Western Star has started production of the 47X, a companion to the larger 49X model introduced in fall 2020—both evolving from the established 4700 and 4900 workhorses. The 47X is about 200 lbs. lighter than the 49X in like-for-like specs and available in 111.6-in. or 110.8-in. bumper-to-back-of-cab configurations, the latter best suited to mixer and dump trucks bound by federal or local bridge laws. Both versions’ shorter hood affords a wheel cut up to 50 degrees, optimizing maneuverability on construction sites or in congested urban environments.
“With the 47X and 49X, we can offer our vocational customers different options that will give them the right tool for their specific job needs,” says Daimler Trucks North America Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing David Carson. “Vocational is a broad segment, covering many different applications, and our Western Star X-Series reflects that reality. Whether their work be heavy-haul or construction, we have the right Star for our customers.”
All X-Series trucks have tougher, yet lighter, single-channel frame rail options versus legacy models. The platform offers frame rails with RBM (resisting bending moment) of up to 3.8 million in.-lbs. to last longer and return greater payload. A new 9.5-mm single channel rail option exhibits strength comparable to the 11-mm rail. Standard high-strength aluminum forward, rear and end-of-frame crossmembers further reduce mass.
“A key priority was to consider how to reduce mass without compromising strength,” explains DTNA Chief Engineer of Chassis, Propulsion and Vocational Engineering Tracy Mack-Askew. “From the cab to the frame rails, to powertrain and battery configurations, we examined all features to deliver weight savings to our customers for greater productivity and profitability.”
The X-Series steel-reinforced aluminum cab further reduces mass by up to 8 percent while offering greater driver comfort with 13 percent more space than competitor models. An optional two-person bench seat is available for applications demanding a large on-site crew, and a new space-optimized, in-cab battery box nets additional operator legroom. An optional roof-mounted condenser offers maximum airflow through the radiator for stationary applications like construction.
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The 47X comes standard with the Detroit DD13 Gen 5 engine, with compression ratios and a new swirl piston design to further improve combustion and efficiency. Cummins L9 and X12 engines are available for weight-sensitive applications, while a front-engine power take-off is offered on all packages except the L9. The 47X is also offered with the all-new Detroit DT12-V transmission, which is built on the proven DT12 and has more than 35 million miles of vocational-specific testing. The DT12 includes three work-ready modes for the challenges of specific vocational applications: Rock-free, Off-road and Paver.
Western Star partnered with leading truck equipment manufacturers to ensure the X-Series supports fast and efficient upfits. The 47X’s mid-chassis packaging has a number of clear back-of-cab configurations while unobstructed frame rails provide more efficient body integration. The QuickFit Interface System offers ready access to electrical architecture and was designed for easy truck equipment manufacturer interface, programming and access to power. The CHEC Tool from DTNA enables manufacturers and dealers to view and modify electrical configurations, giving them the power to customize inputs and outputs and change parameters within minutes.
“With the power of QuickFit and CHEC, you can take things that were once considered to be complex, expensive or impossible to do and accomplish them more easily and efficiently,” notes Carson. A Flex Panel located in the dash B-panel of the truck gives equipment manufacturers the ability to mount body controllers, he adds, making Western Star the only OEM that doesn’t require compromising space between the seats to do so.— www.westernstar.com
Shown here with Ox Bodies dump controls, the 47X Flex Panel holds potential for moving key concrete mixer truck controls from floor mount to the dashboard. All X-Series models come standard with operator-centric features such as a wrap-around dash that provides easy access to the driver command center and the B-panel, which can be prepped for a tablet or configured for an additional 12 switches or 10 gauges. The 47X interior includes upscale appointments such as metal accents. All-metal exterior brightwork is distinctive as well as durable.