kscarbel2 Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / October 30, 2014Caterpillar added a second model to its new line of vocationally focused work trucks with the unveiling of the Class 8 CT681 truck Oct. 30 at the company’s Edwards Proving Grounds outside of Peoria, Ill. Caterpillar first previewed the new truck at the ConExpo Show in Las Vegas earlier this year. The Edwards launch today gave enhanced details on new truck while noting it has entered into full production. The CT681 borrows heavily from the existing CT660 model, but features a host of enhancements designed specifically for tough vocational applications such as snowplow, mixer, dump and super dump. The truck features a set-forward front axle for a longer wheelbase with a 114-inch BBC measurement. Caterpillar’s global on-highway product manager Dave Schwartz says this configuration offers better ride quality on both long hauls and rough dirt roads while giving body-builders more flexibility and room for behind-the-cab installations.Power is provided by Cat’s CT Series Vocational Truck Engine family, with several ratings from 365 to 430 horsepower available. Schwartz says Cat’s truck engine philosophy is “still evolving,” but says additional, higher horsepower ratings will appear in the near future. It is possible this could be as early as next year, coinciding with the launch of the next Caterpillar truck, the CT680, which Schwartz says will be a stylistic departure from the CT660 and CT681.The CT681 has already made a move away from the CT660 in terms of appearance. The new truck features a more robust, spartan look. The wheel loader-inspired, brushed aluminum grill guard and trim that give the CT660 such as distinctive look have been abandoned on the CT681. Schwartz says this move was necessary to accommodate the CT681′s new, higher, radiator configuration and simplify front engine PTO access.The CT681′s engine can be spec’d with Cat’s proprietary CX31 automated manual transmission. Schwartz says that today, more than half of all new Cat trucks are rolling off the factory floor with the CX31 AMT, which features a high power-to-weight ratio, full power shifting and quick acceleration. The transmission has been fully integrated with the CT Engine series to deliver optimal fuel economy or power to meet any type of terrain or road conditions. . Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37557-caterpillar-debuts-ct681-off-highway-truck/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
MackMann85 Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 This must be a joke Ive never seen a worse rip-off of another truck in my life. Check this paystar out, look familiar?http://abelfinancing.com/resources/2006+International+Paystar+5500I+Stk$236091.jpg Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37557-caterpillar-debuts-ct681-off-highway-truck/#findComment-265061 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Either CAT or IH......Fugly!The "designer" should be shot! Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37557-caterpillar-debuts-ct681-off-highway-truck/#findComment-265065 Share on other sites More sharing options...
DailyDiesel Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 I saw one of these a few weeks ago. Quote www.dailydieseldose.com Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37557-caterpillar-debuts-ct681-off-highway-truck/#findComment-265071 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtymilkman Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Its not a rip off. Its used under license. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37557-caterpillar-debuts-ct681-off-highway-truck/#findComment-265101 Share on other sites More sharing options...
MackMann85 Posted November 3, 2014 Share Posted November 3, 2014 Oh i get that its under license, my point was about how surprising it is that they made so little effort to make it look different! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37557-caterpillar-debuts-ct681-off-highway-truck/#findComment-265479 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtymilkman Posted November 3, 2014 Share Posted November 3, 2014 I know.....especially since they're trying to pass it off as cutting edge and all theirs Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37557-caterpillar-debuts-ct681-off-highway-truck/#findComment-265484 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted November 3, 2014 Share Posted November 3, 2014 Either CAT or IH......Fugly!The "designer" should be shot!Look what they give to the people of OZ! A Paystar with a different grill. Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37557-caterpillar-debuts-ct681-off-highway-truck/#findComment-265540 Share on other sites More sharing options...
kscarbel2 Posted November 4, 2014 Author Share Posted November 4, 2014 Playinig devil's advocate, is this no different than choosing between a Chevrolet-branded light truck and a GMC?On another note, I found the CAT video to be amateur level at best. I was shocked. From a major manufacturer like CAT, I would have expected a much more professional product launch.The half-hearted CAT truck endeavor is not indicative of the Caterpillar we know. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37557-caterpillar-debuts-ct681-off-highway-truck/#findComment-265594 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted November 4, 2014 Share Posted November 4, 2014 Playinig devil's advocate, is this no different than choosing between a Chevrolet-branded light truck and a GMC?On another note, I found the CAT video to be amateur level at best. I was shocked. From a major manufacturer like CAT, I would have expected a much more professional product launch.The half-hearted CAT truck endeavor is not indicative of the Caterpillar we know.Actually there is a big difference. . . the GMC has all the nuts.bolts and washers installed. Seriously I will give Cat credit for increasing their product line and sales potential on a global field. A few companies here should follow suit. Paul Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37557-caterpillar-debuts-ct681-off-highway-truck/#findComment-265596 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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