Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Takeuchi TB216
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 4kW more power and digs 15cm 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 15cm deeper.
- Operating weight: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR is the bigger machine by 50kg.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Takeuchi TB216 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 1,865 / 1,770 kg (cab/canopy) |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 2,390 mm |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 11.5 kW at 2,400 rpm (Yanmar 3TNV70) |
| Extendable undercarriage width | - | 980 - 1,300 mm |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Takeuchi TB216. 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 15cm deeper
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 50kg
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 TB216 if...
The Takeuchi TB216 is a long-running fixture of the UK 1.5-2 tonne mini excavator hire class, used for groundworks, drainage and small demolition jobs. Its extendable undercarriage gives it the stability of a wider track base for digging while still narrowing for transport and access. It competes closely with the Kubota KX019-4 and similarly sized Bobcat and JCB machines for the same hire slots.
Full TB216 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Takeuchi TB216?
The Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 4kW more power and digs 15cm deeper. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Takeuchi TB216 is a a 1.7-1.9 tonne conventional tail swing mini excavator.
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