Caterpillar G3600

Caterpillar G3606 [1][2][3]
Overview
ManufacturerCaterpillar Incorporated
Production1991 (1991) - present
Layout
ConfigurationI6, I8, V12, V16
Displacement21.2 litres (1,294 in3) per cylinder
Cylinder bore300 millimetres (11.81 in)
Piston stroke300 millimetres (11.81 in)
Compression ratio9.1:1 (A4 Gen 1) 7.6:1 (A4 Gen 2)
RPM range
Idle speed550
Max. engine speed1000
Combustion
TurbochargerDouble or Quad
ManagementElectronic
Fuel typeNatural gas, propane, biogas
Output
Power outputup to 2,065 brake horsepower (1,540 kW) @ 1000 rpm
Dimensions
Length167.33 inches (4,250.2 mm)
Width86.17 inches (2,188.7 mm)
Height116.16 inches (2,950.5 mm)
Dry weight36,883.0 pounds (16,730 kg)
Emissions
Emissions target standardEPA & IMO Tier 2

The Caterpillar G3600 is a family of gas internal combustion engines made by Caterpillar. The G3600 series was first introduced in 1991. The engines range from six to sixteen cylinders. Each cylinder offers 21.2 liters in displacement (1294 cubic inches) has a size of 11.8 × 11.8 bore/stroke. Engine ratings are available from 1875 - 5500 horsepower at 1000 RPM, depending on the model. The different models weigh between roughly seventeen and thirty-three tons (34,560 - 65,900 pounds). The G3600 engines are often used in gas compression applications.

History

The G3600 series originally launched in 1991 with only the G3606 model. The G3608, G3612, and G3616 models would follow through 1994. The G3600 A3 generation was introduced in 2002, followed by the A4 (Gen 1) in 2015. The A4 Gen 2 followed in 2023.[4] The A4 Gen 2 model has been produced with Caterpillar's Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) System as a standard since January 2025.[5]

As of September 2023, over 8,500 G3600 engines were in operation globally.[6]

References

  1. ^ "Application & Installation Guide G3600 Gas Engines". emc.cat.com. Caterpillar. Retrieved 2026-01-30.
  2. ^ "G3606 A4". Ohio Cat. Retrieved 2026-01-30.
  3. ^ "Gas Compression Engine FAQ's". Cleveland Brothers. 2024-06-21. Retrieved 2026-02-02.
  4. ^ "The Evolution of a Legend. The CAT G3600". s7d2.scene7.com. Retrieved 2026-02-02.
  5. ^ Foelber, Daniel (March 2025). "Cat G3600 Gets Another Upgrade". Gas Compression Magazine. 10 (3). Third Coast Publishing Group LLC: 36. ISSN 2476-0315.
  6. ^ "Caterpillar Oil & Gas introduces new gas compressing engine for lower operator emissions". World Oil. 2023-09-22. Retrieved 2026-02-02.