Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs SANY SY26U
The SANY SY26U is the bigger machine by 745kg and digs 27cm deeper. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 1kW more power.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the SANY SY26U is the bigger machine by 745kg.
- Dig depth: the SANY SY26U digs 27cm deeper.
- Engine power: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 1kW more power.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | SANY SY26U | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 2,660 kg |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 2,810 mm |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 14.6 kW at 2,400 rpm |
| Transport width | - | 1,550 mm |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, SANY SY26U. 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 SY26U if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 745kg
- you want one that digs 27cm deeper
The SANY SY26U is a 2.6 tonne mini excavator positioned as a value alternative to the established Kubota, JCB and Takeuchi machines in the same size class, sold in the UK through a small number of appointed dealers. SANY's UK presence is newer and thinner than the market leaders, so buyers weigh the lower purchase price against a less mature parts and resale network. It is more often bought outright by owner-operators than stocked in volume by the large national hire fleets.
Full SY26U specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the SANY SY26U?
The SANY SY26U is the bigger machine by 745kg and digs 27cm deeper. 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 SANY SY26U is a a 2.6 tonne mini excavator.
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