ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Mack Trucks has come out with a natural gas-powered version of its TerraPro Cabover model for refuse and construction applications.

The truck was showcased for the first time at Mack’s new Customer Center in Allentown this week as part of the company’s World Sales Conference.

The new version comes with a heavy-duty natural gas engine from Cummins Westport. The 9-litre ISL G is rated at 320 hp and can use either compressed or liquefied natural gas. It’s fully EPA2010-compliant, Mack announced.

“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. “The cabover design combines Mack durability with an interior aimed at driver comfort and productivity. Adding the natural-gas powered engine allows our customers to be environmental leaders in their markets and communities.”

The new offering is expected to be popular with municipalities and refuse haulers contracted to municipalities with a mandate to pursue environmentally-friendly technologies.

“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. “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.”

US waste collection company Republic Services has already taken delivery of 41 natural gas-powered TerraPro Cabovers.

“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.”