An engine and a cab by DAF, a transmission -either manual or automatic- by ZF, and the rest by Tatra. The end result is the Tatra Phoenix, a modern and highly capable off-road truck or tractor unit. Available at the DAF Store.
The Tatra Phoenix has the cab of DAF’s mid-size model, the CF.
This rugged 4×4 tractor unit is powered by the 10.8 liter DAF-PACCAR MX-11 engine, good for 435 DIN-hp. The tractor’s curb weight is 9,020 kg (19,886 lbs).
An AWD truck or tractor needs an extra lower step to climb into the cab.
This is it, Tatra’s renowned central backbone tube with independently suspended swinging half-axles, bolted together in a single unit.
The rear end of the central backbone, and thanks to the air suspension the Tatra doesn’t have bowlegs anymore when driving unloaded. Maximum rear axle load 11,500 kg (25,353 lbs).
The front suspension. Maximum front axle load 9.000 kg (19,842 lbs).
A Tatra Phoenix 8×8 dump truck in action (Photo Courtesy of Tatra Trucks). All wheels stay grounded.
This Tatra Phoenix 6×6 video explains it all.
Please choose your language.
Some good Curbside Classic Tatra reading:
“Tatra” is a very good truck
They sold a handful of that COE model in the Netherlands. A very common sight in the seventies though was the 1972-1982 148 conventional 6×6 model (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia/Ludek).
Cheap, as a new truck, yet rugged and unbeatable in rough terrain.
Impressive component packaging, too.
I’m Loven that truck, though a bit underwhelmed by the DAF engine. Tatra still make air-cooled engines on their current offerings. One reason they’re still quite popular in cold climates…
But everyone knows you can tow with an IRS. 😛
(Just trolling the guys who pick on Ford for their IRS in the Expedition.)
Im no fan of independent setups on trucks/SUVs by and large. On cars, absolutely…however on light trucks what you’re getting is basically beefed up (mildly if at all) car suspension bits. That’s fine and dandy if you’re a suburban soccer mom or paper pusher whose idea of ‘rugged terrain’ is that really big speed bump at Whole Foods. If you’re fine with those dinky all season tires and flat faced narrow wheels…it’s fine.
As someone who has owned, wrenched on and wheeled quite a few Jeeps and 4×4’s as well as seen how a lifted IFS truck with wide wheels and oversized tires holds up after a few years…Im not convinced. The GM C/K trucks after ’88 are certainly durable enough if left stock. Once you add a small lift and some wheels/tires that don’t look more appropriate on a fwd impala, say hello to alignment issues and cv joints/wheel bearings as wear items. That stuff is NOT heavy duty.
As Paul states below, swing axles are a more simple and rugged design. CV joints are notoriously fragile under extreme use. These Tatras suspensions were designed for use on heavy trucks…durability is baked in.
I remember reading that early Land Rovers chew out bearings and diffs if oversized wheels are fitted, but they’re certainly capable if left stock.
Dear Johannes, You have done it again! I am viewing this with fascination. Some terrific engineering here. The 8×8 shown in action is another great accomplishment. Thanks for sending this along to us. Tom
The sheer simplicity and durability of swing axles just can’t be beat. No CV or joints of any kind to wear out.
And they were invented back in 1903 by Austrian Edmund Rumpler, who pioneered aviation in Germany and then designed the Rumpler Tropfenwagen in 1923, which had a mid engine, swing axles and an extremely aerodynamic body. It may have been the single most revolutionary and influential car built.
* cue the Tim Allen tool grunt *
Ive been aware of these Tatra rigs for some time, having been exposed to coverage of the Paris-Dakar rally. These things are simply amazing. The straight-tru nature of the driveline is brilliant. The same basic layout scaled down is what’s used on the Puch Pinzgauer. That shot of the red dumptruck showcases why this system is so effective–every tire has ground contact over some lumpy terrain.
It’s surprising these don’t show up in NA, specifically in logging and mining operations. Our terrain here in the PNW after the rainy season would definitely be fun to conquer in one of these. I need me a stupid rich/generous suga momma apparently. I could definitely see me outfitting one of these similar to those P-D rally rigs and romping around the globe…
I worked at the Dutch Praneda company, which was the importers for Tatra in Holland during the holidays.
They then had the 813 8×8 tippers and we’d used to drive them from the factory to Holland
Most were the 148 model but also the 813.
In Holland the trucks were turned into dumptrucks and Michelin tyres, VDO gauges and Bosch lights were fitted.
This was a great playground where we’d drive the screaming aircooled V6 and V8 Tatra trucks over the premises.
Driving these was hard work. I remenber the noise but shifting gears and keeping the darn things rolling and on the road was an effort if you compare these to modern trucjs.
And slow, 60 – 70 kph was quite normal, faster was difficult.
Very impressive truck – and glad to see the Tatra name living on…Jim.