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3408
Caterpillar

The CAT 3408 is a legendary heavy-duty, V8 diesel engine that set the standard for durability and high-torque output in the most demanding applications since its introduction. Renowned for its robust construction and exceptional longevity—with a life expectancy of up to 16,000 hours—this engine became a cornerstone power source across multiple industries, from mining and marine to heavy construction and power generation. Its design balances massive power with proven reliability, making it a trusted "power heart" for equipment that cannot afford to fail.
The CAT 3408's high power and torque make it the engine of choice for a wide range of heavy machinery and demanding applications:
Heavy Construction & Mining Equipment: Powers large excavators, wheel loaders, bulldozers, mining trucks, and cranes that operate in high-stress environments.
Marine Propulsion: Especially popular in medium-sized vessels like shrimp boats, tugboats, and ferries due to its compact V8 design and robust power for its size.
Power Generation: Serves as a reliable prime mover for industrial and emergency power generator sets.
Heavy-Duty Trucks: Used in certain models of Kenworth, Peterbilt, and Freightliner trucks requiring extreme hauling power.
The 3408's reputation is built on a foundation of rugged engineering and innovative systems designed for endurance:
Robust Engine Architecture: Features a high-strength cast-iron cylinder block and cylinder heads for maximum durability. Its V8, 90-degree configuration provides an optimal balance of compact packaging and smooth operation.
Efficient PT Fuel System: Utilizes Caterpillar's unique mechanical Pressure-Time (PT) fuel system. This system uses fuel pressure and a precisely timed injection window to control fuel delivery, offering rapid response and reliability by eliminating high-pressure fuel lines.
Advanced Turbocharging & Aftercooling: Equipped with a turbocharger and aftercooler (intercooler) to significantly increase air density entering the cylinders. This technology boosts power output and efficiency while managing engine temperature under heavy loads.
High-Performance Components:
Forged Steel Crankshaft: Treated with a nitriding process for extreme surface hardness, enhancing its fatigue resistance and lifespan under heavy loads.
Durable Piston & Liner Design: Pistons with optimized combustion chambers work with centrifugally cast cylinder liners featuring a honed surface pattern to improve oil retention, reduce friction, and extend component life.
The table below summarizes the key specifications for the industrial CAT 3408 engine. Note that power and torque outputs can vary significantly depending on the specific model and application tuning.

The CAT 3408 is a legendary heavy-duty, V8 diesel engine that set the standard for durability and high-torque output in the most demanding applications since its introduction. Renowned for its robust construction and exceptional longevity—with a life expectancy of up to 16,000 hours—this engine became a cornerstone power source across multiple industries, from mining and marine to heavy construction and power generation. Its design balances massive power with proven reliability, making it a trusted "power heart" for equipment that cannot afford to fail.
The CAT 3408's high power and torque make it the engine of choice for a wide range of heavy machinery and demanding applications:
Heavy Construction & Mining Equipment: Powers large excavators, wheel loaders, bulldozers, mining trucks, and cranes that operate in high-stress environments.
Marine Propulsion: Especially popular in medium-sized vessels like shrimp boats, tugboats, and ferries due to its compact V8 design and robust power for its size.
Power Generation: Serves as a reliable prime mover for industrial and emergency power generator sets.
Heavy-Duty Trucks: Used in certain models of Kenworth, Peterbilt, and Freightliner trucks requiring extreme hauling power.
The 3408's reputation is built on a foundation of rugged engineering and innovative systems designed for endurance:
Robust Engine Architecture: Features a high-strength cast-iron cylinder block and cylinder heads for maximum durability. Its V8, 90-degree configuration provides an optimal balance of compact packaging and smooth operation.
Efficient PT Fuel System: Utilizes Caterpillar's unique mechanical Pressure-Time (PT) fuel system. This system uses fuel pressure and a precisely timed injection window to control fuel delivery, offering rapid response and reliability by eliminating high-pressure fuel lines.
Advanced Turbocharging & Aftercooling: Equipped with a turbocharger and aftercooler (intercooler) to significantly increase air density entering the cylinders. This technology boosts power output and efficiency while managing engine temperature under heavy loads.
High-Performance Components:
Forged Steel Crankshaft: Treated with a nitriding process for extreme surface hardness, enhancing its fatigue resistance and lifespan under heavy loads.
Durable Piston & Liner Design: Pistons with optimized combustion chambers work with centrifugally cast cylinder liners featuring a honed surface pattern to improve oil retention, reduce friction, and extend component life.
The table below summarizes the key specifications for the industrial CAT 3408 engine. Note that power and torque outputs can vary significantly depending on the specific model and application tuning.
