Mack Trucks, Inc. introduced a natural gas-powered version of its TerraPro™ cabover model for the refuse and construction applications. Mack officials made the announcement and displayed the truck at the company’s World Sales Conference, being held at the new Mack Customer Center in Allentown this week.
The Mack TerraPro™ Cabover model is now available with heavy-duty natural gas engines supplied by Cummins Westport. The 9-liter Cummins Westport ISL G is rated at 320 hp, can use compressed (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG), and has a three-way catalyst to meet EPA 2010 emissions standards.
Natural gas-powered vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in the refuse market. A growing number of municipalities mandate alternative fuel vehicles as a condition of contracts with refuse haulers. Increasingly, communities are expecting industries to move in the direction of energy independence and use of fuels from renewable sources. The natural gas TerraPro Cabover also qualifies for tax credits, making it a timely investment.
“With the MACK TerraPro model series, we’ve created a family of trucks that meet the application and productivity needs of our customers – and now the demand for cleaner emissions and alternative fuel options as well,” said Dorwart.
Republic Services (NYSE:RSG), a provider of solid waste collection, transfer, recycling and disposal services has recently taken delivery of 41 natural gas TerraPro Cabover models.
Dorwart emphasized that the Mack trucks have been specifically engineered and built to operate on natural gas – an important advantage over aftermarket conversions. The ISL G engine is installed on the production line at the Mack Macungie Assembly Operations plant.