Western Star Trucks has introduced its line of off-road, vocational vehicles to the mining and earthmoving markets in South Africa. Focused on the mining sector, the Western Star trucks will directly compete with traditional earth-moving equipment.
For its first South Africa customers, Western Star has produced versions of its extreme-duty 30- and 40-ton dump truck with the 4900SA and 6900XD Constellation cab. These custom-built trucks are designed for severe-service, maximum load-carrying capabilities. The Constellation 6900XD — XD for extreme duty — is designed for heavy off-road hauling with axle weight ratings of up to 138,000 pounds and a gross combination weight rating of up to 450,000 pounds. The 4900SA features a set-back axle configuration for maneuverability and load distribution in off-road applications.
Western Star is marketing vocational trucks in South Africa through DaimlerChrysler South Africa and distributing them through Liebherr Africa, a manufacturer of mining equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, and face shovels.