Skip to content
WorksiteMachines

Comparison · Mini excavator

Caterpillar 308 CR vs JCB 86C-2

The JCB 86C-2 is about 9% heavier than the Caterpillar 308 CR (8,650 vs 7,946 kg), which usually means more stability and lifting capacity but higher transport weight.

The Caterpillar 308 CR has about 8% more engine power (52 kW (70 hp) vs 48 kW (64 hp)).

Beyond the numbers, compare local dealer support, parts availability and resale value for Caterpillar and JCB in your region: over the life of a machine they often matter more than small specification differences.

Caterpillar 308 CR
Caterpillar Caterpillar 308 CR
JCB 86C-2
JCB JCB 86C-2
Operating weight 7,946 kg (17,500 lb)8,650 kg (19,100 lb)
Engine power 52 kW (70 hp)48 kW (64 hp)
Net power (ISO 9249) 51.8 kW (69.5 hp) at 2,200 rpm—
Max. dig depth 4.64 m (15 ft 3 in)4.52–4.64 m (14 ft 10 in–15 ft 3 in)
Max. reach at ground level 7.46 m (24 ft 6 in)—
Track width 2.30 m (7 ft 7 in) standard; 2.45 m (8 ft) wide option—
Tail swing 1.45–1.58 m (57.1–62.4 in)—
Engine model Cat C3.3B, 3.3 L (203 in³)—
Gross power (SAE J1995) 55.4 kW (74.3 hp)—
Emissions US EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage VEU Stage V / US Tier 4 Final (by market)
Max. dig height 7.04 m (23 ft 1 in)—
Max. dump clearance 5.07 m (16 ft 8 in)—
Vertical wall dig depth 3.40 m (11 ft 2 in)—
Stick length 2.36 m (7 ft 9 in)—
Max. traction force (high speed) 27.8 kN (6,250 lbf)—
Ground pressure 34–38 kPa (4.9–5.5 psi)—
Shipping length 6.87 m (22 ft 7 in)—
Boom transport height (no tools) 2.26 m (7 ft 5 in)—
Cab height 2.54 m (8 ft 4 in)—
Undercarriage length 2.88 m (9 ft 5 in)—
Track belt/shoe width 450 mm (17.7 in)—
Option weights Steel tracks with pads +341 kg; counterweight +250 kg; long stick +66 kg—
Engine power —48 kW (65 hp)
Max. dump height —5.40–5.51 m (17 ft 9 in–18 ft 1 in)
Boom —Monoboom or TAB (two-piece) boom for extra lift and versatility
Strengths
  • + 69.5 hp C3.3B — the most powerful in Cat’s CR mini line
  • + 5.07 m dump clearance loads full-size trucks
  • + Compact radius design despite 8-tonne capability
  • + Cab height 2.54 m and transport height 2.26 m
  • + Cat dealer support
  • + High dump height for truck loading
  • + TAB boom option for lifting and close-in work
  • + Engine delivers peak power and torque at low rpm
  • + JCB dealer network, especially in the UK
Watch-outs
  • − 2.30 m wide — heavier transport than minis
  • − Tail swing up to 1.58 m
  • − Premium price vs. Japanese and Korean rivals
  • − Spec figures vary between JCB regional sources
  • − Conventional tail swing
Full 308 CR reviewFull 86C-2 review

Specifications are typical figures for standard configurations and may be measured differently by each manufacturer (for example net vs gross power). Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer. Build another comparison.