TL 37 file photo [32228]

TL 37

CountryItaly
ManufacturerFiat-SPA, Turin, Italy
Primary RoleArtillery Tractor

Contributor:

ww2dbaseThe Italian motor industry had gained considerable experience in creating vehicles suitable for desert use due largely to their longer commitment in their African colonies. One such vehicle was the Fiat-Spa TL 37 light artillery tractor which was selected after winning a design competition between SPA (Società Piemontese Automobili, a subsidiary of Fiat) and Breda Meccanica Bresciana. The TL 37 entered service with the Italian military in 1938 as one of a number of related Fiat-SPA models built on the same chassis (such as the AS 37 light truck and the SPA S37 and SPA AS43 armoured cars); some being fitted with open truck-type bodies with enclosed cab or with different types of steel or spoked wheels with detachable rims and solid rubber tyres). The TL 37 was powered by a 4,053-cubic centimetre four-cylinder petrol engine driving a five forward and one reverse gearbox to both axles. Steering was on all four wheels (allowing a 4.5-metre turning circle) or just the front by selection. In the desert the canvas top was typically kept up to provide the crew with some protection from the sun, It could tow artillery pieces of 75-millimetre and 100-millimetre at a road speed of 40 kilometres per hour while carrying a five gun-crew in addition to the driver and 250 kilograms of artillery ammunition. It was also able to climb a 40-degree slope. A self-propelled gun variant was also built in small numbers, armed with a 75/27 cannon in the hull. After the Italian Armistice in 1943, the TL 37 continued to be used by German forces and was also purchased by Hungary. Post-war, it remained in service with the Italian Navy until 1948. A total of 2,267 of these artillery tractors would be produced.

ww2dbaseSources:
Bruce Quarrie: Afrika Korps (Patrick Stehens Ltd, 1975)
Wikipedia - TL 37
360CarMuseum.com - 1937 Fiat-SPA TL.37

Last Major Revision: Jul 2022

SPECIFICATIONS

TL 37
MachineryOne Fiat 18T1 4cyl 4,053cc petrol engine rated at 57 bhp
SuspensionWheeled 4x4
Crew6
Length4.13 m
Width1.83 m
Height2.18 m
Weight3.6 t
Speed38 km/h
Range170 km

Photographs

Indian troops operating a captured Italian TL 37 artillery tractor, North Africa, 8 Dec 1941TL 37 self-propelled guns with Cannone da 75/27 modello 11 guns, date unknown




Did you enjoy this article or find this article helpful? If so, please consider supporting us on Patreon. Even $1 per month will go a long way! Thank you.

Share this article with your friends:

 Facebook
 Reddit
 Twitter

Stay updated with WW2DB:

 RSS Feeds




Posting Your Comments on this Topic

Your Name
Your Email
 Your email will not be published
Comment Type
Your Comments
 

Notes:

1. We hope that visitor conversations at WW2DB will be constructive and thought-provoking. Please refrain from using strong language. HTML tags are not allowed. Your IP address will be tracked even if you remain anonymous. WW2DB site administrators reserve the right to moderate, censor, and/or remove any comment. All comment submissions will become the property of WW2DB.

2. For inquiries about military records for members of the World War II armed forces, please see our FAQ.

Search WW2DB


TL 37 Artillery Tractor Photo Gallery
Indian troops operating a captured Italian TL 37 artillery tractor, North Africa, 8 Dec 1941
See all 2 photographs of TL 37 Artillery Tractor


Famous WW2 Quote
"Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue."

Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, 16 Mar 1945


Support Us

Please consider supporting us on Patreon. Even $1 a month will go a long way. Thank you!

Or, please support us by purchasing some WW2DB merchandise at TeeSpring, Thank you!