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Comparison · Backhoe loader

Caterpillar 420 vs John Deere 310 P-Tier

The Caterpillar 420 is about 18% heavier than the John Deere 310 P-Tier (8,850 vs 7,500 kg), which usually means more stability and lifting capacity but higher transport weight.

The John Deere 310 P-Tier has about 6% more engine power (74 kW (99 hp) vs 70 kW (94 hp)).

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

Caterpillar 420F IT backhoe loader
Caterpillar Caterpillar 420
John Deere 310SG backhoe loader (predecessor of the 310 P-Tier)
John Deere John Deere 310 P-Tier
Operating weight 8,850 kg (19,500 lb)7,500 kg (16,500 lb)
Engine power 70 kW (94 hp)74 kW (99 hp)
Net power ≈70 kW (94 hp)≈74 kW (99 hp)
Max. digging depth ≈4.4 m (14 ft 5 in) std; ≈5.3 m (17 ft 5 in) extended≈4.3 m (14 ft) std
Engine Cat C3.6John Deere PowerTech 4.5 L
Loader bucket ≈1.0–1.2 m³ (1.3–1.6 yd³)—
Strengths
  • + Smooth hydraulic and pilot control options
  • + Integrated tool-carrier (IT) loader option for forks
  • + Strong Cat dealer support
  • + Strong North American dealer network
  • + Comfortable cab
  • + Good resale
Watch-outs
  • − More expensive than CASE and Deere equivalents
  • − Electronics-heavy compared with older models
  • − Mainly sold in the Americas
Full 420 reviewFull 310 P-Tier 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.