Western Star 4700 Tipper Review

Getting big loads of raw materials in and around the tight building sites of Toowoomba's ever-growing commercial and residential development areas poses no problem for this Western Star 4700 6x4 tipper.

Behind the scenes at Rob Troy Transport's Helidon depot, a picture emerges of a company that is successful for a multitude of reasons – strategic planning, people programs, innovation, and the equipment it specifies to stay at the forefront in a fiercely competitive industry.

The muffled thump of the massive jaw crusher at Boral's Wellcamp Downs quarry was stifled by the flurry of wheel loaders and dump trucks scurrying around the quarry floor, and their ear-piercing reversing beepers.

At the weighbridge office, a tiny tinted window opened. "Are you here to meet Anthony?" the man in a fluoro-yellow shirt asked.

"Yeah," I replied.

"He won't be long; he’s on his way back now,", he informed me. "Have you signed in?"

I hadn't, so he guided me to the visitor's book in the next office.

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Feeling the heat

Western Star 4700 driver Anthony Stibbard (pictured, above) arrived a few minutes later, stopped at the weighbridge and introduced himself. He's been around trucks since he was a kid growing up in the area, where his father drove triple road trains to Outback communities. Needless to say, he's seen his fair share of rough, rugged roads and changed a tyre or two when it's ‘110 in the water bag’.

The issue of cooling trucks operating in Queensland and throughout the Darling Downs region, situated in the hinterland areas to the west of Toowoomba and the Condamine River catchment, has always been a challenge. But the wide and gleaming grill of Western Star's 4700 not only looks the part, it affords plenty of airflow to keep the engine cool in even the harshest of Queensland heat.

The truck benefits from wide chromed air intakes mounted either side of the bonnet for extra ventilation. The rectangular headlights are mounted low and have standard halogen lights for improved visibility. The lightweight hood easily tilts open to 90 degrees and is equipped with unique springs to reduce effort.

Built tough

Driver safety is one area in which Rob Troy Transport and the worksites it services are extremely strict, and the 4700’s cabin strength was one feature that could not be overlooked. Unlike other truck cabins in this market segment, which are built using lightweight aluminium, the 4700's cab is an all-steel affair. Even though the steel cabins are significantly heavier than the aluminium units, Western Star engineers use this material because it is tougher and more resistant in the event of an accident.

Moreover, for corrosion resistance, the steel cabs are completely galvannealed. The extra gussets and reinforcements are bonded, welded, dipped and then protected with a 17-stage e-coat process for long-lasting corrosion resistance and a superior paint finish.

Unlike most of its competitors, space inside the cabin is not a problem, and the 183cm-wide cab (72in) offers excellent flexibility with plenty of head and legroom. Combine that with a high driving position and excellent visibility, and it’s a joy to drive, says Anthony.

"It’s one of the best working places on wheels available on today's market,” he told me.

“The side visibility is equally as impressive and affords an expansive panoramic view of both sides of the truck.

“Western Star has also included abundant useful storage spaces. Starting with the generous door pockets, continuing with the big storage box mounted between the seats and finishing with the big compartments fitted into the dash, everything is well placed and comfortable to use.”

The backbone of the Western Star 4700 comprises 12.5mm single-channel frame rails, which also come custom drilled to suit the truck’s intended application.

Clean Cummins

Either Cummins or Detroit Diesel engines can power this model. The Cummins engines are also combined with SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology, which is a simple and cost-efficient solution to meet the latest emission requirements.

Rob Troy Transport chose the new Cummins ISLe5 engine option rated at 400hp, coupled to an Eaton Roadranger RTLO14918B transmission. Dana DSH44P axles make up the final drive and ride on Airliner suspension.

The truck also includes a rather intelligent wiring system. Unlike other trucks in the segment, Western Star put the bodybuilder interface connectors and transmission control unit in the cab to protect them from the elements. There is also a convenient bolt-in pass-through plate in the cab floor to eliminate unnecessary drilling and a dedicated floor channel with an easy-to-remove top for easy access to the wires.

We're told that the latest 8.9-litre ISLe5 is designed with heavy-duty structural strength and incorporates design features typically associated with larger Cummins engines. For example, there's an enhanced camshaft and roller cam followers, a viscous damper and a high-capacity lube system that enables Cummins to maintain high durability and reliability with a high power-to-weight ratio.

The engine weighs in at just over 700kg, which is up to 150kg lighter than some rivals. As a result, the ISLe5 offers significant benefits for payload that are critical in high-bulk-volume operations, with unrivalled torque for an engine of this size.

The heart of the latest Cummins ISLe5 is a new Electronic Control Module (ECM), which has a higher processing capacity than the previous model. It maintains an optimum balance between load demands, fuel efficiency and emissions control. The ECM is designed to be isolated from detrimental thermal and vibration loading for extreme reliability and durability.

The high-pressure common-rail system works at a higher pressure and provides more precise combustion process control. It can generate up to 1600 bar injection pressures for refined and rapid power delivery, reduced noise, and improved cold starting. In addition, the wastegate turbocharger – developed by Cummins Turbo Technologies – delivers excellent performance across the rev range, including improved response through higher low-end torque.

Rock-solid package

The verdict? Currently, it is hard to find a truck in this class segment better built than the Western Star 4700. Its build quality is proverbially bullet proof, and its rugged design means it’s capable of handling even the most arduous of missions.

The cabin is also well laid out and well-appointed, while also being easy to enter and exit, and the Cummins engine has already proven its worth in many other models. And this rig’s maneuverability is the icing on the cake, with its tight wheel cut allowing the truck to squeeze into the tightest of work sites. It’s the full package.

Specifications: Western Star 4700 6x4

Engine: Cummins ISLe5
Power: 400hp (298kW) at 1600rpm
Torque: 1760Nm at 1100rpm
Transmission: Eaton 18-speed Roadranger
Front axle: Meritor FG-941, 6.5T
Front suspension: Taper leaf, 6.6T
Rear axles: Meritor RT-46-160GP R-Series, 20.9T
Rear suspension: AirLiner, 20.9T
Brakes: WABCO 4S/4M ABS with traction control
Fuel tank: Polished alloy (2 x 378lt)
Cabin: Steel conventional cab, e-coated
Interior: Vinyl trim
Seats: Premium driver's seat with armrests
Bumper: Polished alloy