Head to head
Caterpillar 301.7 CR vs Yanmar ViO20-6
The Yanmar ViO20-6 is the bigger machine by 210kg. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR digs 13cm deeper and has 1kW more power.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Yanmar ViO20-6 is the bigger machine by 210kg.
- Dig depth: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR digs 13cm deeper.
- Engine power: the Caterpillar 301.7 CR has 1kW more power.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar 301.7 CR | Yanmar ViO20-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 2,125 kg (4,685 lb) (rubber track, canopy) |
| Dig depth | 2,540 mm (100 in) (long stick) | 2,410 mm (94.9 in) (blade down) |
| Engine power | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 15.0 kW (20.1 hp) at 2,400 rpm |
| Overall width | - | 1,380 mm (54.3 in) |
Sources: Caterpillar 301.7 CR, Yanmar ViO20-6. 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 digs 13cm deeper
- 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 ViO20-6 if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 210kg
The Yanmar ViO20-6 steps up from the ViO17 into the roughly 2 tonne mini excavator class, still with Yanmar's true zero tail swing geometry for working in confined spaces. It competes with the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and similarly sized Kubota and Takeuchi machines for UK groundworks and utility hire jobs. Its fixed rather than variable undercarriage keeps the design simpler than some rivals, at the cost of not being able to narrow down for transport.
Full ViO20-6 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and the Yanmar ViO20-6?
The Yanmar ViO20-6 is the bigger machine by 210kg. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR digs 13cm deeper and has 1kW more power. The Caterpillar 301.7 CR is a a sub-2 tonne conventional-tail-swing mini excavator; the Yanmar ViO20-6 is a a 2.0-2.1 tonne true zero tail swing mini excavator.
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