CONEXPO Cometh: Cat Releases New Vocational Truck Line

Sure this is the third Cat blog in a row, but they are the biggest manufacturer of earth moving equipment in the world. And they’re releasing a zillion new machines at CONEXPO, including their first foray into the trucking business.

“This is a historic day in many respects for Caterpillar,” said George Taylor, global director of the on-highway truck group. “We’ve been looking at trucks a long time. We’ve tracked it back 15 years. And for the last five years, we’ve been working on this project. 

Sunday morning, to a large group of CONEXPO press corps, Caterpillar released the Cat CT660, the first model in a full line of Class 8 vocational trucks designed to work as transit mixers, refuse haulers, dump trucks and in any application requiring a heavy-duty truck with the reliability, durability and low cost of ownership. Adding even more value to the CT660 are the resources of the North American Cat dealer network, which is prepared to sell and service the new vocational truck line.

“The CT660 is a natural expansion of the Cat product line and a perfect complement to other Cat equipment on the jobsite,” said Steve Gosselin, vice president of customer services support division. “The CT660 is a direct result of Caterpillar’s commitment to continuously develop new products that accelerate the business success of our customers.”

The project has been a long term partnership with Navistar, one of the major vocational truck leaders in the world – read all about the collaboration here.

The synergy has yielded an awesome addition to the Class 8 market. Engine options for the CT660 include the Cat CT11, CT13 and CT15 — with displacements of 11.1, 12.5 and 15.2 liters — providing horsepower ratings from 330 to 550 and peak torque ratings from 1,450 to 1,850 lb-ft. The engines are designed specifically for vocational applications, yielding optimum horsepower/torque combinations, while providing customers the flexibility to match power and performance to specific applications and operating conditions.

The engines combine an advanced exhaust-gas-recirculation (EGR) system with a high-pressure common-rail fuel system, precision intake-air management system and electronic controls to provide an optimum blend of high performance, low emissions and superior fuel economy. It should be noted that Navistar and Caterpillar are the only two truck engine manufacturers sticking with the EGR technology.

A notable transmission option for the CT660 is the Cat CX31 automatic, a reliable, proven performer since 2004 in global vocational applications. The CX31, with six forward speeds and one reverse, is built to complement the torque output of Cat CT Series engines. The transmission features heavy-duty clutches and gear sets that allow full-power shifts, increasing efficiency and productivity, while reducing drive train shock loads.

But one of the coolest things about the new CT660 is its cool styling. “We wanted something that looked, smelled and growled like a Cat,” said Taylor

The CT660 chassis, fabricated of durable, heat-treated alloy steel, provides the full strength of a Class 8 heavy-duty foundation required for accommodating vocational bodies. The CT660 aluminum-alloy cab provides longer life than conventional steel cabs and weighs approximately 250 lbs less. Less weight means larger payloads and potentially higher profits. In addition, an aerodynamically sloped hood increases visibility for the driver and decreases wind drag to improve fuel efficiency. The modular hood design allows customers to replace only damaged sections, resulting in lower repair costs and less downtime. An all-metal grille surround also uses modular design, as does the three-piece, stainless steel bumper. Not mention, that hood and grille just look gnarly.

The results reflect a reliable, durable, fuel-efficient design that couples driver comfort and safety with optimum return on investment for the owner. The order board for the CT660 will open on April 1, 2011, with factory shipments beginning in July 2011. 

To read more about this impressive product, check out the site here.