Overview#
The MTU 20V4000 DS3250 is a 3,250 kW diesel standby generator set — one of the largest single-unit generator sets available in the North American market — powered by the MTU 20V4000G83L6ECT, a high-output variant of the 95.4-liter, 20-cylinder V-configuration 4000-series engine producing up to 3,490 kWm (4,680 bhp) gross at 1,800 rpm. This is the top output unit in the standard MTU Onsite Energy diesel standby product line.
The DS3250 carries EPA Tier 2 certification and is available in voltages from 480V through 13,800V three-phase — the 380V and 208/240V options available on the DS2800 are not available on the DS3250, reflecting the industrial and critical infrastructure positioning of this unit. Voltages available include 4,160V, 12,470V, 13,200V, and 13,800V for direct medium/high-voltage distribution connection.
The prime rating is not listed on the published spec sheet — the DS3250 is positioned as a standby-only unit. At 65,369 pounds dry weight and 305.75 inches (nearly 26 feet) in length, this generator requires purpose-built infrastructure: engineered structural pad, permanent fuel storage and day tank systems, and a crane with significant reach and capacity for installation and major service. The radiator is rated for 43°C ambient — lower than any other unit in the MTU standby line — and installations in hot climates must carefully engineer the air supply and discharge for the cooling system.
Technical Specifications#
Power Ratings (60 Hz, 1800 rpm, 0.8 PF)
| Rating | kW | kVA |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 3250 | 4063 |
Engine — MTU 20V4000G83L6ECT
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 95.4 L (5,822 in³) |
| Configuration | 20-cylinder V |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged and charge-air-cooled |
| Fuel injection | Common rail |
| Rated speed | 1800 rpm |
| Governor | ADEC electronic isochronous, ±0.25% |
| Max gross power | 3,490 kWm (4,680 bhp) |
| Emissions | EPA Tier 2 |
| Starting | 24V electric, 4,200 CCA |
Fuel Consumption (Diesel #2)
| Load | Consumption |
|---|---|
| 100% load | 223 gph (844 L/hr) |
| 75% load | 170 gph (644 L/hr) |
| 50% load | 118 gph (447 L/hr) |
Physical (Open Power Unit)
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 7,766 mm (305.75 in) |
| Width | 3,099 mm (122 in) |
| Height | 3,569 mm (140.5 in) |
| Dry weight | 29,651 kg (65,369 lb) |
Cooling System
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Radiator ambient rating | 43°C (108°F) |
| Water pump capacity | 1,567 L/min (414 gpm) |
| Aftercooler pump capacity | 567 L/min (150 gpm) |
| Heat rejection to coolant | 1,300 kW |
| Heat rejection to aftercooler | 970 kW |
| Heat radiated to ambient | 237 kW |
Our Service Experience#
The 20V4000 DS3250 is a power plant, not a generator. Planning and operating this unit requires the same rigor as a small industrial engine facility: dedicated maintenance contracts with MTU Onsite Energy factory-authorized service teams, planned annual shutdown windows, crane access for turbocharger and injector service, and permanent fuel system infrastructure.
The 43°C radiator ambient rating is the most critical site design constraint: this is 7°F lower than most standby generators in this class. For outdoor installations in California, Arizona, Texas, and other warm climates, verify that the effective air temperature at the radiator face — accounting for solar gain, reflected heat from nearby structures, and recirculated exhaust air — does not exceed 43°C during the maximum anticipated ambient. This typically requires engineered radiator enclosures with independent airflow modeling.
Fuel logistics at 223 gph requires planning that exceeds most facilities' existing fuel infrastructure. A 72-hour standby mission at full load requires approximately 16,000 gallons. Plan permanent fuel storage with appropriate fire suppression, secondary containment, and automated fuel delivery scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions#
What voltages are available on the DS3250? 480V, 600V, 4,160V, 12,470V, 13,200V, and 13,800V three-phase. The lower voltages (380V, 208V, 240V) available on the DS2800 are not offered on the DS3250 — this unit is designed for medium and high-voltage distribution environments.
What is the radiator ambient rating on the DS3250? 43°C (108°F) — the lowest radiator ambient rating in the MTU standby product line. This is a critical site design constraint. The DS2800 is rated to 48°C; if site ambient conditions regularly exceed 43°C, the DS2800 may be more appropriate or a remote radiator installation should be engineered.
How does the DS3250 differ from the DS2800? Both use the MTU 20V4000 V20 engine (95.4L, same displacement). The DS3250 uses the higher-output G83L variant (3,490 kWm vs 3,010 kWm) to deliver 450 additional kW standby. The DS3250 is slightly longer (305.75 vs 300.3 inches) and heavier (65,369 vs 62,056 lb), with a lower radiator ambient rating (43°C vs 48°C).
What fuel consumption should I plan for? 223 gph at full standby load on Diesel #2. At 75% average load factor, plan for approximately 170 gph average consumption during an outage.
