Western Star has confirmed they will bring their 4700 series truck to New Zealand, filling a niche not previously addressed by the company in the heavy medium segment.
While details are scarce, Western Star is expected to launch the truck at the upcoming Transport and Heavy Equipment (THE) expo.
The Western Star 4700 was initially released in North America back in May of 2011.
It has been squarely aimed at vocational markets in that part of the world for applications including tipper, agitator, dump truck and cranes, to name just a few.
The model is the result of extensive research into customer and dealer wish lists, with the aim to deliver a serious truck with the rugged qualities Western Star is renowned for.
The basic Australian specifications of the 4700 include Cummins power with the 8.2 litre ISL engine providing power ratings from 260 to 400hp and delivering 1150 to 1300 lb/ft of torque, while the Cummins ISC engine will be available as an option.
There will be a wide variety of transmissions on offer to meet application demands, including Eaton Fuller manuals and the UltraShift automated box, plus Allison 3000 and 3500 Series 6-speed autos. Coupled with this are a variety of Meritor or Dana Spicer drive axles, and various suspensions to suit the application. The 4700 comes as 6×4 or 8×4 with the option of a 10×4 fitted with a pusher axle.
The cab is 110 inches (2.7m) BBC of all steel construction and the one-piece grille is mounted to the frame rails and fitted with a screen behind to protect the radiator. The air cleaner is mounted under the fibreglass bonnet and after tilting the hood, there is ample room for service personnel to access all parts of the engine.
The cab interior has been designed to offer drivers plenty of head and legroom. Instrument panel and switches are easily accessed, and large mirrors, including one above the left hand front guard, give a good view of the surroundings.
Visibility is one of the 4700’s strong points. Large windows and a sloping bonnet, coupled with the mirror configuration, offer a view from the driver’s seat that is best in its class.
