The truck was powered by a Daimler-Benz OM 65/4, 74 hp, 4 cylinder diesel engine. It gave the Mercedes-Benz L3000 truck a high speed of 70 km/h with a range of 450 kilometers on a 90 liters fuel tank. The civil version had a 4×2 rear axle drive, the military version had all wheel drive with very good off-road capabilities.
Mercedes-Benz L3000, 3 Ton Truck
The Mercedes-Benz L3000 was a 3-ton 6×6 military truck used by the German Wehrmacht during World War II. Designed for a variety of logistical and transport duties, the L3000 was built to carry heavy loads and operate in rugged environments, making it an essential vehicle for the German army throughout the conflict.
Powered by a Mercedes-Benz M936 6-cylinder gasoline engine, the L3000 produced 85 horsepower, allowing it to reach a top speed of approximately 50 km/h (31 mph). Its 6×6 drivetrain provided excellent off-road capability, especially in the challenging terrain of the Eastern Front and North Africa. The vehicle had a gross weight of 8,400 kg (18,500 lbs) and a payload capacity of 3 tons, making it ideal for transporting supplies, troops, and equipment.
The L3000 featured a robust chassis and was designed with simple mechanical systems, which made it relatively easy to repair in the field. Its cargo bed was large enough to carry various types of payloads, including ammunition, fuel, and heavy artillery. The truck’s body could be modified for specialized roles, such as a towing vehicle, command vehicle, or fuel carrier.
At the start of the war lots of civil L3000 lorries were drafted into the Wehrmacht. The Military versions were designated Mercedes-Benz L3000A (All wheel drive) and Mercedes-Benz L3000S (Standard Version). The L3000 refers to a payload of 3 tons. The Mercedes-Benz L3000 was produced until 1944, numbering 33.265 trucks. It was used on all fronts and extensively used by the Africa Korps.
Nice to see these old vehicles still in working condition. There can not be many of these trucks around nowadays.
I would like to see some interior shots and also of the motor.