Caterpillar Introduces Vocational Truck
LAS VEGAS — Caterpillar Inc. has introduced the CT660, the first in a line of Caterpillar-branded vocational on-highway truck models.
The CT660 is a heavy-duty, “purpose-built” Class 8 truck developed for service as a mixer, a refuse hauler and multiple other severe duty applications, company officials said.
The truck — previewed to trade press Sunday prior to its public introduction at the ConExpo/ConAgg construction and equipment exhibition here — will be built by Navistar International Corp. at its plant in Garland, Texas, under a contract with Caterpillar, but sold and distributed exclusively by Caterpillar dealers in the U.S. and Canada.
The engines will be built by Navistar and will use an advanced exhaust gas recirculation system to control emissions. Advanced EGR does not require the use of diesel exhaust fluid. The CT11 and 13 models will be available first and the CT15 will be available in the first quarter of 2012.
The truck will be powered by Caterpillar-branded CT11, CT13 and CT15 engines, with power ratings ranging from 330 to 550 horsepower and 1,450 to 1,840 pound-feet of torque at peak.
The 660 is a set-back front axle model that will be available in straight truck and day-cab configurations in 116- and 122-inch bumper-back-of-cab lengths. The next model, the CT680, will be in a set-forward axle configuration.
The engines will be mated to the Caterpillar-built CX31 6-speed automatic transmission, which has been used in vocational applications since 2004.
The CT660 is the first Caterpillar-brand product developed out of a contract and joint venture arrangement with Navistar International Corp.
The order board will open April 1 and shipments begin in July, officials said.
By Jim Galligan, Staff Writer
Galligan is Editor of Transport Topics Publishing Group’s Light & Medium Truck magazine.
