The T148 began to be produced in the early seventies as a result of several years of work on the modernization of the existing T138. It was supposed to solve some of the car’s shortcomings. The T138 entered the market as a successor to the popular, but significantly out-of-service Tatra 111, created already during the war. Against it, the T138 was distinguished by a more modern, round-shaped cabin, from which it was easier to see and which was more comfortable than that of the 111 – in its time it was even compared to the interiors of passenger cars. The technology was also completely new, the T138 relied on a new, air-cooled 11.8-liter diesel fork-eight cylinder with a power of 132 kW, paired with a new five-speed gearbox supplemented by a two-speed auxiliary gearbox.
Over the years, however, some of the T138’s faults manifested themselves, such as insufficient engine power or not-so-miraculous reliability, which should have been addressed by the modernization of the car. It was originally developed as the T2-138, but was eventually named the T148. It entered the market in the early seventies, when it was initially produced alongside the T138.
Photo: Tatra
The Tatra T138 was the direct predecessor of the T148 type.
Evolution of shapes
That the Tatra T148 is only an evolution of the previous T138 model is clearly visible in its cabin. It continued to keep its round shape, only the fenders were changed and the mask was enlarged for better air supply to the engine.
These changes were the result of a modification to the powerplant, which was a T2-928 diesel, air-cooled, direct-injection forked eight cylinder enlarged to 12.7 liters. Along with this, the power also increased, from 132 to 156 kW. Conversely, the five-speed manual transmission with an additional two-speed transmission – with normal and reduced “off-road” transmission – remained. It was all-wheel drive with an attachable front axle, depending on the version the T148 was a six-wheeler or a four-wheeler.
Photo: Tatra
Period photo of Tatra 148.
Work was then done on the chassis. The new inter-axle differential on the rear axles was supposed to reduce tire wear, while the adjustment of the axles themselves was supposed to contribute to an increase in service life. By the way, during the development of the car, it was tested in demanding conditions in the Soviet Union. As with its predecessor, the comfort was improved by the electropneumatic shifting of the additional gearbox, as well as the clutch booster and steering. However, the basis of the vehicle remained the backbone frame characteristic of the Tatra with a central support tube supplemented by swinging semi-axles.
Many evolutions
Of course, there were again various versions available. The most famous one is a tipper with a length of seven meters – one-sided or three-sided, with a load capacity of up to 15.5 tons or 14.9 tons, depending on the version. But there was also a semi-trailer with different length and carrying capacity, the option of not only 6 × 6, but also 4 × 4 drive, as well as a mounted crane, excavator, mixer or tank. Firefighters also had their derivative, for example.
An interesting model was also the Tatra T148 “Arktik”, adapted to demanding climatic conditions. An insulated engine cover, thermal insulation of the cabin, double windshields with silica gel drying, insulation and heating of the accumulators, a thermally insulated fuel system and the use of frost-resistant rubber materials ensured operability at extremely low temperatures down to -60 °C.
Photo: Tatra
T148 in Arktik version for operation at extremely low temperatures down to -60 °C.
There were also army derivatives, for example a flatbed for transporting up to 40 people. It was distinguished by a square bumper, as well as a modified unit adapted to burn lower quality fuel.
To the world and to the sandbox
The T148 was also used for travel expeditions. One headed to Nepal, to the fifth highest mountain in the world, Makalu, and another to Iran.
Over the years, the car was gradually improved. Specifically, in 1978, it saw a new design of seats, glued windows, windshield washers, innovative mudguards connected to the cabin or a modified body. The engine was then quieter and with lower consumption.
It is necessary to recall the then popular plastic toy inspired by the T148. It is still produced today, its production in a modern, higher quality form was resumed in 2014 by the company Dino Toys.
Foto: Dino Toys
Tatra 148 as an unforgettable legend of children’s sandpits.
Production of the Tatra T148 ended on December 14, 1982, when the last of the 113,647 units of this truck was produced. It is thus one of the most successful tater tots in history. More than half of the production went abroad, the T148 was driven in 43 countries on five continents. A large part of them was exported to the Soviet Union.
Photo: Tatra
The direct successor was the no less famous Tatra T815, replacing the T813 series at the same time. “Eighty fifteen” is still produced today after several modernizations.
2023-09-09 03:02:53
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