Tom Berg, Truck Editor
Caterpillar’s new Class 8 vocational truck is rugged and designed for customization, low cost of ownership and driver comfort, and will be at Cat dealers by this summer, company executives said at its unveiling Sunday prior to Conexpo-Con/Agg. The CT660 that emerged from the ceremonial smoke was painted viper red to emphasize that it can be painted in many other colors than machinery yellow.
The CT (for Cat Truck) series will eventually encompass several models, but starts with the CT660, with a setback steer axle and a choice of 11- and 13-liter diesels, with a 15-liter engine coming later, said Gary Blood, product manager. Automatic, automated and manual transmissions will be available; the automatic is Cat’s own CX31 six-speed, based on transmissions used in off-road machinery.
CTs will be sold and serviced only by Cat dealers. They are preparing to support the new trucks by stocking parts and tools and trailing sales people and technicians. It will be premium priced, like Cat machinery, but customers will see the value that it brings, dealer reps said.
The CT is based on Navistar International’s PayStar severe-service model, will use Navistar diesels and will be built at that company’s factory in Garland, Texas. However, Cat specialists went to great pains to differentiate their new model.
CT660 has unique and assertive nose styling, and the cab has its own instruments, dashboard and interior panels. The aluminum cab structure is stronger with details like redundant window regulators – two per window instead of one – to ensure ruggedness and durability.
The CT660 will initially be available as a 6x4, with 6x6 and 8x6 axle configurations coming. In early 2013 a CT680 model with a forward-set steer axle will be added, and a cabover is being discussed. Production begins in May and CTs will begin arriving at Cat dealers in June.
