Caterpillar may be a brand that doesn’t need an extended introduction. If you’ve ever visited any construction site within the US you’ve probably noticed that the majority of the heavy-duty machinery used there’s all manufactured by Cat.
This Fortune 100 company has been present in the marketplace for nearly 100 years and have become one among the foremost recognized brands within the housing industry. They produce all types of construction machines and vehicles including off-highway trucks, excavators, tractors and motor graders also like all kinds of engines and construction equipment imaginable. Cat possesses even its successful clothing brand.
What few people know though is that Caterpillar also makes portable inverter generators. within the following article, we’re gonna have a glance at a number of the Cat generators and see whether or not they live up to the reputation of the brand and the way do they perform against other generator brands
# | Generator | Wattage (Starting / Running) | Weight | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cat RP7500E | 9375 W / 7500 W | 192 lbs | Buy on Amazon | |
Cat RP3600 | 4500 W / 3600 W | 112.2 lbs | Buy on Amazon | |
Cat INV2000 | 2200 W / 1850 W | 49 lbs | Buy on Amazon | |
Cat RP12000E | 15,000 W / 12,000 W | 348 lbs | Buy on Amazon |
#1. Cat RP7500E – OUR CHOICE
Before we checked out the Cat RP7500E gas-powered portable generator, we focused on twenty of the foremost important features you ought to be trying to find in any machine you wish. We noticed the RP7500E had most of them, which makes it an incredible choice regardless of what purpose you would like it for. There also are smaller models that also could be ok counting on your specific needs.
It’s always an honest idea to select the most important model you’ll afford, but you continue to have an option to make. the simplest thanks to reaching a final judgment are by reading the unbiased opinions of people who use their Cat generator daily to try.
FEATURES
Long run time – it’s a fuel-efficient generator capable of running up to 11 hours on one tank. this suggests you’ll use it for the whole long day at a construction site without having to refuel. an equivalent applies to home backup solutions. As long as you don’t attempt to run all major electrical equipment directly, you’ll expect this generator to run the whole night without interruptions.
Strong engine – we all know that Cat doesn’t continue compromises when manufacturing the machinery. The engine installed within the RP7500 is not any exception. It’s a really solid built 420cc OHV engine protected with forged iron sleeves. It’s one among those generators engines which you’ll fully believe knowing that they’re going to run flawlessly and serve you whenever you would like.
Huge choice of outlets – the generator was made to be as versatile as possible and this is often clearly reflected within the number of varied outputs available. You’re offered the selection of 6 outlets in total. These include standard 120V and 240V 30 amp twist-lock outputs suitable for the overwhelming majority of electrical tools and equipment.
Solid frame – we might expect the generator designed by a corporation specialized in heavy-duty construction equipment to be fully prepared even for the toughest working conditions. The Cat RP7500 doesn’t disappoint. The frame is formed of nothing but steel, providing the required level of protection for the motor. The generator overall looks and feels very strong. This makes it a touch heavy to maneuver around. However, that’s the worth you buy having a durable heavy-duty generator at your disposal.
SPECIFICATIONS
✔ 7500 Running Watts / 9375 Starting Watts
✔ Runs up to 13 Hrs. On One Tank @ 50% Load
✔ 6 Outlets, Including 120v and 240v 30a Twist-Lock Receptacles
✔ Assembly Tools, Engine Oil, and Funnel Included – Just Add Gas
✔ Electric Start and LED-Lit Control Panel
✔ Padded Double Hinged Handle and Solid Rubber Wheels
✔ 3-Year Limited Warranty for Parts and Service for Full Term
✔ Higher running wattage for light industrial usage
✔ Keeps your job site equipment running at peak performance
✔ Controls all on one side for simple operation
✔ Weight Balanced, Easy To Move Design
✔ Solid Steel, Low Vibration Frame
✔ Automatic Low Oil Shut Down and AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulation)
✔ Manual Fuel Shut Off and Auto Tip-Over Fuel Shut Off Protection
✔ Easy-Access, Low- Maintenance Design
✔ EPA Compliant
#2. CAT INV2000
SPECIFICATIONS
✔ AC Maximum Output Starting Watts: 2,250W
✔ AC Rated Output Running Watts: 1,800W
✔ Rated AC Voltage: 120
✔ Frequency: 60 Hz
✔ Engine Size: 79.9cc
✔ Run Time @ 50%: 6 Hours
✔ Tank Size: 1 Gallon
✔ Weight: 48.7 lbs
Today, we are getting to take a glance at the Cat INV2000, an 1800 running watt generator, and see exactly what makes it so special. This generator is filled with great features and that I am getting to check out all of them so that you’ll make an informed buying decision at the top of this text .2000 watts is enough to power most small appliances to urge you thru your next blackout and may help agitate power tools on any job site.
For most people, there are getting to be a couple of qualities that they’re getting to search for when choosing the right generator for his or her applications. For residential use, you’re going to want to seek out something easily portable, quiet, and has the sort of outlets you would like for what your application involves. Most of the time, you’re getting to want standard household outlets at the very least.
FEATURES
Very quiet – Inverter generators are generally much quieter than the traditional open-frame units. However, not all inverters operate with an equivalent background level. Some are louder than others which doesn’t necessarily make them the foremost reliable choices for the situations when silence is vital like camping. Fortunately, we’ve found Cat INV2000 to get on the quieter side. Making only between 52 to 60 dB of noise (depending on the load and distance you measure it from) it can certainly rival most of the opposite quiet generators (click here to ascertain them).
Good run time – While you certainly can’t believe the generator is so small to run a whole night on 100% load, it still performs pretty much in comparison to several of its competitors. you’ll calculate it to run around 5-6 hours at half load which may be a very decent result. It comes equipped with an Engine Smart control mechanism which helps tons in optimizing fuel consumption.
Suitable for portable electronics – As we’ve mentioned before, you’ll use this type of a generator to charge portable equipment without worries. INV2000 makes it even easier since it comes with dedicated USB outlets. Surprisingly, not all the inverters have these on board (even the favoured Honda Eu2200i lacks these). It’s an honest thing that Caterpillar made this generator with different users in mind and included this nice handy addition.
Compact size – The generator possesses the size of 19.6 x 12.5 x 18.1 inches and weighs a touch bit but 49 lbs. While perhaps not the lightest inverter out there, it’s definitely among the foremost compact models available. You won’t find it difficult in the least to hold it with one hand.
Parallel capability – This is often one among our favorite features the simplest inverter generators usually offer. It allows you to attach two identical inverters to double the entire power you get. Fortunately, Cat INV2000 also offers this feature because of the parallel kit which you’ll buy separately if you would like more power. If you have already got a 2200 watt inverter generator from another brand, you ought to be also ready to use it alongside Cat INV2000.
#3. CAT RP 12000E
This is one heavy-duty portable generator. The Cat RP12000E Gas Powered Portable Generator 502-3699 is user-friendly and safe enough to use for household electricity needs yet tough and powerful enough to face up to rough handling on job sites.
With its extra-large gasoline tank and V-twin engine, you’ll run appliances, power tools and electronics for half each day. Although it’s gasoline-powered, the generator has an electric-start dial and LED panel for quick startups and night visibility.
The portable generator also boasts a complete of nine receptacles and low harmonic distortion for the safe use of electronics. Plus, it’s an all-metal frame and tank, protected outlets and no-flat tires, so you’ll use this massive generator without inadvertently causing damage.
Its lifting eye and folding handle make it easier to maneuver the RP12000E. For noise reduction and fuel conservation, you’ll utilize the generator’s low-idle mode.
FEATURES
Massive power – There aren’t many portable generators that will deliver such a lot of power as Cat RP12000E. We frequently see people trying to find the entire house portable backup power solution and what we’ve to inform most of them is that in most cases they simply cannot expect a transportable generator to run everything in their homes. This is often different within the case of RP12000E and other gens of this size. you’ll use it alongside a generator transfer switch to run just about everything in your household. it’s also an honest choice for job sites requiring the simultaneous use of several large electric tools like air compressors, chainsaws, welders, drills, etc.
Fuel efficient – The generator possesses a 670cc OHV engine which isn’t only powerful but reasonably efficient when it involves its fuel consumption. At 50% load, you’ll expect around 11 hours of continuous run time from this generator. In other words, you wouldn’t have any problems running this generator for the entire night without interruptions.
Low THD – While this is often not an inverter generator and you can’t expect it to run at minimal Total Harmonic Distortion, it still outperforms most of the traditional break generators. Its THD stays below the five hundred thresholds which albeit isn’t 100% safe for portable electronics, remains a reasonable figure.
3-year warranty – You’d expect such a reputable company as Caterpillar to possess trust within the products they create. Cat is understood for its good customer service and covers its generators by a 3-year warranty which also includes servicing and replacement parts. This is an often overlooked aspect and something which gives us more peace of mind.
SPECIFICATIONS
✔ Running Wattage: 12,000 watts
✔ Surge Wattage: 15,000 watts
✔ Runtime: 11.7 hrs @ 1/2 load
✔ Tank Capacity: 13.2 gal
✔ Noise Level: Not Measured
✔ Weight: 353 lb
#4. CAT RP3600
Cat RP3600 is another very fashionable Caterpillar portable generator. This model produces 4500 starting watts and 3600 running watts of power. This is a perfect amount for those that need a well-balanced medium-sized portable generator to run a couple of minor electric appliances or one or two large tools at a time. You could also use this generator to power the foremost needed appliances at your home during a blackout. While you certainly can’t expect to run the entire home thereon, Cat RP3600 would produce enough power to run things sort of a refrigerator, AC, set of lights, TV and a few kitchen equipments.
FEATURES
Durable motor – The generator comes with an ingenious Cat engine. it’s a 212 cc OHV motor delivering a gentle supply of 3600 rated watts. The engine is extremely durable and runs slightly more quietly than tons of other portable generators. While it’s not one among the quietest gens out there, it’s not very loud in the least.
Sturdy build – A bit like the other machinery they create, Caterpillar generators are built to cater for demanding construction sites. this suggests that albeit you would like a generator just for simple jobs, you’ll expect it to run just about without a flaw even in rough conditions. The all-steel frame does an excellent job in protecting the engine and it’s never just a marketing cliche.
Easy Operation – This generator may be a no brainer to start and maintain. It features both the manual and electric start making it very easy to line up even for fewer experienced users.
Fuel efficiency – This is often one among the items we like about Cat generators generally and we’re glad to ascertain that RP3600 also performs alright on this matter. you’ll expect it to run up to 12-13 hours counting on the load. This makes it an honest choice for those that don’t want to refuel the gen frequently and wish a generator to run even a couple of days within the row just in case of the persistent power blackout.
SPECIFICATIONS
✔ Inverter: No
✔ Portable: Yes
✔ Parallel Capable: No
✔ RV ready: Yes
✔ Fuel: Gasoline
✔ Engine: 212 cc OHV 4-stroke
✔ Starting system: Recoil
Now let’s find an answer to a few questions that would come to anybody’s mind going for a generator for their recreational vehicle.
Q. ARE CATERPILLAR GENERATORS WORTH IT?
A. Anybody who has worked around or works around heavy machines and equipment will be able to tell you about Caterpillar. It is a well-recognized company which specializes in almost every type of equipment and appliance or machinery which people depend on while they are trying to move, lift, pick up simply anything. Big industries can use them for transporting supplies, whereas, big farms can use them for harvesting purposes. They can also be used by people who are developing bridges or roads and can handle every other type of big and tough job.
However, the fact that most people do not realize is that the brand, Caterpillar also manufactures and produces generators and that they are extremely reliable and worth purchasing. As you would go through the reviews of the owners, you would be quick enough to find out that the generators produced by Caterpillar are something that most people are fond of. In our personal opinion, Caterpillar has been around and has been providing the people with heavy appliances for a very long period of time now and their quality and work are not questionable at all. We feel that anything or any equipment with the logo of CAT is worth taking a second look at.
Q. WHICH ARE THE MOST RELIABLE AND TRUSTABLE CAT GENERATORS?
A. 3 of the most popular CAT generators are the RP7500, RP3600 and the RP5500. All these generators are powered by gas and are designed portably at your convenience so that you can take them to your offices or job sites. All these 3 generators are EPA compliant, however, there are CARB compliant series of these inverter generators which are also available in the market. The 7500W generator is the largest one and has 6 outlets for you to utilize for your electrical appliance, whereas, the other two generators have only 5outlets.
One outlet on the largest two generators comprises 240V 30a outlets. All of them are Twist-Lock receptacles. The minimum warranty provided on them is of 3-years, which is for the parts and services which come for the complete term. Everything would be provided to you in a ready-to-run condition. And that includes a funnel, the engine oil or fuel and all the other assembly tools and equipment. This makes it simpler for you to get started. The larger units come with an electric start; this means that they will start easily and not give any difficulty.
Talking about their ability to run; 3600 comes with the smallest tank size and can hold up to 4.5 gallons of fuel. Although, it may run for 13.5 hours at a load capacity of 50%. More power would mean that you would require a bigger tank with greater capacity. The largest generators can hold about 7.9 gallons and run for approximately 11-12 hours on a single tank at a load capacity of 50%.
Each has other features that make them ideal for use on job sites, RVs, and homes. Automatic voltage regulations and LED displays ensure you can use it without worry whether you have set it up correctly.
Q. HOW DOES CAT COMPARE TO OTHERS?
A. The Caterpillar generators are an outstanding choice in the opinion of most owners. They have sufficient power to function well in almost all kinds of circumstances regardless of where you are playing, camping or working. These generators are sturdy, durable and reliable sources of power. They are easy to set up and function without any problems, right after they are out of the box. These generators are also extremely popular for their capacity to work silently and not create any noise, that is something most other generators cannot do. Possibly that is the reason as to why they all receive a rating of 4 to 4.5+ stars.
There are a lot of other brands and companies that manufacture generators that have good ratings and an equal amount of power. There are generators out there that are more known amongst the public. Though, most do not come with everything that you require, excluding for the gasoline, to get it all charged and powered up and running. Some have similar warranties. The takeaway here is that the other generators would cost you more while purchasing or may not be as reliable as the generators produced by CAT. The small generators are usually below $500, whereas the large ones can be yours for simply over $1,000. Therefore, the question arises why pay more for the same amount of power, especially when CATs are so way better known for their reliability and outstanding performance?
Q. WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE A CAT RP SERIES PORTABLE GENERATOR?
A. Whenever Caterpillar manufactures or produces equipment or appliances, it is with the goal and aims to work and last longer.
When Caterpillar builds a machine, we build it to work and to last. Each feature of the Cat RP Series has been judiciously thought out by their engineers with the purchaser in mind, from presentation and performance to safety and security to comfort of reliability and usage.
They have mastered the basics- for instance, quality of power and charge quality and longer run times from the copper generators. However, they even consider all the details and intricacies, for example, ergonomic design and well-balanced which can be pulled or pushed, no matter where you need to travel or go. It also has a suitable single-side operator station on all their models. They come with unique features that you surely would not find in any other brand’s generators or inverters, like integrated charging on E models, LED lights on the control panel and a padded, double-hinged handle. All the inverter generators produced and manufactured by Caterpillar come with a limited warranty of 3-year which covers services and parts for the complete term of usage.
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