Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Yanmar ViO38-6
The Yanmar ViO38-6 is the bigger machine by 1,660kg and digs 75cm (2.5ft) deeper.
Last reviewed 6 October 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Yanmar ViO38-6 is the bigger machine by 1,660kg.
- Dig depth: the Yanmar ViO38-6 digs 75cm (2.5ft) deeper.
- Engine power: the Yanmar ViO38-6 has 3kW more power.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Yanmar ViO38-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 3575 kg (canopy) / 3695 kg (cabin) |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 3290 mm / 3530mm* |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 18.9 kW / 25.3 HP at 2200 rpm |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Yanmar ViO38-6. 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 ViO38-6 if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 1,660kg
- you want one that digs 75cm (2.5ft) deeper
- you want one that has 3kW more power
A mid-size mini excavator for drainage, foundations and utility work where a 3 to 4 tonne machine is wanted with a short rear swing. Contractors and hire fleets use it on housing plots and roadside trenching.
Full ViO38-6 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Yanmar ViO38-6?
The Yanmar ViO38-6 is the bigger machine by 1,660kg and digs 75cm (2.5ft) deeper. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Yanmar ViO38-6 is a 3.8 tonne zero tailswing mini excavator.
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