The Caterpillar C15 is a 15.2-liter, inline-six industrial diesel engine series recognized worldwide for its durability, high power density, and long service life. Since its introduction in the early 2000s, the C15 has evolved through multiple emissions-controlled generations: including Tier 2, ACERT Tier 3, and Tier 4 Final / Stage V, while maintaining the core performance characteristics that made it a popular choice in construction, mining, agricultural, and power-generation applications.
Across all versions, the C15 platform utilizes a robust heavy-duty block, high-strength crankshaft design, and advanced fuel-injection systems to deliver exceptional torque and reliable operation under continuous high load. Early Tier 2 models rely on simpler air-to-air turbocharged configurations, whereas the ACERT Tier 3 variants introduced precision combustion management and twin-turbocharging for improved responsiveness and reduced particulate output.
Cat C15 Engine Specs
| Engine | Cat C15 ACERT Tier 3 | Cat C15 Tier 4 Final |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Cylinders | 6 (Inline) | 6 (Inline) |
| Displacement | 927.6 cu in (15.2 L) | 927.6 cu in (15.2 L) |
| Bore | 5.4 in (137 mm) | 5.4 in (137 mm) |
| Stroke | 6.7 in (171 mm) | 6.7 in (171 mm) |
| Operating Range | 1800 - 2100 rpm | 1800 - 2100 rpm |
| Max Power | 595 hp (444 kW) | 580 hp (433 kW) |
| Min Power | 440 hp (328 kW) | 475 hp (354 kW) |
| Power Measured | 2100 rpm | 2100 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 2004 lb ft (2717 Nm) | 1958 lb ft (2655 Nm) |
| Torque Measured | 1400 rpm | 1400 rpm |
| Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Rotation from Flywheel End | Counterclockwise | Counterclockwise |
| Operating Voltage | 12 / 24 V | 12 / 24 V |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged-Aftercooled (TA) | Turbocharged-Aftercooled (TA) |
| Aftertreatment | - | DOC+DPF+SCR |
| Emission Standards | US EPA Tier 3 + EU Stage IIIA | US EPA Tier 4 Final + EU Stage V |
CAT C15 Engine Dimensions
| Engine | Cat C15 ACERT Tier 3 | Cat C15 Tier 4 Final |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 54.2 in (1453 mm) | 56.6 in (1438 mm) |
| Width | 36.2 in (919 mm) | 37.1 in (943 mm) |
| Height | 48.3 in (1226 mm) | 48.8 in (1239 mm) |
| Weight, Net Dry (w/o Optional Attachments) | 3239 lb (1469 kg) | 3399.5 - 3673 lb (1542 - 1666 kg) |
| Aftertreatment Weight | - | 569 - 600 lb (258 - 272 kg) |
| Applications | Agriculture, aircraft ground support, construction, forestry, general industrial, material handling, and mining* | Agriculture, aircraft ground support, construction, forestry, general industrial, material handling, and mining |
* Industries and applications powered by C15 ACERT engines include Agriculture, Aircraft Ground Support, Bore/Drill Rigs, Chippers/Grinders, Combines/Harvesters, Compactors, Compressors, Construction, Cranes, Crushers, Draglines, Earthmoving Equipment, Forestry, General Industrial, Hydraulic Power Units, Irrigation Equipment, Loaders/Forwarders, Material Handling, Mining, Paving Equipment, Pumps, Shovels, Surface Hauling Equipment, Tractors and Trenchers.
Cat C15 ACERT Tier 3 Performance Data
Rating IND-A (Continuous) for heavy duty service where the engine is operated at maximum power and speed up to 100% of the time without interruption or load cycling.
| Engine RPM | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| 2100 | 440 hp (328 kW) | 1100 lb ft (1492 Nm) |
| 2000 | 440 hp (328 kW) | 1155 lb ft (1567 Nm) |
| 1900 | 440 hp (328 kW) | 1216 lb ft (1649 Nm) |
| 1800 | 440 hp (328 kW) | 1283 lb ft (1740 Nm) |
| 1700 | 436 hp (325 kW) | 1346 lb ft (1826 Nm) |
| 1600 | 426 hp (318 kW) | 1400 lb ft (1898 Nm) |
| 1500 | 413 hp (308 kW) | 1446 lb ft (1961 Nm) |
| 1400 | 396 hp (295 kW) | 1484 lb ft (2012 Nm) |
| 1300 | 362 hp (270 kW) | 1463 lb ft (1983 Nm) |
| 1200 | 291 hp (217 kW) | 1275 lb ft (1728 Nm) |
| 1100 | 227 hp (170 kW) | 1085 lb ft (1472 Nm) |
Cat C15 Tier 4 Final Performance Data
Rating IND-A (Continuous) for heavy duty service where the engine is operated at maximum power and speed up to 100% of the time without interruption or load cycling.
| Engine RPM | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| 2100 | 475 hp (354 kW) | 1106 lb ft (1500 Nm) |
| 2000 | 475 hp (354 kW) | 1180 lb ft (1600 Nm) |
| 1900 | 475 hp (354 kW) | 1254 lb ft (1700 Nm) |
| 1800 | 475 hp (354 kW) | 1328 lb ft (1800 Nm) |
| 1700 | 470 hp (350 kW) | 1401 lb ft (1900 Nm) |
| 1600 | 457 hp (341 kW) | 1475 lb ft (2000 Nm) |
| 1500 | 443 hp (330 kW) | 1550 lb ft (2100 Nm) |
| 1400 | 428 hp (319 kW) | 1605 lb ft (2176 Nm) |
| 1300 | 389 hp (290 kW) | 1512 lb ft (2050 Nm) |
| 1200 | 335 hp (250 kW) | 1438 lb ft (1950 Nm) |
| 1100 | 301 hp (225 kW) | 1328 lb ft (1800 Nm) |
All rating conditions are based on SAE J1995, inlet air standard conditions of 99 kPa (29.31 in Hg) dry barometer and 25°C (77°F) temperature. Performance measured using a standard fuel with fuel gravity of 35° API having a lower heating value of 42,780 kJ/kg (18,390 btu/lb) when used at 29°C (84.2°F) with a density of 838.9 g/L.
CAT C15 Refill Capacities
| Engine | C15 ACERT Tier 3 | C15 Tier 4 Final |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil Capacity (w/o filter) | 9 - 18 gal (34 - 68 L) | 10 - 19 gal (38 - 72 L) |
| Cooling System (engine only)** | 5.5 gal (20.8 L) | 7.1 gal (26.9 L) |
| PETU DEF Capacity | - | 24.8 gal (93.7 L) |
** Capacity will vary with radiator size and use of cab heater.
The latest Tier 4 Final / Stage V generation integrates advanced aftertreatment, such as SCR, DOC, and DPF systems, along with electronically controlled MEUI-C injectors to meet strict global emissions standards while delivering cleaner and more efficient performance.
Standard Equipment
| C15 ACERT Tier 3 | C15 Tier 4 Final |
|---|---|
| Air Inlet System | |
| Turbocharged Air-to-Air Aftercooled | Turbocharged Air-to-Air Aftercooled Mid-mount turbocharged system with front and rear exhaust configurations |
| Control System | |
| Electronic governing, PTO speed control Programmable ratings Automatic altitude compensation Power compensation for fuel temperature Programmable low and high idle and total engine limit Electronic diagnostics and fault logging Engine monitoring system SAE J1939 broadcast and control ADEM A4 Electronic Control Unit (ECU) | Electronic control system Over-foam wiring harness Configurable software features Engine monitoring system SAE J1939 broadcast and control Integrated Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Remote fan control 12V and 24V available |
| Cooling System | |
| Thermostats and housing, vertical outlet Jacket water pump, centrifugal Water pump, inlet | Vertical outlet thermostat housing Centrifugal water pump Guidance on cooling system design available through your dealer to ensure equipment reliability |
| Exhaust System | |
| Exhaust manifold, dry Optional exhaust outlet | Front and rear exhaust configurations |
| Flywheels and Flywheel Housing | |
| SAE No. 1 flywheel housing | SAE No. 0 and SAE No. 1 flywheel housings Available SAE 1 PTO housing with optional SAE B and SAE C PTO drives Engine power can also be taken from the front of the engine with optional attachments |
| Fuel System | |
| ACERT Technology MEUI injection Fuel filter, secondary (2 micron) Fuel filter, tertiary (2 micron) Fuel transfer pump Fuel priming pump | Mechanical Electronic Unit Injectors (MEUI) Primary fuel filter Secondary and tertiary fuel filters Fuel transfer pump Electronic fuel priming |
| Lube System | |
| Crankcase breather Oil cooler Oil filler Lube oil filter Front sump oil pan Oil dipstick Gear driven oil pump | Oil cooler Oil filler Lube oil filter Oil dipstick Gear-driven oil pump Choice of front, rear or center sumps Open crankcase ventilation system (optional OCV filter system) |
| General | |
| Vibration damper Lifting eyes Cold start capability to -20° C (-4° F) Paint: Caterpillar yellow, with optional colors available at request | Vibration damper Lifting eyes Cold start capability to -20° C (-4° F) Paint: Caterpillar yellow, with optional colors available at request Engine power can also be taken from the front of the engine on some applications |
Whether configured for stationary power, off-highway equipment, or severe industrial duty cycles, the Cat C15 engine family is known for combining rugged mechanical architecture with modern control technology, offering a balance of high horsepower capability, optimized fuel economy, and exceptional reliability across all emissions tiers.
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