Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has unveiled the new Western Star 47X as part of the new X-Series platform which is expected to arrive in Australia by late 2022 and New Zealand soon to follow.
The 47X is part of the purpose-built vocational line-up and complements the Western Star 49X which was released last year.
With a standard 111.6-inch bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) length, the 47X is suited to regions or applications that require a shorter overall vehicle length, such as drywall trucks. An optional 110.8-inch BBC version is also available.
With the shorter hood and a wheel cut up to 50 degrees, the 47X increases manoeuvrability for work on construction sites or operation in urban environments.
“The vocational segment is a broad segment, covering many different applications, and our Western Star X-Series reflects that reality. Whether their work be heavy-haul, logging and timber operations, or construction, we have the right Star for our customers,” DTNA sales and marketing senior vice president David Carson says.
The 47X is around 90kgs lighter than the 49X in like-for-like spec and is best for weight-sensitive applications like mixers and bulk haul.
All X-Series trucks have tougher, yet lighter, single-channel frame rail options versus legacy products.
“A key priority was to consider how to reduce mass without compromising strength,” DTNA chassis, propulsion and vocational engineering chief engineer Tracy Mack-Askew says.
“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 aluminium cab further reduces mass by up to 8% while offering greater driver comfort with 13% more space than competitors.
An optional two-person bench seat is available for applications demanding a large on-site crew, and a new space-optimised, in-cab battery box gives additional legroom to the operator.
An optional roof-mounted condenser offers maximum airflow through the radiator for stationary applications like construction and mining while keeping operators comfortable.
All X-Series models come standard with operator-centric features such as a wrap-around dash that provides easy access to the driver command centre and B-panel. On the B-panel, a flex panel can be prepped for a tablet or configured for an additional 12 switches or 10 gauges.
The 47X comes standard with the Detroit DD13 Gen 5 engine and for weight-sensitive applications, the Cummins L9 and X12 engines are available.
The 47X is also offered with the all-new DT12-V transmission, which is built on the proven DT12 and has more than 35 million miles of vocational-specific testing.
Standard for any 47X equipped with the DD13 Gen 5, the suite of active safety systems includes active brake assist, side guard assist, adaptive cruise control and more.
New range Down Under
As the official distributor of Western Star Trucks across Australia and New Zealand, Penske says it’s working closely with DTNA in the adaptation of the new X-Series to local on-and off-highway markets.
“It’s very exciting to see the 47X unveiled in the United States following on from the launch of the 49X last year,” Penske Australia on-highway general manager Craig Lee says.
“We are thrilled to be launching the new Western Star range in late 2022 in Australia, and shortly after that in New Zealand.
“Our local teams here in Australia and New Zealand have worked closely with the Western Star team in the US on the development of the new trucks to tailor them for our local markets in both Australia and New Zealand and will continue to do so.
“Boasting lighter yet tougher cabin frames and steel-reinforced cabins, and with features including wrap-around dashboards, our customers will surely be impressed when they see the trucks in person and step foot into the cabin.
“We will continue to work with our dealer network to ensure the highest level of support is delivered to our existing and our new customers,” Lee says.
