Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/15908
TruckSpotlight Jim Taylor owns this 2009 Western Star 4964, which has nearly 200,000 miles. Built tough Western Star’s 4900 series combines traditional styling with sturdy design to deal with rugged work conditions. BY JOHN BAXTER J im Taylor, a bulk hauler leased to Bruce Oakley Trucking of Little Rock, Ark., is driving his sixth Western Star. He loves the design of his 2009 Western Star 4964 with Stratosphere Sleeper and the brawn it brings to his demanding application. “This is a great work truck,” he says. The Quincy, Ill.-based operator hauls sand, roofi ng granules, salt, and some catalytic materials. His bulk tanker has a PTO-driven blower that uses compressed air to speed the 44 OVERDRIVE SEPTEMBER 2010 offl oading of cargo. He often visits quarries or factories and loads through the top of the tanker. He needs a truck that can go on- and off-road, and his specs deliver: Detroit Diesel DD15 engine, 18-speed Eaton/Fuller transmission and Eaton drive axles. The engine makes 500 hp both in and out of cruise control and generates 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque. The 3.21:1 axle ratio gives an effi cient cruise rpm of 1,275 at Taylor’s normal highway speed of 65 mph. Taylor appreciates the cab’s com- fort, construction and interior storage room. “When you close the door, you hear a solid sound,” he says. “No rattle or tinny sound like you get on some trucks.” He also likes the traditional look, saying, “It may not have the very most advanced aerodynamics, but it still gets really good fuel economy if you drive it sensibly.” He gets well over 6 mpg under favorable operating conditions. Product Strategy Manager John