Western Star Trucks has begun production of the new Twin-Steer 6900 XD truck, the largest ever built by the company.
Incorporating numerous advances in steering and suspensions, the new truck is larger and more powerful than previous models, allowing it to handle the most extreme off- and on-road applications.

"With our highest GVW rating and a weight capacity of up to 70 tons, this truck was built for hauling bulky oilfield equipment, or other large objects, from job to job," said Cary Gatzke, director of engineering for Western Star Trucks.
The Twin-Steer 6900 XD offers two independent steering systems to reduce stress in all steering components. For an improved ride, the vehicle uses four asymmetrical taper leaf slipper springs with four parallel torque rods that control each front steer axle. This non-torque-reactive front suspension design controls bump steer, produces less steering wheel feedback and improves tire wear.
The 141-inch BBC Twin-Steer 6900 XD is available with a full range of manual and automatic transmissions, a 500-hp Caterpillar C-15 engine and a variety of tires, including Michelin 14.00R25, 445/60R22.5 and 12.00R24. It also offers the Eaton EFA 22-T2 for the front non-drive steer axle, the Sisu FSDP-14G for the front drive steer axle and the Meritor SPRC 1927 for the tandem drive axles. With a front-axle rating of 36,000 pounds and rear-axle rating of 110,000 pounds, the gross vehicle weight rating for the 6900 XD is 146,000 pounds.
There are also new features available on the Twin-Steer 6900 XD, including a Twin Disc transmission for all-wheel drive, an 8x6-drive configuration, sheet metal fenders for tandem front axles, a large transmission cooler installation and a dual power steering pump.
"We equipped the new Twin-Steer 6900 XD with improved features that meet or exceed customer specifications to get the job done," Gatzke said. "With a 40-degree wheel cut and 12-inch front axle articulation, our customers will navigate the tougher job sites, traverse more severe terrain and approach the steeper ramps. At the same time, our spacious air-ride cab, taper leaf front springs with shock absorbers and ladder-style cab platform steps will allow the work to be done more comfortably."
Western Star Trucks, headquartered in Willoughby, Ohio, is a member of the Freightliner LLC Group. Freightliner is a company of DaimlerChrysler.