PEORIA, Ill. — Caterpillar says its ready to provide parts and service for its 2007 line of heavy-duty engines.

“With more than 100 2007 model Cat engines being tested on the road today, as well as the largest and best-trained dealer network and more parts and service representatives in the field than any other manufacturer, we’re ready to take care of our customers’ engines in 2007,” said John Mathewson, manager product support, Caterpillar On-Highway Engines.

Cat has already trained more than 2,400 technicians at dealerships and with truck OEMs on the new engines with ACERT technology. Training includes instruction on the various systems and technology used by the 2007 engines, the company reports. Such components include the diesel particulate filter, the Cat regeneration system and Cats new clean gas induction technology.

The engine manufacturer is also providing online training programs and all Cat dealers will be receiving a dealer training kit including a training manual, DVD and other supporting materials, Cat officials say.

Mathewson says customers can rest assured that parts for 07 engines will be readily available as well. Cat Electronic Technician software will be available to diagnose the new engines, he says. And Cats specification software, Design Pro 2.0, has been updated to include the 2007 engines.

“Caterpillar already has taken significant steps to ensure that parts are available and technicians are trained as soon as the 2007 engines are released to the market,” Mathewson says. “Our dealer network – both Cat and truck dealers – will be completely prepared to service and maintain these engines for our customers.”

Jeff Norsworthy, fleet supervisor for Fleetway Transport in Brantford, Ont., says hes confident Cat will be ready.

“If I ever have an issue, I can get hold of the local Cat dealership and get our units into there; they are always able to service it well and get us back on the road as soon as possible,” he says. “So I don’t see the 2007 engines being an issue.”