Far and above, the largest vehicle I’ve ever operated that didn’t fly was an Oshkosh HEMTT. These mothers are huge…Over twenty tons unladen at the lighter end of the scale, thirty-four feet long, eight feet wide and howling like none other thanks to a two-stroke diesel that’s designed to move all of that ass, HEMTTs are designed for one thing only: pack mule detail. These are the military’s go-to heavy haul systems for anything not involving a tank or specialized equipment. These are driven by young soldiers who occasionally might let a little bit of professionalism slip in the name of having a little bit of fun…not that I did anything of the sort. Ahem…
We don’t have a backstory on the deal here other than this HEMTT driver got lucky enough to have a snow-covered road with a cul-de-sac big enough to swing Big Bertha around in. In 8×8 mode, these trucks will tow just about anything, will drag a pulling sled wherever it damn well pleases, or will haul a trailer just as long as the HEMTT itself loaded for bear like it’s not even attached. Getting one loose on a snowy day? Child’s play…leave the two rear axles engaged and just punch the throttle!
Drove one of these in the army, they were a blast! Screaming Detroit and 8 wheel drive was hard stop ont type of terrain
I also had the pleasure of being a licensed HEMTT operator in the army, only mine was a wrecker. I still have pictures of a deployment convoy I was in from Bradley field Ct. to Fort Dix. You haven’t lived till you drive one of these bad boys up and down the Jersey Turnpike and through NY.
I did a video of spinning an MK48 around as well. That was my HEMTT. Maybe this winter I will get to do a donut in something else cool.
They are fun. Most have CATs now because of emissions, wonder what they did with all those old Detroits.
Bombing along the highway outside of Ft Polk in a PLS was prety fun. It’s amazing how fast and well mannered they can be.