FORT MILL, S.C. — Off-road truckers can now spec’ Western Star trucks with the Detroit Diesel Series 60 Tier III engine, the company has announced.

It claims to be the only OEM in North America to offer the Series 60 Tier III engine for Class 8 chassis.

The engine is rated at either 425 or 500 hp with 1,475 or 1,550 lb.-ft. of torque and ideal for vocational trucks that will remain off-road in applications such as mining, oil and gas support, steel and paper mills, quarries and landfills. The engine does not require exhaust gas recirculation or other recent emissions-cutting technologies.

“We are excited to offer our vocational customers a Tier III engine that is a convenient and reliable choice for applications that are strictly off-highway,” said Michael Jackson, general manager for Western Star.  “This unique engine package not only cuts operating costs, but increases efficiencies, as well as productivity.”

The Series 60 Tier III does not require selective catalytic reduction  or a diesel particulate filter, the company notes, making it cost-effective and efficient to operate.

“In today’s economy, companies are looking for any way they can efficiently cut costs, and the Series 60 Tier III is just another step in providing our customers reliable solutions that meet the tough demands of their job,” said Jackson. “Detroit Diesel has a long history of manufacturing reliable engines and we are happy to be working together on this initiative.”

Western Star trucks with the Series 60 Tier III are available for order now, the company says.