Mercedes-Benz » Sd.Kfz.7

The most popular of Germany made army vehicles was 8-ton half-track tractor Sd.Kfz.7. It was designed by the famous company Kraus-Maffei and mass produced together with the companies Borgward, Bussing-NAG and Daimler Benz. Later the producing of the Sd.Kfz.7 was organized at the factories of the Austrian company Saurer and Italian Breda. The first trucks appeared in 1933, but its mass production began only in 1939. By purchasing a license, the producing of these trucks was begun by Bussing-NAG (model BN m8) and Daimler Benz (Model DB m8) companies. The trucks were equipped with Maybach HL62 engines with a working volume of 6,191 cm3, which developed 103 kW (140 hp) at 2600 rpm. The transmission consisted of two-plate dry clutch, four-speed gearbox, dual differential, hydraulic and pneumatic brakes. Such engine allowed the tractor to move in a range of speeds from 3.5 to 50 km/h. With a full tank, which could hold 215 liters of gasoline, the tractor could pass on a highway 250 km, or 120 km when driving on a rough terrain. Consumption of gasoline per 100 kilometers was 80 and 160 hp, respectively.