Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/15908
Truck Spotlight WESTERN STAR 4900 ENGINES • Detroit Diesel DD13 and DD15 with various power ratings; a Cum- mins ISX and a DD16 both rated at 600 hp, 2,050 lb.-ft. of torque TRANSMISSIONS • Wide variety of Eaton/Fuller manual, Eaton automated and Al- lison automatic transmissions AXLES • Front: Detroit Diesel’s propri- etary axle with needle bearings in place of kingpins, plus other brands, 6,000 lb. to 16,000 lb. • Rear: 34,000 lb., 40,000 lb., and 44,000 lb. SUSPENSION • Both Air-Liner air and Tuftrac vocational. The 18-inch gap between the front seats, as well as the flat floor transition, provide easy access to the Stratosphere Sleeper. Tomlinson says, “Customers can select the 4900 SA with a high-visibility hood to provide aerodynamic features and not compromise the big power and ruggedness Western Star is known for.” He says every Western Star is “Galvaneeled,” the company’s term for the 17-step electrostatic painting that uses electrical forces to draw the paint into all surfaces of the frame and cab. “Once coated, the cab is baked to cure the paint and create a uniform protec- tive fi nish,” Tomlinson says. “Stratosphere sleepers feature a multi-layer honeycomb wall design that was originally developed for the aircraft industry,” he says. “This technology provides maximum strength and du- rability while simultaneously reducing weight. All Western Star sleepers also feature a fl at fl oor transition from cab to sleeper with 18 inches between the seats.” Sleeper sizes range from 34-inch rest cabs to 82-inch live-in units. “Every Western Star features marine-grade rocker switches as standard equipment,” Tomlinson says. 46 OVERDRIVE SEPTEMBER 2010 This means they are sealed against dirt, assuring reliability even in a dirty envi- ronment. Gauges are multiplexed and can be relocated to suit the operator’s needs, Tomlinson says. “Western Star offers a one-piece steering shaft that locates the slip joint spline in the cab and out of the ele- ments,” he says. This reduces corrosion damage that can cause less responsive steering and mechanical problems. Frames are shot-peened, a physical hardening process. Each is custom- drilled and shaped for the particular items the buyer specifi es, says Tomlin- son. “All frame fasteners are grade 8 bolts rather than huck fasteners. Air and electrical lines are secured to the frame with a 3-inch steel stand-off and metal band clamp to prevent rubbing, for maximum long-life durability of the electrical and air systems,” he adds. Tomlinson says Western Stars offer an uncluttered front wall connection that eases servicing and customization. All fuse panels are located in the cab with easy dash access. Western Stars can be customized to match any application well, says Guy LeMieux, Western Star marketing seg- ment manager. “Western Star has spent years build- ing heavy duty, one-off custom trucks for logging, heavy haul and various vocational markets,” he says. “Cus- tomers can take advantage of this experience and knowledge to create the perfect solution for their specifi c needs.” ■