The Western Star 4700 set-back (SB) all-wheel drive (AWD) 6×6 and 4×4 trucks can now be spec’d with an 18,000-lb. front drive axle, the company announced.

The company says that this option is ideal for snow plow applications, provides enhanced maneuverability required for harsh winter conditions. The heavy-duty front drive axle from Meritor also contributes to sharper wheel cuts, superior steering control and better weight distribution, helping drivers maintain better control on slick winter roads, the company says.

“Snow plows work under some of the most extreme conditions and often in tight, neighborhood or urban environments. The new front drive axle option delivers increased capacity and better mobility when it’s needed most,” said Peter Schimunek, vocational marketing manager for Western Star. “When adding new specs, we evaluate the needs of our customers and the challenges they face to ensure we have the best options available to help them stay productive on the job.”

The 4700SB AWD with the 18,000-lb. front drive axle can be spec’d with the Cummins L9 engine and is now in production.