LAS VEGAS. Freightliner LLC subsidiaries Sterling Truck and Western Star updated their vocational product offerings here at the ConExpo-Con/Agg show to address the diverse needs within the construction truck market.
Sterling updated its A-Line, L-Line, and Acterra brand trucks and tractors by unveiling a full-line of proprietary axles, a rear engine power takeoff option for the MBE 4000 engine, and an enhanced taper leaf front suspension.
Its new proprietary front axle package, built by the Axle Alliance Group (AAG) partnership formed by its parent company, DaimlerChrysler, offers up to a 28-lb. weight savings over similarly spec'd axles. It offers a standard warranty that covers the entire axle, including the needle bearings and the kingpins, which are the most common cause of axle failure, said Ann Demitruk, Sterling’s director of sales & marketing. The company’s rear axle offerings include single and tandem models that can offer up to a 128-lb. weight savings, she added.
Available later this year, Sterling Trucks will offer its Mercedes-Benz MBE 4000 engine with a rear engine power takeoff (REPTO) option. The rear-mounted PTO – ideal for concrete mixers – offers the benefits from a payload advantage, allows for a longer wheelbase chassis, and improves weight distribution.
Outside of proprietary systems, Sterling is adding the Cummins ISC engine as an option to its L-Line trucks. Also, Sterling’s Class 7 and 8 models are getting a new 12,000-lb. taper leaf front suspension option along with Hendrickson’s Composilite ST 13,500 lb. steerable pusher axle on the L-Line and Acterra.
Sterling’s sister company, Western Star, is now offering a proprietary extreme-duty six-rod suspension for its Star 6900 XD for off-road mining, logging, and oil field applications.
It’s being offered with 85,000 to 110,000-lb. weight ratings with AxleTech International SPRC 1927 tandem axles and 68-in axle spacing. In the future, Western Star plans to offer the suspension with an 85,000-lb. weight rating with AxleTech SPRC 1735 tandem axles and 60-in axle spacing; and a 72,000-lb. weight rating with Sisu FR2P-32 tandem axle and 60-in axle spacing.
