TECHNOLOGY BREAKDOWN: WESTERN STAR 49X oemoffhighway.com/21196047
Western Star Builds Next-Generation Vocational Truck The 49X was designed from the ground up to meet the most demanding vocational applications. by Curt Bennink ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
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t’s fairly rare to witness a completely new truck in the Class 8 market, especially one dedicated to the vocational segment. That is precisely why it took many by surprise when Western Star teased dealers with a prototype in February. “This is the culmination of nearly 6 years of work engaging thousands of people within Daimler Trucks North America on this project,” says David Carson, the company’s Senior Vice President, Vocational Segment. “We believe that we’re launching the best tool in the vocational space—the most tested, safest, most advanced vocational truck.” The Western Star 49X is designed to deliver maximum versatility in a pur-
The optional three-piece rear window is 77% larger than that of the Western Star 4900.
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pose-built package. It features a stronger, lighter chassis that is equipped with the company’s new X-series cab. It enables a total weight savings of over 350 lbs. (159 kg) in like-for-like spec’ing versus the current Western Star 4900, which is currently slated to remain in production. The weight savings starts with a new vocational frame. Single-channel frame rail options are available in a variety of thicknesses and feature ratings up to 3.7 million RBMs (Resisting Bending Moments). This yields greater durability and significant weight savings for greater capability and payload. “The beauty of that single frame rail is obviously you can save a lot of weight without sacrificing the RBM, the resistance to bending,” says Samantha Parlier, Vice President of Vocational Market Development. For customers that need maximum frame strength, frame inserts are available. “One thing that is unique about Western Star inserts is we do seal them,” says Parlier. Vocational trucks can accumulate magnesium chloride, mud or even water between the rails. “Our rails are actually sealed so that doesn’t happen.”
C-channel frame reinforcements are available with RBMs up to 5.4 million. Multiple parent rail front frame extension options are available for applications requiring front-mounted equipment, such as a plow. The frame rails are kept clear to ease upfits. Clear back-of-cab packaging allows for easier upfit with features that include: forward-mounted DEF tanks; standard in-cab battery box; multiple air tank mounting locations; air dryer mounted underhood (set-back axle) or under cab (set-forward axle); optimized fuel tank sizes; a compact Detroit aftertreatment system; and functional dual vertical exhaust stacks. The 49X will also accommodate a full array of rear suspension options. “Pretty much if you have heard of it in the vocational market, we’re offering it on this new product,” says Parlier.
Purpose-built cab Western Star designed a new purpose-built cab for the 49X. “If we’re going to change the cab in terms of comfort, quietness and safety, it really requires us to transition from what we have been doing into new and more creative ways to provide that comfort
OEM Off-Highway | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
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