Western Star Truck Sales unveiled its new Extreme Duty (XD) Offroad package and the launch of the MBT-40 Transformer chassis.
This new category of off-road equipment is an off-road chassis that is capable of transforming from one fully functional body to another in a minimal amount of time.
The new product will compete with the articulated and ridged frame markets.
The Western Star XD Offroad package is engineered specifically for extremely rugged environments and is available on both the 4900 and 6900 models.
Vehicles spec’d with the XD Offroad package deliver maximum driver safety and comfort while providing customers with a low cost per ton product for offroad applications.
The 6900XD Offroad MBT-40, dubbed the Multi-Body Transformer for its ability to quickly change from one fully functional in cab controlled body application to another, is the first XD Offroad series offering from Western Star and a new concept for offroad equipment markets. Western Star plans to open the XD Offroad package up to other models in the future.
Hooklift
Using a Palfinger G68 hooklift which has a lifting capacity of 68,000 lbs and a new transformer package, the MBT-40 gives customers greater utilization of their chassis, John Tomlinson, XD and vocational sales manager, Western Star, says. It is designed to replace the need for having multiple pieces of dedicated off-road equipment on a job site that sit for long periods of time when they are not needed.
With this new product, extremely complex and heavy capacity bodies can be changed over and back to work quickly and easily, he adds.
The MBT-40 is equipped with a generic in-cab control system and a self-adapting hydraulic system that also allows the operators to quickly and easily swap the controls of multiple body applications as well.
The unit features multiple hydraulic air and electrical connections that allow it to connect and power a variety of body needs from powerful flow controlled hydraulic motors and pumps to heavy high flow tip cylinders.
Game changer
“The MBT-40 package is a game changer in construction applications for its ability to be multiple pieces of equipment in one chassis,” says Tomlinson. “The development of this platform was all about finding better economic ways of filling needs for our customers.
“Offroad chassis equipment can be expensive to buy and maintain and new emissions levels are making the investment even more costly.”
Tomlinson notes that “by maximizing the operation time, customers can have the equipment they need always for when it is required. Mining, quarry and off-road construction industries are looking for better solutions right now and we have the answers for them with this new product.”
Another partner
“Working with Western Star on this open platform concept product has been great,” says Charlie Schimmels, sales manager, Carco Industries. “Carco is very experienced in mining and off-road fuel and service products along with carrying the Palfinger crane lines.
“This combination of experience and product along with the rugged design and carrying capacity of the XD40 Offroad chassis offered by Western Star makes the MBT-40 package a very unique product. With commodity prices down and budget cuts becoming common place we need to think smarter about how we do business and the MBT-40 does that.”
The 6900XD is available in both 6x4 and 6x6 configurations.
OTR transmissions
Western Star officials also announced that its 4900 and 6900 truck models can now be spec’d with Allison Transmission Off Road Series (ORS) transmissions.
Ann Demitruk, vice president of marketing, Western Star, says these fully automatic transmissions are “ideal” for both applications that demand high horsepower and torque and for a range of vocational applications.
The 4700 ORS transmission – available for the 4900 and 6900 – and the 4800 ORS – available for the 6900 – are engineered for use in articulated dump trucks and other rough terrain heavy haulers.
With the widest gear ratios and maximum gross vehicle weights of up to 211,644 lbs, she says the ORS transmissions allow for larger payloads.
“The 4900 and 6900 are already Western Star’s most capable, rugged trucks and the new transmission options give them even greater capability,” notes Demitruk. “Our goal is to always provide our customers with a variety of solutions that will address their specific performance needs on the job.”
The Allison ORS transmissions come with two-year warranties and are available with the Detroit DD15, DD16, Series 60® Tier III and Cummins ISX engines.
6900XD suspension
The Western Star Truck 6900XD is now available with 28,000-lb rated flat leaf front suspension with 62.5” slippered spring length in combination with a 28,000-lb front drive axle.
The slippered spring option will both reduce wear and tear and contribute to a smoother ride as it absorbs shocks bumpy roads and uneven surfaces, says Peter Schimunek, vocational marketing manager, Western Star.
Steer axle springs are “double slipper mounted,” meaning the chassis rests on the springs with hard plastic pads and no shackle brackets, he explains. The axle is held in place with a torque rod system that provides maximum payload capacity with a smooth ride empty or loaded over rough terrain.
“Whether in the forest or on a quarry, the 6900XD tackles some extreme jobs and terrains,” says Schimunek. “We’ve designed our trucks to take on these harsh environments, and the slippered spring further improves durability and driver comfort.”
This recent addition will further enhance the product offering for the 6900XD used in off road applications such as mining, construction and logging.
The spring packs are extremely durable and efficient that can take shock loading and pounding year after year, he adds.
The 6900XD can haul loads of more than 500,000 lbs as a tractor and move 80,000lbs at a time as a dump.
A media gallery from the Multi-Body Transformer introduction can be found here: www.VehicleServicePros.com/12207347
