Graf und Stift OAF 34.440 VFA

    Notes: Designed primarily to tow tank transporter trailers, the OAF 34.440 VFA was introduced to Austrian Army service in 1983 and not exported.  It is apparently no longer in service.  I do not know, however, when it went out of service or if the trucks are being held in a reserve role. 

     The large cab has seating for the driver, one other crewmember, and four passengers (normally the crew of the tank being transported).  Behind the cab is a small crane with a capacity of 3.15 tons when extended to 2.5 meters and 970 kg at its extension limit of 7.7 meters.  This crane is designed to allow the loading of alternate cargoes onto semi-trailers.  At the center of the rear of the truck (behind the fifth wheel) there is a winch with a capacity of 8 tons and 60 meters of cable; while this can also be used to pull cargoes onto trailers, its primary use is to help stabilize and guide an armored vehicle being placed on a transportation trailer.  In addition, an elevated platform in the rear of the truck has a pair of 20-ton-capacity winches with 50 meters of cable; these are primarily used for vehicle loading, and the platform also has an operator’s position.  Along with these winches, there is an auxiliary winch with a capacity of 600 kg, used to deploy and guide the two heavy winches, and controlled from the same platform.  The 8-ton winch, the auxiliary winch, and the crane are powered by the engine of the truck, while the main winches are powered by a hydraulic pump which is in turn powered by the truck’s engine. Two hydraulic outriggers may be extended, one on each side of the truck, to stabilize the vehicle when using the crane, the winch, or loading the trailers it tows.  The OAF 34.440 VFA has an 8x8 suspension, but was not designed specifically for off-road use (though it performs reasonably well in such a manner).  The transmission is manual. The 34.440 VFA is powered by a MAN D2540MT V10 diesel with an output of 440 horsepower.

     The OAF 34.440 VFA was designed specifically for towing the Goldhofer TUAH 8 55/80 tank transporter semi-trailer, but it is also capable of towing other types of semi-trailers which are equipped with a gooseneck. 

Steyr 1491.330.S34

     Notes: This is a military-grade semi-tractor based on a Steyr-built civilian truck.  Most of the components of the semi-tractor are identical to the Steyr 1491M truck, though the body and much of the chassis are of course different.  The 1491.300.S34 is designed to pull weights of up to 85 tons, and it has a 6x6 suspension with single tires on the front axle and double tires on the two rear axles.  The cab is made from steel (as is most of the truck), and tilts forward for access to the engine and transmission.  The roof of the cab has a hatch with a mount for a medium or light machinegun or similar-weight weapon.  The frame of the truck is a ladder-type construction with additional reinforcement for the fifth wheel and the winches.  The winches are mounted behind the cab, and each have a capacity of 20 tons, and are generally used to assist in loading and off-loading vehicles or cargo.  The 1491.300.S34 is capable of pulling virtually any semi-trailer within its weight range. The 1491.330.S34 is powered by a Steyr WD 815.74 turbodiesel developing 340 horsepower, coupled with a ZF 5S111GP manual transmission.

     A version of this truck, known as the Steyr 3891, has larger tires, but is otherwise identical.  This version is used by Saudi Arabia.  Another derivative of the 1491.330.S34 is the Model 37M42/S38; it has a higher-horsepower Steyr WD 815.76 turbodiesel engine developing 416 horsepower, with more torque and can tow somewhat higher weights. It uses an automatic transmission. Its two winches have a capacity of 25 tons each, and it uses the same larger tires as the Model 3891. 

Steyr 40M42

     Notes: Also known as the 40.423 DFAT, this semi-tractor is powerful truck which has a maximum towing capacity of 110 tons, though safety regulations normally limit towing to 90 tons.  It is similar in construction to the 1491.330.S34 above, with all-steel construction, ladder frame with reinforcement at the fifth wheel, and a roof hatch with a mount for a medium or light machinegun or similar-weight weapon.  The suspension is 6x6 with single tires up front and twin tires on the rear axles.  A spare tire is also carried on a frame at the rear of the cab.  Sources do not include winches in their write-ups, but the tractor must be that heavy for a reason; I am including a pair of 25-ton winches to assist in vehicle loading in this entry – if I am wrong, let me know. Power is provided by a MAN D2866 diesel developing 420 horsepower.

Steyr 40M60 FX2000

     Notes: This semi-tractor is based on the MAN FX2000 series of high-mobility trucks.  It is of all-steel construction, with a high-strength reinforced frame with extra reinforcement for the fifth wheel and winches; there are two winches, with a capacity of 25 tons each and 50 meters of 24-millimeter cable.  The cab has two rows of seats; the back seat is a simple bench with a stowage bin underneath, while the driver and commander sit on air-suspended seats.  The crew of the tank being transported normally sit on the rear seat. Above the commander’s seat is a hatch, with a mount for a medium or light machinegun or similar-weight weapon.  The standard suspension is 6x6 with single tire sets, though there is an option for double tires on the rear.  The truck has antilock brakes and power steering, though the transmission is manual. The engine is a MAN D2840LF V10 turbodiesel developing 600 horsepower.