Your Guide to the Cat 301.7 CR Mini Excavator

Recently, Caterpillar revealed their brand new Next Generation mini excavators, including the Cat 301.7 CR mini excavator.

This machine is a 1.7-tonne class, with compact radius and canopy. Offering power in a small package, the 301.7 CR mini excavator is small enough to fit tight-access areas, while powerful enough to dig and lift with ease.

Cat 301.7 CR Mini Excavator Industry-First Standard Features

• Stick Steer control
• Tilt-up canopy/cab for easy maintenance
• Automatic two-speed travel

And there are some new optional extras you can add:

• Air conditioning
• Bluetooth-enabled push-to-start function
• Expandable undercarriage (from 990mm to 1300mm)

A quick overview:

• Dig Depth (Standard): 2350mm
• Dig Depth (Long): 2540mm
• Min. Weight: 1785kg
• Max. Weight: 1835kg

For full dimensions and specs, see below. Next, let’s take a look at improvements in the canopy.

In the Canopy

First up is what’s new in the 301.7 CR mini excavator canopy. Caterpillar have added adjustable wrist rests and an optional suspension seat to maximise comfort while at work. 

Safety

Fully certified with ROPS, TOPS and Top Guard, the Cat 301.7 CR is safe for operators. To further increase operator safety, Caterpillar have added extra work lights and a fluro seat belt. They have even introduced tie-down points on track frames to help secure the machine for safe transport.

Operation

Caterpillar have been building mini hydraulic excavators for 20 years, so it makes sense they are also the leaders in machine innovation. Coming standard in all models in the Next Generation mini excavator series, including the 301.7 CR, you get:

• A retractable undercarriage (see video above)
• Stick Steer control, which gives you more control for less effort
• Next Generation LCD screen is easy to read for critical machine info
• Auto idle, auto engine shutdown & efficient hydraulics lower your operating costs
• Better hydraulic capacity to dig & lift with more force

Under the Canopy

Next, let’s look at what’s running the 301.7 CR mini excavator.  

All models in the Next Generation 2018 series use the Cat C1.1 3-cylinder diesel engine. So your 301.7 CR packs plenty of punch. It can also handle some backfilling and grading tasks thanks to the dozer blade. Pair this with the Stick Steer function and operating this machine is easier than ever before. 

Maintenance

Machine due for a service or maintenance check? You’ll have no worries with the Cat 301.7 CR mini excavator. The design includes easy access for service techs, so downtime is minimised (and so is the cost!). Here’s how:

• Routine check points accessible at ground level
• Unique tilt-up canopy gives access to hydraulics
• Gas strut ensures accessibility is fast (under 5 minutes) & requires just 1 service tech

Cat 301.7 CR Mini Excavator Specs

Have you had a chance to check out the Caterpillar 301.7 CR? Tell us about it below or take a look at mini excavators for sale.

Read more about the Next Generation Caterpillar mini excavators, or check out their other models:

• 301.5 mini excavator
• 301.6 mini excavator
• 301.8 mini excavator
• 302 CR mini excavator