PEORIA, Ill. – The first model of Caterpillar branded work trucks will make its debut at CONEXPO on March 22, 2011, the company announced.

The Caterpillar heavy-duty vocational day cab, the CT660, is based on Navistar's International’s ProStar series.

(The two companies signed a partnership to develop Cat-branded vocational trucks after Cat left the highway engine market. Cat's C15 is also the platform for Navistar's upcoming MaxxForce 15).

Sold through the Cat North American Dealer network, the CT660 is aimed at a large variety of heavy-duty job applications -- from moving rock and hauling trash to logging and pouring concrete.

Production begins in early spring 2011 and customer delivery later in the year.

Engine specs include a Cat CT11 engine with ratings from 330 bhp to 390 bhp, a Cat CT13 with ratings from 410 bhp to 475 bhp and, coming in 2012, a Cat CT15 with ratings from 435 bhp to 550 bhp.

Cat's CX31 torque converter style automatic transmission will also be an option as well as a complete line of other OEM vocational transmission options, including Eaton manual and automated manual transmissions.

"These trucks are everything the Cat brand represents in terms of quality, durability, reliability, and driver ergonomics, so we're looking forward to seeing the reaction to the CT660 at CONEXPO," said Cat Vocational Truck Product Manager Gary Blood.

Strategy-Dealer Development Manager Ed Cullen has been working closely with Cat dealers as they've been gearing up to support the new trucks with bumper-to-bumper service.

He says he's been communicating truck options and features and benefits to dealerships, so they are well prepared to consult with customers during the sales process.