Caterpillar launched C32B

With the C32B, Caterpillar is proceeding with the restructuring of its internal combustion engine portfolio. Following the unveiling of the deeply renewed 13-liter engine, the C13D, at Conexpo 2023, the time has come for Cat’s “big boy”, the 32-liter engine for large off-highway machines and equipment.

The C32B, specifically 32.1 liters of power

Available now at Cat dealers worldwide, the new 32.1-liter, 12-cylinder engine has been re-engineered with numerous design improvements to boost power density and reliability while extending the time between rebuilds when compared with the previous generation engine on newly developed engine ratings.

The C32B reliably delivers power up to 895 kW (1200 hp) and 5,861 Nm for U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and 839 kW (1,125 hp) and 5,499 Nm for EU Stage V. A version for less regulated territories offers a peak rating of 1,007 kW (1,350 hp) and 6,166 Nm.

The engine is ideal for large loaders, cranes, dredgers, hydraulic power units, paving, surface hauling equipment, trenchers, pumps, forestry equipment, compressors and bore/drill rigs, among other applications. 

Steve Ferguson said

“For nearly 20 years, the Cat C32 engine platform has set the standard for premium power and endurance in construction, mining and other industrial applications,” said Steve Ferguson, senior vice president of Caterpillar Industrial Power Systems. “The new Cat C32B builds on this field-proven reputation with a series of upgrades and new technologies that will drive the superior performance of off-highway equipment for years to come.”

The new engine block is made from a strong cast-iron alloy known for its durability with internal changes made to increase structural capability. The induction hardened crankshaft includes larger journal diameters and increased bearing area to handle higher loads. The connecting rods also include larger journals to increase durability by optimizing bearing performance. 

An improved lube system offers a higher capacity oil pump, an oil cooler with improved performance and higher flow piston cooling jets ensuring optimal wear performance and improved durability.

With durability in mind

To improve reliability, the C32B has a thicker shim gasket than its predecessor to increase head-to-block sealing.  The piston for the new C32B features increased compression height enabling increased power density for select applications. The cylinder head has been upgraded to include design features that integrate external fuel lines along with an optimized water jacket geometry to improve heat transfer. 

Additionally, the cylinder head components feature updated valve geometry and oil metering stem seals to reduce wear and extend cylinder head life.  Its new dual sensor coolant protection feature detects potential cooling system leaks sooner to avoid costly downtime. 

The C32B features dual-can diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) aftertreatment, a maintenance-free, passive aftertreatment solution that eliminates the need for thermal management or regeneration. With flexible mounting options, this technology simplifies the aftertreatment solution, helps overall package size and reduces operational costs by minimizing total fluid consumption and eliminating infrastructure requirements associated with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). 

HVO and IPU

The new Cat C32B engine platform enables the use of renewable liquid fuels such as 100% HVO. Industrial power units (IPU) configured with engine-mounted aftertreatment and cooling packs will also be available from the factory, helping to reduce installation and validation costs for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

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