An asset tracker is a GPS unit with its own battery, designed for assets without an electrical supply: trailers, containers, construction machinery, generators. Teltonika has three models in this family — TAT100, TAT140 and TAT240 — with a difference that goes beyond price: the network generation they use. Here's what changes between the three and which one to choose.
What an asset tracker is and who needs one
Unlike a vehicle GPS tracker (which is wired to the vehicle's 12V/24V battery), an asset tracker runs autonomously: it attaches magnetically to any metal surface and works off its own battery for months or years, with no wiring or electrical installation. It's the right choice for assets that have no power of their own: parked trailers, shipping containers, mobile generators, stored construction machinery, or even agricultural machinery sitting idle out of season.
The factor that matters most: connectivity
This is the real difference between the three models, and it matters more than any other spec: the TAT100 uses a 2G/GPRS network, while the TAT140 and TAT240 use 4G (LTE Cat M1 + NB-IoT) with 2G fallback. This is no minor detail — Spanish carriers have spent years progressively decommissioning their 2G networks to free up spectrum and cut the maintenance cost of legacy infrastructure. A device that relies solely on 2G risks losing coverage as that shutdown advances, with no warning at the individual-device level.
If you're buying now, this tips the balance clearly toward the TAT140 or TAT240. If you already have TAT100 units installed, now is the time to plan their replacement before 2G coverage in your area gets worse.
TAT100: the entry-level model (2G)
The TAT100 is Teltonika's budget asset tracker: magnetic, IP67 sealed, with a long-life replaceable battery in standby mode. It's still viable to deploy today if your operating area retains stable 2G coverage and you prioritize cost over network longevity, but it's the option with the highest risk of network obsolescence over the medium term.
TAT140: the 4G successor in the same form factor
The TAT140 keeps the TAT100's philosophy — magnetic, IP67, replaceable battery — but switches connectivity to 4G LTE Cat M1 / NB-IoT with 2G fallback, solving the underlying problem of the previous model. It's the middle option: same volume-oriented price, same simple installation, but without the network expiry date the TAT100 carries.
TAT240: the reference model, with more sensors and better sealing
The TAT240 is the flagship of the range: same type of 4G LTE Cat M1 + NB-IoT + 2G fallback connectivity as the TAT140, but with a step up in protection and available data.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | 4G LTE Cat M1 + NB-IoT + 2G GSM fallback |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou (multi-constellation) |
| Sealing | IP68 (fully dust-tight + submersible 1m, 30 min) |
| Battery | Up to 5 years in sleep mode + motion alert; internally replaceable |
| Mounting | Built-in magnetic (neodymium magnets) |
| Sensors | 3-axis accelerometer, light sensor, temperature sensor |
| Size / weight | 78 × 57 × 22 mm, ~85 g |
The light sensor lets you detect a closed container being opened (outside light enters, an alert fires), and the temperature sensor gives an extra ambient reading with no need for a separate external sensor. IP68 sealing (versus the IP67 of the TAT100/TAT140) tolerates immersion, not just splashes — relevant for assets exposed to heavy rain or pressure washing.
TAT100 vs TAT140 vs TAT240 comparison
| TAT100 | TAT140 | TAT240 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | 2G/GPRS | 4G LTE Cat M1/NB-IoT + 2G fallback | 4G LTE Cat M1/NB-IoT + 2G fallback |
| Sealing | IP67 | IP67 | IP68 |
| Mounting | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic (neodymium) |
| Battery | Replaceable, long life | Replaceable, long life | Up to 5 years, internally replaceable |
| Extra sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer | Accelerometer + light + temperature |
| 2G shutdown risk | High | Low (4G with fallback) | Low (4G with fallback) |
| Use profile | Entry-level, tight budget | Mid-range, no network risk | Reference, higher-value assets |
Which one to choose for your case
- Very tight budget and confirmed 2G coverage in your area: TAT100, accepting the medium-term network risk.
- You want the price/longevity balance without overpaying: TAT140, same form factor as the TAT100 but without the network expiry date.
- Higher-value assets, wet environments, or you need to detect containers being opened: TAT240, with IP68 and additional sensors. We go over real anti-theft use cases with this model in our article on the TAT240 for anti-theft.
Frequently asked questions
Will the TAT100 lose coverage because of the 2G shutdown?
It's a real risk as carriers in Spain scale back their 2G infrastructure. If you're deploying now, the TAT140 or TAT240 avoid that risk with 4G connectivity and 2G fallback.
Is the battery replaceable in these models?
In the TAT100 and TAT140, yes, by swapping the batteries. The TAT240 also lets you replace the battery internally, though its design is built to last up to 5 years in standby before that's needed.
Do they work for construction or agricultural machinery with no power?
Yes, it's one of the main use cases: they attach magnetically to the machine's metal chassis and run autonomously, with no need to connect to the equipment's battery.
How long does the battery last in practice?
It depends on the configured mode (standby with motion alert, periodic update, or continuous tracking). The TAT240 documents up to 5 years in sleep mode with motion alert; the TAT100 and TAT140 likewise offer several years in standby depending on the interval you set.
Where can you buy these devices with a warranty in Spain?
At Trackiber, official Teltonika distributor in Spain: physical stock, invoice with Spanish VAT, free shipping in 3-5 business days and 24-month official warranty. If you're unsure which model fits your case, use the selection wizard with 3 questions.
Available with 24-month official warranty and free shipping in 3-5 days: Teltonika TAT240 (4G, IP68, magnetic) and Teltonika TAT140 (4G, IP67, magnetic).