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Engine Specifications & Applications of the Caterpillar C2.2 Engine
Overview of the Caterpillar C2.2 Engine
The Caterpillar C2.2 is a 4-cylinder, 2.2-liter industrial diesel engine designed to deliver reliable, fuel-efficient power for compact equipment and low-kilowatt generator systems. Built to meet stringent global emissions standards (including EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V), the C2.2 provides the benefits of a small displacement platform while offering high torque at low RPMs, flexible mounting configurations, and robust performance under continuous loads.
Originally developed in partnership with Perkins (based on the Perkins 404D platform), the Caterpillar C2.2 was adapted and manufactured with Caterpillar’s industrial performance requirements in mind. The result is a quiet-running, compact, and fuel-efficient engine that excels in construction, agricultural, industrial, and power generation roles around the world.
Its widespread adoption in mobile and stationary equipment makes it a strong candidate for aftermarket repower projects , OEM equipment integration, and long-life applications where emissions compliance and reliability must go hand-in-hand.
Caterpillar C2.2 Engine Specifications
Specification |
Details |
Engine Configuration |
Inline 4-cylinder, 4-stroke diesel |
Displacement |
2.216 Liters (2,216 cc) |
Bore x Stroke |
84 mm x 100 mm |
Compression Ratio |
22.0:1 |
Aspiration |
Naturally Aspirated or Turbocharged |
Power Output Range |
35–67 HP (26–50 kW) @ 2,200–2,800 RPM |
Peak Torque |
143–208 Nm @ 1,800–2,000 RPM |
Fuel System |
Indirect Injection (earlier builds) or Common Rail |
Emissions Certification |
EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V / Japan MLIT |
Electronic Control |
ECM-controlled (on later turbocharged models) |
Cooling System |
Liquid-cooled with radiator or remote cooling |
Dry Weight (approx.) |
375–475 lbs (170–215 kg), depending on build |
Oil Capacity |
~6.0 liters |
Fuel Consumption (typical) |
~225–235 g/kWh at rated power |
Applications of the Caterpillar C2.2 Engine
The C2.2’s strength lies in its ability to provide efficient, continuous-duty power in small-to-midsize equipment across a wide range of sectors. It strikes a balance between compact design and industrial-grade performance, making it a natural fit for emissions-compliant equipment in developed markets and rugged workhorse platforms elsewhere.
1. Power Generation
The Caterpillar C2.2 is commonly used in low- to mid-range generator sets , both mobile and stationary. With an output range suitable for continuous and emergency standby applications, it’s popular in telecom, residential, light commercial, and export gensets.
Generator Applications:
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Prime power for remote sites (15–40 kW range)
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Standby generators for homes, banks, and telecom towers
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Trailer-mounted diesel generator sets
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Export gensets for Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia
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Marine auxiliary generator sets on small- to mid-sized vessels
Its fuel efficiency and durability under load make it a reliable solution for long-run-time power applications , especially in environments with limited service access.
2. Construction Equipment
In the construction and rental industries, the C2.2 provides durable, emissions-compliant diesel power for small and medium-sized equipment. Its quiet operation and flexible installation make it a good match for equipment used in urban job sites or noise-restricted areas.
Typical Machines:
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Compact excavators (5–8 ton class)
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Track loaders and skid steers
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Mini cranes and spider lifts
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Diesel-powered light towers
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Mobile air compressors and hydraulic power units
Caterpillar’s electronic engine control systems (in turbocharged versions) allow seamless integration with CANbus and digital monitoring systems, simplifying diagnostics for fleet managers and OEMs.
3. Agricultural & Irrigation Applications
The C2.2 is also well-suited for mid-sized agricultural tasks , particularly when equipment must meet global emissions standards or operate for long periods in rural conditions.
Agricultural Applications:
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Diesel irrigation pump drives
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Small tractors and tillage equipment
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Agricultural conveyor drives
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Grain dryer and silo operations
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Stationary engines in livestock or crop-processing systems
Its mechanical simplicity and low fuel consumption make it ideal for farms that need dependable power with minimal technical intervention.
4. Material Handling & Industrial Use
The Caterpillar C2.2 is widely used in material handling and light industrial equipment , where uptime, torque delivery, and compactness are vital.
Industrial Equipment Uses:
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Forklifts and electric pallet jack hybrids
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Small belt-driven conveyor motors
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Stationary pumps and blowers
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Indoor diesel-powered welders or compressors
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Hydraulic power skids and portable machinery
Because many industrial machines operate in temperature-controlled or enclosed environments, the C2.2’s low noise and emissions profile is a significant advantage.
5. Global Repower Projects
Thanks to its common architecture with the Perkins 404 and broad emissions compliance, the C2.2 is a strong candidate for repower installations around the world. It fits many legacy footprints, especially where Tier 4 Final or Stage V upgrades are needed without a full redesign.
Repower Scenarios:
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Replacing Yanmar, Isuzu, or older Perkins diesels
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Upgrading gensets to Tier 4 Final compliance
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Custom trailer skids and hybrid electric-diesel packages
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Light-duty export equipment requiring EPA-verified engines
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Modular systems requiring compact Tier 4 powerplants
Its wide service support network and availability of both mechanical and ECM-controlled versions make the C2.2 extremely adaptable in aftermarket retrofit environments .
Final Thoughts
The Caterpillar C2.2 engine offers a unique combination of compact footprint, low fuel usage, and global emissions certification , making it one of the most versatile small diesel engines in Caterpillar’s lineup. Whether installed in a generator set, a light construction machine, or a remote irrigation system, the C2.2 delivers reliable, continuous-duty power under harsh operating conditions.