Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Develon DX17Z-7
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 4kW more power and digs 34cm (1ft) deeper.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 4kW more power.
- Dig depth: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR digs 34cm (1ft) deeper.
- Operating weight: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR is the bigger machine by 5kg.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Develon DX17Z-7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 1,910 kg (4,211 lb) |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 2,200 mm (7 ft 3 in) |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 11.9 kW (16.0 hp) at 2,400 rpm |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Develon DX17Z-7. 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 4kW more power
- you want one that digs 34cm (1ft) deeper
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 5kg
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 DX17Z-7 if...
The Develon DX17Z-7 is the smallest excavator in the Develon range, formerly sold as a Doosan model before the 2023 rebrand, and competes for the same confined-space and landscaping hire jobs as the JCB 8008 CTS and Kubota KX019-4. UK dealers that previously stocked it as a Doosan now sell and service it under the Develon name with the same parts and support lines. It gives hire companies a mini excavator option outside the usual Kubota, JCB and Takeuchi trio at a similar size point.
Full DX17Z-7 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Develon DX17Z-7?
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 4kW more power and digs 34cm (1ft) deeper. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Develon DX17Z-7 is a a 1.7 tonne mini excavator, Develon's smallest excavator model.
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