February
2012
"STORIES"

By Steve Pollock

BALTIMORE, MD… Alban CAT, authorized Caterpillar distributor for Maryland, Delaware and Northern Virginia, is pleased to announce that the new CAT CT660 vocational truck is now available at their Alban Truck Center locations.

CAT’s new CT660 is a brand new severe duty Class 8 platform that is a natural extension for Caterpillar, the proven choice for severe duty off-road construction equipment.  The truck is the culmination of several years of planning and design and is now available to the public.  The CT660 is ideally suited for dump trucks, concrete mixers, refuse, liquid tank and heavy haul applications.  The CT660 can also be configured as an over-the-road daycab tractor.  One of the factors that make the CT660 so attractive to liquid hailers is its weight saving feature.  The engine block is manufactured using compacted graphite iron or CGI.  CGI is 70% stronger and 40% stiffer than iron and is 350-400 pounds lighter than a comparable iron engine block.  Using advanced EGR technologies eliminates the extra weight of the diesel exhaust fluid, reservoir and dosing equipment, saving another 300-350 pounds for a total weight savings of 650-750 pounds overall.  The CT660 is available with an 11 or 13 litre engine with horsepower rating from 330 to 475.  A 15-litre engine will also be available in mid 2012, delivering up to 550 hp.  The truck is equipped with a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) but uses Advanced EGR Technology, eliminating the need for DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid), which can equate to $1,000 to $2,100 per year in fluid cost savings, depending on application.

Another unique feature of the new CT660 is its 2 stage cooling system.  The block and head are isolated with no cross flow of coolant between the two.  This design prevents coolant seepage into the cylinder should the head gasket fail and also helps eliminate hot spots in the head and the back of the block.  The CT660 is available in a variety of specs with a Dana/Eaton or Meritor front axle in 13,200-20,000 pounds ratings, 40,000-52,000 lb. rear axles, Eaton manual and automated transmissions or fully automatic CAT CX31 transmission with torque converter. It can be built with either Air Ride or mechanical suspensions.

The CT660 comes in a conventional daycab configuration, as a traditional straight truck ready for a body or 5th wheel for pulling trailers.  The cab is built from aircraft grade aluminum, providing exceptional quietness and comfort.  The hood is made from a composite material called Metton, which is stronger and lighter than fiberglass.  It is complemented with sound deadening materials including blankets, enhancing the overall quietness of the truck.  The cab is designed for high visibility with the dash console ergonomically and intuitively placed.  There are provisions for electronics such as CB radios, GPS devises and Qualcomm units.  All CT660 tractors come with free product link services for 3 years.  This system sends alerts for oil pressure, high temperatures, DPF and mechanical system failures.  The alerts are transmitted to dash indicators for the driver as well as wirelessly to Caterpillar dealers and fleet maintenance directors.  The product link system can also transmit fuel economy data and serve as a truck locator.   The CT660 also has standard amenities such as electric windows and door locks, power and heated mirrors with adjustable Convex spot mirror and a downward view passenger side mirror.  The front end is sectional, allowing for easy component replacement for the bumper, grill surround and hood.  Heavy-duty tow hooks are also standard in a 120,000 lb. pull capacity.

In addition to being comprised of genuine CAT parts, the CT660 offers the advantage of seamless warranty and repair service on all componentry at your local Caterpillar dealer.  You can order the CT660 with an infinite choice of colors.

Alban CAT was established in 1927 and has served CAT on-highway, Power Systems and heavy-duty construction customers ever since.  The company offers 7 full service, state-of-the-art branches with full product support for on-highway and construction equipment customers.  A total of 68 service bays are dedicated to on-highway trucks.  Extensive training for CAT products is ongoing for Alban technicians and additional training and software has been provided for competitive products.  Alban CAT technicians offer total truck repairs for all makes and models of trucks, buses and RVs from simple PMs to engine overhauls and everything in between.  Alban also offers complete comprehensive DPF cleaning, using the new FSX technology.  The DPFs are cleaned with pneumatic air technology, with thermal cleaning available if necessary.  The result is a DPF that has 94% of the ash removed.  Chassis work is also done from brake to drivelines; exhaust systems and transmissions.  Alban also offers dyno testing for their customers.  Of course you will also find complete CAT engine overhauls for C10, C12, C13, C15, C16 and 3406E engines done by trained and qualified technicians.  The Alban technicians can also rebuild or repair any engine from any manufacturer.

Drivers are reminded that Alban CAT will be holding their 3rd Annual Truck Show on July 22, 2012 at their Winchester, Virginia branch.  There will be at least 5 truck classes this year – 2 for antiques 25-50 years old, 51 years and older, vocational work truck without 5th wheel, vocational work truck with 5th wheel, and in-service fire trucks.  Other classes will also be added – look for details in future editions of Movin’ Out.

Alban has truck centers in Abingdon, MD; Elkridge, MD; Myersville, MD; Upper Marlboro, MD; Felton, DE; Sterling, VA; and Winchester, VA.  The corporate office is located in Baltimore, MD.  The folks at Alban invite you to stop at one of their branches and see the new CT660 CAT truck for yourself.  For additional information log onto www.albancat.com or call 410-686-7777 for CAT parts or service.  The company’s corporate vision statement sums up their ongoing efforts for their customers: "Making our employees and customers successful every day."