Mercedes Kurzhauber is one of the most recognizable heavy trucks with a shortened hood outside of Germany. In fact, it became one of the key export models of Mercedes-Benz. Between 1959 and 1996, more than 600,000 of these vehicles were produced and delivered to countries in Africa, the Middle East, and South America.
Even after production ceased in Europe, the trucks continued to be shipped abroad as assembly kits. In regions with poorly developed road infrastructure, the popularity of the Kurzhauber reached almost its limit.
Interestingly, this model was not originally intended to be long-lasting. In the late 1950s, it was developed as an intermediate solution between classic bonneted trucks and cab-over-engine vehicles. However, real-world operation showed that this particular layout was especially in demand.
At the time of its creation, the truck was required to be versatile. The designers sought to combine several qualities in one machine:
- a strong and durable frame
- a reliable and unpretentious engine
- a suspension capable of withstanding harsh conditions
- a small turning radius for working in tight spaces
The truck had to operate equally confidently both in urban conditions and on dirt roads. Often it had to move at a slow speed, overcoming difficult sections and pulling cargo along routes practically unsuitable for movement.
The engineers faced a difficult task: to shorten the length of the hood to improve visibility for the driver, but at the same time maintain enough space to accommodate the diesel engine. At that time, Mercedes already had successful models — the Mercedes-Benz L 312 and Mercedes-Benz L 911. However, the first was distinguished by a long hood and a cramped cabin, while the second, being cab-over-engine, did not provide enough space for a full-fledged power unit.
The first model of the new series was the L322 — a medium-duty truck designed to carry three tons. It was the beginning of the entire Kurzhauber line and paved the way for mass export deliveries. Later, production was also launched in South Africa, where almost the entire model range was assembled. Heavier versions also appeared within the family: for example, the L334 dump truck could carry up to 12 tons of cargo.
The main advantages of the Kurzhauber made it a legend in off-road conditions. One of the key elements was the L-LS 1113B diesel engine with a capacity of 130 hp — an in-line "six" with direct injection. Since 1963, this engine was installed on cars supplied to Africa. It was distinguished by exceptional endurance and could run even on extremely low-quality fuel, including mixtures with the addition of coconut oil and acetone at air temperatures up to +40–45 °C.
This result was largely due to the well-thought-out design. The shortened hood allowed for the installation of an enlarged cooling radiator and ensured effective cooling of the transmission and engine units. Later, turbocharged engines began to be used on these trucks, as well as versions with a capacity of up to 180 hp.
No less impressive were the resource and strength of the machine. Many units covered more than a million kilometers, despite regular overloads — often two or even three times higher than the norm. The reinforced transmission with a large margin of safety could withstand the most severe operating conditions.
Among the key advantages of the Kurzhauber are:
- high reliability of the power unit
- ability to run on low-quality fuel
- durable transmission with a large resource
- ease of control in difficult road conditions
The special layout of the cabin also played an important role. The shortened and narrowed hood provided good visibility, allowing the driver to control the position of the car on narrow or washed-out roads. This was especially important in regions with harsh climatic conditions, where traffic often occurred during heavy rains. At the same time, the build quality of the cabin and seals allowed maintaining acceptable comfort even in such situations.
Nevertheless, the model also had weaknesses. In particular, the truck turned out to be extremely vulnerable to dust, typical of African and South American regions. For normal operation, it was necessary to seal the radiator and eliminate gaps to prevent clogging of the cells.
In addition, in the savannah conditions, air for the engine was sometimes supplied through the cabin. This simultaneously reduced the dustiness of the engine and facilitated working conditions for the driver in a hot climate.
The main disadvantages included:
- high sensitivity to dust
- the need to refine the cooling and filtration system
- low level of environmental friendliness of diesel engines
The latter factor was one of the reasons for the cessation of production. Most engines were equipped with swirl chambers and did not have exhaust gas cleaning systems. Already in the 1980s, such engines began to be discontinued, and then the production of the trucks themselves was stopped. The exceptions were individual enterprises — in Oregon, Brazil, and Iran.
It is noteworthy that in Iran, production not only survived but also developed. The design was adapted, using more modern solutions taking into account the peculiarities of the Middle Eastern climate. As a result, this truck continues to be produced for more than 60 years, remaining in demand to this day.