Western Star's XD-25: 'yellow iron' strong, versatile

April 27, 2017

4 min read

We put the Western Star XD25 through its paces at an offroad course outside of Phoenix This truck with a 223in wheelbase is powered by a 14liter 500HP DDC 60 rated at 1550 lbft of torque 1350 RPM The transmission is an Allison 4500 RDS automatic with PTO provision It also features an FR2P32 70000 lb planetary wide track tandem rear axle For more photos from the Western Star 50th Anniversary event in Phoenix see the XD OFFROAD gallery — We put the Western Star XD-25 through its paces at an off-road course outside of Phoenix. This truck, with a 223-in. wheelbase, is powered by a 14-liter, 500HP DDC 60, rated at 1550 lb./ft. of torque @ 1350 RPM. The transmission is an Allison 4500 RDS automatic with PTO provision. It also features an FR2P-32 70,000 lb. planetary wide track tandem rear axle. For more photos from the Western Star 50th Anniversary event in Phoenix, see the XD OFFROAD gallery.

PHOENIX. Targeting “the traditional yellow-iron customer,” Western Star Truck Sales Inc. has added a new option to its XD OFFROAD line. Based on the iconic Western Star 4900 platform, but with “considerably more material” to support off-road applications, the Western Star XD-25 is designed to be tough and versatile, company executives explained during a 50th anniversary event here. Its 25-ton capacity makes it ideal for smaller construction, mining and quarry site hauling use.

“The XD-25 provides yet another extreme duty option for customers who tackle the toughest challenges,” said Kelley Platt, president, Western Star Trucks. “These units are specifically designed to handle off-road jobs without compromising fuel economy and cycle time efficiency.”

The new XD-25 is available with a Tier 3 Series 60 or Detroit DD13 engine, and is powered by the Allison Off Road Series (ORS) transmission and planetary gear sets. Together, the engine and transmission combination results in more power for loaded applications and higher speeds when unloaded.

“In the past, some companies have tried to push highway products into the off-highway market, and it resulted in less-than-ideal product lifespans—this is by no means that kind of product, as we’ve already seen from the vehicles we have in the field.” added Peter Arrigoni, Western Star Trucks vice-president of sales. “The XD-25 really is an alternative at a much better value—this is probably the only market in which the Western Star is the less-expensive option. It’s an interesting proposition for a lot of customers.”

Additional features found with all Western Star XD OFFROAD products include rugged slippered spring suspensions, simplified maintenance components and metal fender butterfly hoods for long-life durability.

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“Our customers want an off-road solution that has great ton-per-mile (TPM) savings, and a lower purchase price over conventional articulated equipment,” said Platt. “The XD-25 OFFROAD’s low maintenance design and versatile platform configurations deliver on performance every time.”

Western Star also used the event to announce a number of options for the product lineup.

“The needs of our customers continue to grow and change, so we will continue to add new options that will help our customers while delivering the power, performance and comfort expected from a Western Star truck,” said Platt.

Options now available include:

RollTek Seats: Available for Western Star 4700, 4800 and 4900 truck models, the RollTek seat system inflates side-impact airbags, tightens seat belts and compresses air suspension seats to the lowest position to prevent serious injuries to the driver, in the unlikely event of a rollover.
Sealed Frame Rails: The new sealed frame rail for Western Star 4700, 4800 and 4900 truck models, reduces corrosion on double channel and partial liner configurations. Sealed along the edges, the flexible water-tight seal prevents the intrusion of liquids and minimizes rust that might occur due to environmental factors and road de-icing products.
Abrasion Tape for Exterior Harnesses: Ideal for applications that can cause abrasion in the chassis, such as construction, logging and road maintenance, the new Abrasion Tape for Exterior Harnesses for Western Star 4700 and 5700 truck models will improve durability. Each harness is wrapped in an abrasion-resistant seal and then fastened securely to the frame rails to prevent damage to the wires from debris, water and chafing.
Aluminum Diamond Plate Tool Box: With cab access and increased ground clearance, the Aluminum Diamond Plate Tool Box for the Western Star 4700 is durable enough to withstand harsh working conditions, and features the traditional Western Star style.
Detroit 23,000-lb Front Steer Axle: New for Western Star 4800 and 4900 truck models, the Detroit 23,000-lb front steer axle is ideal for applications that require a higher front axle weight rating like snow plow, dump and heavy haul. Up to 40 lbs. lighter than other brands, Detroit front axles improve durability, reduce tire wear and provide smoother steering control.
5-Man Crew Cab: Western Star 4700, 4800, 4900 and 6900 truck models can now be spec’d with an aftermarket-installed 5-man crew cab option with either two or four doors. A 12-dash inch backpack is also available for additional storage.
5700 Truck Configuration: The Western Star 5700 is now available in a truck configuration for expeditor and RV applications in a day cab or sleeper.

About the Author

Kevin Jones 1

Editor

Kevin has served as editor-in-chief of Trailer/Body Builders magazine since 2017—just the third editor in the magazine’s 60 years. He is also editorial director for Endeavor Business Media’s Commercial Vehicle group, which includes FleetOwner, Bulk Transporter, Refrigerated Transporter, American Trucker, and Fleet Maintenance magazines and websites.