The OM Titano was the heavy truck with which OM took on Fiat and Lancia in the 1960s. Its 10,310 cc six-cylinder diesel had a supercharger driven from the crankshaft, and it was rated at up to 287 CV in its final form.
OM Titano at a glance
| Maker | Officine Meccaniche (OM), Brescia |
|---|---|
| Production | 1961–1968 |
| Class | heavy truck |
| Engine | 10,310 cc straight-six diesel |
| Aspirated power | 185 CV |
| Supercharged power | 230 CV |
| Second series | 1966–1968, 260 or 287 CV |
| Gearbox | four-speed with pneumatic low-range control |
| Brakes | air-operated drums, three circuits |
| Versions | 4×2, 6×2, 6×4, 8×2, 8×4 and tractors |
| Replaced | Super Orione |
The English Wikipedia has no article on the Titano; this page is based on the Italian article, the only source used.
History of the OM Titano
A new heavy truck for Italy
The Titano was designed and put on the market by OM to counter Fiat’s and Lancia’s heavy trucks, and it replaced the Super Orione. It was a pioneer in European road haulage and sold both in Italy and abroad. The name had been used once before, for the Titano 137 built between 1937 and 1939.
The engine was a new 10,310 cc six-cylinder diesel with a mechanically driven, helical-lobe supercharger engaged by hand. A centrifugal governor disengaged the supercharger if the engine over-revved. Power ranged from 185 CV in the naturally aspirated version to 230 CV with the supercharger engaged. The first series was built from 1961 to 1965; the second, from 1966 to 1968, was rated at 260 or 287 CV.
Chassis and cab
The chassis used a very strong steel frame with C-section side members, semi-elliptic leaf springs, a four-speed synchromesh gearbox with pneumatic help in engaging the low range, a twin-plate dry clutch, three-circuit air drum brakes and a double-reduction rear axle. Power steering was fitted, and the large cab had two bunks. Rubber mounts insulated the cab and most of the mechanical parts, cutting noise and vibration.
The Titano was widely used in quarries, especially at Carrara, where it carried marble blocks weighing up to 35 tonnes. It was sold as a truck in 4×2, 6×2, 6×4, 8×2 and 8×4 form and as a tractor in 4×2, 6×2 and 6×4. It was also used for airport equipment and heavy haulage.
Design and features
- Supercharged six: 10,310 cc, with a crankshaft-driven supercharger and manual engagement.
- Up to 287 CV: the second series of 1966–1968.
- Built for quarries: a very stiff C-section chassis and a double-reduction rear axle.
- Comfort for the time: power steering, a large cab and two bunks.
OM Titano versions
- First series (1961–1965): 185 CV aspirated, 230 CV supercharged.
- Second series (1966–1968): 260 or 287 CV.
- Rigid trucks: 4×2, 6×2, 6×4, 8×2 and 8×4.
- Tractors: 4×2, 6×2 and 6×4.
The Titano replaced the Super Orione and was OM’s heaviest truck before the numeric series; the company’s smaller trucks are described under the OM Leoncino. More vehicles are in the OM collection.
Sources
- OM Titano, Italian Wikipedia: engine, supercharger, chassis, versions, quarry work
