Western Star Trucks (www.westernstartrucks.com) – a producer of tough custom trucks for highway and vocational applications – has introduced a range of new options for its trucks, along with the latest addition to its XD OFFROAD line.
This is part of the company’s 50 Years of Legendary Awesomeness celebration, which pays tribute to its past while looking forward to its future.
“The needs of our customers continue to grow and change, so we will continue to add new options that will help our customers while delivering the power, performance and comfort expected from a Western Star,” says Kelley Platt, the company’s president.
Among the new options now available:
- Sealed Frame Rails. These reduce corrosion on double channel and partial liner configurations. Sealed along the edges, the flexible water-tight seal prevents the intrusion of liquids and minimizes rust that might occur due to environmental factors and road de-icing products.
The new sealed frame rail is also available for Western Star 4700, 4800 and 4900 models.
- Abrasion Tape for Exterior Harnesses. This is Ideal for applications that can cause abrasion in the chassis, such as construction, logging and road maintenance, notes Western Star president Platt, and will improve durability. Each harness is wrapped in an abrasion-resistant seal and then fastened securely to the frame rails to prevent damage to the wires from debris, water and chafing.
The new harnesses are available for Western Star 4700 and 5700 models.
- RollTek Seats. The RollTek seat system inflates side-impact airbags, tightens seat belts and compresses air suspension seats to the lowest position to prevent serious injuries to the driver, in the unlikely event of a rollover.
The seats are available for Western Star 4700, 4800 and 4900 truck models.
- Aluminum Diamond Plate Toolbox. With cab access and increased ground clearance, this toolbox is durable enough to withstand harsh working conditions, and features the traditional Western Star style, she notes.
It is for the Western Star 4700.
- Detroit 23,000-lb Front Steer Axle. New for Western Star 4800 and 4900 truck models, the Detroit 23,000-lb front steer axle is intended for applications that require a higher front axle weight rating like snow plow, dump and heavy haul. Up to 40lbs lighter than other brands, Platt says Detroit front axles improve durability, reduce tire wear and provide smoother steering control.
- 5-Man Crew Cab. Western Star 4700, 4800, 4900 and 6900 truck models can now be spec’d with an aftermarket-installed 5-man crew cab option with either two or four doors. A 12-dash inch backpack is also available for additional storage.
- 5700 Truck Configuration. The Western Star 5700 is now available in a truck configuration for expeditor and RV applications in a day cab or sleeper.
A special edition 50th anniversary graphics package – the Wings of Awesomeness – was announced last month and is available as a factory installed vinyl package or paint scheme.
XD-25
New to Western Star Trucks’ XD OFFROAD line is the XD-25 – a 25-ton capacity truck designed for smaller, off-road applications, such as construction, mining and quarry site hauling.
“The XD-25 provides yet another extreme duty option for customers who tackle the toughest challenges,” says Platt, Western Star president. “These units are specifically designed to handle off-road jobs without compromising fuel economy and cycle time efficiency.”
The new XD-25 is available with a Tier 3 Series 60 or Detroit DD13 engine, and has the Allison Off Road Series (ORS) transmission and planetary gear sets. “Together,” she notes, “the engine and transmission combination results in more power for loaded applications and higher speeds when unloaded.”
Additional features found with all Western Star XD OFFROAD products include rugged slippered spring suspensions, simplified maintenance components and metal fender butterfly hoods for long-life durability.
“Our customers want an off-road solution that has great ton-per-mile (TPM) savings, and a lower purchase price over conventional articulated equipment,” says Platt. “The XD-25 OFFROAD’s low maintenance design and versatile platform configurations deliver on performance every time.”
For more information, go to www.WesternStarTrucks.com.
History
Western Star Trucks was founded in 1967. It was headquartered in Cleveland, OH, and is trucks were built in Canada. The company was focused on manufacturing custom-built heavy duty mining, logging and oil transportation trucks.
At the conclusion of the 1990s, Western Star had established itself as a premier vocational and over-the-road heavy truck manufacturer.
In 2000, the company was purchased by Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) and became a subsidiary. DTNA (daimler-trucksnorthamerica.com) produces and markets Class 5 to 8 vehicles and is a Daimler company, the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturer.
