Company to Bring Vocational Truck Production to a U.S. Caterpillar Facil
Caterpillar Inc. recently announced it will begin independently designing and manufacturing its vocational truck product family at its plant in Victoria, Texas. The plant, which opened in 2012, currently produces hydraulic excavators.
“The on-highway vocational truck product family is important to our product line; customers like our trucks and want to include them in their fleets in a variety of heavy duty applications such as dump trucks, mixers, haulers or one of the other configurations we offer ,” said Chris Chadwick, Caterpillar’s director of the Global On-Highway Truck Group. “To continue to provide the best solution for our customers, we will bring the design and manufacturing of this product into Caterpillar, and the production specifically to Victoria. Our updated strategy reaffirms our commitment to grow and develop our presence in the vocational truck industry moving forward.”
Caterpillar launched its first vocational truck, the CT660, in the North American market in 2011. Two more models have since been added to the lineup, the CT680 and CT681. To date, Caterpillar has worked with Navistar for the products’ design and build, which are currently manufactured in Escobedo, Mexico.
“We appreciate the collaboration we have had with Navistar,” Chadwick said. “As we look to future launches of new truck models, this updated strategy will better position us to help provide our customers with the best products and services for this market. Caterpillar continues to drive the design phase of all models, both current and planned.
Before launching the product, we spent hundreds of hours on the road with customers, asking them to describe the ideal truck. We know what they want and need – from functionality of the truck itself to comfort in the cab. We plan to meet and exceed those expectations as we grow this product offering to fulfill our customers’ needs.”
The transition process will begin immediately, with production expected to begin in the first half of next year. Caterpillar Victoria will continue to produce excavators, and the addition of the vocational truck production is expected to add around 200 new jobs at the facility.
“Caterpillar Victoria is proud to be a part of this opportunity,” commented Ed O’Neil, general manager for Operations for the Excavation Division. “The Victoria facility was selected because of our team’s proven record of building high-quality Cat® products, our commitment to safety, our successful implementation of the Caterpillar Production System and Lean manufacturing. In addition, support from the community and its excellent skilled workforce, as well as the proximity to suppliers, also contributed to the sourcing decision.”
Caterpillar dealers will continue to sell and support Cat vocational trucks.
Vocational Trucks Brief Specs
| CT681 | CT660 | CT680 | |
| Engine | Cat® CT13 Engine | Cat® CT13 Engine | Cat® CT13 Engine |
| Horsepower @ 1700 rpm | 365 – 430 hp | 365 – 475 hp | 410-475 hp |
| Engine Type | Diesel, 4-Cycle | Diesel, 4-Cycle | Diesel, 4-Cycle |
| Configuration | Inline 6-Cylinder | Inline 6-Cylinder | Inline 6-Cylinder |
| Displacement | 758.0 in3 | 758.0 in3 | 758.0 in3 |
| Aspiration | Turbo/Intercooler/Aftercooler | Turbo/Intercooler/Aftercooler | Turbo/Intercooler/Aftercooler |
| Peak Torque @ 1000 rpm | 1550 lb-ft | 1250 – 1700 lb-ft | 1700 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Cat CX31® Automatic Transmission | Cat CX31® Automatic Transmission | Cat® CX31 Automatic Transmission |
| Speeds | 6 forward/1 reverse | 6 forward/1 reverse | 6 forward/1 reverse |
| Maximum Input Speed: | 2500 rpm | 2500 rpm | 2500 rpm |
| Power Take-Off | 2 side & Hi out put rear | 2 side & Hi out put rear | 2 side & Hi out put rear |
Cat CT680
A natural extension of the Cat® product line, the Cat CT680 Vocational Truck delivers all the power, performance and productivity you expect from Caterpillar. This Class 8 set-forward axle model—ideal for hauling heavy loads—features a spacious and ergonomic cab, industrial styling, vocational-specific engine and transmission options, and bumper-to-bumper support across North America.
The CT680’s set-forward axle, rugged design and industrial styling make it ideal for hauling heavy loads or working in extreme conditions. Aluminum alloy cab construction reduces overall weight and extends cab life.
The CT680’s wide, spacious cab is filled with ergonomic details to reduce fatigue and thoughtful features to enhance driver comfort, all shift long.
Cat’s ergonomically designed dashboard and center stack layout give drivers complete command and control. All controls, levers, switches and gauges are positioned to maximize safety and minimize fatigue, so drivers can stay focused on the job at hand.
The CT680’s tuned cab air suspension system, premium grade sound insulation kit, and durable routing and clipping wire system dramatically reduce vibration and cab noise.
Under the hood, the CT680 is powered by a Cat CT Series Vocational Truck Engine with ratings specific to vocational truck applications and a horsepower/torque combination to tackle the toughest jobs.
Performance-matched with your engine to deliver rugged durability, smooth shifting and optimum power, the Cat CX31 Automatic Transmission will help you maximize your CT680’s uptime, fuel economy and productivity. (Other transmission options are available.)
For more information: http://www.cat.com/en_US/products/new/equipment/on-highway-trucks/on-highway-trucks/1000004244.html
Cat CT681
A natural extension of the Cat® product line, the Cat CT681 Vocational Truck delivers all the power, performance and productivity you expect from Caterpillar. This Class 8 set-forward axle model—ideal for hauling heavy loads—features a spacious and ergonomic cab, industrial styling, vocational-specific engine and transmission options, and bumper-to-bumper support across North America.
The CT681’s set-forward axle, rugged design and industrial styling make it ideal for hauling heavy loads or working in extreme conditions. Aluminum alloy cab construction reduces overall weight for maximum payloads.
Cat’s integral Front Frame Extension (FFE) option makes it easy to mount attachments like snow plows, hose reels, winches and hydraulic pumps. Mixer installation is simple thanks to vertical tie-in plates mounted behind the cab.
The CT681’s wide, spacious cab is filled with ergonomic details to reduce fatigue and thoughtful features to enhance driver comfort, all shift long.
The CT681’s ergonomically designed dashboard and center stack layout give drivers complete command and control. All controls, levers, switches and gauges are positioned to maximize safety and minimize fatigue, so drivers can stay focused on the job at hand.
Cat’s tuned cab air suspension system, premium grade sound insulation kit, and durable routing and clipping wire system dramatically reduce vibration and cab noise.
Under the hood, the CT681 is powered by a Cat CT Series Vocational Truck Engine with ratings specific to vocational truck applications and a horsepower/torque combination to tackle the toughest jobs.
Performance-matched with your engine to deliver rugged durability, smooth shifting and optimum power, the Cat CX31 Automatic Transmission will help you maximize your CT681’s uptime, fuel economy and productivity. (Other transmission options are available.)
Fore more information:
http://www.cat.com/en_US/products/new/equipment/on-highway-trucks/on-highway-trucks/18581765.html