Caterpillar CT681 Review: Could’ve Been GREAT!

[@gunner3121]

Hi Nathan, I really enjoy your truck reviews and wanted to comment about the dead useless axle actually being quite useful. If you drop that axle before driving on breakable ice, most of the time you'll glide across the icy surface without breaking through. Keep up the good work!

[@NProvince]

Hey thank you so much! Oh yes that is one I’ve heard of before but I haven’t tested! Very very good point! I will definitely use it for that as well! :)

[@varanzmaj]

damn....I have to try that.

[@simrantoor85]

There’s breakable ice?

[@joetroutt7425]

​@@simrantoor85oh yeah you'll sink through and fall to the bottom and have to recover.

[@SnarkyRC]

One of my favourite trucks in the game. This and the 49x are an excellent logging duo.

[@NProvince]

Same here! Love those two vehicles!

[@justinlynch3]

I use this truck in tandem with the 49X to haul 2 short logs at one one time. The 49X is usually the 2nd truck as it has a winch point in the middle of the front bumper which is so useful I have to question why all trucks don't have it. I mean side winch points are better for getting out of the mud or recovering a roll over, but when towing one truck behind the other, nothing beats a mid bumper winch point. Best thing about using two trucks is it completely negates the drop axles. If the CT681 gets stuck, the 49X is just gonna push it over the branch/rock/etc. 49X gets stuck, the CT681 is just gonna pull it out. Having two trucks together makes the drop axles mean absolutely nothing. lol As for stability I think the CT681 should be a 3 or 3.5 with the 49X being a 4. In my experience always using these two trucks together, which means the 49X is usually going anywhere the CT681 is going. I do feel like between the two the 6T681 is a little more prone to roll overs, at least with short longs anyway.

[@NProvince]

That’s a good use for them. Ya for stability I actually have them the opposite, but that also comes with how we are using them and such. Logs is a tough test for stability because it does make a lot of trucks too heavy except the elite trucks of course. Overall I do think the collapsed suspension doesn’t do it Justice with heavy loads on the frame. I think I kinda negate that with a semi hauling. Good point and great example!

[@justinlynch3]

@@NProvince True I use them very differently tp how you where here.

[@JL-rj9fl]

Interesting, I never noticed the center winch point on the 49X. Nice! I just bought one for a coop game I'm playing - great truck. Can't wait to try the 681 - that's my next planned purchase.

[@justinlynch3]

@@JL-rj9fl CT681 and the HX520 I think should be free, pretty sure that pack was for SnowRunner's 1 year anniversary. The HX520 is a nice truck to, of course you gotta drive it like a American truck, you can't just stick it in high and Tayga it though a swamp. But seeing as it sounds like you enjoyed the 49X, then I say it's save to assume you understand the limitation of American trucks. The GMC Brigadier I think is the truck that costs money. This one isn't bad either, but the front end is light on it meaning it can struggle at times for steering grip, especially if used for trailers instead of having a flatbed (or sideboard). But if you don't mind the Fleetstar (which also has a light front end) then I don't think the Brigadier will be issue for you if you choose to get it.

[@JL-rj9fl]

@@justinlynch3 Yeah, the DLC for the 681 and HX is free. I just need to buy the 681 in the game itself. I'm going to use it as a crane truck most likely (my trucks act as the support/recovery fleet in this coop profile). I'm looking forward to trying the HX and Brigadier at some point in the future as well!

[@fridayisgaming]

Awesome Review!!! I love this truck downsides and all. I have been using it on Urska River with chained tires and it seems to be chugging along with little problems. That All American Hard Mode is a kick ass idea. I started one recently and I must say TONS of Fun... Take Care. 🤘😬🤘

[@NProvince]

It’s kind of a sleeper truck that can be really good! Glad you’ve been using it!! Oh man that does sound awesome! I might have to jump on that wagon and do that American Hardmode! Thank you for those kind words again!!

[@new2boost596]

I really like this truck. I just discovered I had it last night. I'm at level 20. I didn't do the engine upgrade yet. I have AWD and diff lock with chained ties in Alaska. I think it's great. Up till now I've been using the old international for EVERYTHING lol. So this is night an day better for me.

[@josephfuller6229]

Lvl 20 and still on Alaska 😱

[@josephfuller6229]

​@Carl.von.Clausewitzit should say it in the part description at least it does on Xbox one

[@joetroutt7425]

I just recently started over (not by choice, the free version expired with 200 hours in 😠 and I bought the PS5 version causing me to start over). Anyhow, I stayed on normal mode just bc and I started using the Cat more than the previous playthrough. With all the upgrades it's a beast. I put snow chains on which imo are just as good as mud tires. I've only used it in Michigan though. Just now getting into the logging missions after completing all the contracts that aren't logging. So far it's a pretty capable truck. It's pretty strong and fast. I like the floating axle. Yes it does get stuck sometimes bc of it but the stability it offers is good for sketchy terrain. Just go slow and be smart on how to approach the slopes. Great review. Thanks for the info I never knew about.

[@gavancorrigan8813]

Damn. I’d completely disregarded it because of the dead axle. Looks like I’ll be taking it out of the garage tomorrow!

[@NProvince]

The dead axle trucks have that glaring downside and everyone seems to hate them, but other than that axle they seem pretty nice to drive. I’m enjoying the new Western stars as well :)

[@jonathanwhiteacre7046]

This is my favorite of the American heavy class group. I low saddle it and do almost everything. The other one I use on NA maps a lot is the 49x 1424. No crane sucks, but that roof rack though...

[@NProvince]

Ya both really good trucks imho as well

[@Marktec]

I know it's far from the best, but I love this truck. It's a blast to drive around and fits my play style pretty well.

[@mikeenslin3009]

great review! love this channel, ive been binge watching all your reviews recently. Where did you get the torque ratings for all the engines btw? Is there a ranking/list of every engine, would be nice to see as the power/weight thing ingame is a bit limiting

[@NProvince]

Thank you!! You sure you can handle my full voice for a binge watch? Lol. So ya what I do is look at the game files, but I have found a product that has all the engines torque values and power to weight ratios which are in tons not US Tons. Hmm I gotta think how I could share this with you. Can you email me? It should be on my yt page somewhere

[@mikeenslin3009]

@@NProvince sure will do. I also added you on discord,maybe that's easier

[@kyledupont7711]

The Ct681 is the only truck i can find that can have a small crane, and a bed while towing, that also has an S speed rank with said attatchments. I was astonished at how much speed i was able to hold towing that mobile home sized trailer. Im playing with very little dlc so i dont have a ton of options

[@NProvince]

It is a very fast truck even with load :)

[@silkroad1201]

I saw one of these on the road the other day. So that was pretty cool lol

[@NProvince]

Kinda jealous, can’t lie I see a lot of 49x where I’ve been travel for work, but I wish I could see a CAT

[@JL-rj9fl]

@@NProvince Nice, I just saw a 49X last week for the first time in person. It had the fuel tank add-on ;). It was hauling furnace fuel. It's a nice looking truck.

[@thomasjane5229]

I love this truck I used it in Russia to unlock the Tatra Force it’s an awesome power house and will continue to use it

[@NProvince]

One of my favs!

[@hordegaming4771]

Two things I'm not a fan of with this truck and in my opinion it's a great truck to begin with but I didn't realise until too late but used it and the HX International in Alaska alot. 1. It turns horribly at lower speeds, the dead axel doesn’t have a steering function so it tends to not turn at low speeds especially uphill 2. It is a bit long so attaching a sideboard with a crane is awkward you can do it but pulling another small trailer is awkward. Beyond that I like it and have found that central axel kinda helps stabilise the vehicle at times don't think I've rolled it over once compared to the white western star and fleetstar which I definitely have lol. Using white western as my medium log truck and fleetstar to pull semi sideboard which it seems to handle unlike the flatbed.

[@joetroutt7425]

I have driven trucks with floating axles (dead axle) and when activated they don't allow the truck to turn very well. They are designed primarily for stability only if you pull the axle up before turning it will turn better. Also turn off diff lock. Diff lock makes truck want to go straight too even while turning due to all wheels pulling at the same time. Hope this tip helped.

[@pteraslan3247]

I saw mods which changes it's dead axle to powered steering axle. Its really nice though

[@NProvince]

I seen that

[@kodaiyoung]

I found a very useful task for both cats... getting hauled by a stronger truck like the cat 745c that has medium logs add-on, while loaded with medium logs on the add-on and the trailer. It saves a lot of time on the logging task since you can pull 3 medium logs in one travel :)

[@brittspradlin1556]

Another great truck review. I hate those dead axles though. All they seem to do is get hung up without doing their actual job.

[@NProvince]

Oh I’m not a fan of those dead axles at all! Lol thank you! Glad you like it!!

[@timurmamiev5907]

Great review, thx! ❤

[@NProvince]

You’re welcome:)

[@IQuitWoWForThis]

I just reached LvL 13, now im going to do Island Lake with it. Excited to see how it performs!

[@NProvince]

It will handle Island Lake Great!

[@IQuitWoWForThis]

@@NProvince You were right :) I was a little bit worried after scouting the map with the CK1500 - it felt quite hard. I really loved the fact, that there is no garage and you have to bring and build your rig step by step to conquer the map (Drummond Island too). I then had a real blast as i found that Twinsteer Monster and brought that huge oil stuff container to the harbor @ Drummond Island. And i really enjoyed tugging that huge oil building trailer to Smithville with that Pacific heavy duty truck i found on Drummond Island. Looking forward to Alaska now!

[@NProvince]

@@IQuitWoWForThis Great news! Really glad you have been enjoying the game. Michigan is a great map, one of my favorites actually. Alaska should be really fun for you, but if you ever need some map guidance, I have videos on all season 1 maps. You got this!

[@IQuitWoWForThis]

@@NProvince Thx for the hint! :)

[@joetroutt7425]

If you rescue the Derry longhorn out of the creek in Alaska. It will power through island lake like it ain't nothing. I actually rescued it with the Hummer. Lol. Instead of trying to pull it up the hill pull it down the creek and out. It does have a little fuel but fill it up with your reserves and keep recovering until it's completely full then success will be yours. Just another helpful tip if you can't pull the Derry out. The Cat is a great truck but slow at island lake in comparison to the Derry.

[@The_Canadian_Railfan]

The best drop axle truck in the game

[@NProvince]

Lol 😂

[@thehunter-zg3fc]

all i know is i did the test ti this truck and pulled three medium logs up a steep hill and to the location granted it was Michigan but still that thing is a power house as long as it doesn't have to go through deep mud.

[@NProvince]

It is very strong; doesn’t do super well in league of mud, but moderate mud it can do fine as long as it’s not sunk to its frame/collision model. I have used this truck in maps like Yukon and Amur with good success on hardmdode

[@justinlynch3]

Maybe I've asked you this before and I'm sorry I if I have. But I have some.... interesting (kind way of saying controversial lol) views on tires. Like I have the TMHS I mud tires on the Tayga right now mostly because I'm running a mud tire theme (giving most trucks the T/AMSH I or the offroad tire that looks a lot like the Tatarin tire), and my experience with the mud tires is pretty much just... meh. I think at best the Tayga is merely on-par with where it was with the Offroad OHD I. So I've always wondered, on a dully tire does each set of duals count as just 1 tire, or is every tire calculated separately? Because if we do some basic math then OHD I with 1.9 friction X 10 tires = Combined friction value of 19 TMHS I with 2.4 friction X 6 tires = Combined friction value of 14.4 I know more goes into it, offroad tires are more prone to just sinking into mud where mud tires are more "floaty" so to say, both of which can be good or bad given the terrain and conditions you are in. But for the most part when bombing down trails and being in light - moderate mud, I really do think the mud tires hurt you more then help you. Because where a Tayga can hit a light - moderate mud path in high gear and just plow though it like a bulldozer with mud flying everywhere, hit the same patch in a mud tire and it slows you down to a crawl. I really honestly feel like the only benefits mud tires have is in really deep super boggy mud and death snow, stuff that you don't really need to go straight though all that often and can usually find your way around. I feel like mud tires are overrated to be honest and for the vast majority of the time, you'd honestly just be better off with a offroad set of OHD I or UOD II. I guess the same reasoning could be why some people (take Lone Wolf for example) also swear by chained tires being the best. What do you think?

[@NProvince]

Oh man this is a huge video Max power and I are currently working on that should be coming out in a few weeks. I don’t wanna give too much away but I think you’ve got some good points. I wish I could say more, but we still have some more testing to nail this down, however I will say the wider tract tires have the ability to handle more load, gain more traction from that load, and not sink to the frame like narrow tract tires. More to come brother!

[@justinlynch3]

@@NProvince Sounds good.

[@cugi582]

Love your Video. I waiting excited for a Mercedes Benz Unimog for this Game would be god mode 😄🦅

[@NProvince]

That would be cool!

[@blightedblue2762]

I love this truck.

[@honorabletech]

Nathan, can you do a video on the other free 1st anniversary dlc truck? International HX 520? I have mine setup identical to my Fleetstar f2070a.

[@NProvince]

I actually will be reviewing that one after this next review. So it will be coming shortly :)

[@potatoes5829]

Mine is set up for medium logs because it can have medium logs + trailer

[@NProvince]

@@potatoes5829 Good setup!

[@vladvulcan]

yeah, it is a modern Fleetstar

[@boyjorge]

I think this truck, the 680 and hx will perform better in mud and rocky terrain with raised suspension

[@NProvince]

They would perform a lot better for sure if they had a raised. One can wish

[@Gliglios]

Amazing review! I confess that I see the CT681 from a different perpective now and enjoy it a lot more. p.s. Which map/spot is that at 3:00? Anyone know? Thanks in advance!

[@NProvince]

Thank you! That spot is on the Northwest Side of Big Salmon Peak

[@Gliglios]

@@NProvince Nice! Gonna head there with the CT681! Thanks for the info and fast reply, Nathan, much appreciated!

[@DasPibe]

Nice. Thank you!

[@NProvince]

You’re welcome! :)

[@redbeastgaming130mm4]

The dead axle trucks are great if you don't mind the dead axle

[@NProvince]

Indeed, they don’t bother me none :)

[@redbeastgaming130mm4]

@@NProvince Kenworth W990, Western Star 47X NF 1430

[@vladvulcan]

I miss your "roll the tape" catchphrase and the specific sound effects in the start of the video

[@NProvince]

Oh gosh man.. I still have the same intro/outro music just not the same.

[@Rosejade13]

Hear me out express your suspension mode and high range it with a high range gearbox send it up hills dirt whatever not in deep stuff obviously but it adds so much more stability then when the dead axle is depressed

[@NProvince]

I definitely will try this out more. I usually leave it up to keep traction, but I will give this a go and test it out more. I do like using it in the extended postion with logs or heavy frame addons like a fuel tank as well. Thank you for that advice! :)

[@nunosantos00]

I have this one fully upgraded. It's a very good truck,much better than Fleetstar or GMC. It can rival Azov or Tayga too.

[@justinlynch3]

Also sorry for 3 comments lol. But have you looked at the Apache? It's interesting because in Auto or High it wheel spins like mad and even with mud tires the truck feels like it's not going to be half way off the highway before it gets stuck. But then stick it into Medium Low and the truck alll of a suddenly feels like it can just slowly mock it's way though anything. I remember you mentioning something about getting grip and torque benefits in Low, but the benefits this truck seems to get is kinda crazy. In the North Port mud pit in 1+ the Apache is barely entering the mud and looks like it's going to get stuck. But downshift to Low and the thing just slowly walks though the whole thing. That's pretty mad it gets that much of a boost. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ2xYXSposybZ9U This truck is wildly accepted by, hell I think pretty much the entire playerbase as a complete pile of crap. But I do wonder if that Low gear makes this thing more capable then people give it credit for. This truck after using it for a bit gives me turtle vibes. Yeah it's slow as all bloody hell. But it could very well offset that slowness a bit by being stable and more capable then players think.

[@NProvince]

I will take a look at this for sure! :) I just bought the Apache actually

[@justinlynch3]

@@NProvince Cool man.

[@JL-rj9fl]

I love the Apache! I bought it for a coop game and it was really useful for rescues. It carries a lot of fuel and repair points, and it's been our go-to rescue truck. I agree that it's really slow, but it never seems to get stuck. It has been a fun alternative to the Loadstar so far.

[@justinlynch3]

@@JL-rj9fl The Apache if I'm correct carries 300 repair points, 150 in the roof rack and 150 in the bed? The F-750 makes for a better support truck. 750 carries around 500 repair, several spare tires, and lots of spare fuel when fully kitted out. At least for broken scout missions, the 750 carries enough repair, fuel and tires to fully restore them, though it still comes a little short in missions where you need to repair semi-trucks. And with the A power rated engine you get in... I want to say Imandra. If a scout needs to be towed somewhere after being restored, then the 750 has plenty of weight and power to just flat tow the vehicle where it needs to go. The Apache is comparable to the Yar in a support rig role, but the 750 outdoes them both. The Tatarin is great strictly as a tow vehicle. It's not a good all around support vehicle as it doesn't carry much fuel and repair. But if you need something hauled from point A to point B, or if you need to right a truck you rolled over. The Tatarin has so much weight, power and grip that it roll any flipped vehicle back to it's wheels and it will drag anything, even big semi trucks, behind it. So while it doesn't match up in all around support, if you only need something towed, the Tatarin is unbeatable (in terms of not using any mods) The Apache I kinda see more as just reliable scout. It's not the best support rig, it's certainly not the best tow rig. But it does seem like the type of truck that, while slow, as a scout it will get you where you need to go with little risk of getting stuck or rolling over. So way I see it. Apache - A solid choice for driving around finding watchtowers and activating tasks. F-750 - The most ideal truck for scout repair and recovery missions, or to aid a broken player vehicle. Tatarin - Most idea for any type of heavy hauling be it a mission requiring a semi be towed somewhere, or getting a player vehicle unstuck from a bad spot. Tatarin is great in these roles as it's pure weight and muscle. As for big truck repair, I would take some vehicle (even a Actaeon will do) and tow a green service trailer behind it. Don't use the maintenance truck frame or trailer, it has lots of fuel but very little repair (only 350). Services trailers has 1500 repair. So a truck with a fuel tanker and a service trailer is a much netter setup.

[@JL-rj9fl]

@@justinlynch3 I believe you are correct on the Apache, it also carries about 200L of fuel and something like 6 tires. In that coop game I'm playing, we're doing everything in map order, so the F750 isn't something we will be able get for quite a while (I also agree that it's awesome). To get the Apache, I basically hopped into my profile to sell my starter trucks to get a head start to buy it early in Michigan. It's currently my primary scout, but I find the handling isn't great for trails with the always on diff. It's definitely useable as a scout though, for sure. Since this is a hard mode game, I'd say the Apache's biggest problem is that you have to go out of your way to use it. It's been fun to mix it up and use it early on though - we're absolutely loving it in our coop.

[@trx54guy]

Hey nathan what maps were you on @2:32 and @8:18 marks of the video by chance?

[@NProvince]

Those shots were from Big Salmon Peak, Yukon

[@trx54guy]

@@NProvince thank you!

[@Bryan25105]

your the best buddy

[@NProvince]

Thank you!

[@Tolarbear]

All that limits this truck is that damn middle axle.

[@NProvince]

Oh man it’s pretty frustrating when it catches on stuff

[@vladvulcan]

Weird that 2850 Tc engine is stronger than 2900 TTA... I mean it's freaking logic, man... the bigger the number - the bigger the power

[@NProvince]

Ya it is kinda weird right!

[@frumsmcnoodles323]

I disagree with not having mud tires being a downside... even on Russian trucks, offroad tires perform better than mud tires 99% of the time. The only time mud tires are better is if the mud is deep enough that the offroads cannot dig down to the surface underneath. At that point even the mud tires are basically useless anyways. Also offroad tires tend to come with dual rears greatly increasing stability.

[@NProvince]

I’m actually working with a friend on a video about this very subject. If we’re talking OHD load out tire, yes I would prefer them over Mud tires, however mud tires do perform better than the UODs which is what the Cat has. The OHDs are wider, heavier, and can bear more weight to get to better grip values from increased weight without totally sinking to the vehicles frame. Most NA trucks don’t have the OHD option.

[@josephtaylor5909]

Excellent fact man after yrs playing and using so many trucks I've learned that too about what we drive through in this game. All terrain tires have a great purpose that is underrated by the names of the tires, all terrain and off roads used properly will make trucks passage much better in the long run.

[@jaymac7203]

I'm new to Snowrunner and absolutely love it and am already max rank. Why did they cap the max rank at 30 but you still continue to earn xp? 🤔 lol

[@NProvince]

I’m not sure why it stops. Probably because they stopped giving perks to level

[@joetroutt7425]

Wow, I didn't know they capped the levels. The game is really long with all the seasons. I'm already at level 18 and I haven't even finished Michigan yet. I haven't even been to Alaska since completing the tutorial.

[@jaywilliams8327]

Hey bro been a min what you doing these day big guy

[@NProvince]

Oh man.. working like 13 hours a day traveling for work.. it’s been pretty rough. Wish I could pump more content out, but hey; it is what it is!

[@jaywilliams8327]

@@NProvince bro that’s life I only get a few hours a week on my Xbox now lol after highschool all down hill lol hi life’s good atleast we got money right loved the video btw and I feel like the cat is a less western star

[@gmdgamingdoost3695]

I just use this truck for drifting LOL😂

[@NProvince]

It does drift pretty well lol