Western Star has launched a series of heavy-duty trucks aimed at vocational and municipal customers who want a midrange-size powertrain and its somewhat lower cost. The trucks, sometimes called Baby 8s in the industry, will be offered with the Cummins ISC and ISL, and with Detroit Diesel's DD13.

Designated 4700, the series will complement the heavier 4900 trucks and tractors and 6900 extreme-service vehicles, said Mike Jackson, the builder's general manager, during an unveiling on the eve of the opening of the Work Truck Show in Indianapolis.

Two-thirds of WS dealers also handled Sterling trucks, which were discontinued last year, and now "they can re-build relationships with former Sterling customers," he added. Sterling and Western Star were sister companies under Daimler Trucks North America. Freightliner remains DTNA's major brand, with Western Star the premium offering.

Because of its smaller powertrain, a 4700 truck will cost somewhat less than a comparable 4900, but pricing hasn't yet been set, and "I can't speculate on what the difference would be,"
Jackson said.

Forward- and setback steer axles and a range of frame and drivetrain options will be in the 4700's data book. The new series can be built with gross vehicle weight ratings of 33,000 to 64,000 pounds, and is aimed especially at snow plow, dump, mixer, roll-off, crane and sewer vacuum applications, he said.



Body builders were consulted and listened to, Jackson said, so 4700s will have clear back-of-cab areas and an uncluttered frame. Body wiring will run from external connectors through an in-cab raceway to the main harness. Electrical lines to chassis points are suspended away from the frame rails so dirt doesn't gather between wiring and the frames.

The galvannealed-steel cab from heavier Western Stars is rugged and roomy, and a severe-service version with reinforcement members at key points is optional, Jackson said. The new tilting hood retains Western Star styling and is sloped so a driver will have good visibility to the front and sides. A stationary grille is standard. An access hatch in the hood allows for daily checks when a snow plow is mounted.

The 8.3-liter Cummins ISC will be available in ratings from 260 horsepower and 660 pounds-feet to 350 hp and 1,000 lbs-ft, while the 8.9-liter ISL's ratings range from 345 hp/1,150 lbs-ft to 380 hp/1,300 lbs-ft. The DD13 can be ordered with ratings from 350 hp/1,350 lbs-ft to 450 hp/1,650 lbs-ft. Allison full automatics and Eaton UltraShift Plus automated transmissions are available, while a range of Eaton manuals forms the base offerings.

The 4700 will be priced to compete with other premium trucks in this class, Jackson said. The series goes into production late this year in the Portland, Ore., plant. Deliveries to dealers and customers will begin at year's end and into 2012.