Caterpillar
Caterpillar 3608
3600 Series
Caterpillar 3608 — 147.8 L V8 turbocharged-aftercooled diesel generator engine (Cat 3600 series). 2860 ekW standby / 2600 ekW prime @ 50 Hz, 2660 / 2420 ekW @ 60 Hz; medium-speed V8 (280×300 mm); marketed as C280-8 (IMO/EPA Tier 2) marine. Source: Cat 2024 Electric Power Ratings Guide.
- Manufacturer files
- 1 datasheet
- Last updated
- 2026-06-11
- Package route
- diesel generator sets
- Standby Power · 50 Hz
- 3,575 kVA
- Electrical Output
- 2,860 kWe
- Cylinders
- V8
- Displacement
- 147.8 L
- Rated Speed
- 1,000 / 1,200 RPM
Power Ratings
kWm = mechanical shaft power · kWe = electrical output · kVA = kWe ÷ 0.8 pf
50 Hz1000 RPM
| kWm | kWe | kVA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Power | — | 2600 | 3250 |
| Standby Power | — | 2860 | 3575 |
60 Hz1200 RPM
| kWm | kWe | kVA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Power | — | 2420 | 3025 |
| Standby Power | — | 2660 | 3325 |
Caterpillar 3608 generator set context
The Caterpillar 3608 is listed here as a diesel generator-drive engine for 50 Hz and 60 Hz generator sets, with a headline 3,575 kVA / 2,860 kWe / standby rating. Use this page to compare the published engine output, electrical kWe/kVA ratings, emissions level, datasheet availability, and neighboring models before specifying an alternator, controller, enclosure, voltage, and compliance package.
Also searched as
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Caterpillar |
| Model | 3608 |
| Series | 3600 Series |
| Configuration | V8 |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Displacement | 147.8 L |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Ignition Type | Compression Ignition |
| Cooling Method | Liquid-Cooled |
| Emissions Standard | U.S. EPA Tier 2 |
| Country of Origin | United States |
Frequently asked questions
What is the power output of the Caterpillar 3608?
The Caterpillar 3608 is rated at 3,575 kVA standby / 3,250 kVA prime at 50 Hz (1,000 rpm); and 3,325 kVA standby / 3,025 kVA prime at 60 Hz (1,200 rpm).
Does the 3608 run at 50 Hz or 60 Hz?
The Caterpillar 3608 is available for both 50 Hz (1,000 rpm) and 60 Hz (1,200 rpm).
What fuel does the Caterpillar 3608 use?
The Caterpillar 3608 is a diesel generator-set engine.
What is the displacement and cylinder configuration of the 3608?
The Caterpillar 3608 is a V8 (8-cylinder) engine with a displacement of 147.8 L.
What emissions standard does the 3608 meet?
The Caterpillar 3608 is certified to U.S. EPA Tier 2 emissions standards.
Is the Caterpillar 3608 still in production?
Yes — the Caterpillar 3608 is a current production model.
Is a datasheet available for the 3608?
Yes — an official Caterpillar datasheet for the Caterpillar 3608 can be downloaded from this page.