Perkins or Caterpillar engine: what is the difference?

We are often asked whether a Perkins engine is as good as a Caterpillar engine. Rather than debate it, we looked at what is written on the engines themselves: the EPA emission label, mandatory and attached to every engine.

What the two labels say

• Caterpillar engine: C4.4 family, 4.40 L displacement, and the words “Manufactured by Perkins Engines Co. Ltd.” right next to the CAT logo.
• Perkins engine: 1104D-44T family, 4.40 L displacement, manufacturer Perkins Engines Co. Ltd.
• The EPA family contains the same code on both: “PKXL04.4”. In this code, “PKX” identifies the manufacturer (Perkins) and “04.4” the 4.4 L displacement.

In other words, this 4.4 L Cat engine comes from Perkins, the engine maker of the Caterpillar group since 1997.

So what is the difference?

The first difference, the one you see right away, is the colour: yellow for Caterpillar, black or blue for Perkins. The name and logo change too.

The other difference to check is the emission version. The Cat label shown is from a Tier 4 Final engine with exhaust aftertreatment (SCR, DOC, EGR): a version made for mobile machines. Our generators use Perkins engines for stationary use, EPA Tier 3 certified: no DEF fluid or particulate filter to maintain.

What it means for your generator

A Perkins engine is the same engineering and the same manufacturer as several Cat engines of the same displacement, in a version suited to power generation. All our generators are built for heavy-duty use, 24/7, with a genuine Stamford alternator and a Deep Sea controller.

For parts and warranty, always rely on the engine model and serial number: they give the right filter and maintenance references. Our genuine Perkins filters are available in our online store.

You can see our Perkins models and prices or read the story of the Perkins and Caterpillar link.