Western Star has launched a series of heavy duty trucks aimed at vocational and municipal customers who want powertrains smaller than those in full Class 8 models. The new 4700 series will be offered with Cummins’ medium-duty ISC and midrange-size, heavy duty ISL, and with Detroit Diesel’s large-bore DD13.
The 4700 trucks will complement the heavier 4900 trucks and tractors and 6900 extreme-service vehicles, according to Mike Jackson, the builder’s general manager. The 4700 is meant to replace Sterling vocational trucks that were discontinued last year. Two-thirds of WS dealers also handled Sterlings, and they can resume selling to the same customers, he added. Though Sterling is gone, Freightliner and Western Star remain sister companies under Daimler Trucks North America.
Because of its smaller powertrain, a 4700 truck will cost somewhat less than a comparable 4900, but pricing hasn’t yet been set and Jackson didn’t know what the difference will be. The 4700 will be priced to compete with other premium trucks in the Baby 8 class, he said.
Forward- and setback steer axles and a range of frame and drivetrain options will be in the 4700's data book. The new series can be built with gross vehicle weight ratings of 33,000 to 64,000 pounds, and is aimed especially at snow plow, dump, mixer, roll-off, crane and sewer vacuum applications, he said.
Body builders were consulted and listened to, Jackson said, so 4700s will have clear back-of-cab areas and uncluttered frames. Body wiring will run from external connectors through an in-cab raceway to the main harness. Electrical lines to chassis points are suspended away from the frame rails so dirt doesn’t gather between wiring and the frames.
The galvannealed-steel cab from heavier Western Stars is rugged and roomy, and an optional severe-service version places re-enforcement members at key points. The new tilting hood has sculpting unique to the 4700 but retains a Western Star look. It is sloped so a driver will have good visibility to the front and sides. A stationary grille is standard and access covers for daily checks are optional.
The 8.3-liter Cummins ISC will be available in ratings from 260 to 350 horsepower and 660 to 1,000 pounds-feet, while the 8.9-liter ISL makes from 345 to 380 hp and 1,150 to 1,300 lbs-ft. The 12.8-liter DD13 can be ordered with 350 to 450 hp and 1,350 to 1,650 lbs-ft.. Allison full automatics and Eaton UltraShift Plus automated transmissions are available, while a range of Eaton manuals forms the base offerings.
The series goes into production late this year in the Portland, Ore., plant. Deliveries to dealers and customers will begin at year’s end.
