Press Release
For North America Release: March 2011
Release Number: 98PR11
First Model in New Cat® Vocational Truck Line Ready for Work
Among the most significant new products ever launched by Caterpillar is 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 characteristic of Cat products. 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.
"This is an exciting historic milestone for Caterpillar," said Steve Gosselin, vice president of
customer services support division. "The CT660 is a natural expansion of the Cat product line
and a perfect complement to other Cat equipment on the jobsite. The CT660 is a direct result of
Caterpillar's commitment to continuously develop new products that accelerate the business
success of our customers—and its design results from hundreds of hours spent with vocational
truck owners, fleet managers and drivers to determine their specific needs."
Superior power-train and chassis
Engine options for the CT660 include the Cat CT11, CT13 and CT15—with displacements of
11.1, 12.5 and 15.2 liters—provide 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 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. The
Compact Grapite engine block, designed to deliver unprecedented durability, reduces weight
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by as much as 500 pounds compared with conventional all-iron designs. Reduced engine
weight enables users to increase payloads for added efficiency and profit.
The combination of dual, sequential turbochargers and a precise fuel injection system allows
CT Series engines to develop peak torque at lower speeds, a characteristic that reduces shifting
and also allows for shifting at significantly lower speeds. The new engines are also designed
for fast routine service by providing easy access to components from the valve cover to filters.
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.
An electronic control module, mounted directly on the transmission to simplify wiring and to
boost reliability, regulates shift points based on throttle demand and vehicle speed. With
adaptive shift-control logic, the CX31 can sense driver operating style to balance fuel economy
and performance, while assuring easy operation for improved productivity and safety. Powertake-off options for the CX31 include two side locations and a high-output rear location, which
delivers constant live power under all operating conditions.
An aluminum lock-up torque converter in the CX31 allows the CT660 to make quick starts
from a dead stop, even with heavy loads. The payoff is increased operating efficiency, resulting
from correct speed and torque combinations for different applications and reduced fuel
consumption. In addition, the CT660 can be specified with other transmission options,
including the manual and UltraShift Plus vocational transmissions built by Eaton.
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. Inner rail
reinforcements are available for both the one- or two-frame liner options. The chassis features
a set-back axle and is available in either 116-inch or 122-inch bumper-to-back-of-cab lengths.
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Both chassis lengths feature an extra-tight turning radius for enhanced maneuvering and
driving performance.
Exterior features
The CT660 aluminum-alloy cab provides longer life than conventional steel cabs and weighs
approximately 250 pounds 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.
Large power mirrors, heated to handle inclement weather, are cowl mounted for greater
stability and fewer adjustments. For safety, turn signals are integrated into the mirrors. Halogen
headlight bulbs are easy to access, inexpensive to replace, and are protected with impact
resistant covers.
Among a long list of safety features built into the CT660 are one- or optional two-piece
windshields that are curved and sloped to offer an uncompromised view of the road. Generous
door openings, skid-resistant steps, three-point grab irons and ergonomic non-slip door handles
combine to make the CT660 exceptionally accommodating to enter and exit.
Interior comfort and convenience
The spacious cab is thoughtfully designed to help reduce driver fatigue, enhance safety and
increase productivity. Premium interior features include an air-suspension driver’s seat, with
adjustable lumbar support, that reclines and adjusts to fit any driver comfortably. A premium
sound insulation kit, built into the doors, damps outside noise and keeps the interior
remarkably quiet. An effective heating/ventilating/air-conditioning system is designed to keep
the cab interior comfortable in any climate, using unique round vents that are positioned for
optimum air flow and allow quick defrosting of windshield and side windows.
The CT660 dash and center stack feature easy-to-read gauges that are designed for easy
viewing through the steering wheel, and the speedometer and tachometer are combined in one
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gauge, allowing space for optional gauges required for specific vocational applications. The
cab-interior materials and surfaces, including the integrated floor mat and one-piece rubber seat
skirt, are designed for easy cleanup and long life. And drivers will never want for adequate
storage space.
The center stack also houses an interface for Product Link, a proprietary Cat telematics system
that collects data from on-board systems and transmits the information via satellite and cellular
networks to a secure Internet site. The system allows owners and fleet managers to remotely
track critical information for more efficient asset management. Product Link is a standard
factory installed feature with a complimentary three-year service subscription.
"Our goal was to design and manufacture the ideal truck—the truck that customers have
always wished they had for specific vocational applications," says George Taylor, director and
general manager of the Caterpillar Global On-Highway Group. "Our design team paid
extremely close attention to all of the customer input we gathered, and we focused on turning
that information into practical reality, drawing on Caterpillar's proven power train experience
with on-highway trucks and decades of cab design experience for other Cat equipment."
The result is evident in the exceptionally capable CT660, reflecting a reliable, durable, fuelefficient 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.
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CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow” and the “Power Edge” trade
dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and
may not be used without permission.
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Santor_Amber_M@cat.com
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Mia Karlsson
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