Cat C2.8 Specifications
| Engine Model: Caterpillar C2.8 |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 4-cylinder common-rail direct injection liquid-cooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 171 cu.in (2.8 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 50-75 Hp (37-56 kW) at 2400 rpm |
| Aspiration Type: Naturally aspirated or turbocharged |
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The Caterpillar C2.8 is a compact,
high-efficiency four-cylinder diesel engine designed for modern
construction machinery, agricultural equipment, industrial power units,
and small generator systems. As part of Caterpillar’s compact engine
lineup, the C2.8 focuses on low fuel consumption, reduced emissions,
strong low-speed torque, and durable operation under daily industrial
workloads. It is used in a wide range of OEM machines where reliability,
compact packaging, and long service intervals are essential.
The C2.8 incorporates a robust cast-iron block, electronically
controlled common-rail injection, turbocharging, and emissions systems
tailored to Tier 4 Final / Stage V standards in regulated markets. Its
compact dimensions allow installation into tight engine compartments,
while its high structural stiffness and efficient cooling design support
continuous operation in demanding environments.
The Caterpillar C2.8 is a four-stroke, water-cooled, inline
four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with a displacement of
approximately 2.8 liters (171 cubic inches). Bore is typically 90 mm
(3.54 in), and stroke is 110 mm (4.33 in). The long-stroke design
improves low-RPM torque, fuel efficiency, and smooth operation.
Compression ratio is generally 17.5:1 to 18.5:1 depending on emissions
configuration.
Power output ranges:
– Industrial equipment: 55–75 hp (41–56 kW) at 2,200–2,500 rpm
– Agricultural applications: 50–70 hp (37–52 kW)
– Generator-drive ratings: 30–55 kW at 1,500–1,800 rpm
Peak torque: 240 and 310 Nm (177–229 lb-ft) at 1,400–1,800 rpm
Idle speed: 850–950 rpm
Maximum governed speed: 2,400–2,600 rpm
Firing order: 1-3-4-2.
The crankshaft is a forged-steel, fully counterweighted component
supported by five large main bearings. Pistons are cast-aluminum alloy
with reinforced bowls and cooling galleries. Piston rings include two
compression rings and one oil-control ring. Connecting rods are forged
steel with replaceable bearing inserts. The camshaft is gear-driven and
located in the block.
The block is cast iron with parent-bore cylinders, deep reinforcing
ribs, and a stiff crankcase structure. Coolant passages surround each
cylinder for uniform heat regulation. The block includes mounting bosses
for hydraulic pumps, powertrain connections, and belt-driven
accessories.
The cylinder head is cast iron with direct-injection combustion chambers
and four valves per cylinder—two intake and two exhaust. The valvetrain
uses rocker arms actuated by pushrods from the camshaft.
Cold valve-lash specifications:
– Intake: 0.20–0.30 mm (0.008–0.012 in)
– Exhaust: 0.30–0.40 mm (0.012–0.016 in).
The C2.8 uses electronically controlled high-pressure common-rail
injection. A lift pump supplies fuel to a high-pressure pump, which
maintains injection pressures of 1,200–1,800 bar depending on load.
Injectors are electronically actuated and precisely controlled by the
ECM.
Fuel-system maintenance:
– Replace fuel filters every 250–300 hr
– Drain water separator regularly
– Inspect injectors every 1,000–1,500 hr
– Keep fuel clean to prevent rail-system contamination.
The lubrication system is a full-pressure wet-sump type. Oil is supplied
by a gear-driven pump and passes through a full-flow filter.
Oil capacity: 8–10 L (8.5–10.6 qt)
Oil pressure at operating speed: 300–450 kPa (44–65 psi)
Idle pressure: 100–150 kPa (15–22 psi)
Recommended oils: SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40 meeting API CI-4 or higher. Oil
change intervals: 250 hr for industrial duty.
Cooling is via a belt-driven centrifugal water pump circulating coolant
through block, head, radiator, and oil cooler. Thermostat opens at 82°C
(180°F) and is fully open at 95°C (203°F).
Cooling capacity: 8–12 L (8.5–12.7 qt)
System pressure: 70–100 kPa (10–15 psi)
| Intake and Exhaust Systems |
Turbocharged intake with optional air-to-air aftercooling.
Heavy-duty filtration varies by
application:
– Construction: dual-stage dry filters
– Agriculture: cyclone pre-cleaners
– Stationary units: enclosed canister filters
Exhaust systems may include DOC/DPF assemblies depending on emissions
tier.
| Electrical and Starting Systems |
Available in 12- or 24-volt configurations. Alternator output: 40–90
amps. Starter motors: 2.5–4.0 kW.
The ECM monitors:
– Oil pressure
– Coolant temperature
– Intake-air temperature
– Boost pressure
– Fuel temperature
– Crankshaft position
– Aftertreatment components (if equipped).
The Cat C2.8 supports:
– PTO drives
– Hydraulic pump drives
– Generator heads
– Remote cooling
– Belt-driven accessories
– Industrial compressor drives.
Length: 650–750 mm (25.6–29.5 in)
Width: 500–580 mm (19.7–22.8 in)
Height: 650–750 mm (25.6–29.5 in)
Dry weight: 230–300 kg (507–661 lb).
– Oil/filter: every 250 hr
– Fuel filters: 250–300 hr
– Air filters: inspect every 50 hr
– Coolant: replace every 2 years
– Valve adjustment: every 1,000 hr
– Injector inspection: 1,000–1,500 hr
– Compression test: 2,000 hr
– Belt inspection: each service cycle.
– Cylinder head bolts: 140–160 Nm (103–118 lb-ft)
– Main bearing caps: 180–200 Nm (133–148 lb-ft)
– Connecting-rod bolts: 70–85 Nm (52–63 lb-ft)
– Flywheel bolts: 160–190 Nm (118–140 lb-ft)
– Crank pulley bolt: 220–260 Nm (162–192 lb-ft)
– Oil drain plug: 35–45 Nm (26–33 lb-ft)
– Injector hold-downs: 25–30 Nm (18–22 lb-ft).
The Caterpillar C2.8 is used in:
– Compact wheel loaders
– Mini excavators
– Skid-steer and track loaders
– Telehandlers
– Compact tractors
– Agricultural sprayers
– Industrial pumps and compressors
– Mobile hydraulic power units
– Generator sets.
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