1940's Leyland Hippo Mk.2 10 ton Utility Truck, The Muckleburgh Military Collection.
The Leyland Hippo 10 ton truck entered military service in 1944 and eventually proved its worth hauling supplies during the closing stages of the Allied advance across Western Europe albeit of a top speed of only 25mph !
It was the British Army’s largest truck for several years after the war and some where still in service in the 1980's. Their huge bodies have a well-type floor giving a lower loading height which was an advantage as much loading was done by hand. Steel hoops and a canvas tilt gave weather protection to the stores carried.
The initial version had an open cab with canvas tilt and fixed windscreen, while the Hippo Mk.2 had an all-steel cab. It's 27 foot length was often a handicap in the days of narrow roads but it had good cross country capability and could be fitted with snow chains. The Museum's example remains in running order and has only minor restoration.
Specifications -
▪︎Engine: Leyland 6-cylinder diesel, 100bhp
▪︎Speed: 25mph
▪︎Range: 520 miles
▪︎Gears: 5 speed + 2 auxiliary gears
▪︎Brakes: Hydraulic servo assisted
▪︎Weight: 8.8 tons
▪︎Load: 10 tons.
Information from The Muckleburgh Military Collection.
1940's Leyland Hippo Mk.2 10 ton Utility Truck, The Muckleburgh Military Collection.
The Leyland Hippo 10 ton truck entered military service in 1944 and eventually proved its worth hauling supplies during the closing stages of the Allied advance across Western Europe albeit of a top speed of only 25mph !
It was the British Army’s largest truck for several years after the war and some where still in service in the 1980's. Their huge bodies have a well-type floor giving a lower loading height which was an advantage as much loading was done by hand. Steel hoops and a canvas tilt gave weather protection to the stores carried.
The initial version had an open cab with canvas tilt and fixed windscreen, while the Hippo Mk.2 had an all-steel cab. It's 27 foot length was often a handicap in the days of narrow roads but it had good cross country capability and could be fitted with snow chains. The Museum's example remains in running order and has only minor restoration.
Specifications -
▪︎Engine: Leyland 6-cylinder diesel, 100bhp
▪︎Speed: 25mph
▪︎Range: 520 miles
▪︎Gears: 5 speed + 2 auxiliary gears
▪︎Brakes: Hydraulic servo assisted
▪︎Weight: 8.8 tons
▪︎Load: 10 tons.
Information from The Muckleburgh Military Collection.