Mack Trucks Inc. on Wednesday, June 10, announced the availability of natural gas-powered engines for refuse applications. The Mack TerraPro Low Entry model now is available for order with heavy-duty natural gas engines supplied by Cummins Westport; the TerraPro Cabover model will be available later.
Mack officials made the announcement at a news conference during WasteExpo 2009 in Las Vegas, Nev., where the company also announced the results of field tests of Mack trucks equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology in demanding refuse applications. Mack says the tests continue to demonstrate the durability, effectiveness and performance of the company’s U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 emissions reduction technology.
Mack TerraPro Low Entry natural gas model
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 catalytic converter to meet EPA’s 2010 emissions standards.
“We’re bringing the Mack tradition of application excellence to alternative fuel vehicles,” says Dennis Slagle, president and chief executive officer of Mack, based in Lehigh Valley, Pa. “The natural gas products we’ve now brought to market will extend our position of leadership in refuse into this emerging segment.”
Groot Industries Inc., a major waste hauler in the Midwest, already has placed an order for Mack TerraPro Low Entry models with ISL G engines. The 20 units will run on CNG and are scheduled to go into service in the Chicago area by the end of the year.
“Refuse companies these days are expected to be environmental leaders in their communities,” says Brian Curry, director of fleet and facilities for Groot Industries. “We look for ways to serve customers with the cleanest and most efficient trucks available, which is why we were so interested in Mack’s natural gas solution. Our Mack TerraPros will help us reduce emissions and our carbon footprint, as well as lessening the U.S.’s dependence on foreign oil. We’re very pleased to have the first of these new CNG Mack TerraPros. And since they’re factory-built and come with factory support and warranty, we have even more confidence they will deliver the performance and durability Groot demands.”
