Mack Trucks, Inc. introduced a natural gas-powered version of its TerraPro heavy low-cabover model for refuse and construction applications.

Executives made the announcement and displayed the truck at the company's World Sales Conference at its new Mack Customer Center here this week.

The TerraPro Cabover is now available with the 8.9-liter Cummins Westport ISL-G. Rated at 320 hp, the engine can use compressed or liquefied natural gas, and has a three-way catalyst to meet EPA 2010 emissions standards. The ISL-G was previously made an option in the TerraPro Low Entry model.

"With this new natural gas product, an industry-leading truck is now coupled with an alternative fuel option," said Curtis Dorwart, Mack vocational products marketing manager. "Adding the natural-gas powered engine allows our customers to be environmental leaders in their markets and communities."

Natural gas-powered vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in the refuse market, Dorwart said. A growing number of municipalities mandate alternative fuel vehicles in contracts with refuse haulers. The natural gas TerraPro Cabover also qualifies for tax credits.

"The natural gas version of our TerraPro Low-Entry model is already being very well-received in the market, and we're confident our new natural-gas powered TerraPro Cabover model will be as well. Both reflect the Mack long-standing commitment to innovation."

Republic Services, a leading provider of solid waste collection, transfer, recycling and disposal services and a long-term Mack customer, has recently taken delivery of 41 natural gas TerraPro Cabover models.

"We are always interested in new and innovative technologies to improve our operations, reduce emissions and shrink our carbon footprint," said Roy Svehla, senior fleet manager for Republic. "With the TerraPro line, Mack has shown its ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of the customer and the demands of the industry."

Mack has been engaged in natural gas vehicle research over the last two decades. In the early 1990s, the company participated in a demonstration project in Washington, Pa. Mack MR models powered by a natural gas version of the company's E7 engine were put into service at a local landfill, using an on-site natural gas refueling system. The effort helped establish the viability of natural gas as a fuel option for landfill operations.

Natural gas has a number of significant benefits: It burns very cleanly, there is an abundant supply here in North America, and it's comparable to diesel in terms of cost over the life of the vehicle, Dorwart said.

Mack trucks have been specifically engineered and built to operate on natural gas - an important advantage over aftermarket conversions - he said. The ISL-G is installed on the production line at the Mack's Macungie, Pa., plant.

"Our customers appreciate that the TerraPro models are factory-built and come with factory support and warranty," said Dorwart. "It's all part of the Mack promise of performance and reliability."

More information about Mack products is at www.macktrucks.com