Caterpillar has expanded its heavy-duty line of Class 8 work trucks with the introduction of the Cat CT681 vocational truck, a set-forward axle model designed for customers who prefer a longer wheelbase truck and for those who must comply with restrictive load limitations on bridges and roads. The CT681 joins the CT660, which has a set-back front axle, in the Caterpillar line of vocational trucks.

The CT681 has been working in a variety of field testing applications since the third quarter of 2013. This extensive field follow program — the equivalent of more than three years of truck use — involves more than a dozen customers across North America. Applications include snow plow, concrete mixer, water truck, dump and super dump.

"Customers who are hauling heavy loads or working in extreme conditions truly appreciate the CT681’s rugged durability and styling," said Dave Schmitz, global on-highway truck product manager. "We designed it to work hard and last for years, even in the toughest applications."

Featuring a 114-in. (290 cm) bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC), the CT681 is powered by a Cat CT Series vocational truck engine and is available with the Cat CX31 automatic transmission. An optional front frame extension (FFE) along with a front engine PTO (FEPTO) makes it easy to mount attachments such as snow plows, hose reels, winches and hydraulic pumps. Mixer installation also is simplified, due to vertical tie-in plates mounted behind the cab.

The CT681 also shares many common features and components with the CT660, the first model in the Caterpillar vocational truck line, including a spacious, ergonomic cab designed to boost driver productivity and safety. Like all Cat products, it’s backed by bumper-to-bumper service at more than 400 Cat dealer locations in North America. Full production of the CT681 is expected in mid 2014.

For more information, visit www.drivecat.com.

This story also appears on Truck and Trailer Guide.

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