01Introduction
The MAN HX60 6T 4x4 Cargo Truck is a military medium-mobility logistics vehicle developed to meet the British Army's requirements for reliable, high-capacity transport across a wide range of operating environments.
Based on MAN's HX tactical vehicle platform, the HX60 combines a powerful six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, a robust military-oriented chassis and a four-wheel-drive transmission. Its nominal six-tonne payload capacity makes it suitable for transporting equipment, supplies, stores and general military cargo.
The vehicle was procured as part of the British Army's Support Vehicle programme, providing a modern replacement for older generations of military transport trucks. Its design incorporates a modular cab, heavy-duty chassis, off-road drivetrain and equipment intended to support military operations in demanding conditions.
With its combination of load-carrying capacity, cross-country mobility and adaptable cargo body arrangements, the HX60 has become an established platform for military logistics and general transport duties.
02History and Background
The MAN HX family was developed during the early 2000s to provide a new generation of military tactical trucks. MAN combined proven commercial vehicle engineering with military-specific chassis, cab and protection requirements.
The British Ministry of Defence selected MAN as its principal supplier for the Support Vehicle programme. Deliveries commenced in 2007, with the new fleet progressively replacing several older British Army transport vehicle types.
These included the Bedford MJ and Leyland DAF T244 4-tonne trucks, together with larger vehicles from the previous 8-tonne and 14-tonne categories.
The HX60 became the principal 4x4 light cargo vehicle within the new Support Vehicle fleet. Its six-tonne payload capacity offered increased carrying capability compared with the older 4-tonne class, while its four-wheel-drive configuration provided improved mobility across challenging terrain.
The British Army acquired substantial numbers of HX60 vehicles in different body configurations and equipment specifications. These included general cargo trucks, covered cargo vehicles and specialist variants.
The wider MAN Support Vehicle fleet also included 6x6 and 8x8 vehicles, together with specialist tanker and recovery platforms.
The HX60 established itself as an important component of British military transport capability, supporting routine logistics, training exercises and operational deployments.
03Technical Specifications
The MAN HX60 18.330 is powered by MAN's D0836 six-cylinder diesel engine, delivering approximately 326 bhp and 1,250 Nm of torque. Its four-wheel-drive transmission, low-range gearing and locking differentials provide the traction required for demanding off-road transport duties.
The vehicle combines a heavy-duty chassis with a military modular cab and a cargo platform designed to accommodate a variety of loads and equipment.
General Specifications
| Manufacturer | MAN |
|---|---|
| Model | HX60 18.330 |
| Military designation | Support Vehicle Cargo Light (SVCL) |
| Configuration | 4x4 |
| Payload capacity | 6,000 kg |
| Engine | MAN D0836 |
| Engine type | 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel |
| Engine capacity | 6.87 litres |
| Maximum power | 326 bhp (240 kW) |
| Maximum torque | 1,250 Nm |
| Gearbox | ZF AS 1210 TipMatic |
| Transmission | Automated manual |
| Transfer case | Two-speed |
| Differential locks | Front, rear and inter-axle |
| Suspension | Heavy-duty steel leaf springs |
| Braking system | Dual-circuit air braking |
| Electrical system | 24V |
| Fuel tank | 300 litres |
| Crew | Driver plus two passengers |
Dimensions and Performance
| Overall length | Approximately 7,970 mm |
|---|---|
| Overall width | Approximately 2,550 mm |
| Overall height | Approximately 2,650 to 3,110 mm |
| Wheelbase | Approximately 4,500 mm |
| Front ground clearance | Approximately 424 mm |
| Rear ground clearance | Approximately 427 mm |
| Unprepared fording depth | 750 mm |
| Prepared fording depth | Up to 1,500 mm |
Additional Equipment and Features
- Permanent four-wheel-drive capability.
- High and low transfer gearing.
- Locking front, rear and inter-axle differentials.
- Central tyre inflation system, where fitted.
- Heavy-duty military tyres.
- Air-conditioned cab, where fitted.
- Seating for three occupants.
- Roof-mounted observation hatch.
- 24V military electrical system.
- Anti-lock braking system, where fitted.
- Exhaust braking system.
- NATO-compatible towing equipment.
- Heavy-duty cargo body with load-securing points.
Specifications can vary according to production year, military specification and subsequent modifications. Individual vehicle documentation should always be consulted to establish the exact equipment, dimensions, weights and capabilities.
04Military Applications
The MAN HX60 was introduced to provide the British Army with a versatile medium-mobility transport vehicle capable of supporting military logistics across varied terrain and operational environments.
Its six-tonne carrying capacity, four-wheel-drive transmission and adaptable cargo platform make it suitable for a broad range of military transport requirements.
General Logistics and Supply Transport
Used for moving ammunition, equipment, spare supplies, provisions and general military stores between supply depots, forward operating locations and military units.
Field Equipment Transport
Suitable for carrying engineering equipment, tools, recovery supplies and other operational materials required by military support units.
Personnel and Troop Support
Can transport personnel and their associated equipment using suitably configured cargo bodies, seating arrangements or troop-carrying adaptations.
Communications and Electronic Systems
Provides a mobile vehicle platform for specialist communications equipment, command systems and associated military technology.
Operational and Tactical Support
Supports military exercises and deployments where reliable transport across unprepared roads, tracks and difficult terrain is essential.
Specialist Engineering and Recovery Support
Provides a suitable chassis platform for specialist equipment installations, including winches, cranes and other operational support equipment.
The HX60 formed part of a much larger British Army logistics fleet designed to improve standardisation, mobility and operational support capability.
05Civilian Applications
Following release from military service, the MAN HX60 offers considerable potential for civilian operators looking for a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive commercial vehicle with genuine off-road capability.
Its robust construction, powerful diesel engine and adaptable chassis make it suitable for a variety of specialist applications.
Expedition and Overland Vehicles
The HX60 provides an excellent platform for large expedition motorhomes and long-distance overland conversions. Its four-wheel-drive drivetrain and substantial chassis capacity offer the foundations for a self-contained vehicle suitable for remote travel.
Agricultural and Rural Operations
Suitable for specialist transport duties on farms, estates and rural properties where conventional commercial trucks may struggle with difficult access and unprepared tracks.
Construction and Infrastructure
Potential applications include transporting machinery, building materials, tools and specialist equipment to remote construction and infrastructure projects.
Forestry and Land Management
The four-wheel-drive configuration and heavy-duty construction make the HX60 a potential platform for forestry support, land management and remote site operations.
Industrial and Utility Applications
The chassis can accommodate specialist bodies and equipment for industrial support, maintenance operations and general-purpose transport.
Emergency and Disaster Response
Potential applications include mobile support units, equipment carriers and specialist emergency response vehicles, subject to the appropriate body conversion and operational requirements.
Specialist Vehicle Conversions
The HX60 can be adapted to accommodate bespoke bodies, storage systems, workshop installations and other specialist equipment.
For civilian operators, the attraction is the combination of military-grade chassis construction, useful payload capacity and a proven MAN drivetrain.
06Available Configurations
The MAN HX60 4x4 chassis was supplied in several configurations to meet different military transport and specialist operational requirements.
The following configurations are relevant when identifying ex-military HX60 vehicles available on the surplus market.
Flatbed Cargo Truck
The flatbed configuration provides an open cargo platform for transporting general equipment, palletised loads and oversized materials.
Its open layout allows loading from the sides and rear, making it particularly suitable for logistics and industrial transport.
Dropside Cargo Truck
The dropside cargo body features hinged side panels that can be lowered to improve loading and unloading access.
This configuration is particularly useful for transporting general cargo, machinery, materials and equipment that require flexible loading arrangements.
Canopy Cargo Truck
The canopy configuration combines a cargo body with a removable or supported cover to provide protection for transported equipment and supplies.
Depending on the body specification, the canopy can be removed to provide an open cargo area when required.
Winch Truck
Winch-equipped HX60 vehicles provide additional recovery and load-handling capability.
Certain military examples are fitted with hydraulic recovery winches, allowing the vehicle to assist with equipment recovery and vehicle extraction operations. Winch arrangements vary between individual vehicles.
Crane Truck
Crane-equipped examples combine the HX60 chassis with a vehicle-mounted hydraulic lifting system.
These vehicles provide independent loading and unloading capability, making them useful for handling heavy equipment, stores and materials where separate lifting machinery is unavailable.
Specialist Body and Equipment Conversions
The HX60 chassis can also be used as a base for specialist vehicle conversions.
- Mobile workshops.
- Expedition and overland bodies.
- Equipment carriers.
- Specialist utility vehicles.
- Communications support vehicles.
- Bespoke industrial transport bodies.
The availability and suitability of these configurations depend on the original military specification, chassis condition and subsequent modifications.
07Availability
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