Bogging an 8x8 Tatra truck to figure out how it works - UPDATED

[@L2SFBC]

This is a revised version of a recent video with an error fixed and more information added. The story of the error will be published soon.

[@stuntvist]

The chassis is actually the big selling point with Tatra's (well now that the civilian models don't get the cool oil-cooled engines and stuff anymore because of emissions). Compared to a standard ladder frame design at the same payload the chassis twist is negligible which makes them far more controllable and stable off-road than an equivalent ladder frame truck. It's still roughly the same design concept as the T111 which entered production in 1942 (and had a monument built for it because it was instrumental in rebuilding eastern Europe after WW2). The T813 is probably what they're most known for though. Oil-cooled dry sump V12 (diesel, but technically a military multifuel engine that you can roll onto it's side and it won't have oil starvation issues), 5 spd box with a splitter and a 2 speed auxiliary box on some models (20 forward gears), planetary hub reductions, tyre inflation system powerful enough to handle up to 3 punctures depending on how fast they leak air, short wheelbase between the middle axles and probably a lot of other stuff I"m forgetting. They were designed to tow Soviet medium battle tanks across rough terrain, which they excel at. Extremely capable, the 8x8 can go up a 100% grade no problem, and durable trucks. The semi truck variant of the 813 is kind of weird though. They were all permanent all wheel drive with individual lockers for all axles, but the 6x6 tractor unit had 2 steer axles at the front with just one "normal" one at the back. It works, but it just doesn't look right. They got invested in by DAF a while ago (minority share), so they now share cabs and engines (MX-11 and MX-13) on civilian models and they got the ZF automated manual system on top of their own 12 speed gearbox because of that too (not a fan honestly given how painfully slow the ZF stuff is, but you can still get them as manuals IIRC). So you get 4 corner cab air ride and independent air suspension on all axles plus the air seat. Extremely comfortable and stable over rough terrain for a vehicle that you can gross over 40t on which is important if you want to get work done in a timely fashion without spinal injuries or just need something extremely capable for heavily specialized work. They aren't the most popular brand and they are expensive, but if you do challenging off-road work nothing comes close to the chassis and suspension setup offered by Tatra. Plus DAF recently updated their cab design to something relatively modern, probably only behind Volvo and Scania for the Euro brands, so you don't have the trade-off of having a relatively ancient workspace as a driver anymore. Overall there's really not much else to talk about with them. The chassis and suspension are unique sure, but everything else just comes down to them building a quality product in their own niche. Just like Scania there isn't any big secret to their trucks, they just do good design. Scania is still the best selling truck brand in Europe despite being the most expensive on paper because they offer low running costs and great driver comfort coupled with an excellent service network. Tatra offers by far the most capable trucks in their weight class and doesn't compromise on quality. The least compromises made for a road-legal off-road truck that capable.

[@L2SFBC]

Brilliant, thank you! Stand by for a quick look at a Haflinger too.

[@ChapéuDeAlumínio-f7j]

I feel like a civilian ship 🐑

[@derniko1992]

what a tremendous explanation of this complicated matter. I always struggled to understand why tatras have so many differentials and how diffs work actually. thanks very much😅😮

[@L2SFBC]

Thanks please share!

[@GLMtr]

Front axles do come with diff locks (probably optional since this truck also has only 5 main gears instead of 6 gears which TerrNo1 usually has) switch is usually colored red instead of green, switch has to be held and makes annoying buzzer sound to properly assure that you have engaged front diff locks which doesn't help since you need both hands to fight the steering wheel with front axles fully locked.

[@L2SFBC]

Thank you

[@trailrunnah8886]

This is fascinating, excellent video.

[@L2SFBC]

Thanks please share!

[@keiracurro8407]

I seen one yesterday in outback Australia 😉

[@BomaAnantasatyaAdhi]

Great video! Even now rResources about Tatra truck in English is super rare. We in Indonesia only have a handful of these trucks belonging to our army. Anyway, AFAIK for tandem front steering axles, usually the foremost axle has a sharper turning angle than the 2nd axle. CMIIW.

[@L2SFBC]

Thanks!

[@Tassie-mania]

Great video Robert 😊

[@L2SFBC]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@21Coins]

Great video and the diagrams really help to understand the concepts

[@L2SFBC]

Thanks!

[@misaman524]

Nice video and great choose of truck to explain :)

[@L2SFBC]

Glad you liked it!

[@lzoltan70]

Very nice & awesome ! Thank you! :) 😎

[@L2SFBC]

Many thanks!!

[@georgk8025]

Fantastic video and explication, great ingénieures, thanks Robert

[@L2SFBC]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@DavesIneosGrenadier]

Extremely interesting. Thanks.

[@L2SFBC]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@juanortega7118]

Where can I buy one😮🤠🤠

[@superwag634]

Tarta is the main competitor to Kamaz. I don’t think either meet ADR for import. Kamaz has little pollution control gear. Tatra has some. They are a lot cheaper than the options available in Australia like MAN, Mercedes, hino, Mitsubishi

[@monaro-azz]

The Tatras best the Kamaz in everything except price. I currently own a 07 T815 4x4 & am getting a 8x8x8 Pheonix imported for my new crane truck. So they do meet ADR requirements & can be ordered brand new through Offroad Trucks Australia 👌