Cat 420 vs John Deere 310 P-Tier
The Cat 420 is the heavier machine, at 7.83 t against 7.75 t, and the John Deere 310 P-Tier has more power (75 kW against 68 kW).
The Cat 420 is ahead on: digs deeper, reaches further, dumps higher, reaches higher, bigger bucket or body, more digging or pushing force, more hydraulic flow, bigger fuel tank, faster, lower to transport. The John Deere 310 P-Tier is ahead on: more power, more torque.
Below, every figure both makers publish sits side by side, with the Cat 420 and the John Deere 310 P-Tier drawn to the same scale from their dimension drawings.
At a glance
Bold is the machine ahead on each figure, with its lead.
| Figure | Cat 420 | John Deere 310 P-Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 7,834 kg | 7,750 kg |
| Net powerHigher is better | 68 kW | 75 kW+10% |
| Max torqueHigher is better | 436 Nm | 458 Nm+5% |
| Max dig depthHigher is better | 4.278 m+3% | 4.15 m |
| Reach at ground level, from slew centreHigher is better | 5.6 m+3% | 5.42 m |
| Dump height with standard bucketHigher is better | 2.758 m+6% | 2.61 m |
| Maximum hinge pin heightHigher is better | 3.488 m+4% | 3.35 m |
| Shovel capacityHigher is better | 0.96 m³+12% | 0.86 m³ |
| Shovel breakout forceHigher is better | 50 kN+20% | 42 kN |
| Pump flowHigher is better | 187 L/min+70% | 110 L/min |
| Fuel tankHigher is better | 160 L+24% | 128.7 L |
| Top speedHigher is better | 41 km/h+8% | 38 km/h |
| Cab roof heightLower is better | 2.815 m+2% | 2.86 m |
| Total travel length | 7.163 m | 7.47 m |
All specifications
Every figure the makers publish. Search for one, or show only those that differ.
Dimensions
Total travel length7.163 m7.47 mOverall length, transport
Overall length (loader on ground)7.132 mNot published
Total travel height3.645 mOverall transport height, standard stick3.48 mTransport height
Cab roof height2.815 mHeight to top of cab/canopy2.86 mHeight to top of ROPS/cab
Height to top of exhaust stack2.72 mNot published
Rear axle centreline to front grille2.706 mNot published
Wheelbase2.2 m2.18 mLength from axle to axle, MFWD axle
Overall width2.248 mNot published
Rear frame width2.322 m2.19 m
Shovel width (GP shovel)2.262 m2.184 m
Height to loader hinge pin (transport)0.378 mNot published
Ground clearance (LH step)0.316 mNot published
Ground clearance (AWD guard)0.312 mNot published
Ground clearance (485 kg counterweight)0.289 mNot published
Front wheel tread gauge1.895 mNot published
Rear wheel tread gauge1.728 mNot published
Stabiliser spread, operating (centre)3.31 mNot published
Stabiliser spread, operating (outside)3.77 m3.53 mStandard stabilizers; 4.03 m extended
Turning circle, outside front wheels8.205 mInner wheel not brakedNot published
Turning circle, outside widest loader bucket10.745 mInner wheel not brakedNot published
Width over tyresNot published2.2 m
Ground clearance (minimum)Not published0.247 m
Stabiliser spread, operatingNot published3.1 mStandard stabilizers; 3.45 m extended
Curb turning radius, with brakesNot published3.46 m
Curb turning radius, without brakesNot published3.95 m
Bucket clearance circle, with brakesNot published10.08 m
Bucket clearance circle, without brakesNot published10.8 m
Backhoe performance
Max dig depth4.278 mSAE maximum, standard stick4.15 mSAE maximum, standard backhoe
Max dig depth (E-stick extended)5.372 mSAE maximum, extendible stick extendedNot published
Digging depth, 2440 mm flat bottom3.9 m3.78 m
Digging depth, 610 mm flat bottom4.24 m4.12 m
Reach at ground level, from slew centre5.6 m5.42 m
Reach at ground level, from slew centre (E-stick extended)6.641 mNot published
Reach from rear axle centreline at ground line6.69 m6.48 m
Max load-over height3.709 mLoading height, standard stick3.48 m
Loading reach1.845 mNot published
Maximum operating height (backhoe)5.598 mNot published
Bucket tearout force64 kN49 kN
Dipper tearout force44 kN31 kN
Swing arc180°180°
Bucket rotation205°190°
Max dig depth (extendable dipperstick extended)Not published5.29 m
Reach at ground level, from slew centre (extendable dipperstick extended)Not published6.5 m
Max load-over height (extendable dipperstick extended)Not published4.22 m
Loader performance
Shovel capacity0.96 m³GP bucket, SAE rated, pin-on0.86 m³
Lift capacity to full height3,280 kg2,926 kg
Shovel breakout force50 kN42 kN
Lift breakout force50 kNNot published
Tipping load at breakout point6,663 kgNot published
Dump height with standard bucket2.758 m2.61 m
Maximum hinge pin height3.488 m3.35 m
Dump angle at full height44°45°
Dump reach at maximum angle0.807 mNot published
Maximum bucket rollback at ground level36°40°
Loader digging depth0.07 m0.212 m
Grille to bucket cutting edge, carry position1.48 mNot published
Maximum operating height (loader)4.356 mNot published
Reach at full height, bucket at 45 deg.Not published0.87 m
Length from front axle centreline to bucket cutting edgeNot published2.09 m
Weight
Operating weight7,834 kg7,750 kgISO 6016 operating mass
Operating weight (maximum, ROPS capacity)11,000 kgNot published
Operating weight (minimum)7,384 kgNot published
Gross machine mass (ISO 6016)Not published9,225 kg
Operating weight (canopy, full fuel, 75 kg operator, 204 kg counterweight)Not published7,356 kgStandard equipment
Operating weight (typical with cab, extendable dipperstick, 454 kg counterweight)Not published8,145 kg
Engine
Engine modelCat C3.6, electronic turbo, intercooledJohn Deere PowerTech EWL 4.5L 4045HL051 (Synchro-Shuttle) / 4045HL052 (PowerShift), turbocharged
EmissionsU.S. EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage VEPA Final Tier 4 / EU Stage IV
Displacement3.6 L4.5 L
Bore98 mmNot published
Stroke120 mmNot published
Gross power76 kW (102 hp)76 kW (102 hp)Gross peak power at 1,600 rpm
Gross power (ISO 14396)74 kW (100 hp)At 2,200 rpm; 74.5 kW (100 hp) engine ratingNot published
Net power68 kW (91 hp)75 kW (100 hp)Net peak power, ISO 9249, at 1,600 rpm
Net peak power78 kW (105 hp)Not published
Max torque436 Nm458 NmNet peak torque, ISO 9249, at 1,500 rpm
Gross power, 110 hp rating84 kW (112 hp)Not published
Net power, 110 hp rating76 kW (101 hp)Not published
Max torque, 110 hp rating485 NmNet, SAE J1349; 82 kW (110 hp) engine ratingNot published
Transmission
TransmissionPower shift 4F/3R (standard); 6F/3R power shift optional, with or without LTC4-speed Synchro-Shuttle with hydraulic reverser (standard); 4-speed PowerShift (optional)
Top speed41 km/h38 km/h
Hydraulics
Hydraulic systemClosed center, load sensing; variable-flow axial piston pumpOpen-center system; single gear pump
Pump flow187 L/minAt 2,200 rpm110 L/minAt 2,200 rpm, backhoe and loader
Max pressure250 bar250 bar
Tyres
Front tyres340/80-1812-16.5 NHS (12) standard basis; options 12.5/80-18 R4 (10), 340/80R18
Rear tyres500/70-2419.5L-24 R4 (12) standard basis; options 21L-24 R4 (12), 500/70R24
Service capacities
Fuel tank160 L128.7 L
Engine oil, with filter9 L13 L
Cooling system18 LWith air conditioning27.5 LCab; 25.7 L with canopy
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)19 LNot published
Hydraulic system, with tank95 L109.8 L
Hydraulic tank42 L42.7 LHydraulic reservoir
Transmission, power shift (AWD)19 LNot published
Rear axle16 L18 L
Front axle (AWD)11 LNot published
Final drive, front (each)0.7 LNot published
Final drive, rear (each)1.7 LNot published
DEF tankNot published13.7 L
Torque converter and transmission (Synchro-Shuttle)Not published18 L
MFWD front axle housingNot published6.5 L
MFWD planetary housing (each)Not published0.9 L
Service intervals
Engine oil and filter500 hoursor 12 months500 hours
Transmission oil1,000 hours1,000 hours
Axle oil1,000 hours2,000 hours
Hydraulic oil3,000 hoursWith Cat HYDO Advanced 102,000 hours
Coolant12,000 hoursCat ELC, or 72 months6,000 hours
Fuel filtersNot published500 hoursPrimary and final
Transmission filterNot published1,000 hours
Hydraulic filterNot published1,000 hours
Sources: Cat 420 Backhoe Loader specalog AEHQ8243-04 (2026) · John Deere 310 P-Tier Backhoe Loader brochure MB310PBU (25-06)
Drawn to scale
Side views measured off each maker's dimension drawing, front edges and ground lined up.
Cat 420 vs John Deere 310 P-Tier: questions
Which is bigger, the Cat 420 or John Deere 310 P-Tier?
By operating weight the Cat 420 is the biggest at 7.83 t, then the John Deere 310 P-Tier at 7.75 t.
Which has more power, the Cat 420 or John Deere 310 P-Tier?
The John Deere 310 P-Tier: Cat 420 68 kW (91 hp), John Deere 310 P-Tier 75 kW (100 hp) (net power), a 10% difference.
Which digs deeper, the Cat 420 or John Deere 310 P-Tier?
The Cat 420: Cat 420 4.278 m, John Deere 310 P-Tier 4.15 m (max dig depth), a 3% difference.
Which reaches further, the Cat 420 or John Deere 310 P-Tier?
The Cat 420: Cat 420 5.6 m, John Deere 310 P-Tier 5.42 m (reach at ground level, from slew centre), a 3% difference.
Which has the bigger bucket, the Cat 420 or John Deere 310 P-Tier?
The Cat 420: Cat 420 0.96 m³, John Deere 310 P-Tier 0.86 m³ (shovel capacity), a 12% difference.
Which has the bigger fuel tank, the Cat 420 or John Deere 310 P-Tier?
The Cat 420: Cat 420 160 L, John Deere 310 P-Tier 128.7 L (fuel tank), a 24% difference.
Where do these figures come from?
Each model's own published spec sheet or brochure, linked under the table. Builds differ by market and year, so confirm the figures for a particular machine with its dealer.
Can I rent or buy these machines in the UAE?
Each model's page lists the ones for hire and for sale on EquipmentsFinder now, with typical prices in AED.
