Over the weekend, to kill time while holed-up at home amidst the downpour and cold weather, I stumbled into Depot 53's website and saw an item for sale there, the Pinzgauer High Mobility All-Terrain Vehicle. While you are always looking forward to the latest reviews on AEGs or the latest releases from the airsoft manufacturers in the Far East, might as well divert your attention to knowing some military vehicles --- wh­ich you can purchase. While you may think that this is manufactured by Swiss, it is actually made by their neighbours in Austria, but now by BAE systems, in Guildford, UK.

Now, let's go on further with the Depot 53 posting:

The Pinzgauer is one of the most capable all-terrain vehicles ever made.  While not as fast as the Hummer, it can carry more.  The smaller 710M can carry 10 people, or two NATO pallets. The 4x4 710M can tow 11,000 pounds on road, or 3,300 pounds off-road.  Its 90 horsepower, 4-cylinder engine is capable of maintaining highway speeds of 60 to 70 miles-per-hour pulling a trailer (empty) and has a range of over 250 miles on one 20 gallon tank of gas.

Pinzgauers are designed to be reliable and easy to repair.  As such they are equipped with an air-cooled, dual-carbureted engine. This is partly due to the fact that air-cooled engines have been around longer, and partly because they are simpler and have fewer parts.  For example, air-cooled, carbureted engines are used in many small aircraft due to their reliability. Because, the engine in the Pinzgauer was specifically designed for use in military environments it has more than one oil pump to ensure the engine never get starved for oil regardless of environmental conditions, or how the vehicle is oriented.

The Pinzgauer also has a very advanced chass which contributes to its high mobility. It has a central tube chassis with a transaxle which distributes the weight more evenly and keeps the center of gravity as low as possible. The differentials are sealed units and never require additional lubrication. The Pinzgauer also has portal axles just like the HMMWV, Hummer H1, and Unimog to provide extra clearance over obstacles.   The cargo bed seats can be folded down across the footwell to create a flat cargo surface (or bed).  Here are some other vehicle and performance specifications:

• 2 wheel/4 wheel drive (cab-operated/on-the-fly shifting)
• Differental locks (cab-operated/on-the-fly)
• 45 degree approach and departure angle
• 100% slope or until tires lose traction
• 13.19" ground clearance (lowest point when fully loaded)
• 27.5" fording depth
• Can climb down a 14" wall
• 43.5 degree side-slope
• Full engine power available at 2.5 mph
• 24 volt waterproof electrical system
• 2 - 12V deep-cycle batteries
• Removable canvas top (Cab & Cargo Area)
• Snow chains
• Tow cable
• Axe & shovel
• Driver/Co-Driver gun racks
• 19.8-gallon gas tank
• 5-gallon Jerry Can
  

The Pinzgauer 1-Ton Covered Trailer included in the package is equally capable.  With a payload capacity of 2,250 pounds in a 46" X 96" bed, you can carry 10 troops plus all their gear.  The trailer also features:

• Pintle hitch
• Folding tailgate
• Front facing lights (for working between trailer)
• Leaf spring suspension
• Surge brakes (mechanical)
  
• Parking brake
• Wheel chock
• Spare tire

During production from 1971 until 1985 approximately 18,349 710's and 712's were produced for both civilian and government buyers.  Parts and accessories are readily available in the US through Swiss Army Vehicles in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The 53 Commando Pinzgauer was purchased for a special project in December of 2006 with 14024 original miles.  Driving the vehicle from Fayetteville to Dallas and our project added an additional 605 miles to the vehicle.  Prior to delivery the vehicle also received an extensive retrofit of the following items: 

• Pertronix Electronic Ignition
• Stainless Steel Muffler
• Stainless Steel Exhaust Pipe
• Speedometer (Electronic)
• Oil Temperature Guage
• Fuel Guage
• Steering Wheel
• Dash Cover
• Replacement Int. Door Panels
• Knee Guard
• Intermittent Wiper Switch
• Back-up Light
• Brake Light Conversion Kit
• Outside Mirrors (L & R)
• Mirror Bracket (L & R)
• Canvas Flap (L & R)
• Plug Connection Box
• Pinzgauer Suisse Armee Signs
  

The package also includes a number of upgrade parts which have yet to be installed:

• Battery Converter (24v to 12V)
• Steyr Puch Name Plate
• Pinzgauer Name Plate

Maintenance items include:

• Owners Manual
• Service Manual
• Parts Manual
• Carb Sync Tester
• Oil Filter (Spare)
• Air Filter (Spare)
• Fuel Filter (Spare)

If interested in using this to transport your airsoft troops, and have US$17,350.00 in loose change, then contact them by clicking this link here.