Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/699963
The MBT-40 features multiple hydraulic air and electrical connec- tions that allow it to connect and power a variety of bodies from flow-controlled hydraulic motors and pumps to heavy high-flow tip cylinders. "By maximizing the operation time, customers can have the equip- ment they always need for when it is required," says Tomlinson. Tomlinson adds Western Star is working with truck body builders to expand the range of bodies the truck can accept, but that possibili- ties are only limited by the willing- ness of body builders to design options and the capacity of the hooklift. "If it weighs under 34 tons, just let your imagination run wild," he says. The 6900XD is available in both 6×4 and 6×6 configurations. Between the 4900 and 6900 models, the XD40 package will be the flagship spec, with heavy duty components designed for multiple applications. Tomlinson says the XD40 was developed to be a con- sistent and repeatable chassis spec, allowing for easy parts availability and quick maintenance. The all-wheel-drive or standard drive XD40 package features a Detroit Series 60 Tier 3 or a 2016 Detroit DD16 engine, an Allison 4700/4800 Off-Road Series (ORS) transmission, 110,000-pound plan- etary rear axle, 28,000-pound plan- etary front axle and front engine skid pan. Optional Allison off road transmission Western Star also announced the Allison Transmission Off Road Series (ORS) fully automatic trans- mission will be available on the 4900 and 6900. The 4700 ORS transmission (avail- able for both models) and the 4800 ORS (available only on the 6900) were originally engineered for use in articulated dump trucks and oth- er rough terrain heavy haulers. With the widest gear ratios and maximum gross vehicle weights of up to 211,644 pounds, the 4700 and 4800 ORS allow for larger payloads. Ann Demi- truk, Western Star's vice presi- dent of market- ing, says the new transmission options give the truck models greater capabili- ties. The Fabco FAT-30, a station- ary shift three- speed auxiliary transmission, is also being made available for the 6900XD. This auxiliary transmission can handle 30,000 foot-pounds of input torque, giving it the high- est torque rating in the industry, according to Western Star. Fabco's FAT-30 is available in both two- and three-speed pneumatically shifted models and can be paired with both manual and automatic trans- missions. The overdrive ratio (three-speed) results in higher road speed capability and increased fuel economy. It is standard with a top- mount eight-bolt PTO pad. 6900XD gets 28K slippered springs The 6900XD will also be available with a 28,000-pound-rated flat leaf front suspension with a 62.5-inch slippered spring length in combina- tion with a 28,000-pound front drive axle. The slippered spring option is designed to both reduce wear and tear and contribute to a smoother ride as it absorbs shocks bumpy roads and uneven surfaces. Steer axle springs are double- slipper mounted with the chassis resting on the springs with hard plastic pads and no shackle brack- ets. The axle is held in place with a torque rod system that provides maximum payload capacity with a smooth ride when empty or loaded over rough terrain. Peter Schimunek, Western Star's vocational marketing man- ager, says the slippered spring improves durability and driver comfort. The 6900XD can haul loads of over 500,000 pounds as a tractor and move 80,000 pounds at a time as a dump. July 2016 | EquipmentWorld.com 84 heavy trucks | continued Side dump body in action on the Western Star 6900 MBT-40. Using a 34-ton-capacity Palfinger G68 hooklift, the MBT-40 is designed to replace the need for multiple trucks on the jobsite.