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)

Compare ShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 4
Cat RP3600Cat RP3600Cat RP3600

This product was discontinued. For your convenience, we decided to leave this page up.
If you were looking to purchase it, you may want to have a look at the Generac GP3600, which has similar specs.

Description

ECONOMICAL TEMPORARY POWER SOLUTION. This compact, affordable model will generate enough power to keep the critical items you need running.

Zoom on the Cat RP3600

In a few words, the Cat RP3600 is a portable generator perfectly suited for:

  • RV travellers looking for even more independence
  • People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
  • Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures

The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.

Power & Run Time

The Cat RP3600 in use

The Cat RP3600

Running on gasoline, the Cat RP3600 operates with a 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, with a running wattage of 3,600W and a peak wattage of 4,500W.

This generator starts operation using a conventional pull-start mechanism.

With a fuel capacity of 4.5 gallons, the RP3600 may run for around 13.5 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.33 GPH).

Outlets

The control panel features 5 AC outlets as follows:

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

At L28.4 x W25.2 x H23 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Cat RP3600 ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Since the generator weighs 125 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). However, the lack of maneuverability can be offset with its wheel kit and its folding handle, which allows for convenient shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Cat RP3600

The RP3600's control panel

The RP3600's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours. To offer you even more control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.

With its built-in fuel gauge, the generator provides quick and convenient gas level checks.

Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.

In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Cat RP3600 also includes several accessories: funnel, tool kit and oil. 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).

  • With a dry weight of 125 pounds, the Cat RP3600 finds itself in the expected weight range for generators able to produce between 3500 and 4500 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Genmax GM4600iAEFIC, with a dry weight of only 58.4 lbs.
  • At 50% load, the RP3600 boasts a higher run time than most similarly powerful products, reaching around 13.5 hours. If run time is one of your main concerns, the Predator 4375 could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting around 16 hours.
  • While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. Among devices of similar power, this generator has one of the better fuel efficiency, with consumption rates of around 0.33 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.23 GPH, could be an option to consider.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Illuminated control panel
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • High run time
  • Fuel efficient
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (125 lbs)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start

Do you own the Cat RP3600 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyYes
FuelGasoline
Engine212 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty2 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz
Running watts3,600 W
Starting watts4,500 W
Running amps30 amps
Peak amps37.5 amps
Run time @50% load13.5 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankMetal, 4.5 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight125 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)28.4 x 25.2 x 23 in
Noise (lower limit)Unknown
THDUnknown
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, tool kit, and wheel kit
Other model numbers502-3684
UPC815683020005

Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.

Spec Improvement×

This form does not send us any personal data (not even your IP address)

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

What can it power?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizer.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Hair dryer18001900
Freezer8101750
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total2857 W3857 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
RV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
Slow cooker270270
Radio100100
Total2860 W3450 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Bug zapper8080
Total2740 W3840 W
We would love to know your opinion

Leave a review

Your total score

Generator Bible
Logo
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare

You can compare as many generators as you wish. However, for the best results, we recommend you to compare only 2 generators at a time.

0