Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Volvo Construction Equipment ECR25D
The Volvo Construction Equipment ECR25D is the bigger machine by 575kg and digs 13cm deeper. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 0kW more power.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Volvo Construction Equipment ECR25D is the bigger machine by 575kg.
- Dig depth: the Volvo Construction Equipment ECR25D digs 13cm deeper.
- Engine power: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 0kW more power.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Volvo Construction Equipment ECR25D | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 2,490 kg (ISO 6016) |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 2,672 mm (1,050mm arm); 2,965 mm (1,350mm arm) |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 15.6 kW (21.2 hp) at 2,400 rpm |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Volvo Construction Equipment ECR25D. 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 0kW 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 ECR25D if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 575kg
- you want one that digs 13cm deeper
The Volvo ECR25D is Volvo CE's short-swing mini excavator in the popular UK 2.5-3 tonne hire class, competing for the same jobs as the Kubota U27-4 and similarly sized Takeuchi and JCB machines. Its short-radius superstructure lets the counterweight stay close to the tracks when slewing, useful on confined urban and residential sites. It is sold across Great Britain exclusively through SMT GB's dealer network.
Full ECR25D specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Volvo Construction Equipment ECR25D?
The Volvo Construction Equipment ECR25D is the bigger machine by 575kg and digs 13cm deeper. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 0kW more power. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Volvo Construction Equipment ECR25D is a a 2.5-3.0 tonne short-swing mini excavator.
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