Long-time trucker uses custom-built twin-steer, tri-drive tractor to haul 13-axle steerable trailer

Clark Tucker has been in the heavy haul truck business for more than 40 years and is well aware of what it takes to be successful when hauling unique, heavy specialized equipment.

“Growing up on a farm, I bought my first truck, a 1946 Dodge, and never looked back,” said Tucker. “I’ve been both a heavy-haul trucker and a new and used truck dealer, so I’m well-versed on what it takes to move heavy equipment. As long as I have the proper tractor, I know I can get the job done.”
With the increased demand for the development of wind energy, Tucker recognized there would be an increased need for hauling wind turbine related equipment. In 2002, Tucker opened his own wind transportation business, Modern Machinery Movers, which now employs more than 10 drivers.
“I truly enjoy moving any large or difficult equipment, and that’s why I wanted to start this business,” said Tucker. “I also knew there would be a future in wind turbines, which would require special custom built tractors.”
Commissioned to haul wind turbine towers for companies that include General Electric, Siemens, Westinghouse, Mitsubishi and Vestas, Tucker chose Western Star as his truck manufacturer of choice because he knew he would have complete control of the customization and specialized specs needed for this unique load. “Having been a former Western Star dealer, I knew this would be the manufacturer of choice,” he said. “I wanted control over every component that was put on my truck. From the front bumper to the tail light, even down to the types of bolts and frames – I built these trucks exactly how I want them.”
Tucker’s customized twin-steer, tri-drive, Western Star 4900 SA is a unique, five-axle tractor with a 515-hp Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine, 40,000-pound front axles and 69,000-pound rears. The 13-axle steerable trailer features a double Schnabel unit that carries the wind towers.

In addition to the twin-steer, Tucker also operates three Western Star tri-drive, set-back 4900 SA tractors for heavy equipment. These trucks feature a 515-hp Series 60 engine, 18-speed Eaton transmission, four-speed Spicer auxiliary transmission, 20,000-pound front axles and 69,000-pound rears.
“These unique, heavy-spec, tri-drive tractors do a superior job of balancing the weight distribution and increasing maneuverability for the on-site, off-road capabilities of these units,” explained Tucker. “The companies we haul for have to build special roads in order to reach these wind turbine sites, so our trucks have to be able to maneuver between turns, hills, mountains, rock, gravel and dirt roads.”
Tucker’s tri-drives are the ultimate combination of performance and durability – critical to the heavy haul business – and Tucker gives the 4900 SA high marks for its increased payload opportunities.

The 4900 SA truck’s sloped hood makes for superior visibility through off-site terrain, and although all of his trucks are hauling massive machinery, Tucker also explains that the quiet ride can’t be matched.
“These trucks have superior on-site capabilities compared to any trucks with ordinary specs. The rugged durability, comfort and reliability out-weigh any other truck on the road. I wouldn’t want to operate anything else,” Tucker said.

Western Star updates the 4900 109-inch BBC model

Western Star has updated the 4900 FA and SA 109-inch BBC models with a powertrain combination of Allison 3000RDS transmission and Detroit Diesel DD13 engine, and it is the only OEM to offer this in a 109-inch BBC configuration. With the shortest BBC in its class, the 109 can easily maneuver through suburban streets and congested job sites.
Additional updates to the 109 include under hood air cleaners with inside/outside air and dash controls – ideal for snow plow applications – and a six gallon DEF tank with better packaging and increased clearance on the back of the cab.

The 109 is available with a 12,000- to 20,000-pound front axle, and 21,000- to 46,000-pound rears. The 13-litre DD13 engine features 350- to 450-hp and 1,250- to 1,650-pound-per-feet of torque, and incorporates Detroit Diesel BlueTec SCR technology.
And critical to the needs of a work truck, the 109 is also body builder friendly. Featuring a clean back-of-cab, and maximum space on the rail, the 109 allows body builders to create a customized body with easier installation that meets the specification needs of their customers.