The Tatra 148 was a truck produced in Czechoslovakia by Tatra from 1972 to 1982. Tatra decided in 1969 to modernise the Tatra 138, increasing engine power, speed and reliability while meeting stricter noise and emission rules; the result kept the backbone-tube chassis but brought a larger V8 and an inter-axle differential.
Tatra 148 at a glance
| Maker | Tatra, Kopřivnice, Czechoslovakia |
|---|---|
| Production | 1972–December 1982 |
| Predecessor | Tatra 138 |
| Layout | 4×4 and 6×6, backbone tube |
| Engine | air-cooled V8, 12.6 litres |
| Engine change | stroke +10 mm, cylinder heads at 90 degrees |
| Payload | up to 26,000 kg GVM (T148 S3) |
| Combination weight | up to 38,000 kg GCM (T148 S3) |
| Top speed | about 80 km/h |
| Ground clearance | 290 mm |
| Built | 113,647 |
| Exported | about 63,700 to 43 countries |
History of the Tatra 148
Modernising the 138
In 1969 Tatra decided to modernise the existing T138 with a series of improvements. The new model series was designated T148. The designers had to increase engine power, vehicle speed and reliability and at the same time meet stricter noise and emission regulations. The layout continued the central backbone tube with the drivetrain inside it, in 4×4 and 6×6 form, and a new feature was the inter-axle differential.
Engine and chassis
The improved engine had its stroke lengthened by 10 mm while the bore stayed the same, and the angle of the cylinder heads changed to 90 degrees. Supercharged and turbocharged versions were tested during development but did not reach series production; instead the displacement was raised to 12.6 litres, which increased power and torque. Military variants could run on mixtures of diesel, petrol and aviation kerosene, with some loss of performance. Air cooling was retained, with the fan driven through a hydraulic clutch and controlled by engine oil temperature.
The full-length backbone tube carried independent swing half-axles. On 6×6 models the front axle used adjustable torsion bars and the rear axles longitudinal semi-elliptic leaf springs; in 4×4 form the rear axle also used torsion bars. Front drive was selected by hand through homo-kinetic driveshafts, the rear was permanently driven and axle locks were standard on all models. The main gearbox sat behind the cabin and was connected by a short universal-joint shaft, which allowed the flat-floor cabin; it was bolted together with the auxiliary gearbox to the backbone tube. The five-speed main gearbox and two-speed auxiliary gearbox were fully synchronised except for first and reverse, and the clutch was hydraulically assisted.
Body and production
The all-steel two-door cabin had a fully suspended driver’s seat and a bench for two passengers, and military versions had a roof hatch. An independent auxiliary cab heater and cyclone pre-cleaners on the front mudguards were fitted. Production started in 1972 and ended in December 1982 after 113,647 vehicles; about 63,700 were exported to 43 countries, the USSR being the largest customer. The modular P-series chassis carried tanker, crane and excavator bodies, and the TZ-74 decontamination vehicle for the Czech, Slovak and German armies was based on the T148 PPR 15 with a gas turbine at the rear.
Design and features
- Bigger V8: 12.6 litres from a longer stroke and 90-degree cylinder heads.
- Inter-axle differential: new for the 148 and useful on poor surfaces.
- Flat-floor cab: made possible by moving the main gearbox behind the cabin.
- Military flexibility: engines able to run on diesel, petrol and kerosene mixtures.
Tatra 148 versions
- T148 S1, S3: one-way and three-way tippers.
- T148 V, VNM: civilian flatbed and military flatbed with winch.
- T148 NTt: tractor in 6×6 and 4×4 form.
- T148 Pxx: modular chassis for tanker, crane and excavator bodies.
- TZ-74: army decontamination vehicle with a gas turbine.
The 148 was the modernised successor of the Tatra 138, itself a replacement for the Tatra 111. More trucks are in the Tatra collection.
Video: TATRA 148 – KOREK
Video by roman praus on YouTube.
Sources
- Tatra 148, English Wikipedia: history, engine, chassis, production
