Western Star Wednesday introduced all-wheel drive versions of its 4700SB (setback front axle) truck. Now available to order, the 4700SB AWD can be had in 4x4 and 6x6 versions, and is aimed at construction and utility applications requiring a lightweight truck with rugged, off-road traction.

A 6x6 model, equipped with a Terex Utilities digger derrick, is on display at the 2013 Work Truck Show in the Western Star booth.

Its frame sits only about 1 inch higher than a 6x4 truck, said Dan Silbernagel, a product strategy manager on duty at the booth. This was accomplished by using a compact Cummins ISL9 diesel and an offset differential that puts the driveshaft to the right of the engine.

Like other 4700s, the new all-wheel drive truck has a 110-inch BBC, claimed to be the shortest in its class, and a 42-degree wheel cut to provide excellent maneuverability on tight job sites.  

The 4700SB AWD uses premium, lightweight components suited for the rigors of vocational applications, including 16,000-pound-capacity front axles and 40,000-pound rears.

It can also be spec’d with a half-inch, 3.2 million RBM single channel frame rail option that further reduces truck weight while providing long-term durability in corrosive work environments. 

The 4700SB AWD also features Western Star’s body builder-friendly design for ease of upfit and reduced body installation time, said Peter Schimunek, marketing segment manager. 

“We’re meeting our customers’ demands for a rugged yet lightweight truck suited for the most challenging of job sites,” he said. “Our 4700SB AWD combines the best in performance, customization and durability in an affordable package.”

The Cummins ISL can be rated up to 380 horsepower and 1,300 pounds-feet, and can be mated to an Allison 3000-series automatic transmission. The engine can also be spec’d with front power take-off (FEPTO) or rear power take off (REPTO), suited for a wide range of applications.

The 4700SB AWD joins Western Star’s 4800 and 4900 all-wheel drive models.