Overview#
The Cat C175-20 is Caterpillar's largest diesel generator set platform, delivering up to 4,000 kW across standby, mission-critical, prime, and continuous duty cycles. Built around the 105.8-liter V-20 SCAC engine with common rail fuel injection and ADEM A4 electronic controls, this is a purpose-built power plant for utility-scale, large industrial, and critical infrastructure applications.
Available in voltages from 480V through 11,000V medium voltage, the C175-20 supports both low-voltage paralleling arrays and direct medium-voltage distribution. The EMCP 4.2 control panel provides full protective relaying, communications, and paralleling capability.
Key specifications#
- Power: Up to 4,000 kW standby
- Engine: Cat C175-20 SCAC, V-20, 4-stroke, 105.8L displacement
- Bore x stroke: 175 mm x 220 mm (6.89 in x 8.66 in)
- Compression ratio: 15.03:1
- Fuel system: Common rail with ADEM A4 governor
- Duty cycles: Standby, Mission Critical, Prime, Continuous
- Dry weight: Up to 66,200 lb (30,000 kg)
Physical dimensions#
At maximum configuration the C175-20 measures approximately 330.6 inches long, 85.4 inches wide, and 150.7 inches high. Minimum-configuration dry weight starts at 55,100 lb (25,000 kg). Equipment of this size requires detailed structural engineering for pad design, rigging, and ventilation.
Our service experience#
The C175-20 is the largest diesel genset in Caterpillar's lineup. At 20 cylinders and over 100 liters of displacement, this is utility-scale equipment requiring specialized tooling and expertise. Maintenance access, turbocharger balancing across both banks, and fuel quality management are paramount. The Cat S-O-S fluid analysis program is essential for trending at this asset value level.
FAQ#
What is the standby power output of the Cat C175-20?#
The Cat C175-20 is rated up to 4,000 ekW standby at 1,800 rpm (60 Hz) or 1,500 rpm (50 Hz). It supports standby, mission-critical, prime, and continuous duty cycles -- Caterpillar's largest diesel generator set platform.
What engine does the Cat C175-20 generator use?#
The C175-20 SCAC -- a 105.8-liter V-20, four-stroke turbocharged-aftercooled diesel with a 175 mm bore, 220 mm stroke, 15.03:1 compression ratio, and common rail fuel injection governed by the ADEM A4 electronic governor.
What are the service intervals for the Cat C175-20?#
Standard C175-20 service intervals: oil change every 500 hours or 12 months, coolant flush at 6,000 hours, air filter at 1,000 hours. Major overhaul interval for the C175 series is 50,000 hours. Annual load bank testing is strongly recommended.
Is the Cat C175-20 EPA compliant?#
The C175-20 holds EU Declaration of Conformity (CE), IBC seismic certification, ISO 8528-5, NFPA 110, and UL 2200 listings. Specific EPA tier depends on configuration and duty cycle selected.
Who services Cat C175-20 generators in Northern California?#
PowerGen provides installation, maintenance, load bank testing, and emergency service for Caterpillar generators throughout Northern California and the Central Valley. As an authorized dealer network partner, we stock common Cat parts and have factory-trained technicians. Call us for service within a 150-mile radius of Sacramento.
What fuel does the Cat C175-20 use?#
The C175-20 runs on ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), compatible with biodiesel blends up to B20. At the 50 Hz prime rating of 2,800 ekW, fuel consumption is approximately 188.0 gal/hr at full load, 141.9 gal/hr at 75% load, and 99.4 gal/hr at 50% load.
What voltage options are available on the Cat C175-20?#
The C175-20 is available in 277/480V, 3,300V, and 11,000V medium voltage configurations, enabling direct medium-voltage distribution for large campus and utility-scale installations.
How does the Cat C175-20 compare to the C175-16?#
The C175-20 adds four more cylinders (V-20 vs V-16, 105.8L vs 84.7L) for up to 4,000 ekW versus 3,100 ekW for the C175-16. Both share the same 175 mm bore and 220 mm stroke. The C175-20 is Caterpillar's absolute largest diesel generator platform.
