Western Star

WESTERNSTAR TRUCKS

Our History

1983 – 1989

The first Australian Western Star was built in March of 1983 at the current Wacol QLD facility, and went in to service in July of the same year. Heritage models 4864 and 4964 were produced from 1983 – 1989, and were offered with customized packages that came with names such as Cheyenne, Apache, Comanche, Chinook, Mohawk, Pawnee and Navajo. These trucks were imported in kit form from the Western Star factory in Kelowna, BC Canada.

707 Units were built during this period.

1990

In February of 1990, the first “Cornerstone” Heritage unit was introduced. Cornerstone was a project to reduce the cost and weight of the vehicles. This project introduced three new models.

4864S – a short bonnet, set-back front axle suitable for b-double applications.
4964SS – sloping, aerodynamic long bonnet, with 1270mm set-back front axle and 48 degree wheel cut.
4864FX – short, 127mm sloping bonnet for enhanced visibility. 840mm set-back front axle.
Pre-Cornerstone 4964 still produced for heavy-duty operations.

1992

Western Star introduced the 1064 Series, based on the DAF 95 platform. A European cabover design, with American driveline.

First fully built up Western Star units arrived from Western Star factory in Kelowna.

Western Star Trucks Sales, Inc., commonly designated Western Star, is an Americantruck manufacturer headquartered in Portland, Oregon, USA and a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, in turn a wholly owned subsidiary of the German Daimler AG.

In 1967 White Trucks started the Western Star division as White Western Star with a new plant at Kelowna, British Columbia, sharing headquarters with White in Cleveland, Ohio. By 1980, White was insolvent, despite importing Semon E. "Bunkie" Knudsen, son of General Motors legend Semon Knudsen, and President of Ford Motor Company in 1969–70. Volvo AB acquired the U.S. assets of the company, while two energy-related companies based in Calgary, Alberta, Bow Valley Resource Services and Nova, an Alberta Corp., purchased the Canadian assets, including the Kelowna, British Columbia, plant, and the Western Star nameplate and product range.

In 1990 Western Star Trucks was purchased by Australian businessman Terry Peabody, who turned around the company's fortunes over the next 10 years, and in 2000 the company was purchased by the Daimler AG North American truck division.

In 2002, Western Star production was moved to a plant in Portland, Oregon. All Western Star trucks are manufactured in the Portland, Oregon Truck Plant.

Western Star produces a range of Class 8 commercial vehicles for both highway and off-road use. Western Star specializes in trucks tailored to customer specifications. Several cab and sleeper box sizes are available, interiors can be trimmed to spec, and engines, transmissions, axles, suspensions, and brakes are available in a number of configurations. Engines used include Cummins, and Detroit Diesel. As a result of this, very few identical Western Star trucks have been produced. Western Star also produces right hand drive trucks for the Australian, New Zealand, and South African markets.

Though styled in a conventional fashion and often used in off-road applications, Western Star trucks are also available with anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, and other modern safety features in order to remain competitive and meet DOT regulations.

Western Star has four model families:

The 4700 Series (internally designated "Zodiac") is a vocational model that reduces upfitting time and costs for body builders. It is aimed at towing and recovery, construction, and municipal purposes.

The 4800 Series is larger and more powerful than the 4700 although it shares that model's narrow cab, and is commonly used in twin-steer applications since its shorter BBC length allows customers to maximize the payloads they carry. Western Star provides the truck as a bare chassis and cab, which can be fitted with a tank, crane, box, or other structure by a bodybuilding company as desired by the customer. Tractor versions are also available and are a favorite among Australian drivers.

The 4900 Series, the most common Western Star model, is a multi-use truck/tractor which is targeted at a variety of industries. The truck can be built as a tractor with fifth wheel, bare chassis for a bodybuilder to outfit, or a lowered-cab model (Low Max) for auto hauling. The cab of the 4900 is wider than on the 4800.

The 6900 Series, is the largest model designed for logging, mining, use in Australian Road Trains, as a heavy wrecker or in other similar applications. Though the 6900 shares cabs with the 4900 series, it can be recognized both by its size as well as by its flat, squared front fenders.

Western Star sold a lightly altered version of the White High Cabover as the Western Star Cabover in the 1980s and early 1990s. They also produced a licensed version of the Iveco VM 90 for the Canadian Forces during the 1990s, called the LSVW.

Western Star produces trucks for the United States Military, although they are rebadged as Freightliners.

4700SB

DESCENDED FROM A LONG LINE OF WORKAHOLICS.

The all-new Western Star 4700SB was designed and built specifically to meet the demanding needs of vocational applications and today’s tightening budgets. And we did it with input from you — the people who actually do the jobs. After all, no one knows what you need better than you do. The sloped bonnet and set-back front axle offer excellent visibility and manoeuvrability, for better access and movement within tight spaces. The durable, reliable and rugged 4700SB.

4800FS/FS2

PERFECT MEASUREMENTS AND STUNNING GOOD LOOKS.

With its 838mm bumper to steer axle and 2768mm bumper to back of cab dimensions, the 4800FS is the perfect choice to legally achieve maximum payload on 19-metre applications such as quad dog and pocket b-doubles. The 4800FS is available with engine ratings of up to 600HP and comes standard with a modern and spacious air-suspended cab. A visibility window in the left-hand door and the ease of entry and egress offer OH&S benefits. And the proven Western Star resale value helps you produce a better bottom-line for your business.

4900FXC

THE LEGEND

The Western Star 4900FXC has a legendary reputation in Australia. It’s what our heritage was built on. Powerful and versatile, the 4900FXC has multiple options available to help you spec the perfect truck for the job. Whether it’s road train, livestock, bulk haul, logging or general freight, the 4900FXC offers the strength and dependability to go the distance.

6900FXC

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Designed specifically for heavy loads, multi-trailer configurations, livestock haulage, mine sites and logging applications, the Western Star 6900FXC offers brute strength, endurance and the ability to perform in the harshest conditions. The 6900FXC is a proven performer in some of the toughest environments on earth, designed to provide optimal service for the most remote of areas.

4800FXC

THE ALL-ROUNDER.

Something can be said for getting the right truck for the job. The Western Star 4800FXC is the most versatile Western Star in the model line-up. With the shortest bumper to back of cab dimension and the most options, the 4800FXC delivers big performance in a streamlined cab, along with loads of options so you can build to suit any job — or fit any site. From expeditor to road train, the 4800 can be configured to deliver in a big way.

Stretch your legs without ever stepping outside.

While most interiors out there feature sleepers that seem little more than afterthoughts, Western Star's all-new interior is planned with comfort, space and storage to spare. With four sleeper models, five roof heights and a high-quality walkthrough design, you can outfit your truck exactly how you want. Add to that a variety of ugraded material and color options and you have the kind of workplace you've always wanted. After all, it's your truck. It should fit you, not the other way around.

BUILT FOR THE LONG HAUL. JUST LIKE YOU.

It's easy to keep your options open with a Western Star long haul tractor. Your choices start with models: our flagship 4900 model, or the all new 5700XE. With our updated interior and multiple sleeper configurations, you get more comfort and space options, not to mention your powertrain/engine options from Detroit® or Cummins® to give you all the power you need for the long haul. And with our unmatched level of factory customization, you can spec a truck as light as it is tough. This job just keeps getting better.

A PERSON'S VEHICLE IS THEIR PRIDE AND JOY.
SOUNDS FAMILIAR.

This is a special kind of haul. Which is why Western Star auto haul trucks are perfect for the job. Whether it's cars, boats, or something completely different — with the tried and true 4900, and a ton of sleeper and customization options like our ultra low roof sleeper, — you can spec the ultimate hauler for even the most demanding job. Plus, knowing you're driving the best-built hauler in the business will give both you and your customer peace of mind.

WE BUILD OUR TRUCKS WITH THE RAREST OF INSTRUMENTS.
WE CALL THEM HANDS.

Whether you're in for a week-long trip or an out-and-back day haul, make sure your truck is up to the task. Western Star bulk haul trucks are built to last. Plus you can spec every Western Star truck to be as light as it is tough. Choose from multiple engines, 109", 110", 123" or 126" BBCs and thousands of other options -- allowing you to get the dependable truck you need, hand-built to your specifications.

Better every mile.

Expect superior driving performance and industry-leading fuel economy with Cummins ISX15 EPA 2010 engine. Every element has been designed and manufactured to optimize performance, reliability and durability while delivering the lowest operating costs of any engine in its class.

Better every mile.

The ISL9 has one of the highest power-to-weight ratios in its class with heavy-duty features like replaceable wet liners. It also features the XPI fuel system -- the same technology thats used in the ISX15. These advances allow the ISL9 to run stronger and with greater responsiveness than ever before.

Demand more.

The DD16 is made for extreme loads. Whether you're in the coalmines of West Virginia or the forests of Western Canada, this engine has the power and torque to deliver -- the powerhouse engine for the owner operator and severe-duty vocational markets.

Western Star or The Western Star may refer to:

Western Star Trucks, an American manufacturer of commercial trucks
Western Star (train), a passenger train operated by the Great Northern Railway
The Western Star (Bessemer, Alabama), a weekly newspaper published in Bessemer, Alabama
The Western Star (Corner Brook), a newspaper in Corner Brook, Newfoundland
The Western Star (Ohio), a defunct weekly newspaper in Lebanon, Ohio
USS Western Star (ID-4210), a United States Navy cargo ship in commission from 1918 to 1919
Western Star, an unfinished narrative poem on the settling of the United States written by Stephen Vincent Benét
Western Star Butter, an Australian brand of butter produced by Fonterra
The Western Star and Roma Advertiser