Key Features
KamAZ-43118 is, as stated in driver reviews, a time-tested, reliable and unpretentious car. The vehicle chassis allows for the installation of a wide range of attachments. Compared to the common models 43114 and 43101, it has a higher load capacity, which is due to the reinforced design of the frame and suspension. This model is off-road, so it was equipped with high-capacity fuel tanks, since overcoming off-road conditions is always associated with high fuel consumption.
In terms of price, KamAZ-43118 is significantly cheaper than similar domestic and foreign tractors, and is also suitable for mounting a large number of special devices. The curb weight of the tractor is about ten and a half tons.
The concept of an off-road transport truck was developed in 1992. The car is created according to the 6x6 layout. First of all, the military and rescue workers expressed their interest in the project. That is why the end result was not just a truck, but a multifunctional KamAZ-43118 chassis. The technical characteristics of the platform satisfy such parameters as ease of maintenance, the ability to be repaired in the field, and high cross-country ability.
New all-terrain vehicle Kamaz-43118: review and reviews from owners
In general, KAMAZ SUVs have always been the subject of legends and tales. The first Kamaz-43101 model can generally be called a cult model - even though it was inferior in cross-country ability to the Ural, and in the war, when a mine exploded, the driver was left with only his ears and a belt buckle, nevertheless, the drivers loved it very much. For example, if necessary, the maximum speed of an empty KamAZ-43101 could reach as much as 120 km/h. The truck consumed liters of diesel fuel, but it was more or less comfortable and could be easily repaired. What to expect from the new KamAZ-43118 model?
Reviews: I didn’t like the cabin
And what kind of fool, excuse me, decided to sculpt plastic bumpers on an off-road truck that works on scaffolding and bolts? Perhaps the new Kamaz-43118 cab looks more beautiful, however, reviews from owners and drivers seethe with indignation: the plastic bumper has to be sealed all the time, when working in the forest, when sometimes you need to put a log under the car, the bumper is not suitable at all. Yes, it might save a few lives and be safer in an accident. But for Russian conditions, a cab with such a bumper is idiotic. In the previous model KamAZ-43114 the bumper was made of iron, why spoil the evolution?
Inside, the cabin has become a little prettier, the instrument panel has been updated, and the buttons have become more pleasant. The fabric on the seats is tough, which is good - it's easy to clean. But the bulky plastic on the doors remains the same. But never mind - the machine was created for labor, for dirty work, so the main thing here is practicality, not comfort. In principle, this car still has few competitors even among its Western counterparts; this is not the quiet horror of the Kamaz-5490, the development of which was simply wasted money.
Is it worth buying? Or is it better to take the old model 43101 or 43114?
The main difference between the new KamAZ-43118 and models 43114 and 43101 is its increased load capacity by 4 tons. It is clear that it is unlikely to be loaded with more than previous models, however, the increased load capacity indicates a more durable suspension and frame. The second main advantage is the volume of the fuel tank. Remember the nightmare that 43101 had - two 125 liter tanks were catastrophically missing. Model 43114 was slightly modified by installing 170-liter tanks.
But this was not enough. After all, a Kamaz SUV, when driving through sand or mud, consumes up to 50 liters of fuel. The new model 43118 has two tanks of 210+350 liters each, which is quite normal for work. So it’s definitely worth buying a new model - it’s more profitable for work.
What is the fuel consumption?
Manufacturers have loudly announced a 10% reduction in fuel consumption. In principle, this is unlikely, given that they began to install a 300-horsepower KAMAZ-740.55-300 engine on the car, and even the curb weight increased by almost a ton. The real fuel consumption of Kamaz-43118 is from 33 to 38 liters when driving on hard roads. Well, on heavy off-road conditions, and even under load, fuel consumption is over 40.
What can?
In principle, the new KamAZ-43118 can be purchased not only to work as a log carrier or hydraulic manipulator. The Kamaz-43118 dump truck is very attractive for making money - it has a hefty body with a volume of 18.5 cubic meters. However, according to driver reviews, due to the long wheelbase, the model slightly lost its cross-country ability.
But anyone who uses the car both off-road and in the city will be very pleased.
And, of course, a motorhome on the KamAZ-43118 chassis is very attractive. A powerful engine and a good power reserve - the car will allow you to go on such expeditions that another car is unlikely to withstand. By the way, the service life of the all-terrain vehicle has been significantly increased, the car has become less likely to break down over trifles.
Device and modifications
The basis for this model was the KamAZ-4310 military tractor, which was modernized in 1989. Serial production of the new car began in 1995, and it is still in production today.
A non-standard technical solution used to create this car was that the body is closely adjacent to the cabin. The cabin itself has also undergone changes; it was equipped with a hydraulic lift. Many drivers of special equipment prefer KamAZ-42118. The technical characteristics of the car fit well into the realities of Russian off-road conditions, according to those who have ever driven this car.
It turned out that, almost without changing the wheelbase, the body became longer than that of previous generations of KamAZ vehicles, and therefore the spare wheel was moved under the truck frame.
In 2010, the model underwent another restyling. A car produced in 2015 is sold for 4,375,000 rubles.
Kamaz 43114 truck - reviews
Riveneatchinne
https://otzyv.expert/prekrasniy-vezdehod-so-svoimi-nyuansami-1533130
Advantages:
Warm cabin, excellent visibility, excellent maneuverability.
Flaws:
The Russian assembly leaves much to be desired. Difficult start and severe frost
My first acquaintance with this car took place after the Ural car.
Ural is a legend among all-terrain vehicles! But, my personal opinion is that KAMAZ has become a more than worthy competitor.
As they say, everything is learned by comparison. I'll try to compare it with the Urals.
Fuel consumption is basically the same. But on the highway the Kamaz behaves much more pleasantly. More stable, more manageable, much more comfortable. It behaves noticeably better at speed.
But, if you go off-road, then again, you will be pleasantly surprised! First, the wheel weight distribution is very good. Secondly, an excellent overview, you can see what is going on right under your nose. Third. Due to the absence of a “muzzle”, overcoming holes, ditches, and steep climbs becomes easier, since it does not bury its nose. Fourth, an excellent mountain brake and lowering make it easy to storm both fords and passes!
Well, in general... In winter the cabin is warm. The power steering is great. the seat is comfortable.
In general, I personally liked Kamaz much more than the Ural.
General impression:
A wonderful all-terrain vehicle, with its own nuances.
Stas Ushakov
https://truck.ironhorse.ru/kamaz-43114.html?comments=1
I like a good domestic truck that fully justifies its cost in all respects. Separately, I would like to note its excellent cross-country ability, good load capacity, and decently powerful engine. True, he “eats” quite a bit, especially at full load. The car was bought new 1.5 years ago, during which time only scheduled maintenance was performed.
Pro-man
https://truck.ironhorse.ru/kamaz-43114.html?comments=1
KamAZ-43114 is a reliable “hard worker” with a powerful engine and good cross-country ability. I am completely satisfied with the car, the optimal combination of price/quality. The cabin cannot be called a standard of comfort; the seat, in my opinion, is not very well profiled, although it has enough adjustments. The engine is torquey and drives very confidently when fully loaded.
Artem1402
https://otzovik.com/review_4483988.html
Advantages:
Comfortable cabin, excellent maneuverability.
Flaws:
Requires careful care.
Another miracle car from the days of my army service. This all-terrain vehicle brings back only warm and pleasant memories to me. I’m very pleased that I even got to ride behind the wheel of this handsome guy. True, only on the highway, but I really wanted to test it off-road. But our driver loved and took care of this Kamaz so much that he didn’t trust anyone to drive off-road. And I understand him. In the short time I spent behind the wheel, I also fell in love with the truck. Very comfortable and wide cabin. What is important is that it has a sleeping place. Quite an intelligible instrument panel. Relatively soft seats, despite the stiff suspension. Excellent maneuverability. But like all Kamaz vehicles, it requires constant care and maintenance in good condition.
General impression:
Tank on wheels.
678
https://avtotravel.com/forum/aft/35362
Yes, Kamaz is certainly not a BMW, but if, as they wrote in the next thread, you start with a blowout, you can understand the logic of the designers. And I liked the car. I recently drove it on the highway. So you go and don’t get nervous, you’re always first. No overtaking for you, no oncoming traffic. And if you don’t bother others by cheating, then in the radio on the channel they will only blink thanks and the emergency lights will blink. For my purposes, another machine is not needed. I want to drive around Russia, but for our roads and our service there is nothing better IMHO.
Kenworth
https://www.rh2.ru/f1/topic-765.html
KAMAZ 43114 has found its application in conditions of lack of normal road surface. All-wheel drive (wheel formula - 6x6), as well as single-pitch tires, make it possible to accelerate quite serious off-road conditions. It is not for nothing that KAMAZ 43114 is in service with the Russian Ministry of Defense.
The vehicle's carrying capacity is 6 tons, but when the onboard platform is dismantled, it reaches 7.71 tons (for various add-ons). The size of the onboard platform is 4.8x2.32 meters. The KAMAZ 43114 chassis is also used as a base for truck cranes, timber trucks, kung trucks, tanks, and log trucks. The vehicle is widely used not only in the military sphere, but also in the geological exploration and oil production industries.
The KAMAZ 740.11 engine (power – 240 l/s) is coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. Like any all-wheel drive truck, KAMAZ has two fuel tanks (main and reserve) with a capacity of 170 and 125 liters, respectively. Despite its dimensions, the turning radius is only 11.3 meters. The high cross-country ability of this model is also evidenced by the fact that it was KAMAZ 43114 that was the “technical vehicle” (technical support vehicle) at the famous African rally raid.
Ivan2491
https://auto.ria.com/reviews/kamaz/43114/121027/
Advantages Passability! High base! Normal load capacity! Disadvantages There are problems with the railway, fuel, and air system. Service is key! Driving this truck! Feel confident! Good at management! When off-road you jump over potholes and don’t pay much attention to bumps! Especially when you don’t load much! It drives much smoother, basically like any truck! But as soon as you get out on the track, you stick in fifth and off you go! The only thing is when you accelerate too much and the speed is high, the vibration starts to be quite bad! And so, eighty, one hundred goes fine! If you push for a hundred square meters, you need to put something thick in the cabin between the seats, where the lever is, because from this place you can hear the roar of the engine. Cabin with a sleeping bag! This is a smart solution! Very convenient!
In general, the car is very good! If you keep an eye on it and service it on time, there won't be any trouble with it!
MYGT_RU
https://www.drom.ru/reviews/other/rus/357771/
There is not even a separate category for the KAMAZ brand on the market (at the time of writing).
This is understandable. Forum for buyers. And KAMAZ is a purely utilitarian vehicle.
I have little experience driving a KAMAZ. Several tens of hours. Half of them are at the race track. In 2016, I had to open category C on my driver’s license in connection with the purchase of a Hummer. I decided not to buy the rights but to study myself, since it was interesting to me.
In such a short time, it is difficult to form a detailed opinion about the car, but I will describe the impressions from the side of an ordinary person.
Strangely enough, from the first minutes of driving, there is no feeling of discomfort.
This is how you imagine your first trip on KAMAZ?
A hefty machine on six huge wheels. Of course, as a child, in the village I drove a GAZ 53, T-16 and even a little K-700 through the fields. But that was a long time ago.
Yes, the Kamaz vehicle is very large and heavy. But you somehow get used to it very quickly. At first you think that it will be really uncomfortable, but after five minutes you are already riding calmly.
The gear shift lever travel is half a meter and the biggest difficulty for beginners is catching speed while moving. Moreover, on each specific car (I drove three) it is different.
Yes, and after many years of driving on an automatic transmission, you have to get used to the mechanics again. But considering that I once had a VAZ 2101, 2106, 2105, 2110, 2121...).
The training took place in winter - in icy conditions. Since studded tires are not a priori produced for this car, certain rules must be followed on slippery surfaces. On slippery slopes, forget about the brake and reduce speed only using a lower gear. Use the brake only when stopping almost completely - or on a dry surface. When turning on ice, the same rules apply. This is the only way to carry the car.
The Kamaz accelerates slowly but confidently. You can (and preferably) start from second gear.
During the “slide” exercise - when they didn’t sprinkle salt and didn’t clean it - I had to turn on the locks and lower them in order to move off smoothly.
The turn signals turn on in a sweeping manner).
The instrument panel and control ergonomics are KAMAZ class. But in general it's okay. Once you remember the assignments of all the numerous keys, it’s quite simple.
There is no air conditioning, the stove works perfectly. In twenty-degree frost it is hot in the cabin. There is also an autonomous pre-heater. For a diesel engine in Siberian conditions, this is a vital thing.
Naturally, I can’t say anything about repairs and maintenance, but in general, according to the instructors, there are no special problems. Although in the conditions of a driving school - where cars are operated without much load - the possibility of breakdowns is certainly lower than in field conditions (With the exception of the transmission - gearbox and clutch, which are abused by inept students).
The engine inevitably consumes oil and it is advisable to check the level before each trip. As are the levels of other fluids.
To summarize, we can say that I liked KAMAZ. He didn't leave any bad impressions. A purely utilitarian car, the way it should be. Of course, it may be far from the comfort of its foreign counterparts, but it still stimulates pride in Russia
Engine and transmission
The KamAZ-43118 vehicle is equipped with different types of engines. The first is a 300-horsepower engine from the Kama Automobile Plant, meeting Euro-3 standards, and the second is a 740.30-260 engine from the same manufacturer with a capacity of 260 hp. Both engines are diesel, turbocharged with intake air cooling. The diesel fuel consumption of the most powerful modification is 38 liters per 100 km. The maximum speed of the car depends on the modification, in some versions it reaches 102 km/h. For an all-wheel drive off-road truck, this is a good result.
The engines are also supplied with two types of gearboxes: ZF 9-speed and 10-speed from KamAZ. Both boxes are mechanical.
Chassis
The chassis is all-wheel drive, with a 6x6 wheel arrangement. Tires measuring 425/85 R21 were specially created for this KamAZ model; they are distinguished by high load resistance: each wheel can withstand 4 tons. The truck wheels are disc. Tire pressure is adjusted automatically. The main gear includes a crankcase and a shaft with bearings. The drive shaft of the main gear is a through shaft; cardan shafts are connected to it through flanges. The main gear gears, as noted in reviews, last until they are completely worn out, and the main gear is not disassembled during operation.
The differentials of the three KamAZ-43118 axles have a symmetrical shape. Their presence helps the truck overcome even the harsh Siberian off-road conditions, where KamAZ trucks work as timber carriers. It is in Siberia that their off-road qualities are valued more than anywhere else, which compensate for the huge level of fuel consumption. Timber truck drivers have been in so many difficult situations! For them, every daily trip is much harder than those trophy raids that are organized by fans of SUVs.
Advantages and disadvantages
The good features of this vehicle are cross-country ability, load capacity, as well as simplicity and versatility of design. Timber trucks, fire tanks, truck cranes... KamAZ works anywhere and in any capacity. The ZF gearbox is considered one of the most reliable in trucks. It improves the dynamic characteristics of the machine by 10% and has a longer service life than the Russian-developed gearbox.
However, it also has a number of disadvantages. As drivers note, the gearbox drive begins to throw up surprises during long-term operation, making mistakes in switching gears.
In addition, the tire inflation system does not always show the correct pressure, because it changes while driving, but the readings of the pressure gauge installed in the cabin remain at the same level.
Service
The KamAZ-43118 vehicle can be equipped with an anti-theft system, which makes it difficult for an attacker to access the steering column and also turns off the starter. The anti-theft device is unlocked with a special key.
Before driving, it is necessary to check the oil level in the engine crankcase, the coolant level, the presence of fuel in the tanks, the condition of the wheels and the steering drive. During the first 1000 kilometers of driving a new truck, it is not recommended to subject it to extreme loads.
These are the basic rules for operating KamAZ-43118. The vehicle's characteristics state that the truck's engine runs on GOST 305-82 fuel. Driving should be started only after the pressure in the brake system has been reduced and the engine has warmed up.
Operation, maintenance and repair
Maintenance and repair operations are prescribed in the KamAZ-43118 operating manual. The instructions include passport data about the car, recommendations for shift, weekly and seasonal maintenance.
Maintenance includes such work as:
- control;
- diagnostics;
- inspection of fastening connections;
- lubrication of parts;
- adjustment of clutch, valves and thermal clearances.
When installing the latest electronic engine management system on cars, it became possible to carry out early diagnosis of faults, which are displayed on the instrument panel as error codes.
With the release of each new model, their combination is constantly replenished.
To decrypt, use a table with numbers indicating a malfunction. So, for KamAZ Euro-4 class:
- code 11 indicates a malfunction of the gas pedal;
- 12, 13 — the atmospheric pressure sensor does not work;
- 38, 39 - low or high engine oil level;
- 61, 67 - the brake controller is blocked.
Brake control
The parking brake is activated by setting the control knob for the parking and spare brakes of KamAZ-43118 to the desired position. A diagram of the brake system is in the instruction manual.
A spare brake system is provided in case of failure of the main one. On a KamAZ road train, it is controlled by gradually moving the parking brake handle. Thus, on a slippery road you can brake the trailer by moving the handle up a third of the stroke. By raising the handle higher, the driver applies all the brakes of the road train.
The machine also has an auxiliary brake system, which is activated by a separate button. It helps to overcome long descents when driving a KamAZ-43118 road train. The technical characteristics of the auxiliary brake system are designed only for operation without shifting gears, that is, only at one stage that is currently engaged. This is done to avoid overheating of the brake mechanisms.
Device
KamAZ trucks consist of a large number of complex assemblies and parts.
Front axle
The front axle on a Euro-standard car has a long service life and wear resistance.
The crankcase is offset to the left of center, so the left axle shaft is shorter than the right one. At the inner end there are 20 splines for attaching semi-axial gears coupled with 4 satellites of the cross-axle differential, at the other end there is a hub for fastening the wheel. The axle shafts are unloaded and transmit torque to the wheelset.
The front axle is a drive axle, like other axles, but differs in a curved beam for a low landing of the engine, onto which the crankcase is mounted, as well as elements of the controls and brake system. The generator belt connects 3 gears in parallel and is fixed to the shafts.
Fuel system
The fuel system (TS) is a combination of the following mechanisms:
- High pressure pump;
- nozzles;
- fine and coarse filters;
- low pressure fuel priming pump;
- fuel lines;
- tanks;
- solenoid valve;
- pin spark plugs for electric torch starting.
The split type vehicle cleans and distributes fuel evenly among the cylinders.
Air system
The source of compressed air in the brake pneumatic system is a 2-cylinder, 1-stage compression piston-type air compressor.
Capacity - 220 l/min at a rotation of 2200 rpm and a back pressure of 700 kPa.
The regulator maintains pressure in the brake system and protects against contamination. The design includes a limiter designed to isolate the tire inflation system and the pneumatic drive when the pressure decreases.
The brake valve drive is pneumatic, separate, and transmits force from the driver’s foot through a rod to the valve lever.
The wheels are equipped with drums with a diameter of 40 cm.
The front brake chambers are diaphragm.
The parking brake is activated by moving the handle to the required position. In case of failure of the main brake, a backup system is provided.
Transfer case
Transfer case device:
- asymmetrical center differential;
- pneumatic gear shift drive;
- pneumatic drive for differential lock control.
The transfer case in the truck is manual, 2-speed.
Cooling system
The KamAZ-43118 cooling system consists of the following main elements:
- cooling radiator;
- water pump;
- pipes;
- thermostats;
- cooling Fan;
- hydraulic coupling.
The controlled drive automatically adjusts the rotation speed of the ventilation device and enhances engine cooling. For more efficient airflow onto the radiator, the fan is protected by a casing made of stamped thin metal.
The circulation of coolant through the system is ensured by a water pump, the internal working cavities of which have seals.
Thermostats are responsible for the temperature flow of antifreeze.
The cooling radiator is 3- or 4-row, made according to the classical design. The fastening is three-point.
Operation in winter
KamAZ-43118 can be used in winter due to its safety margin and driving performance. To make it easier to start the engine, the machine has a special electric torch device. It is also possible to use a pre-heater.
In order to use the heater, you need to perform five steps, given that this device has its own fuel system with manual pumping.
General maintenance, both in the warm and cold seasons, includes monitoring, diagnostics, fastening, and lubrication work associated with the adjustment of individual components and assemblies of the machine.
