TATRA 6x6 or 8x8

[charlieaarons]

I don’t think there’s a 16.00 rated at >55mph. 14.00s usually are rated at 62. 395s as low as 55, but usually 62 and XZL2s at 68-75.
So generally one drives on good paved roads at ~60; driving at and beyond the speed limits on American interstates isn’t really an option with these vehicles with big tires.
Besides, even though I have a CDL, driving one of these things at 70-75 seems scary and foolhardy. And drivetrains aren’t usually designed for it especially with portals or planetaries.

 

[ml8888]

One advantage for Tatra is to eliminate the 3-point subframe, which increases height, weight and complexity. A drawback may be much less repaire service available around the world compared to German makers. Roughly how much is Tatra phoenix 6x6?

 

[Joe917]

Good luck getting any parts out of Russia now

 

[clydeps]

Good luck getting any parts out of Russia now

Tatra is based in Czechia. They build the chassis and drivetrain and use Paccar engines (US). The Tatra Phoenix cabs are from DAF (Netherlands.) What parts are you aware of that would need to be sourced from Russia?

 

[KarstenP]

Bringing an old thread back from the past, since I visited the Tatra plant yesterday.
We were invited there to have a tour through the whole production, including some interesting military stuff and got to test drive the trucks on the Tatra polygon test track.
First of all, there's nothing Russian in these trucks. Most of the parts are either sourced in Europe, or made by Tatra in CZ. They even have their own foundry for steel and alloy.
Engines used are mostly Paccar, Cummins or mil spec Tatra air cooled.
First round of test drive was with one of the factory demo drivers, talk about a maniac at the wheel. I've never seen a truck taking turns like this at 50+mph and I've driven this size of emergency trucks for 20+ years myself. This guy even jumped the 8x8 with 30mph over a crest into a 30% decline with all wheels catching huge air. The central frame design makes these trucks rigid as nothing else.
Got to drive the Force 6x6 and 8x8 and the Phoenix 6x6 myself. The Force were equipped with 420hp Cummins engines and Allison 4600 transmissions.
I've never driven a military truck so comfy. Air suspension and 16R20.00 wheels made up for a cushy ride with incredible mechanical grip on the surface. That thing drove like a sportscar.
The Phoenix was equipped with the 530hp Paccar engine and the automated 12 speed Traxton transmission. Powerful, but I don't like these automated transmissions (be it Mercedes, MAN, or whichever), they shift too slow in my opinion. I love a good hydraulic converter transmission like the Allison.
Would I buy one over a Mercedes? Definitly! Pricing is a bit higher than a comparable Mercedes Arocs 2053, but well worth it.

 

[Deleted Member 183]

Toooooo Fricken cool!!!!!!!!!! I am green with envy!

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Thanks for posting!

I love how the tan armored one in the 1st pic, has rocks stacked in front of the tire. Just in case