Der Steyr Diesel 680M Lastkraftwagen war seit 1969 das Rückgrat der Personen-, Materialbeförderung und Zugmaschine für Feldküche, leichte Artillerie im österreichischen Bundesheer. Über 3700 Fahrzeuge des Typs 680M waren in verschiedenen Ausführungen im Einsatz und auch bei Auslandseinsätzen vertreten. Obwohl ich eigentlich mehr mit dem „Pinzgauer“ unterwegs war, so ist mir der „680er“ während meiner Bundesheerzeit ein guter Freund geworden. Sei es in der Ausbildung, wo sein schon aus der Ferne hörbares „Murgeln“ und „Jaulen“ darauf hindeutete, dass wir nach ermüdendem Gefechtsdienst den Heimweg doch nicht mehr zu Fuß antreten mussten, oder bei Kälte, wenn wir uns am Auspufftopf oder gar in der Fahrerkabine wärmen durften (Ja, 1981/82 wurden solche Erleichterungen noch befohlen, da durfte nicht selbstständig gehandelt werden!) . Warum aber diese Laute, die der Steyr 680 im Fahrbetrieb von sich gab? Das Fünfgang-Getriebe des 680ers war nicht synchronisiert, es musste daher mit Zwischengas und Doppelkuppeln (!) geschaltet werden. Daher waren Fahrbetrieb- und genuß sehr von der Geschicklichkeit des Kraftfahrers abhängig. Denn entweder bockte der 680er beim Schalten wie ein Mustang, oder verhielt sich brav, wie ein gezähmtes Muli. Nach fast 40 (!) Jahren im Dienst wurden die „680er“ Anfang 2007 ausgemustert. Aber sie wurden nicht verschrottet, sondern versteigert-leben also noch irgendwo weiter!
Since 1969 the Steyr Diesel 680M truck formed the backbone in regard of transporting troops or material or towing light artillery or a field kitchen in Austrian Armed Forces. Over 3700 vehicles in different versions served I Austria and missions abroad. Although I was using the “Pinzgauer” cross country vehicle more frequently, the “680” became a good friend during my military service. During basic training a distant “Diesel sound” paired with some whining was an indication, that the day with exhausting combat training will not be finished by a march at least. When it was cold, we were allowed to warm ourselves next to the muffler, or even in the cab (Yes, in 1981/82 such privileges were only allowed after they have been ordered by the superior!). But why did the Steyr 680 sound so specific? This is related to a non synchronised 5 gear box, which demanded intermediate throttle
application and double-de clutch (!). So the operation and enjoyment of the ride was very much depending on the driver’s skills. Because during a change of gears the 680 could behave like a wild mustang or he remained clam, like a tamed mule. Finally, after almost 40 years on duty, the final vehicles were dismissed during the beginning of 2007. But these 680ies were not scrapped, they fell under the hammer – and so have a 2nd live somewhere on this planet.
Since 1969 the Steyr Diesel 680M truck formed the backbone in regard of transporting troops or material or towing light artillery or a field kitchen in Austrian Armed Forces. Over 3700 vehicles in different versions served I Austria and missions abroad. Although I was using the “Pinzgauer” cross country vehicle more frequently, the “680” became a good friend during my military service. During basic training a distant “Diesel sound” paired with some whining was an indication, that the day with exhausting combat training will not be finished by a march at least. When it was cold, we were allowed to warm ourselves next to the muffler, or even in the cab (Yes, in 1981/82 such privileges were only allowed after they have been ordered by the superior!). But why did the Steyr 680 sound so specific? This is related to a non synchronised 5 gear box, which demanded intermediate throttle
application and double-de clutch (!). So the operation and enjoyment of the ride was very much depending on the driver’s skills. Because during a change of gears the 680 could behave like a wild mustang or he remained clam, like a tamed mule. Finally, after almost 40 years on duty, the final vehicles were dismissed during the beginning of 2007. But these 680ies were not scrapped, they fell under the hammer – and so have a 2nd live somewhere on this planet.
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