CAT 3306 Engine Product Description
The CAT 3306 Engine is one of the most reliable and durable heavy-duty diesel engines ever produced by CAT. Known for its simple mechanical structure, outstanding durability, and long service life, the CAT 3306 has become a legendary power solution in the construction, industrial, marine, and transportation industries worldwide.
Introduced in the early 1970s, the CAT 3306 was designed to replace older CAT engine platforms and quickly earned a strong reputation for dependable performance under extreme working conditions. The engine remained in production for more than 25 years and continues to be widely used around the world today.
Built with an inline 6-cylinder configuration and 10.5L displacement, the CAT 3306 delivers powerful low-end torque, excellent fuel economy, and easy maintenance. Available in naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and aftercooled configurations, the engine is suitable for a wide variety of heavy-duty equipment and industrial applications.
Modern upgraded CAT 3306 engines equipped with turbochargers and injector enhancements can produce over 1000 lb-ft of torque and up to 360 horsepower, making the engine an ideal choice for demanding operations requiring reliable and continuous power output.
The CAT 3306 is especially valued for its rugged cast iron engine block, wet cylinder liners, mechanical fuel system, and highly durable direct injection design. Compared with more complicated modern electronic engines, the 3306 remains easier to repair, maintain, and rebuild, helping reduce downtime and operating costs.
Key Features
- Proven inline 6-cylinder heavy-duty diesel engine
- 10.5L displacement with exceptional torque output
- Durable cast iron engine block and cylinder head
- Direct injection fuel system for improved fuel efficiency
- Available in naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and aftercooled versions
- Easy maintenance and rebuild-friendly design
- Excellent reliability in harsh working environments
- Long operational lifespan with low maintenance costs
- Widely used in construction, industrial, marine, and generator applications
Applications
The CAT 3306 engine is widely used in:
- Excavators
- Bulldozers
- Motor Graders
- Wheel Loaders
- Dump Trucks
- Rollers and Scrapers
- Generator Sets
- Industrial Pumps
- Cement Mixers
- Vocational Trucks
- Delivery Vehicles
- Marine Boats and Ferries
- Fireboats and Trawlers
Popular equipment applications include CAT D6 and D7 dozers, 12G/14G/140G motor graders, CAT 225 excavators, and various industrial and marine power systems.
CAT 3306 Specifications
| Item |
Specification |
| Engine Model |
CAT 3306 |
| Engine Type |
Inline 6-Cylinder Diesel Engine |
| Displacement |
10.5L (638 cu in) |
| Bore x Stroke |
4.75" * 6.00" |
| Aspiration |
Naturally Aspirated / Turbocharged / Aftercooled |
| Compression Ratio |
15.0:1 – 17.5:1 |
| Horsepower |
230 – 350 HP |
| Torque |
585 lb-ft+ |
| Fuel System |
Direct Injection / Mechanical Injection |
| Injection Pump |
Scroll-Type Mechanical Injection Pump |
| Valve Train |
OHV, 2 Valves per Cylinder |
| Firing Order |
1-5-3-6-4-2 |
| Cooling System |
Water Cooled |
| Engine Block |
Cast Iron with Wet Cylinder Liners |
| Cylinder Head |
Cast Iron |
| Oil Capacity |
10.25 Gallons |
| Governor |
Hydramechanical or Woodward PSG |
| Dry Weight |
Approx. 2265 lbs |
Reliable Performance and Long Service Life
The CAT 3306 engine is famous for its unmatched reliability and simple mechanical design. Earlier versions utilized indirect injection with precombustion chambers, while later direct injection models significantly improved fuel efficiency and performance. The mechanical injection system is highly dependable and easier to service compared to modern electronically controlled engines.
Thanks to its strong low-speed torque characteristics, the CAT 3306 performs exceptionally well in heavy-load applications such as earthmoving, industrial pumping, marine propulsion, and power generation.
Even decades after production ended, the CAT 3306 remains one of the most trusted diesel engines in the global heavy equipment market due to its durability, parts availability, rebuildability, and proven field performance.
Why Choose the CAT 3306 Engine?
- Legendary CAT reliability
- Strong heavy-duty torque output
- Easy repair and maintenance
- Excellent parts availability worldwide
- Proven performance in construction and marine industries
- Long engine lifespan with rebuild capability
- Suitable for industrial, generator, and equipment applications
The CAT 3306 continues to be a preferred choice for customers seeking a dependable, rebuildable, and cost-effective heavy-duty diesel engine solution for demanding environments worldwide.
