In his review, Tom Berg from Construction Equipment tests out the Western Star 6900XD, a cost-effective option for off-road hauling that saves up to 35% on fuel costs. This truck is a modified version of Western Star's highway models, now under Freightliner's umbrella, featuring a wide dump body by J&J and a 70-ton gross vehicle weight. Powered by a 500-hp Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine and a 4500 Series Allison 6-speed automatic transmission, it can reach speeds of up to 43 mph. Berg's evaluation includes a detailed examination of its performance at a Pennsylvania quarry, assessing its engine, transmission, braking system, and operator's station. As a seasoned truck reviewer, Berg provides valuable insights into the Western Star 6900XD's capabilities.
About a month ago, we had the opportunity to test drive a truck. While it appears to be a reliable vehicle, it may not be ideal for heavy-duty rock hauling. Additionally, the comfort for the operator does not quite measure up to that of a genuine off-highway truck.
Looking back to the past, the name Aveling Barford quickly comes to mind when considering the challenges faced by truck manufacturers in today's 30 to 40-ton rock hauling market. It will be intriguing to hear the feedback from those who have the opportunity to test out these trucks.
A few months back, I spotted one of these trucks on a lowboy in Birmingham on I-459. It appeared to be a customized rig possibly bound for the coal mines. It seems like a step backward in terms of off-road haulers compared to the 25T articulated trucks I've operated in the past. The rigid frame trucks just can't compete with where they can go and what they can do on a job site. I'm curious about the pricing of these units. A lower purchase price and reduced maintenance costs could make them a viable option in certain conditions. It's also worth noting that Cat/International is venturing into similar territory. According to a Construction Equipment article, Cat is set to release a new truck of similar size next year, possibly based on the International 5000i Paystar as a result of the collaboration between Cat and Navistar International.
Kenworth has been manufacturing trucks like these for many years, primarily in a 50-ton capacity. They are commonly used in large quarries as yard trucks for various tasks such as material relocation and hopper cleaning. While they are cost-effective, they may have limitations when it comes to rough terrain capabilities. Recently, I have been operating a newer model Kenworth truck from around 2007 or 2008, similar to the one shown in the image. This truck has been performing impressively when compared to a Cat 740 on well-maintained roads, outpacing the Cat 740 uphill and downhill. However, when faced with soft or rough ground conditions, the Cat 740 surpasses the capabilities of the Kenworth truck. In the right conditions, these Kenworth trucks can serve as a great alternative for certain applications.
Thank you for sharing that information, Jerry. It's always a learning experience. I must say, I have never come across a truck like this one before, whether it's a Star or KW, at any work site in my region. Typically, I see scrapers, articulated trucks, rigid trucks, or on-road vehicles. That's why I took a photo of this impressive beast while driving, as it was a unique sight for me.
Answer: - The Western Star 6900XD is considered cost-effective due to its ability to save up to 35% on fuel costs, making it a practical choice for businesses looking to reduce operating expenses.
Answer: - The Western Star 6900XD features a wide dump body by J&J, a 70-ton gross vehicle weight, a 500-hp Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine, a 4500 Series Allison 6-speed automatic transmission, and can reach speeds of up to 43 mph.
Answer: - The performance of the Western Star 6900XD was evaluated at a Pennsylvania quarry, focusing on its engine, transmission, braking system, and operator's station. The detailed examination by Tom Berg provides insights into its capabilities in challenging off-road environments.
Join hundreds of satisfied customers who have transformed their maintenance processes.
Sign up today and start optimizing your workflow.