Features of the popular KamAZ-43118 model and its main modifications

The most popular truck produced by the Kama Automobile Plant is KamAZ-43118, the technical characteristics of which speak for themselves. This is a powerful, wear-resistant vehicle that can easily move both off-road and on city roads.

KamAZ has been produced since 1987, becoming an advanced vehicle with high cross-country ability. In those years, a lot of government services and authorities (fire service, Ministry of Defense and rescuers) felt a great need for equipment that would have such qualities as:

• endurance;
• no need for permanent repairs;
• would not need special maintenance;
• could easily cope with off-road conditions.

At that time, no domestic car-truck had such quality characteristics. With the development of KamAZ, all the structures listed above received what they were so lacking.

Operational Capabilities

The technical characteristics of KamAZ-43118-46 and other modifications meet the requirements of increased wear resistance, have a greater degree of maneuverability, 6 X 6 wheels, and an onboard platform (or chassis).

Such trucks have been produced today by the Kama Automobile Plant since 1996. In the period from 2011 to 2016, this modification of KamAZ became the second most successfully sold of all the plant’s equipment after model 65115.

In 2022, KamAZ-43118 took a leading position among the special equipment sold in the Russian Federation. The technical characteristics of the KamAZ-43118 with a manipulator allow us to safely call this equipment not just a dump truck, but a multifunctional vehicle with a platform with increased cross-country ability. It is used to transport not only cargo and industrial equipment, but also people.

Prices in Russia

KamAZ-43118 in terms of its design can be considered an outdated truck today. But this circumstance does not scare away regular customers of the Kama Automobile Plant. Moreover, this car is still in strong demand thanks to new customers. The supported market offers a large number of modifications in good condition that do not require major repairs. But it is possible to find a completely new copy.

So, the new KamAZ-43118 now costs about 2.5 million rubles, while the price of the maximum configuration with all additional equipment can reach 3.5-4 million rubles. But practice shows that all the options for the truck are justified, since with them the model 43118 turns into a multifunctional tractor that has no analogues on the Russian market.

The secondary market is also very diverse. Thus, the price of a copy of the 2007-2008 model years will cost 1.4 million rubles. There is also the option of renting a truck - in this case the price will be 1,500 rubles per hour.

Design features of KamAZ-43118

The technical characteristics of KamAZ-43118-15 are somewhat different from other models. Thus, on the dump truck described, the platform for placing transported goods is mounted close to the cabin. This makes it possible to create a maximally long platform.

If on previous models the spare wheel was located behind the driver's cab, then on this model dump truck it is located under the frame. A reliable platform for transporting goods is created in two types: tilted and flatbed.

According to the technical characteristics, the KamAZ-43118 onboard is equipped with a special device for working with pressure in the treads in automatic mode. This modification of KamAZ guarantees the presence of equal pressure in the wheels on all existing axles.

Therefore, there will be no inconvenience while driving associated with the use of such trucks. Auto-adjustment allows you to reduce pressure while driving over rough terrain. The pressure can be changed without leaving the cabin.

The technical characteristics of the KamAZ-43118 chassis allow it to be used for installing equipment such as a dump body, a truck crane or a tank truck. Equipment such as a hydraulic manipulator is often mounted on a dump truck.

The CMU can be installed either behind the driver’s cab or at the very end of the platform on which cargo is transported. On the basis of KamAZ-43118, log carriers and timber carriers are created and operate well.

They move well over rough terrain and through difficult forest areas. Equipment such as a manipulator successfully replaces loaders. This reduces financial expenses for purchasing additional equipment.

How often should you change the oil?

The maintenance regulations state that replacing lubricants in a KAMAZ engine unit is necessary every 10,000 kilometers.

Remarkable. Lubricants intended for extended service intervals must also be replaced no later than the period established by the regulations. This is necessary due to the high load on the power unit, which causes intense wear of parts and fluids.

Possible consequences of violating the maintenance schedule

In case of neglect of the requirements of the manufacturer, there is an accumulation of side factors that reduce the performance characteristics of the truck engine.

The most common consequences of untimely replacement of lubricant are the following factors.

1. Corrosion of internal components of the power plant.
2. Increased wear of the cylinder-piston group.
3. Formation of harmful deposits in the oil supply system.
4. Increased carbon formation, changes in exhaust parameters.
5. Significant reduction in the service life of bearings and motor rubber products.
6. Increased friction, and as a result stable overheating.

The combination of these factors leads to premature wear or complete failure of the KAMAZ engine. Therefore, preventive measures should be carried out according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Factors influencing premature wear of lubricants

There are several factors that can provoke intense wear of lubricants, which leads to their premature replacement.

1. Use of low-quality fuel. Second-rate fuel can “kill” not only the mixture supply system to the engine. This also leads to increased heating and significantly increases soot production.
2. Operation in harsh conditions. Overloads, the need to operate at high speeds, urban start-stop modes and bad roads together lead to a decrease in oil life.
3. Poor quality lubricant. By pouring counterfeit or low-quality lubricants, it is impossible to count on full-fledged work.
4. Poor technical condition of the power plant. Low cylinder compression, high wear of valves and other components contribute to fluid contamination.

Load capacity

This parameter is equal to 10 thousand kilograms. The curb weight of the truck is 8750 kg. The load on the front axle is 4600 kg, and on the rear axle - 4150 kg. The onboard model weighs 10 thousand 500 kg.

According to its technical characteristics, the KamAZ chassis is actively used as special equipment called a tractor (with a trailer), up to 12 thousand kilograms, and also as a road train weighing up to 32,650 kg. The speed of a loaded dump truck will be up to 90 km/h with the ability to overcome multi-degree slopes.

Modifications

KamAZ-43118 are available in 2 modifications:

• with multi-purpose frame;
• with metal folding sides.

The onboard KamAZ-43118-24, the technical characteristics of which indicate high maneuverability and maneuverability in difficult areas, is an updated model of a large-tonnage tractor. It is equipped with an all-metal cabin of improved design on a 4-point suspension. The salon is designed using the latest technologies and provides comfort and convenience.

The newest KamAZ models are called “Saiga” with performance characteristics so high that they are considered army tracks.

The rotation bus is a welded rectangular structure with kung-type side bevels, installed on a base 43118-3999-46. The front and rear of the vehicle have single-leaf doors with a retractable steel ladder. There are passenger seats inside the cabin. The metal frame has double glazed windows on all sides.

A fuel tanker, or fuel tanker for petroleum products, is a large-volume refueling tank on platform 3078-46, connected to the subframe with tie straps. The one-piece tilt cab is located above the engine and contains 2 doors and 3 seats. ATZ is equipped with an air exhaust mechanism, a ladder with wide steps and a working platform with railings for maintenance. A filler neck is designed on top of the shell.

KamAZ-43118-42 are vehicles with an extended frame, used as an acid pumping unit for transporting and injecting aggressive liquid media into formations.

KamAZ-43118-15 are equipped with AKN-10 tank trucks for collecting gas condensate and non-aggressive process liquids.

Fire trucks ATs-8-0-40, ATs-6-0-40 and ATs-7.0-70 with special equipment and foam concentrate are also mounted on the all-terrain vehicle frame. The pump is driven by a standard power take-off.

Vans and mobile repair shops are built on chassis 3027-46. The body consists of a cargo compartment, which is secured using brackets and stepladders. The walls and roof are made of 5-layer sandwich panels covered with clad metal.

Engine: main characteristics

The motor (aka power unit, engine) in KamAZ-43118 is four-pin, eight-cylinder. Operates on diesel fuel. The model is turbocharged. The power unit consumes little fuel and is created in accordance with the Euro-5 class.

Properties of the KamAZ-740.55-300 engine

• volume 10.85 liters;
• power 245 horsepower;
• max torque 1060 Nm;
• rotation speed is 2 thousand 200 rpm.

The Kama Plant also produces KamAZ models with a 12-liter engine with increased power - up to 300 horses.

What kind of oil to fill in KAMAZ - tolerances and replacement recommendations

Modern construction equipment requires intensive use in difficult working conditions. The domestic KAMAZ truck stands out from the general range of similar vehicles. This device is famous for its reliability, unpretentious design and durability. Such qualities are primarily due to the simple, reliable design of the power plant. However, the parameters are only possible if the engine components have good lubrication; otherwise, the machine’s motor will quickly wear out and fail, which can lead to significant restoration costs. Therefore, the oil in KAMAZ must be chosen correctly.

Features of the braking system, wheels and electrical equipment

The brake system is equipped with a pneumatic drive. The brake has a diameter of 400 mm. The total area of ​​the brake linings is 6,300 cm2. There is also a spare brake as insurance. It works if the main system refuses to work. The wheels are disc, and the tires are pneumatic, with adjustable pressure. The on-board network has a voltage of 24 Volts. There are two batteries. There is a 28 V generator.

Conversion

As always, the best goes to the military first . Even during the Great Patriotic War, the People's Commissariat of Defense ordered a highly cross-country vehicle with three drive axles. The choice of the 6x6 wheel arrangement was influenced by the operating experience of American Studebakers, then supplied under Lend-Lease. Another example of a 6x6 dump truck is the Tatra t815.

The first all-wheel drive car

It must be said that before the war, our country did not produce all-wheel drive trucks at all, let alone three-axle ones. The entire concept of increasing cross-country ability boiled down to attempts to create a half-track vehicle, which, unfortunately, turned out to be a dead end.

The first all-wheel drive vehicle for transporting cargo up to 5 tons was developed by the Moscow Plant named after Stalin, and in 1947 comparative tests were carried out with leading foreign models, according to the results of which the ZIS-151 was put into production and produced for quite a long time, along the way renamed ZIL-151.

Then the military received a new all-terrain vehicle - ZIL-157 , which was already used in the “national economy”. About a million of these vehicles were manufactured, but over time it no longer suited the customer, and the army received a much more advanced KAMAZ 4110 in the early 80s.

Its logical continuation was the KAMAZ 43118, which is still produced and popular not only among the military. Check out the new KamAZ models here.

Characteristic disadvantages of KamAZ-43118

Yes, there are them too. The first is high fuel consumption and unstable operation of the tire tread pressure measurement system. Secondly, some consider the comfort in the dump truck cab to be insufficient.

However, all these shortcomings are more than compensated for by the excellent performance characteristics of the machine and its low cost compared to imported analogues. KamAZ-43118 easily navigates difficult roads and operates successfully in the harsh climatic conditions of the Far North.

General information

It is worth noting the fact that the development of KamAZ-43118 began by order of the Russian Ministry of Defense. The country needed such a car with multi-purpose capabilities. The department set the Kama Automobile Plant the task of creating a universal vehicle with high reliability and cross-country ability. As a result, all the requirements of the Russian Ministry of Defense were implemented in the KamAZ-43118 truck. The car has a 6x6 wheel arrangement, which is advanced in its class. Serial production of the model started in 1995. It is noteworthy that this car is still perceived as quite relevant today. The external advantages of the model compared to its predecessors are an updated cabin, as well as additional equipment that makes the truck more functional. Low cost and excellent performance characteristics allowed the truck to become a leader among competitors in the Russian and post-Soviet markets.

Table: technical characteristics of KamAZ-43118

Device

The KamAZ 43118 is based on a durable chassis that allows for the installation of a wide range of attachments. In comparison with the more common versions KamAZ 43114 and KamAZ 43101, the model has a greater load capacity due to the reinforced suspension and frame. Many elements used in this car are domestic.

The truck is equipped with an all-wheel drive chassis. The differentials of all axles are symmetrical. Thanks to them, the car overcomes even severe off-road conditions. KamAZ 43118 uses spring suspension. Unique pneumatic tires with automatic pressure regulation were specially created for this model. They can withstand increased load. Tire characteristics – 425/85 R21.

The KamAZ 43118 brake system includes several elements. The main braking system is pneumatic. The wheels are equipped with drums with a diameter of 400 mm. The parking brake is activated by moving the handle to the desired position. The car has a spare brake system, provided as insurance in case of breakdown of the main one. It is controlled similarly to the parking brake. Due to this, the driver can slow down on slippery roads by moving the handle approximately a third of the way up. With further ascent, the remaining brakes of the road train are activated. The auxiliary braking system is activated by a dedicated button. It allows you to effectively overcome long descents as part of a road train. The auxiliary system is designed to operate without changing gears (in one gear in effect at the time of its operation). This mechanism reduces the risk of brake overheating.

KamAZ 43118 is equipped with 2 types of transmissions: a 10-speed gearbox of our own production or a 9-speed ZF gearbox. Both gearboxes are manual. The main gear includes a shaft with bearings and a crankcase. In this case, the main gear gears work until they are completely worn out, so the main gear is not disassembled during operation. Transfer case 2-speed manual with lockable center differential and pneumatic control. The ZF transmission in the car design is considered the most reliable element and significantly improves the dynamic parameters. Compared to the domestic gearbox, it has a longer service life. However, during long-term operation, its drive makes errors in switching stages.

The KamAZ 43118 operator’s cabin does not have a significant level of comfort. Until 2010, special equipment was equipped with the old type of operator’s cabin, developed back in the 1980s. The new modifications have an operator's cabin with a medium-sized berth, which is convenient for long-term transportation. The interior is equipped with a soft chair with mechanical adjustment and air suspension. Only the driver receives such amenities; everything in the passenger seat is much more modest. Modern cladding materials and a revised duct system improve noise and heat insulation. Heated seats, air conditioning, armrest, standard CD radio and electric windows are functionally available. again, the car can be equipped with an anti-theft system, which can be unlocked with a specialized key.

Disadvantages of KamAZ 43118:

• the tire pressure measurement system operates with serious errors;
• quite high fuel consumption;
• low level of comfort in the cabin.

Despite the existing shortcomings, the model is in stable demand due to its acceptable quality-to-price ratio. Most foreign competitors do not surpass KamAZ 43118 in terms of technical characteristics, but are more expensive. This is what forces domestic consumers to choose the product of the Kama Automobile Plant.

A spoon of tar

In conclusion, we will have to make a few critical comments towards the developers who made an unfortunate mistake. As noted above, the car is equipped with a centralized automatic tire inflation system. The scale of the pressure gauge installed in the truck, indicating the level of tire pressure, has an upper mark of 6 kg/cm2, despite the fact that the tire pressure must be maintained at 5.6 kg/cm2.

The recommended pressure is for cold tires. When driving, especially under load, the heating of the tires increases and the pressure in them increases significantly. At the same time, the pressure level remains unknown to us, since the arrow rests on the scale limit. Based on operating experience of the Ural-43206 truck, it is known that with the recommended pressure in cold tires equal to 3.5 kg/cm2, while driving at maximum speed, the pressure increases by 2kg/cm2.

It follows from this that in order to ensure an accurate indication of pressure indicators, the pressure gauge that is equipped with the KamAZ tire inflation system must have a scale with a significantly higher amplitude of indicators.

Despite the presence of certain shortcomings and shortcomings, KamAZ-43118 has already confidently found its niche in the domestic car market among medium-tonnage trucks. The popularity of the truck, not least of all, is due to its acceptable price-quality ratio. The cost of foreign analogues is much higher, and most buyers, after weighing all the pros and cons, choose KamAZ.