Western Star Truck Sales has introduced its all-new Class 8 vocational truck - the Western Star 4700.
Available in a set-forward and set-back configuration, the 4700 features a 110-inch BBC - the shortest BBC in its class - and is the ideal solution to meet the needs of the dump, mixer, crane, roll-off, sewer vac and plow applications.
"The Western Star 4700 broadens our product line-up to meet the growing needs of value-minded vocational customers who still demand the attributes found in a traditional Western Star truck," said Mike Jackson, general manager, Western Star. "Hand-built with unmatched attention to detail, the 4700 features the same durability, ruggedness and reliability our customers expect from Western Star.
Power and performance
The Western Star 4700 is available with the broadest range of powertrain options in a single truck model, Jackson noted, including the Detroit Diesel DD13 engine and the Cummins ISC and ISL engines.
The DD13 features a six-cylinder, in-line configuration, 350 to 450 hp and 1,250 to 1,650 lb ft of torque. Combined with Daimler's proven BlueTec Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) emissions technology and Amplified Common Rail System (ACRS), the DD13 can save vocational customers up to five percent in fuel economy.
For vocational customers who do not require 13-liter power, the Cummins ISC and ISL are ideal for applications that include the light plow and mixer market. Also utilizing proven SCR technology, the ISC features 260 to 350 hp and 1,000 lb ft of torque, and the ISL features 345 to 380 hp, and 1,100 to 1,300 lb ft of torque.
A broad range of transmissions is also available for the 4700, including the latest Eaton Ultrashift PLUS transmission, and Allison 3000 and 4000-series transmissions.
"Both Detroit Diesel and Cummins engines are perfectly suited to meet the specific performance and efficiency needs of the vocational market," said Jackson. "Together with the Allison and Eaton transmission options, we're providing a premium powertrain package that will deliver every time."
Operator safety
The Western Star 4700 is equipped with a galvannealed steel cab specially designed to withstand the rigors of vocational applications. The cab is precision welded, then dipped and protected with a proprietary 17-stage e-coat process for long-lasting corrosion resistance and superior paint finish.
The newly designed, sloped hood offers outstanding site lines for optimal visibility. Plus, the short BBC, combined with a 55-degree wheel cut, provides better maneuverability on tight job sites.
Style and comfortThe Western Star 4700 features a new interior that will make working on the job site more functional and comfortable. These include updated materials that are easier to clean, as well as lighter headliner colors that make the 72-inch wide cab a little brighter.
Customizable, marine-grade switches and a hinged dash with exposed fasteners for easy serviceability and accessibility are also included.
The 4700's large cab also provides ample storage space. The all-new, redesigned door maximizes storage and improves fit, finish and durability, all while maintaining excellent entry and egress.
Body builder friendly
Body builder friendly features are key in the vocational market - not only for ease of upfit, but for reducing body installation time. The 4700 features standard specs such as clean back of cab, in-cab batteries for clear frame rails and front frame extensions.
The truck's body builder interface connectors and transmission control unit is located in-cab, providing greater protection against harsh or corrosive environments, ultimately preventing the possibility of wiring shorts and downtime.
Also included is a bolt-in pass through plate in the cab floor that eliminates unnecessary drilling, and an industry-first - dedicated Body Builder Wiring Raceway. An easily accessible routing path through the cab floor, the Raceway provides plenty of room for body builders to route wiring more efficiently.
"We know the 4700's efficient and convenient wiring interface and access panels will set the benchmark for the way body builders connect their equipment," said Jackson. "We've already received praise from those who have seen the new Raceway, and are confident the positive feedback will continue."
The truck also features point-to-point wiring - ideal for field serviceability in remote locations. An add-on multiplex option is also available.
Strength and durability
Vocational applications demand strong, yet lightweight frames, and the 4700 meets this need with a new, half-inch, 3.2 million RBM single channel frame rail option - ideal for customers operating in corrosive environments - that reduces weight and maximizes payload in a single frame, Jackson said. Plus, the single channel rail is custom punched to eliminate unnecessary holes that can reduce frame strength.
In addition to the frame, the 4700 features multiple mid-chassis packaging solutions to help body builders achieve the clean back-of-cab they need for optimal body installation.
For example, in-cab batteries free 17 to 34 inches of rail space for body equipment installation, and the 4700's DEF and air tanks can be placed under the cab to free up additional rail space.
"By utilizing Daimler Trucks' industry-leading EPA 2010 one-box after treatment system design, we provide our customers with more customization and body capabilities over competitors who use a two-box system, which prevents clean back-of-cab," he said.
The routing and clipping of air and electrical lines down the chassis are suspended away from the frame rails to reduce the chance that the lines will rub against the rail - creating issues that can result in downtime. By suspending these away from the rail, road debris can pass behind, rather than build up on the bundle, ultimately decreasing abrasion.
The 4700 will be available to order from Western Star’s 100 stand-alone dealers and 150 dual-branded Western Star and Freightliner dealerships in North America in the third quarter of 2011, with targeted delivery in early 2012.
Headquartered in Fort Mill, SC, Western Star Trucks Sales produces heavy duty custom trucks for long-haul and vocational applications. Western Star is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America.
Daimler Trucks North America produces and markets Class 4 to 8 vehicles and is a Daimler company, the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturer.
For more information, visit www.WesternStar.com .
