Sd.Kfz. 3, Truck, Cargo, Half-Track, 2 t, “Maultier”

Sd.Kfz. 3, Truck, Cargo, Half-Track, 2 t, Maultier.

The 2-ton half-tracked cargo truck “Maultier” (Sd.Kfz. 3) was built by Klöckner-Deutz starting in 1942, after it became clear in the autumn and winter of 1941 that the Wehrmacht‘s trucks were no match for the muddy conditions (Rasputiza) and General Winter. Its development was based on a makeshift conversion of the 3-ton Ford truck using the Carden-Loyd suspension of a captured Universal Carrier. Subsequently, the Horstmann suspension with four road wheels was used.

Available Models

  • Sd.Kfz. 3a – Gleisketten-Lkw 2 t “Maultier” (Opel)
    • Opel “Maultier” 2 t Cargo, 4. Pz.Div., Kursk 1943, 1:43 Eaglemoss S8
    • Opel “Maultier” 2 t Cargo, 20 mm BP Cast GR112
    • Opel “Maultier” 2 t Cargo, 1:87 H0 ROCO 670
    • Opel “Maultier” 2 t Cargo, 1:87 miniTanks 5007
    • Opel “Maultier” 2 t Cargo, 1:300 Heroics & Ros G094
    • Opel “Maultier” 2 t Cargo with Infantry, 1:300 Heroics & Ros G094A
    • Opel “Maultier” 2 t Van, 1:48 Wespe Models 48083
    • Opel “Maultier” 2 t Van, 20 mm BP Cast GR113
  • Sd.Kfz. 3b – Gleisketten-Lkw 2 t “Maultier” (Ford)
    • Ford “Maultier” 2 t Cargo mit 3,7 cm FlaK 38, 1:35 Italeri 6519
    • Ford “Maultier” 2 t Cargo, 1:76 Matador 76G-32
    • Ford “Maultier” 2 t Cargo, 20 mm BP Cast GR109
    • Ford “Maultier” 2 t Cargo (late), 20 mm BP Cast GR114
    • Ford 987 T “Maultier” 2 t Cargo (medical), 1:87 Herpa 746366
    • Ford 917 T Ersatz-Maultier 2 t Cargo, 1:87 Herpa 746229
    • Ford 917 T Ersatz-Maultier 2 t Cargo, 1:87 Herpa 746236
    • Ford “Maultier” 2 t Van, 20 mm BP Cast GR110
    • Ford “Maultier” 2 t Van (late), 20 mm BP Cast GR111
    • Ford “Maultier” 2 t Van (medical), 1:35 ICM 35414
  • Sd.Kfz. 3c – Gleisketten-Lkw 2 t “Maultier” (Klöckner-Deutz)
    • Magirus “Maultier” 2 t Cargo, 1:72 Wespe Models 72078
    • Magirus “Maultier” 2 t Cargo, 1:72 IBG 72073
    • Magirus “Maultier” 2 t Cargo, 1:87 RK-Modelle 874116
    • Magirus “Maultier” with 3.7 cm FlaK 38, 1:72 IBG 72075
    • Magirus “Maultier” with 3.7 cm FlaK 38, 1:87 Herpa 746120
    • Magirus “Maultier” 2 t Cargo with Feldkochherd, 1:87 Herpa 746328
    • Magirus “Maultier” 2 t Van (medical), 1:87 Herpa 745703
    • Magirus “Maultier” 2 t Van (medical), 1:87 RK-Modelle 874645
Magirus Maultier Cargo, 1:87 RK-Modelle 874116.
Magirus “Maultier” 2 t Cargo, 1:87 RK-Modelle 874116

Technical Specifications

  • Sd.Kfz. 3
  • Type: Truck, Cargo, Half-Track, 2 t, “Maultier”
  • Motor: Opel 3,6 Liter-OHV-6-Cylinder, I-I-W-F, 3626 ccm, 54,8 kw @ 3000 u/min
  • Speed: 38 km/h
  • Transmission: 5 F, 1 R
  • Brakes: hydraulic
  • Tires: 7.50-20
  • Wheelbase: 3600 mm
  • Length: 6120 mm
  • Width: 2220 mm
  • Height: 2100 bis 3200 mm
  • Weight: 3930 to 5500 kg
  • Crew: Driver and Co-Driver
  • Production: 1942–1945 (20,945 Units)

Historical Employment

  • German Wehrmacht, 1942 – May 1945

Bibliographie

  • Spielberger, Walter: Halbkettenfahrzeuge des Deutschen Heeres (Stuttg. 2012)

The truck, cargo, half-track, 2 t, “Maultier” (Sd.Kfz. 3) was an important supply vehicle of the German Wehrmacht. The conversion of the 3 t medium truck (S-type) required little effort, using the Horstmann suspension.

German Miniatures of World-War Two