Trucking industry editors saw and drove the new Western Star Model 4700 tractor at a press event on Monday, May 7, at the windswept Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The new tractor complements the Model 4700 truck Western Star launched last year as a durable daycab configuration for regional-haul and vocational applications, said Michael Jackson, general manager of Daimler Trucks North America’s Western Star brand.
Western Star began taking Model 4700 orders last August, and model production began in December. Jackson said the new tractor features several fifth-wheel options to accommodate various applications such as bulk haul, local delivery and construction.
“The response from our vocational customers has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to expand our offering to new markets and customers that have been eager to experience the quality and customization of a Western Star,” said Guy Lemieux, marketing segment manager.
Available in a set-forward and set-back daycab configuration, the 4700 tractor incorporates a high-visibility hood and a wide variety of fifth-wheel and wheelbase selections. Jackson said the new 4700 tractor also features one of the broadest power range offerings in a single truck model – from 260 to 470 hp – available from the lightweight, economical Cummins ISC and ISL engines up to the powerful, efficient Detroit DD13.
These engine options are combined with several transmission offerings, including the Allison automatic, Eaton manual and Eaton UltraShift Plus, which Jackson says allows the 4700 tractor to be ideally spec’d for many regional and bulk haul applications.
In addition to the new tractor, Western Star also announced several new options for the 4700 product line, including:
• Several new lift axle solutions from Hendrickson and Watson Chalin that increase the customization options for vocational applications. The benefits include varying weight savings, SPIF compliance, optimized packaging and added durability;
• The addition of a roof fairing and side extenders to help improve aerodynamic performance and maximize fuel efficiency; and
• The durable Chalmers rubber spring suspension to offer increased stability and traction for off-road applications, and lower maintenance costs on suspensions and other components such as tires.
The 4700 tractor and additional product updates are now available to order.