The Western Star X-Series has now been in Australia for almost two years and this has been the first opportunity to have some drives of 100 kilometres or so in several models and combinations around the roads and highways of Greater Brisbane to complement the few laps of the familiar circuit of the Mt Cotton Mobility Centre we traversed at the time of the original launch back in 2022.
The X-Series is the first all-new Western Star range in a generation and involves a ground up engineering approach rather than just some selective cosmetic upgrades, although there are plenty of the latter.
The Western Star X-Series has been engineered around four key pillars of durability, safety, driver comfort, and weight reduction which should please owners and drivers alike.
The X-Series is available in three models consisting of the 47X, the Australian and New Zealand-only 48X, and the super tough 49X which is capable of ratings up to 200-plus tonnes GVM.
The 47X has a set-back front axle and is distinguished by its short, sloped bonnet which contributes to its key dimension of Australia’s shortest bumper to back of cab (BBC) conventional truck at 111.6 inches (2,835mm).
In addition to the tested 6×4 prime mover, the 47X is also available in 8×4 and 10×4 configurations which will suit the sectors such as agitators and PBS tippers.
Engine availability includes the 9-litre Cummins ISL from 260hp and the Detroit Diesel Gen 5 DD13 rated up to 525hp and transmissions range from the ubiquitous Eaton Fuller 18-speed manual, the Detroit DT12 automated manual transmission, and in the 47X, an Allison full automatic is available.
The comprehensive nose-to-tail engineering approach starts with the tilting hood.
The X-Series hoods are manufactured from a moulded resin material and are lighter and stronger than used on previous Western Star models.
An innovative dampening system helps isolate the hood from the chassis and contributes to keeping the hood vibration-free.
A pair of gas struts assist in making tilting of the hood an one-handed operation without any strain even for lightweight operators.
The external hood catches are located behind the stainless-steel air inlet covers keeping the aerodynamics as smooth as possible.
To keep the costs of accidental damage down the hood is made in three replaceable sections.
The air filter assembly is located under the hood on top of the engine which delivers improved aerodynamics and saves 27kgs when compared to the external air cleaners of previous Western Stars.
The chassis frame rails splay outwards at the front which provides a low mounting of the engine, and the engine and radiator share a cradle that permits a close gap between fan blades and radiator core because the components move in sync.
The DD13 models are cooled by a 1,400 square inch alloy radiator, with the DD16 cooled by a larger 1,600 square inch version. Access for daily checks and maintenance servicing is enhanced and subtle features such as being able to refill the washer bottle from ground level are appreciated.
Typically, demonstrator trucks intended for assessments by customers and industry media are spec’d to the maximum with plenty of fancy accessories, the highest rated engines available and automated transmissions.
Therefore, it’s refreshing that the 47X day cab demonstrator provided to us for this occasion is equipped with the 18-speed Eaton-Fuller Road Ranger manual transmission.
It only takes a few kilometres for this driver to familiarise himself with the box after not having shifted an 18-speed manual for around six years.
Not exactly like riding a bike, but at least there was no embarrassment created by excessive gear grinding and the direct shift lever ensures we are able to engage every gear we want to.
Powered by a DD13 with 525hp and 1,850 lb/ft, at a gross of 40 tonnes, the 47X handles anything we encounter on the road with ease. While we are waiting for the next X-Series combination to arrive back at Penske’s Brisbane HQ, we take a 47X 8×4 cab chassis for a short run.
Despite having no ballast on board, the agi-spec truck rides remarkably well.
As the eight-wheeler is aimed at metro applications, this one is fitted with a large rear window in the back wall of the cab, as are all day cabs in the X-Series.
There is also the option for a three-window configuration on day cabs to provide even more rear visibility.
The next drive of around 100 kilometres is in the impressively appointed cab of a 48X tipper and dog PBS combination which is equipped with a Shephard alloy tipping body and quad axle trailer with the loaded combination grossing 62.5 tonnes.
Powered by a DD16 rated up to 600hp and 2,050 lb/ft driving through its 12-speed DD12 AMT, the 48X is ideal for this type of combination.
The 48X cab is mounted 100mm higher than the other two models which assists with cooling airflow in deference to Australia’s typically higher ambient heat.
The X-Series cabs are manufactured from steel reinforced alloy and the galvanised steel doors are mounted on forged steel hinges and incorporate triple seals worthy of a submarine. There is a solid feel and a reassuring ‘clunk’ when closing the doors, which have a wide 70 degree opening angle.
Details like the grip-coated grab handles and a new step design providing one-inch wider treads with a pattern designed to shed mud and enhance foothold grip help make access to the X-Series cabs safe. The trio of X-Series models have plenty of cab options and if you’re spending a lot of time on the road the 72-inch Stratosphere sleeper can be your home away from home.
The dash is a wrap-around design with plenty of space for round gauges and the numerous illuminated rocker switches for various functions have a solid and quality feel when used and their locations can be swapped around to suit individual drivers’ needs.
Even the day cabs have plenty of storage options, with the sleepers providing even more storage room. Touch screen dashes similar to those available in other Daimler Truck brands can now be optioned as well. Standard seating is from Isri with an integral seat belt for the driver.
There’s also the option of a Rolltek seat with its integrated curtain airbag. The HVAC system has also received the engineers’ attention and has five face level outlets, four on the floor and two side window outlets to facilitate demisting. The blower fan has ten speeds so it’s easy to dial in the most comfortable level of air flow and temperature.
The one piece windscreen is 28 per cent larger than the models the X-Series replaces and provides the driver with cinemascope vision very similar to what is available in cabover trucks. The external mirrors have slim bracket profiles to enhance forward vision particularly at intersections and are noticeably free of vibration which is also reduced by the use of additional internal reinforcement in the doors.
The mirror mounts have a breakaway mechanism to reduce damage should the mirror inadvertently come into contact with a solid object.
The familiar multi-function steering wheel is essentially the same as found in other Daimler trucks and the three stage Jake brake operates using the automated transmission selector wand located on the righthand side of steering column.
The DT12 automated transmission is packaged with the Detroit Assurance Safety System which includes Active Brake Assist 5, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Electronic Stability Control and automatic lights and wipers. Side Guard Assist is also available as an option.
The Active Brake Assist uses a combination of camera and radar to detect the distance and speed of objects in the truck’s path.
Operating as low as 8 km/hr the system recognises pedestrians and will fully brake the truck to a stop if the driver isn’t reacting to the audio and visual warnings. Standard with the Detroit engines is the Virtual Technician.
This remote diagnostic system is even capable of having the right parts on hand when a fault is detected and the truck has to visit a dealer.
With a heritage rooted in the uncompromising American vocational markets Western Star may share a lot of its DNA with Freightliner but, importantly, has numerous specific differences which will make it worthy of consideration in a range of suitable local applications.
