The International Paystar (also known as 5000e and PayStar) is a series of trucks that was manufactured by International Harvester and its successor, Navistar International. Produced from 1973 to 2017 across three generations, the Paystar replaced the long-running 210/230 and M-series. Developed for both on and off-road use, the Paystar was the largest commercially-marketed product range sold by International, intended for vocational applications (primarily construction-related). For 2017, the Paystar underwent a substantial redesign, becoming the International HX series.
History
The PayStar was introduced by International Harvester in January 1972 as a construction-specific version of the conventional Transtar.
From 1972 through 1980, it was offered in two ranges: the 5050 with mid-range engines and the 5070 with heavy duty engines. Available in 4×4, 6×4, and 6×6 configurations[a], they were usually straight trucks but most offered trailer brake options. Semi tractors were also available.
The second generation trucks increased weight capacity and engine power. The plate fenders and butterfly hoods were replaced with a one-piece forward tilting hood. The 5500 had a forward front axle, the 5600 had a setback, and the 5900 was a semi tractor.
By 2013, the PayStar was commonly a semi tractor although straight truck applications were still offered. Severe service straight truck applications were handled by the Workstar series, which offered no semi-tractors. In 2013 the PayStar is only offered as a 6×4 or 8×6 with high horsepower engines.