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Engine Specifications & Applications of the Caterpillar 3056 Engine

Introduction to the Caterpillar 3056 Engine

The Caterpillar 3056 is a robust and versatile inline six-cylinder diesel engine, engineered for medium-duty to heavy-duty industrial, agricultural, and construction machinery. As part of the Cat 3000 engine series, the 3056 delivers excellent performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity under demanding operating conditions.

Originally derived from Perkins 1006 and built under joint development, the Cat 3056 became a preferred engine across Caterpillar’s own equipment as well as various OEM platforms. It’s widely respected for its mechanical reliability and continues to be in high demand in the aftermarket for rebuilds, replacements, and component sourcing.

This engine is ideal for operators who require dependable mid-range horsepower (up to 140 HP), straightforward maintenance, and broad compatibility with mission-critical machinery. Diesel Pro Power offers a wide range of aftermarket parts to support these engines, helping fleets and individual operators extend service life and maintain performance.


Caterpillar 3056 Engine Technical Specifications

General Engine Configuration

Specification

Detail

Engine Model

Caterpillar 3056, 3056B, 3056E

Engine Type

4-Stroke Inline 6-Cylinder Diesel

Displacement

6.0 Liters (365 cubic inches)

Bore x Stroke

100 mm x 127 mm (3.94" x 5.0")

Compression Ratio

17.25:1 to 18.2:1 (model-dependent)

Aspiration

Naturally Aspirated or Turbocharged

Fuel System

Direct Injection, Mechanical or Electronic

Cooling System

Liquid-Cooled (Water-Cooled)

Flywheel Rotation

Counterclockwise (viewed from flywheel)

Power & Torque Ratings

Configuration

Output Range

Naturally Aspirated

90 - 115 HP @ 2200–2400 RPM

Turbocharged

115 - 140+ HP @ 2200–2400 RPM

Peak Torque

Up to 380 lb-ft @ 1400–1600 RPM

These values may vary slightly depending on emissions tier, fuel system version, and application-specific tuning.


Caterpillar 3056 Engine Variants

The 3056 engine was produced in several key configurations:

  • 3056 (Mechanical): Early-generation version with a mechanical fuel pump and no electronic controls.

  • 3056B: Updated version offering improved power curves and emissions; commonly turbocharged.

  • 3056E: Equipped with electronic unit injection (EUI) and often used in Tier 2 and Tier 3 emissions-regulated regions.

Each variant shares a common engine block and rotating assembly, making many aftermarket parts interchangeable. However, components such as the injection system, gaskets, and electronics must be matched by serial number or prefix to ensure compatibility.


Applications of the Caterpillar 3056 Engine

The Caterpillar 3056 is a workhorse engine that supports a diverse range of equipment categories. Its flexibility in naturally aspirated and turbocharged configurations makes it ideal for multiple sectors.

Construction Equipment

The 3056 is frequently found in Caterpillar’s own medium-sized construction equipment:

  • Backhoe Loaders: Cat 438C, 438D, and 446 series

  • Wheel Loaders: Models such as the Cat 914 and 924 compact loaders

  • Telehandlers: Common in TH83, TH103, and TH355 models

  • Excavators: Mid-sized models where mid-range torque and power are essential

  • Pavers and Rollers: Asphalt and compaction equipment that require steady RPM and torque under load

This engine’s power-to-weight ratio and durability make it ideal for the frequent start-stop, variable load conditions found in construction sites.

Agricultural Equipment

Its smooth torque curve and fuel efficiency have also made the 3056 a strong performer in agricultural applications:

  • Tractors: Especially in heavy tillage or loader configurations

  • Harvesters and Forage Machines: Reliable power for mechanical and hydraulic loads

  • Sprayers and Irrigation Equipment: Where sustained RPM and low fuel consumption are crucial

Diesel Pro Power supports these machines with components such as injectors, cylinder heads, pistons, and fuel system parts tailored for high-dust, high-use environments.

Industrial Equipment and Gensets

The 3056 engine is widely used in stationary and mobile industrial applications:

  • Generators: 80 to 120 kW power generation units for prime or standby power

  • Pumps and Compressors: High-reliability installations in mining and utility operations

  • Air Handling Equipment: Including HVAC support and dewatering systems

Its mechanical simplicity in earlier models makes it ideal for industrial setups that require minimal electronic integration.

Marine Auxiliary Equipment

While not commonly used for marine propulsion, the Caterpillar 3056 engine is suitable for many auxiliary marine systems:

  • Diesel-Powered Hydraulic Units

  • Fire Pumps

  • Deck Winches and Capstans

  • Marine Gensets

Marine-compatible versions of the 3056 typically feature specialized cooling systems like keel cooling or heat exchangers, and Diesel Pro Power provides support for these marine adaptations.

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