In order to transport tanks over long distances, special tractors are used, which were designed for this purpose. These can be either deeply modernized civilian trucks or vehicles created from scratch. Let's take a look at some of these tractors that are in service around the world.
Australia – International Harvester SF2670
International Harvester not only has Australian roots, but also a long-standing relationship with the Australian Army. The SF2670 was purchased in the late 80s and remains in good standing thanks to its unpretentious design, all-wheel drive on all six wheels and a torquey 365 horsepower Cummins NTC 365 engine. Alas, the years are gradually taking their toll and International tractors are almost completely replaced by the more modern MAN TGA with four drive axles.
Belarus – MZKT-7401
Belarusian MZKT tractors have been so successful that they are exported to the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Russia and other countries. Model 7401 is one of the few that can actually be found in its homeland. It is driven by a YaMZ engine with a capacity of 400 horsepower, although there are options with other engines - version 74295, for example, is equipped with a Mercedes power plant. The flagship of the company is considered to be model 741351, which is operated in the UAE. It has the most powerful engine – a Caterpillar C18 with an output of 812 horsepower.
UK – Unipower MH-8875
The Unipower heavy transporter did not carry Challenger tanks for long - only during tests during a tender for the British army (where it lost to the American Oshkosh), and in the Omani army, where 9 vehicles were delivered. However, the MH-8875 was an outstanding vehicle: all-wheel drive on all eight wheels, a powerful Cummins diesel (750 horsepower) and 70 tons of lifting capacity.
Germany – MAN HX81
Jointly developed by MAN and Rheinmetall, it is a combat vehicle capable of transporting heavy equipment in the harshest conditions. The tractor with four axles and all-wheel drive weighs 27 tons, but can pull a load weighing up to 73 tons thanks to the 680-horsepower MAN D2868 turbodiesel. The large mass of the HX81 itself is largely due to its armor, which provides protection against most types of small arms. The German Army has already ordered several of these modern trucks, which will carry Leopard 2A7s.
Spain – Kynos Aljaba
Imagine - Spain also once produced tank transporters. Most of them went to serve in South Africa, but a few copies remained in their homeland. Production of the Kynos Aljaba continued from 1987 to 2003, until the Kynos company ceased to exist. The technical characteristics of the model are quite good: 22 tons of dead weight, load capacity of 60 tons, Deutz engine with a power of 525 horsepower. On board there are two winches capable of pulling other vehicles weighing up to 25 tons.
Italy – IVECO M1100
In the Italian army, this tactical vehicle for transporting heavy equipment is listed under the name ASTRA SMH88.50, and IVECO M1100 is the export name. Most often, the M1100 carries Ariete tanks - in this it is helped by an eight-wheel drive and an IVECO 8210 diesel engine with 500 horsepower. The power reserve on one tank is about 800 kilometers with a full load of 70 tons.
Canada – Western Star 6900XD
The 6900XD model, designed for towing particularly heavy loads over rough terrain, was built on the basis of the civilian Western Star 6900 series. Depending on the modification, the truck had six, eight or even 10 wheels - and all of them were driven. Two engines were offered for the 6900XD: Caterpillar (625 horsepower) and Detroit Diesel (515 horsepower). Gradually, these obsolete trucks are being phased out, although they still serve in the Kuwaiti army.
China – Taian TA4360
In front of you is the main heavy tractor of the Chinese army, which transports tanks, artillery installations, armored personnel carriers and other equipment. With a lifting capacity of 60 tons, Taian TA4360 can carry up to 4 crew members. High mobility is ensured by an all-wheel drive system, as well as a Deutz turbodiesel with a capacity of 517 horsepower. There is also an eight-wheeled version of the truck, but the Chinese army does not operate it.
Netherlands – DAF TROPCO
The official tank transporter of the Dutch Ministry of Defense is DAF TROPCO, which is also produced in the Netherlands. The basis for it was the civilian DAF XF95. Depending on the modification, TROPCO (abbreviation for TRekker OPlegger COmbination) is equipped with a 480-horsepower or 530-horsepower engine. Some time ago TROPCO was used by the Canadian army, but later they were replaced by military "Actros" from Mercedes-Benz.
Russia – KamAZ-78504
One of the newest transporters of the Russian army is KamAZ-78504, whose public debut took place in 2015. The vehicle is all-wheel drive, has armor and is capable of moving over rough terrain at speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour. Task 78504 is to completely replace the middle-aged MAZs that carried tanks back in the days of the Soviet Union.
USA – Oshkosh M1070
The American company Oshkosh is widely known for its heavy military trucks far beyond the borders of the United States. One of the most popular models is the M1070, which is used by the armed forces of Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Great Britain and, of course, the USA. Since 1992, the M1070 has undergone several modifications, and therefore remains a modern and reliable machine today. It is equipped with Detroit Diesel and Caterpillar diesel engines, the weight of versions varies from 18 to 21 tons.
Finland – Sisu E-Tech 480
The Sisu E-Tech 480 does not have heavy armor, but it has a reputation as a reliable and unpretentious vehicle - which is why more than 100 similar trucks were ordered by the French Armed Forces. The rear-wheel drive tractor (traction goes only to the two rear axles) is used to transport Leclerc tanks and other armored vehicles; its 480-horsepower diesel engine allows it to tow trailers with a total weight of up to 50 tons.
France – Renault TRM 700-100
France also has its own tank tractors - in particular the Renault TRM 700-100. It is similar in many ways to the Renault TRM 10,000, but has a reinforced frame and body - for greater payload and greater stability at highway speeds. Despite the fact that Renault is poorly prepared for off-road driving, it still has all-wheel drive. Like Sisu, it transports Leclercs. To load/unload armored vehicles, the tractor has two winches of 18 tons each.
Czech Republic – Tatra T816-6VWN9T
Tatra introduced an eight-wheeled monster for the army in 1997. This vehicle can pull up to 74 tons of cargo - no matter on asphalt or off-road - and also carry up to 8 people in the cabin. The engine here is German, turbocharged, its power is 800 horsepower. The thrust is distributed along all axes through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Sweden – Scania T144GB
Most Scania military trucks are based on production models and the T144GB is no exception. Of course, it is seriously different from the long-range version - for example, the sleeping bag is replaced with additional seats, and, if desired, you can put a remote-controlled machine gun on the roof. The engine is a 14.2-liter V8 and drives two rear axles through a 14-speed manual transmission.
South Korea – Kia KM1002
This is not a Rio or Picanto - the 450-horsepower Kia tractor transports heavy tanks and armored vehicles to the war zone, and all-wheel drive prevents it from getting bogged down off-road. The machine is designed to operate at temperatures from -32 to +50 degrees and can pull a trailer weighing up to 60 tons with a saddle load of 20 tons. The spacious cabin seats six, including the driver.
