Western Star has introduced new options on the 49X that will further support heavy-haul and construction applications.

An optional power hood has been designed to allow for higher horsepower and more cooling when coupled with set-forward front axle configurations. It’s made with the same molded resin as the 49X’s typical sloped hood.

Underneath the hood, however, will be a Detroit DD16 with up to 600 hp and 2,050 lb-ft of torque, or the Cummins X15, featuring up to 605 hp and 2,050 lb-ft of torque. The cooling comes courtesy of a 1,600-square-inch radiator.

A second option added to the 49X is Meritor’s P600 planetary drive axle, which comes in tandem or tridem rear axle configurations with Neway AD260 or AD390 rear suspensions – all supporting heavy-haul applications with gross combination weights of more than 200,000 lb.

The Power Hood and P600 drive axle will begin production in September.

Meanwhile, the Western Star 49X and 47X can be ordered today with factory-installed twin-steer front axle options available in set-back axle configurations. The configurations are designed for heavy construction applications, such as a concrete pumper, oil field service trucks, cranes, and mixers.

The 49X offers Detroit tandem front axle ratings of 40,000 and 36,000 lb., paired with equalized flat leaf front slippered suspensions. The 47X features a Detroit tandem front axle rating of 40,000 lb., paired with equalized taper leaf front suspensions. These twin steer options offer increased weights on the front axles along with improved steering traction, weight distribution, and easier cab access.

The 47X can also come with a twin steer prep kit for set-forward configurations.

Twin steer production begins in late 2022 for the 49X and early 2023 for the 47X.