Cat Trucks launches CT630HD triple road train prime mover

[kscarbel2]

Australasian Transport News / May 14, 2015

CatTrucks has launched its long-awaited triple road train-rated prime mover at the Brisbane Truck Show.

Almost three years of planning and "consistent demand" from triple road train operators in mostly WA and Queensland has gone into the new 130-tonne (286,601 lb) rated CT630HD, Cat says.

The Cat C15 ACERT engine has dual diesel particulate filters for its unique ADR 80/03 emissions compliance.

Transmission duties are performed by the Eaton Fuller 18-speed overdrive with the option of Eaton’s UltraShift-Plus automated transmission with hill start assist.

Cat trucks are built under license from Caterpillar by the US-based Navistar company. Navistar also manufactures International trucks, hence the resemblance of the Cat to the International ProStar, also launched at the Brisbane Truck Show.

Navistar Australia Pacific chief engineer Adrian Wright says a number of the previously introduced CT630LS models continue to notch up "formidable efficiency and reliability records" in approved multiple-trailer applications up to 110 tonnes.

"From these applications we knew we had a good design platform to work with, so to bring the CT630HD to life we were able to build on the existing architecture of a cab, hood, powertrain and driveline package that were already well-proven and up to the task of coping with road train triples," Wright says.

"The CT630HD is a model we didn’t want to rush. Hauling three trailers is tough work for any truck and time spent in the design and development phases is never wasted. It’s certainly better than later finding flaws that aren’t easily fixed or easily forgotten. We wanted to make absolutely sure we had it right."

Wright says several key areas were identified to bring the CT630HD to Cat’s desired level for triples operation.

The most obvious changes are a deeper, blackened grille and a higher cab stance which deliver enhanced airflow around the engine and reduced engine fan engagement in high duty cycles.

Like its CT630S and SC siblings, the cab of the CT630HD sits 50 mm higher above the top of the chassis than other models in the range. Furthermore, the heavier duty front axle and springs package has lifted chassis height by 30 mm.

Wright says other enhancements include a heavier duty frame for bullbar and tow-pin fittings; a high-flow twin cylinder air compressor to facilitate greater air delivery in multiple trailer applications; and increased air cleaner capacity.

Front axle rating has been boosted to 7.3 tonnes with the optional Meritor MFS73 beam which runs a narrower track width to accommodate the wide profile 385/65R22.5 steer tyres preferred by many road train operators.

Chassis rails of the CT630HD have been strengthened; and providing support for the rear end is Hendrickson’s Primaax EX air suspension bolstered with heavy-duty transverse torque rods.

The cab is a fully integrated 56 inch (1422 mm); and wheelbase lengths are 5.4 to 5.7 metres.

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[kscarbel2]

CAT CT630HD Specifications - http://www.cattrucks.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/CT630HD_SpecSheet.pdf

Website - http://www.cattrucks.com.au/trucks/ct630hd/#tab=1

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[Timmyb]

Cat truck sales in Aus has been pretty poor, and I don't think this truck will change anything.

[terry]

You don't hardly see any in the US except at a cat dealer.

[Red Horse]

You don't hardly see any in the US except at a cat dealer.

Friends company is biting the bullet and getting rid of theirs at a huge loss. They can't afford the constant downtime.

[Bigdogtrucker]

Heard they were splitting with Navistar, wonder if they'll be changing cabs?

[Marcel67]

The Cat dealer in Miami used a Cat truck to move there parts around between the Cat Warehouse and the dealer. I saw the truck parked and they use a freight liner now! Just wonder!

[kscarbel2]

The thought process for the Australian models is entirely different from what's going on in North America. Obviously one expects different exterior design cues for on-highway models as opposed to vocational, however there's more to it than that.

Cat Australia has a team of real truck people that are enthusiastically working to make their endeavor a success.

But in the US, you get the impression that Cat corporate doesn't have their heart in it. Remember, Cat was ready to pull the plug on the US market, but an extremely angry dealer base prevented that from happening, because Cat had already forced them to spend thousands on new truck repair facilities.

In theory and done right, the US market Cat vocational truck has the ingredients for success.

[Timmyb]

I think cat would have more success if it wasnt for the new designed engines.

The old c-15 was a good engine, but the acert has poor fuel economy, under powered and unreliable.

I've often wondered wether the c-15 would of passed the emissions test it it had scr?