Equipment World Digital Magazine
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a Detroit DD13 next model year, but XD-25s built this year can be equipped with either a DD13 or a Tier 3 Series 60. The XD-25 is a torque monster, but is equipped with a high-speed planetary that gives it a top speed of about 65 mph, making it highway capable. The Series 60 engine puts out about 505 horsepower and 1,550 pound-feet of torque – about 300 pound-feet less than you'll be able to squeeze from a DD13 at a lower rpm. All that torque is traveling through an Allison 4500 RDS Automatic. There was ample power to blast up some fairly steep grades on my test drive, and while this truck isn't going to break any land-speed records, you'd be challenged to find a scenario where it can't deliver the torque needed to get the job done. The XD-25 features a 22,000-pound front axle and a 70,000-pound tandem axle in the rear with an 85,000-pound Chalm- ers suspension. John Tomlinson, XD and vocational sales manager for Western Star, says the Chalmers suspension has become a stan- dard across the XD lineup because of the articulation it provides. A 23,000-pound front axle will be available in September when the DD13 becomes the standard engine. For a truck of its size, the XD-25 has a shockingly tight turning ra- dius – a feature that will be carried over to newer model XD-40s. Arrigoni says the XD lineup was designed to be more truck-like for ease of maintenance. Butterfly hoods provide easier engine access, and point-to-point wiring with an in-cab fuse panel simplifies diag- nostics. A quick-disconnect system allows the entire fender and air cleaner to be easily removed in one piece for larger engine work. But while the process of engineering the truck may have been truck-like, the XD-25 is certainly a worksite warrior. Rest of lineup gets new options Western Star also announced sev- eral new options available to other trucks in its lineup: • RollTek seats, which feature side- impact airbags, are now available for Western Star 4700, 4800 and 4900 truck models. The RollTek seat system also tightens seat belts and compresses air suspen- sion seats to the lowest position to prevent serious injuries to the driver in the event of a rollover. • New sealed frame rail for Western Star 4700, 4800 and 4900 truck models reduces 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 oc- cur due to environmental factors and road de-icing products. • Abrasion tape for exterior harnesses for Western Star 4700 and 5700 truck models helps im- prove durability. Each harness is wrapped in an abrasion-resistant seal and fastened securely to the frame rails to prevent damage to the wires from debris, water and chafing. • An aluminum diamond plate bat- tery box that features cab access and increased ground clearance is available for the Western Star 4700. • The Western Star 4800 and 4900 have an optional Detroit 23,000-pound front steer axle that is up to 40 pounds lighter than other brands. • An aftermarket-installed five-man crew cab for Western Star 4700, 4800, 4900 and 6900 truck models can now be spec'd with either two or four doors. A 12-dash inch backpack is also available for ad- ditional storage. • The Western Star 5700 is now available in a truck configuration for expeditor and RV applications in a day cab or sleeper. July 2017 | EquipmentWorld.com 66 heavy trucks | continued The XD-25 is equipped with a high-speed planetary that gives it a top speed of about 65 mph, making it highway capable.