Bucher DURO 4x4/6x6

     Notes: These are newer trucks to the Swiss Army.  This entry refers to the DURO I; DURO II and III may be done in the future. There are three versions, a 4x4 short wheelbase, a 4x4 long wheelbase, and a 6x6 version.  There are both soft and hard-bodies versions, but both use a hardtop cab.  Visibility is very good from the cab with the large windows and the forward control configuration.  The DURO is powered by a VM 4.162-liter turbocharged diesel developing 160 horsepower, coupled with an automatic transmission.  A handicap of the truck is its low suspension; this gives more efficient operation over roads, but detracts from its off-road performance.  The DURO, however, has a combination of coil springs and gas pressure shocks, making the low suspension not too much of a penalty. The cab roof has a box housing an air conditioner.

Saurer 2CM

     Notes: These older Swiss trucks were in service until the 1960s.  The 2CM also served as the basis of larger, similar trucks like the 4CM in Swiss Heavy Unarmored Vehicles. It has a forward control cab and the commander’s seat has an observation hatch on the roof over his head; this hatch does not incorporate a weapon mount.  The rear cargo area has drop sides and removable bows and canvases.  The front has a 6-ton capacity winch with 55 meters of cable.  The 2CM is powered by a Saurer CR2D 4-cylinder diesel engine developing 75 horsepower, which makes the 2CM quite underpowered. This engine is coupled with a manual five-speed transmission. The rear tires are doubled for a total of six tires, plus the spare mounted under the center left of the frame.

Saurer 2DM

     Notes: This is another truck formerly in common use by Swiss forces, but now mostly replaced by more modern vehicles.  It was in production until 1973.  The layout and features are similar to the 2CM, but it is a larger truck. The engine is also more powerful, being a Saurer CT3D diesel developing 135 horsepower. The transmission has a larger gear range, with eight forward and two reverse gears. The front has a 6-ton capacity winch with 55 meters of cable.

     In addition to its military use, the 2DM is in common use by civilians, in roles ranging from engineering trucks to drilling platforms to adventure trucks. Large amounts of 2DMs were supplied to Ukraine as military aid.