Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Kubota U27-4
The Kubota U27-4 is the bigger machine by 675kg and digs 28cm deeper.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Kubota U27-4 is the bigger machine by 675kg.
- Dig depth: the Kubota U27-4 digs 28cm deeper.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Kubota U27-4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 2,590kg or 2,490kg depending on variant |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 2,820mm maximum |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | - |
| Maximum reach | - | 4,740mm |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Kubota U27-4. 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 U27-4 if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 675kg
- you want one that digs 28cm deeper
The step up from the KX019-4 when you need more depth and reach but still have to work close to walls and fences. Tight tail swing is what makes it usable in an occupied garden, and it is one of the most common hire machines in Britain for exactly that reason.
Listed by
- MY Tool Hire Ltd - Harrow
- Standard Plant Hire - Keston
Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Kubota U27-4?
The Kubota U27-4 is the bigger machine by 675kg and digs 28cm deeper. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Kubota U27-4 is a tight tail swing compact excavator, around 2.5 tonnes.
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