Caterpillar Trucks For Sale

Set-forward or set-back steer axle is one of the first decisions on a Caterpillar vocational chassis. CAT CT660 and CT680 trucks were engineered for bridge-law friendly dump and mixer work, as well as tight-turn urban refuse and roll-off routes. Frames typically offer high RBM with optional double or triple rails, crossmember reinforcements, and heavy front frame extensions for plows or winches. The cab and hood geometry favor jobsite visibility, while steel bumpers, guarded cooling modules, and wide cooling packages are aimed at severe-duty uptime.

Powertrains center on the CT13 12.4L and, on some builds, the CT15 15L, commonly rated from the low 400s up to the mid 500s hp with torque in the 1,450 to 2,050 lb-ft range depending on year and calibration. Transmissions are typically Eaton Fuller manuals, 8LL, 10, 13, or 18 speed, or Allison 4000 series automatics for stop-and-go or PTO intensive work. Rear axles are often 40k to 46k tandems with driver-controlled interaxle and cross-locks, with ratios selected for off-road launch or highway transfer duty. GCWR varies by spec, but heavy-haul fifth wheel tractors and lowboy pullers are often set well above 100,000 lb when paired with the right driveline, cooling, and brake packages.

Upfitting support is a strong point on these CAT vocational trucks. Many units are prepped for body builders with transmission or front-engine PTO options, wet kits for end dumps or detach trailers, and clean frame rails for mixer or roll-off subframes. Front axles frequently range from 16k to 20k for plow or crane service, with Hendrickson, Chalmers, or similar severe-duty suspensions in back. Look for details that matter in daily use, like heated power mirrors, engine brakes, air disc or high-capacity drum brakes, automatic traction control, tire inflation systems, and in-cab PTO controls.

When evaluating a used Caterpillar CT-series truck, pay close attention to emissions hardware by model year, since systems range from EGR-only to SCR with DEF. Service records for DPF cleanings, NOx sensors, and software updates reduce risk. Inspect frame rail liners and crossmembers for rust jacking on salt-route plow or refuse builds, check suspension bushings and walking beams for wear, confirm PTO flows and pressures on hydraulic-equipped units, and verify that axle ratings, wheelbase, and kingpin setting match your payload and bridge targets. Parts support remains available through Caterpillar dealers, Navistar-linked channels, and component suppliers for engines, axles, brakes, and electronics, but it pays to confirm local service coverage before you commit to a specialty spec.