Cat RP3600 (Discontinued)

The Cat RP3600 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,600 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W. (Read full specs)

• - No user reviews
• Write a review

Compare ShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 4

❮ ❯

Zoom on the Cat RP3600

In a nutshell, the Cat RP3600 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:

• RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
• People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
• Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout

In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.

Power & Run Time

The Cat RP3600

The Cat RP3600 houses a 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 3,600W along with a peak wattage of 4,500W.

This generator utilizes a manual recoil starter system for startup.

With a fuel capacity of 4.5 gallons, the RP3600 can run for around 13.5 hours at 50% load when the tank is full (fuel consumption is approximately 0.33 gallons per hour).

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R)

120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle

With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Cat generator is RV Ready.

Portability

Measuring L28.4 x W25.2 x H23 in, the Cat RP3600 showcases a classic open frame layout, offering stability and simple maintenance access to components, while facilitating air circulation. The generator is designed for outdoor use and demanding environments.

While weighing 125 lbs, the generator is classified as 'portable,' indicating its mobility, albeit its heftiness may limit portability in specific situations. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.

Features

The RP3600's control panel

The RP3600's control center features a convenient meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity. To offer you even more control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.

The inclusion of a built-in fuel gauge in the generator streamlines gas level checks for quick and convenient assessments.

From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during operation.

Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Cat RP3600 ships with supplementary accessories: funnel, oil and tool kit. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.

Product Videos

The Cat RP3600 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Cat RP3600 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).

• Weighing in at 125 lbs, the Cat RP3600 fits within the expected weight range for devices producing 3500 to 4500 rated watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN 56432iX, with a dry weight of just 52.9 pounds.
• Since the RP3600 boasts with a run time of around 13.5 hours at 50% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most generators of a comparable output. If you wish to prioritize autonomy, the Firman W03663OF shines as one of the top contenders, offering one of the highest run times among generators with similar power output, totaling around 18 hours.
• Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. This generator can be considered as fuel-efficient, due to its low estimated fuel consumption of only 0.33 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, within the aforementioned wattage range. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.23 gallons per hour.

The bottom line

About Cat

Caterpillar Inc., often abbreviated as simply CAT, is an American engineering corporation, whose product range includes machinery, engines, financial products, mobile phones and of course, power generators. The company, founded in 1925, is one of the backbones of the US Dow Jones index and is placed among the Fortune 500 list. While CAT mainly focuses on industrial scale generators, it also provides a wide range of portable and household-scaled devices. CAT portable generators were engineered and designed in Mossville, Illinois, and Belfast, Northern Ireland. However, their production was outsourced to China.

Warranty Information

The Cat RP3600 is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Cat generators, please consult Cat's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-844-PWR-ME-UP (844-797-6387).

Questions & Answers