Detroit DT12 Vocational Series Transmissions & Safety Systems Key Features On New Western Star 49X

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The radar technology of Side Guard Assist detects moving objects and pedestrians on the passenger side of the 49X that may otherwise fall in the operator’s blind spot and alerts them with both auditory and visual warnings. (Photo courtesy of Daimler Trucks North America.)

The recently debuted Western Star 49X vocational truck series is engineered around Detroit’s all-new D12 Vocational series of automated manual transmissions. Available in either the DT12-V or DT12-VX, the DT12 series can be paired with a Detroit DD15 Gen 5 engine or Detroit DD16 engine. The Detroit drivetrain on the 49X also comes standard with the Detroit Assurance Suite of active systems to introduce new smart technologies for vocational applications.

DT12 Capabilities

The DT12 Vocational series of transmissions include side PTO capabilities that allow for added flexibility, unique work application modes, and shift map strategies to handle all types of terrain. The transmissions, for example, support a Rock-Free mode to allow the 49X to free itself in wheel-stuck situations, an Off-Road mode for smooth driving on extreme terrain, and a Paver Mode to let the 49X shift from Neutral to Drive without depressing the brake pedal when pulling away. There’s also a Power Launch capability to support powerful takeoff while protecting the 49X clutch and driveline.

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With larger, more robust gears, the DT12-VX offers increased torque input—up to 2,500 pounds-foot—and GCWR limits of up to 330,000 pounds. (Photo courtesy of Daimler Trucks North America.)

Key Specifications

The DT12-V has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) up to 160,000 pounds (72,574 kilograms) and torque input up to 2,250 pounds-foot (3,050 newton-meters). Western Star says the DT12-V is best for applications such as construction, government, and municipal jobs. The DT12-VX is said to have larger, more robust gears to support increased torque input up to 2,500 lbf-ft (3,390 N-m) and GCWR limits up to 330,000 lbs. (149,685 kg.), making the DT12-VX better-suited for extreme heavy-haul and logging applications.

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Always on, Active Brake Assist 5 technology detects the distances to objects in its path, calculates speed, and determines whether a driver warning or braking action is necessary. (Photo courtesy of Daimler Trucks North America.)

Detroit Assurance

The addition of Detroit Assurance safety systems provides the 49X with a host of collision mitigation tools. Western Star’s 49X offers Side Guard Assist (SGA), Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA5), Tailgate Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to 0 mph, Lane Departure Warning, Video Capture, Intelligent High-Beam, and Automatic Wipers and Headlamps. The systems use a combination of fused radar and high-definition technology to provide both safety on the jobsite and on the road.

Source: Daimler Trucks North America