Western Star
Continental Divide: The differences between European and North American trucks
TORONTO, Ont. -- The manufacturers of North American and European trucks are more closely aligned than ever. But as close as the companies have drawn together, the equipment itself can appear a world apart. Different regulations are just one reason.
What’s that in your bag? Swag
Gratuit. Livre. Zadarmo. However you say it, it’s free. At conventions it’s the Stuff We All Get - SWAG. At every trucking convention, nearly every booth features some kind of giveaway, and Truck World 2018 was no different. With more than 500 exhibitors - including more than 75 companies in the two-day recruiting pavilion – my mission was clear: hit every booth and come away with as much free stuff as possible. There was one simple rule – I couldn’t take for anything that wasn’t available to everyone. I didn’t include draws where there was only one prize awarded at the end, but did include gifts which required something from the giftee, as long as it was a simple ask and there were enough prizes for most people who completed the task. I also included prizes available only to children, although I didn’t take them home with me.
Guiding Star, Shelley’s Destiny
AYR, Ont. – Shelley Uvanile-Hesch is beaming like anyone who receives the keys to a brand new truck. But the Sharp Transportation driver is particularly proud of the message her Western Star 5700XE will soon carry back and forth to the U.S. The truck is wrapped with pictures of women who have found a place in Canada’s trucking industry, and promotes the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada.
Daimler “prints” first metal truck part
STUTTGART, GERMANY - Engineers working for Daimler's European truck brand, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, have successfully used a 3D printer to create a metal thermostat cover - proving a process that could reshape the way spare metal parts are produced and distributed. With the potential of decentralizing production, 3D printing could improve parts availability, shorten delivery times, and reduce warehousing and distribution costs, the company notes. Daimler's brands in North America include Freightliner and Western Star. "With the introduction of 3D metal printing technology, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is reasserting its pioneering role among global commercial vehicle manufacturers," said Andreas Deuschle, head of marketing and operations - customer services and parts with Mercedes-Benz Trucks. "We ensure the same functionality, reliability, durability and cost-effectiveness with 3D metal parts as we do with conventionally produced parts."
IN PRINT — Gold Star: Western Star turns 50
TORONTO, ON -- Western Star Trucks is now 50 years old, an iconic brand in Canada, if a little less so in the U.S. That difference isn't surprising because the truck was born here when White Motor Company built a plant in Kelowna, B.C., and launched what was called the White Western Star. A tough truck, it was essentially hand-built, and if you wanted holes in the frame here as opposed to there, you had only to ask. Its initial target was the forestry world. A logging truck par excellence, as it remains, it also found favor in the oil patch and in mines.
Output shafts recalled on select Cascadias, 5700s
WASHINGTON, DC - Daimler Trucks North America will be replacing the output shafts on select 2017 Freightliner Cascadias and Western Star 5700 trucks with NFD tandem rear axles, under a recall announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Western Star Expands XD Lineup
PHOENIX, AZ -- Western Star has introduced a new member in its line of XD OffRoad trucks, the XD-25. It's a 25-ton hauler aimed at smaller off-road applications, such as construction, mining, and quarry site hauling. Despite its size and bulk, it can manage on-the-road speeds up to 65 mph or 105 km/h, so in some cases it can be treated as an on/off-road machine. While it looks something like a 4900, much more steel is involved in its construction. It's by no means a converted highway truck. The XD-25 presently comes with a 14-liter Detroit Series 60 Tier 3 engine mated to Allison Off Road Series transmissions and planetary gear sets. The motor will be replaced by year-end with a Detroit DD13.
Daum Reaches the Pinnacle
I'm writing this issue of the newsletter in absentia, so to speak, as it will be published while I'm away from computers and unable to stay in touch. To be more precise, I'm a week early in posting this so forgive me if giant events occur between now and the 22nd and they're not covered here. Then again, this report isn't intended as a news vehicle.