Smaller, stronger, smarter
Caterpillars new C13D
A single 13-litre engine block that covers the working area of the C13, C15 and even the bottom of the 18-litre C18. With its unprecedented power density, the new C13D lays the foundation for meeting the entire power demand of that line of engines in the future. Smaller, smarter and stronger: the C13D is Cat’s future in industrial applications.
Starting from scratch
Starting from scratch, with a different approach and a fresh take on the traditional engine concept. That’s how it started years ago and the C13D is the result. A result that clearly deviates from what we’re familiar with. The C13D is different, smarter, more compact. Take the positioning of the distribution, which is now at the rear. The entire structure is new, including things like the bearings. These are small details that have a big effect on a large scale.
Jan Nederlof, Industrial OEM account manager at Pon Power, agrees: “A block doesn’t get revolutionary more compact, stronger, quieter and more economical by further developing an existing concept. Cat has really started from scratch and you can see that in the smallest details. Take the absence of washers; the surfaces have been processed and designed in such a way that they’re hardly necessary. That saves parts. These are small things, but the sum of this C13D is very big.”
"Cat has really started from scratch and you can see that in the smallest details."
Power density
If you build a smaller engine that can deliver the same power as a larger engine, it will be more compact, more economical and more flexible. It’s that simple. And with that starting point in mind, Caterpillar started developing from scratch. With a cylinder capacity of 12.9 litres, the six-in-line offers eight power outputs in different configurations, from 340 to 515 kW, with a maximum torque of 3200 Nm. With bore and stroke dimensions of 129.5 x 162.5 mm, the turbo and aftercooler has a total cylinder capacity of 12.9 l. The most important thing: the power density of no less than 40kW per litre.
Jan Nederlof: “The wide power range means customers with a wide range of products can now equip their range with a single engine, the C13D. This makes a huge difference in engineering, inventory management, maintenance and all other matters required for the maintenance of an engine block. It simply makes everything a lot easier.”
“Another important aspect is that the C13D delivers its maximum torque at a lower speed. It makes this engine quieter and more predictable, and therefore more practical to use.”
Economical with (alternative) fuel
Fuel savings were an important pillar during the development process of this new platform. Electronic optimisation and an advanced algorithm, among other things, save fuel consumption by up to 185 grams per kW hour. This means that 185 grams of fuel are needed to provide one kilowatt of energy for one hour. Loosely translated: that is little, and up to 20% less than the current C13, C15 and C18. Optimisation has also been achieved in AdBlue consumption.
The C13D is suitable for biofuels, including 100% HVO. In addition, possible further development of both natural gas and hydrogen has been taken into account. Jan Nederlof: “With the C13D as a platform for the future, alternative fuels play an important role. In places in industry where a combustion engine is simply the only option, for instance, we can still significantly reduce carbon emissions over the entire lifespan. That’s so fantastic about the Caterpillar laying the foundation again and taking alternative fuels into account. Future-proofing is also of great importance for our customers.”
“Of course, this isn’t just about costs, but also about working time. Every hour of maintenance that is not required means an extra hour of undisturbed work. A win-win situation.”
Low maintenance costs
Thanks to the new, more robust and smart technology, Caterpillar has greatly extended the maintenance intervals compared to the C13, C15 and C18. The oil change interval is now 1,000 hours and that of the particulate filter is 5,000 hours. New technologies such as hydraulic valve adjusters and a maintenance and filter-free passive crankcase ventilation and deaeration system mean the C13D requires less maintenance.
Jan Nederlof: “Of course, this isn’t just about costs, but also about working time. Every hour of maintenance that is not required means an extra hour of undisturbed work. A win-win situation.”
Available in 2026
Caterpillar will start a series of OEM pilots in 2025, with production and availability scheduled for 2026. If you'd like more information about the C13D, Jan Nederlof is enjoying his well-deserved retirement, so you can contact his former colleague and successor, Xander Boutkan.
