the bigger machine by 1,240kg and has 3kW more power. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Yanmar ViO33-6 is a 3.2 tonne zero-tail mini excavator.

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