Alongside examples of the Arocs, Unimog and FGA 14.8 APC chassis, at Eurosatory 2024 Daimler Truck displayed three examples of the Zetros range, including the debut of a brand new 8×8 chassis.
The smallest Zetros on show was a 2036A 4×4, this shown in standard general service-type truck configuration and fitted with a low-torsion platform body with tarpaulin and benches for transporting personnel and materiel.
In Daimler parlance 2036A quickly tells you this is an all-wheel drive truck (A) and that it has a technical gross vehicle weight (GVW) of around 20 tonnes and an engine power output of around 360 hp.
Also being shown was a Zetros 3042A 6×6 fitted with a self-sealing ISO-framed tank from Lindner & Fischer built in collaboration with WEW WesterwälderEisenwerk GmbH. This truck was also fitted with an armoured cab developed in partnership with and produced by Rheinmetall. For the first time this cab will be installable on the main Zetros production line, applicable all Zetros axle configurations.
The final Zetros shown was being seen in public for the first time. The 3851A 8×8 was one of around 500 examples that will be supplied to Canada as part of a 1,500-truck award. The truck is fitted with a Palfinger load handling system (LHS) and container handling unit (CHU), as well as an armoured cab supplied by SOFRAME.
A Zetros in 8×8 configuration is not a new concept; in fact a design concept existed back in the very early days of Zetros’ development. While retaining a traditionally located engine, this concept more closely resembled an Oshkosh HEMTT than the Zetros we know today and only ever previously existed digitally.
However, in 2018 the 8×8 concept was revisited, although this time by vehicle conversion specialist Paul Nutzfahrzeuge, which took a 6×6 Zetros chassis and added an air-sprung third steer-drive axle behind the standard rear tandem. A small quantity of these on second-generation Zetros were supplied to Paul in the first quarter of 2023 for conversion and onward supply to the Finnish Defence Forces. It is believed they were destined for a bridge-related application.
At Eurosatory this year the 8×8 Zetros in the more conventional two-front, two-rear-axle configuration made its debut. In this configuration the truck will be built on the main Daimler Truck production line.
This 8×8 configuration was developed by Daimler to increase the Zetros’ payload and capability range and militarily Canada’s Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) project was a good fit for this variant. General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada (GDLS-C), fronting a team that includes Daimler Truck, was recently confirmed as the winner of this contract.
Compared to a standard three-axle Zetros chassis, this four-axle version is lengthened to 11.5 m and has a payload of up to 25,000 kg. Motive power is provided by a EURO 5 emissions-compliant version of the range-standard Mercedes-Benz OM460 12.8-litre, six-cylinder diesel engine, which in this application develops 510 hp (376 kW). The engine is coupled to a fully automatic Allison 4500SP transmission, which drives all four Mercedes-Benz CTIS-fitted axles via a two-speed transfer case.
