Frugal Cats deliver the goods

A WA tipper operator says his four Cat CT610 trucks are delivering exceptional fuel economy and reliability

MHK, a semi-tipper business based just south of Perth, WA, says its fleet of new Cat CT610 trucks is exceeding all expectations, and especially when it comes to fuel economy.

Mick Goddard, owner of MHK, bought his first CT610 in October 2013 and, on the strength of that purchase, he wasted no time in adding three more to replace older equipment and meet the growing business's needs.

He says the trucks are averaging 2.5 kilometres per litre (or 7.06 miles per gallon) and frequently achieve as much as 2.7 kilometres per litre (or 7.6 miles per gallon).

"Seriously, I never considered we’d get this sort of fuel consumption, especially when most of our work is shorthaul, stop-start running around the suburbs, and so much time is spent tipping and on slow pulls in and out of different sites," he says.

"These Cats have impressed me and surprised me in lots of ways, but fuel is definitely at the top of the list. And the thing is, the fuel figures are getting even better as the trucks clock up more mileage.

"Our first Cat averaged close to 2.3 kilometres per litre (6.5mpg) when it started work and I was happy enough with that, but it wasn’t long before it was up to 2.5 and even 2.7 kilometres per litre and I honestly reckon it’s still getting better."

The MHK Cats haul tri-axle steel tippers made by Perth builder Custom-Quip Engineering. Mick says the trucks operate under extra mass permits and run with GCMs of 44.5 tonnes, hauling sand, limestone, stone and road base.

Mick is no stranger to Cat; the 43-year-old has owned and driven a variety of Cat-powered trucks over the past 20 years, in a wide variety of configurations up to road train triples. He says he's always been impressed by the performance and reliability of Cat engines, and by the service delivered by WA Cat dealer, Westrac.

"In my experience there are many things that make Cat stand out and parts availability and pricing are definitely right up there," says Mick.

"They were a big factor for us, along with the good relationship we have with Westrac. Compared with others I’ve dealt with over the years, Westrac runs rings around them. Oher than greasing in between services, they do all the maintenance on our trucks.

"The only hiccup we’ve had with any of the trucks was with a water hose but other than that, they’ve been magic. Seriously!"

Mick's Cats are powered by CT13 engines mated to Eaton 18-speed Roadranger transmissions. Producing 475hp (354kW) and 1700lbft (2300Nm) of torque, the 12.3-litre six-cylinder units feature intercooling and aftercooling and have dual sequential turbochargers.

Mick says the rigs offer excellent performance, plus good manoeuvrability, a quality ride, and a high level of comfort.

"The ride is particularly good for a truck on a relatively short wheelbase," he says.

"We knew they’d do the job, but we didn’t know they’d do it quite this good, especially on fuel. We won’t be changing."

Frugal Cats deliver the goods

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