For Worldwide Release: February 21, 2005 Caterpillar C12 Provides ...

For Worldwide Release: February 21, 2005
Release Number: M01PR05
Caterpillar ® C12 Provides Improved Acceleration Response, Power,
Reduced Smoke and Emissions
C12 Meets EPA Tier 2 and IMO Emission Standards
News
The Caterpillar C12 marine propulsion engine implements a number of hardware and
software upgrades for enhanced acceleration response and power, and reduced emissions
and smoke.
The C12 replaces the Caterpillar 3196 but has the same six cylinders, 12-liter
displacement, dimensions, footprint and connection points, as well as the same optional
attachments. It is suited to the same marine applications, including lobster boats, fishing
boats, patrol boats, harbor vessels and small push boats.
An upgrade to the ADEM III governor – over the 3196’s ADEM II – combined with
software changes, results in the C12’s EPA Tier 2 and IMO certifications. Table 1
identifies the certified marine ratings.
The ADEM III governor in conjunction with Caterpillar’s Electronic Unit Injection (EUI)
provides variable injection timing and duration for optimized combustion at any given
speed and load. This technology provides exceptional acceleration response and power,
and reduced smoke and soot.
Additional changes in the C12 contribute to its improved performance. First, revisions in
the piston design, in particular the lower top ring, result in lower operating temperatures
and longer life for components. Second, smooth castings instead of fabricated passages
yield better airflow, which increases power, reduces emissions and improves fuel

economy without complicated attachments. And third, a floating design of the tube and
fin aftercooler results in improved durability in harsh water conditions.
The C12 comes with slow vessel mode, which permits a full range of throttle motion
during trolling, from a low idle speed to a maximum trolling speed, both of which are
specified by the customer. The customer may also enable or disable specific functions of
the engine’s control system.
ADEM III provides improved integration with the Marine Power Display, a large backlit
LCD screen that makes quick reading possible for vessel operators. The display provides
trip value and total values for engine hours, fuel used, average load factor, average fuel
consumption, idle hours and idle fuel.
Table 1. EPA Tier 2 and IMO Certified Ratings for C12
Rating hp (kW) rpm
C 454 hp (339 kW) 2100 rpm
B 385 hp (287 bkW) 1800 rpm
A 340 (hp) (254 bkW) 1800 rpm
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About Caterpillar Marine Power Systems
Caterpillar Marine Power Systems, with headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, was created
to bring together all sales and service activities for Cat ® and MaK branded marine
products within Caterpillar Inc. This organization provides premier marine power
solutions (high and medium speed with outputs from 11 kW to 16,000 kW) and customer
service from a single source for the global commercial/ocean-going and pleasure craft
markets. The Caterpillar Marine Power Systems sales and service network includes more
than 1800 dealer locations worldwide and is well positioned to support the customers
wherever they are.
More information is available at www.cat-marine.com or www.mak-global.com.
About Caterpillar
For more than 75 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been building the world’s infrastructure and,
in partnership with its worldwide dealer network, is driving positive and sustainable
change on every continent. With 2004 sales and revenues of $30.25 billion, Caterpillar is
a technology leader and the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining
equipment, clean diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines.
More information is available at www.cat.com.
Editorial information for Editorial information for
Americas: Europe, Africa, Middle East
and Asia Pacific:
Monica Trepanier
Phone: +1 309 578-3985
E-mail: trepanier_monica_a@CAT.com
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Ronald Brügmann
Phone: +49 40 2380-3104
E-mail: bruegmann_ronald@CAT.com