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3306
Caterpillar

The Cat 3306 is a legendary 10.5L inline-six diesel engine, globally celebrated for its exceptional durability, simple mechanical design, and reliable power output across the most demanding industries. Introduced in the 1970s and produced for decades, this engine earned a reputation as a virtually unbreakable workhorse, capable of delivering tens of thousands of service hours with proper maintenance. Its straightforward design prioritizes ease of service and low total cost of ownership, making it a preferred choice for operations where simplicity and uptime are critical.
The table below summarizes the key technical parameters of the Cat 3306 platform:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Inline 6-Cylinder, 4-Stroke Diesel |
| Displacement | 10.5 Liters (638 cu in) |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated (NA), Turbocharged (T), or Turbocharged-Aftercooled (ATAAC) |
| Fuel System | Mechanical Direct Injection |
| Horsepower Range | 125 - 350 HP (93 - 261 kW), varies by configuration and application |
| Peak Torque | Up to 967 lb-ft (1,311 Nm) |
| Emission Level | Pre-Tier I / Tier I equivalent |
The Cat 3306 is a highly versatile power plant found in a vast array of heavy-duty equipment. Its reliability made it the engine of choice for numerous original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Construction & Earthmoving Machinery: This engine was the heart of many classic Caterpillar machines, including excavators (e.g., 330, 245 series), wheel loaders (e.g., 966 series), dozers, motor graders, compactors, and rollers. It also powered stationary equipment like air compressors and drilling rigs.
On-Highway & Vocational Trucks: For years, the 3306 was a popular power source for medium and heavy-duty trucks from manufacturers like Peterbilt, Kenworth, and Freightliner, as well as for vocational vehicles such as dump trucks and cement mixers.
Power Generation: It is widely used in diesel generator sets for prime, continuous, and standby power, typically in the 150-250 kVA (approx. 120-200 kW) range, providing electricity for industries, mines, and facilities worldwide.
Marine & Industrial Applications: The engine has proven itself in marine propulsion and auxiliary power for vessels like tugs and fishing boats, as well as in industrial pumping and oil & gas applications.
Mechanical Direct Injection Fuel System: The cornerstone of the 3306's reliability is its fully mechanical fuel system. Utilizing unit injectors or a scroll-type injection pump, it delivers precise fuel metering without reliance on complex electronics. This simplicity ensures easier troubleshooting, repair in the field, and fewer potential failure points, which is ideal for remote or harsh operating environments.
Legendary Durable Construction: Engineered for a long service life, the 3306 features a heavy-duty cast-iron cylinder block and head, a forged steel crankshaft, and replaceable wet cylinder liners. This robust architecture is designed to withstand high loads and stresses, often exceeding 20,000 hours of operation before major overhaul when properly maintained.
Proven Performance Evolution: Throughout its production, the 3306 was refined for better performance. Key developments included the transition from pre-combustion chamber (PC) designs to more efficient and powerful direct injection (DI) systems, and the adoption of turbocharged and aftercooled (ATAAC) configurations to significantly boost power output and torque.
Low Total Cost of Ownership: The combination of mechanical simplicity, outstanding durability, and widespread availability of parts and service expertise contributes to a low lifetime operating cost. The design allows for straightforward rebuilds, extending the engine's service life for decades and protecting investment in equipment.

The Cat 3306 is a legendary 10.5L inline-six diesel engine, globally celebrated for its exceptional durability, simple mechanical design, and reliable power output across the most demanding industries. Introduced in the 1970s and produced for decades, this engine earned a reputation as a virtually unbreakable workhorse, capable of delivering tens of thousands of service hours with proper maintenance. Its straightforward design prioritizes ease of service and low total cost of ownership, making it a preferred choice for operations where simplicity and uptime are critical.
The table below summarizes the key technical parameters of the Cat 3306 platform:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Inline 6-Cylinder, 4-Stroke Diesel |
| Displacement | 10.5 Liters (638 cu in) |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated (NA), Turbocharged (T), or Turbocharged-Aftercooled (ATAAC) |
| Fuel System | Mechanical Direct Injection |
| Horsepower Range | 125 - 350 HP (93 - 261 kW), varies by configuration and application |
| Peak Torque | Up to 967 lb-ft (1,311 Nm) |
| Emission Level | Pre-Tier I / Tier I equivalent |
The Cat 3306 is a highly versatile power plant found in a vast array of heavy-duty equipment. Its reliability made it the engine of choice for numerous original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Construction & Earthmoving Machinery: This engine was the heart of many classic Caterpillar machines, including excavators (e.g., 330, 245 series), wheel loaders (e.g., 966 series), dozers, motor graders, compactors, and rollers. It also powered stationary equipment like air compressors and drilling rigs.
On-Highway & Vocational Trucks: For years, the 3306 was a popular power source for medium and heavy-duty trucks from manufacturers like Peterbilt, Kenworth, and Freightliner, as well as for vocational vehicles such as dump trucks and cement mixers.
Power Generation: It is widely used in diesel generator sets for prime, continuous, and standby power, typically in the 150-250 kVA (approx. 120-200 kW) range, providing electricity for industries, mines, and facilities worldwide.
Marine & Industrial Applications: The engine has proven itself in marine propulsion and auxiliary power for vessels like tugs and fishing boats, as well as in industrial pumping and oil & gas applications.
Mechanical Direct Injection Fuel System: The cornerstone of the 3306's reliability is its fully mechanical fuel system. Utilizing unit injectors or a scroll-type injection pump, it delivers precise fuel metering without reliance on complex electronics. This simplicity ensures easier troubleshooting, repair in the field, and fewer potential failure points, which is ideal for remote or harsh operating environments.
Legendary Durable Construction: Engineered for a long service life, the 3306 features a heavy-duty cast-iron cylinder block and head, a forged steel crankshaft, and replaceable wet cylinder liners. This robust architecture is designed to withstand high loads and stresses, often exceeding 20,000 hours of operation before major overhaul when properly maintained.
Proven Performance Evolution: Throughout its production, the 3306 was refined for better performance. Key developments included the transition from pre-combustion chamber (PC) designs to more efficient and powerful direct injection (DI) systems, and the adoption of turbocharged and aftercooled (ATAAC) configurations to significantly boost power output and torque.
Low Total Cost of Ownership: The combination of mechanical simplicity, outstanding durability, and widespread availability of parts and service expertise contributes to a low lifetime operating cost. The design allows for straightforward rebuilds, extending the engine's service life for decades and protecting investment in equipment.
