For many years, the Kama Automobile Plant has remained a leader in every significant segment of the Russian large truck market. Until recently, the exception was the segment of truck tractors engaged in long-haul transportation.
KamAZ-5490 was created specifically for this niche. The characteristics of the KamAZ-5490 are due to the fact that it is a 2-axle truck-type tractor that transports cargo over long distances, entering road trains. Therefore, the carrying capacity of the KamAZ-5490 is very high.
Description
KamAZ launched a new truck tractor into production in the second quarter of 2017. Like most domestically produced vehicles, the truck in question went through a difficult period of development. Based on user feedback, the plant's designers made design changes aimed at improving consumer qualities and increasing reliability.
The first negative reviews from drivers about the KamAZ-5490 “Neo” concerned unstable steering, fairly frequent breakdowns of the hydraulic booster and increased wear of the tires on the front wheels. Claims were also made regarding the electrical equipment of the machine. Wiring of questionable quality during repairs required a preliminary inspection by mechanics, after which a decision was made on the type of repair and the ordering of spare parts, which were not particularly pleasing with their characteristics. Despite this, the updated truck tractor is classified as a product of a higher level, compared to previously produced modifications at the Kama Automobile Plant.
Instrument cluster indicators and controls KamAZ-5490.
Instrument cluster indicators and controls KamAZ-5490.
Other records on the operation of the KAMAZ-5490 car:
Car keys.
The key is designed to open the cab doors and turn on the instrument switch and starter lock. The keys have special coding and are tied to a specific car.
Instrument switch and starter key positions.
- Oh - everything is turned off. When the key is removed from the lock, the steering is locked.
- ACC – unlocks the steering/turns on the radio, fixed position. When the key is in the “ACC” position, the audio system and other auxiliary consumers of electricity operate.
- ON – driving position, power supply to all vehicle systems, fixed position.
- START – engine start, non-fixed position.
- Remove the key from the instrument switch and starter lock only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop, because It is impossible to drive the car when the key is removed.
- You should remove the key from the lock even when leaving the car for a short time to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to the car.
Driver's workplace.
1 — switch block on the driver’s door; 2 , 10 , 17 - ventilation and heating deflectors; 3 - smoke alarm; 4 — cabin heater control panel (if equipped); 5 — tachograph; 6 — radio receiver; 7 — switch block; 8 , 27 — storage compartment; 9 — glove box; 11 — switch block on the passenger door; 12 — light switch; 13 — steering wheel; 14 — instrument panel; 15 — parking brake; 16 — central part of the instrument panel; 18 - combination switch; 19 — preheater control panel; 20 — clutch pedal; 21 — gearbox control switch with automatic mode and auxiliary brake system; 22 — brake pedal; 23 — diagnostic connector; 24 — fuel control pedal; 25 — gear shift lever; 26 — cigarette lighter; 28 , 29 — power socket; 30 — fuse box cover; 31 - output for powering the radio.
Instrument cluster.
- For a vehicle with an engine powered by a liquefied natural gas power system, the switches and instruments associated with the diesel engine power system are inoperative.
Instrument cluster.
- 1 — electronic tachometer;
- 2 - tachometer indicator , lights up when the car is moving in modes that are dangerous for the engine (when the permissible engine speed is exceeded);
- 3 — control lamps;
- 4 — information display;
- 5 — electronic speedometer;
- 6 — speedometer indicator , lights up when the specified maximum vehicle speed is exceeded. The specified maximum speed is set by the vehicle manufacturer or at a service center;
- 7 — pressure indicator in the first circuit of the brake system ; nominal air pressure in the pneumatic drive is 9.0-10.0 kgf/cm2. In the indicator area there is a warning lamp warning of a drop in pressure in the first circuit of the brake system;
- 8 — pressure indicator in the second circuit of the brake system ; nominal air pressure in the pneumatic drive is 9.0-10.0 kgf/cm2. In the indicator area there is a warning lamp warning of a drop in pressure in the second circuit of the brake system;
- 9 - liquid temperature indicator in the cooling system . In the indicator area there is an emergency temperature warning lamp, which lights up when the coolant temperature is too high;
- 10 - fuel level indicator in tanks . In the indicator area there is a warning lamp for reserve fuel remaining, which lights up when the fuel in the tank decreases to 12% of the tank volume.
- 11 — button for switching total mileage/resetable mileage . Briefly pressing the button switches modes. When pressed for more than 3-5 seconds – mileage reset;
- 12 — button for scrolling through screens (double button on the steering wheel).
- At ambient temperatures below minus 30 °C, the display may become unstable, and at minus 40 °C, the instrument cluster may become unstable.
Source
Implemented innovations
The main part of the innovations lies in the improvement of the Kamaz-5490 Neo chassis. The wheelbase was increased by 200 millimeters to optimize the distribution of axle loads. This approach made it possible to reduce the stress on the rear axle while simultaneously loading the front axle.
The developers have additionally strengthened the front suspension unit. It was equipped with a set of springs made from small sheets of high quality, as well as a powerful stabilizer. In addition, combined rubber and metal hinges are mounted in this block. This design made it possible to increase the service life of the suspension, simplify maintenance of the unit, and reduce the cost of service operation.
The updated truck is equipped with a front axle load regulator. This is ensured by a corresponding indicator that displays the parameters on the on-board computer monitor. This measure makes it possible to reduce the risk of receiving fines for exceeding the permitted axle loads.
Equipment
The standard equipment of the KamAZ “Neo” 5490 tractor, reviews of which are given below, includes a fuel tank with a capacity of 695 liters, which is located on the right. There is also a holder for a spare wheel on the left side of the frame. For long flights it is possible to install an additional fuel tank with a volume of 400 liters. It is attached in place of the spare tire latch.
When hitching, the updated modification does not require removing the top of the truck's rear fenders. The removable element is made flat and consists of three components, which makes it possible to couple without accidental contact between the fender and the semi-trailer. The new design of the wings better protects against splashes, which do not wash away the lubricant of working parts, extending their service life.
Additional equipment
Some mainline tractor configurations, in addition to the specified elements, are equipped with the following devices:
- air conditioning;
- autonomous cabin heater;
- electronic tachograph;
- improved driver's seat with heating and air suspension;
- engine pre-heater;
- extra bed;
- imported tires.
Otherwise, the KamAZ plant launched a new truck tractor into production without any special changes. The power unit is an economical Daimler engine that meets Euro 5 standards. Engine power is 401 horsepower, speed is 1900 rotations per minute. It is combined with a manual transmission with 16 modes or an automatic transmission with 12 steps.
Technical characteristics of the KamAZ-5490 engine
Each modification of this car is equipped with a Mercedes-Benz OM 457LA engine, which is an in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine with turbocharging and intercooling. The assembly location is the Daimler engine plant in Mannheim.
The German turbocharged diesel engine is characterized by high efficiency. The resource is 1 million km, the length of the service interval is 80 thousand km. In terms of design, the OM 457 LA is traditional: equipped with turbocharging, intercooling, a distribution shaft in the block, wet liners, and separate 4-valve cylinder heads.
The fuel equipment is PLD, consisting of electronically controlled mini-injection pumps, individual for each individual cylinder. Euro 5 requirements are met thanks to BlueTek technology (implying the use of a urea solution).
Description of the KamAZ-5490 “Neo” cabin
The frame of this element is based on an analogue of one of the generations of Mercedes-Benz Axor. The cabin is equipped with a four-point mechanical suspension and a single berth as standard. The passenger and driver's seats are manufactured by ISRI and are equipped with heating, adjustments and air suspension.
Both seats have folding armrests. The steering unit with a pneumatic lock is adjusted for tilt and reach. The interior shows a “Mercedes” style. Most of the finishing materials are made of high-quality light gray plastic. At the bottom of the front panel to the left of the driver there are niches and shelves for tools and other small items, and on top there is a pair of cup holders. The high roof allows you to install additional storage compartments above the windshield. There are also spaces for a digital tachograph and radio. In the central part there is a ventilation hatch, powered by an electric drive. A control unit for lighting, hatch and pre-heater is installed near the berth. Under the sleeping bag there is another place for personal belongings.
Cabin
KamAZ specialists carefully worked on the development of the cabin, changing the rather ordinary appearance of the truck from Germany, making it more modern and respectable. Deflectors are not only part of the design - their task is to divert air flow from door handles while maintaining the cleanliness of the latter. The cabin has an electrically driven tilting mechanism.
The anti-slip stair steps are illuminated and have heated rear viewing mirrors. The mirrors are large and massive, and have control of each “blind spot”.
The German prototype of the cabin was attached to the frame with struts on springs, and in the KamAZ-5490 - with the help of a 4-point air suspension, which has increased softness and comfort. Grammer car seats with air suspension are delivered from Yelabuga. The joint Russian-German Grammer plant is located there. The interior decoration elements are foreign, they are no different from the Aksor.
The cabin inside is clearly divided into passenger and driver sections. The instrument panel is laconic and has an anti-reflective coating; the location of the sensors is extremely convenient.
The plastic is of high quality and is characterized by precise fitting of parts. There is a tachograph made in Europe, Continental VDO. The ceiling is quite high, has paneling, a hatch, lighting, and there are shelves for things above the glass. The sleeping shelf has a width of 0.7 m.
Main characteristics and overall dimensions of KamAZ-5490 “Neo”
Below are the main parameters and dimensions of the truck:
- absolute weight of the tractor/in the road train - 18.6/44 t;
- rear/front axle load - 11.5/7.1 t;
- engine type - diesel engine with a turbine and six in-line cylinders;
- type of suspension - pneumatic;
- drive - hydraulics with air booster;
- brake system - discs;
- base length - 6.3 m;
- maximum speed - 90 km/h;
- turning azimuth - 8 m;
- fuel consumption - 34.2/100 km.
KamAZ-5490 modifications
- 5490-009-87 - has a 12-speed automatic transmission, no retarder.
- 5490-99010-87 - has a sixteen-speed manual transmission; there is no retarder or side guard.
- 5490-014-87 - has a sixteen-speed manual transmission, there is no retarder, the cabin is low, has a mechanical suspension, there is no side guard, there are flashing lights, a button to turn off the mass, protected wiring, a fuel tank (for transporting fuel in tanks).
- 5490-68 (T5) - additionally equipped with fairings, an Advers 14TS heater, a tachograph, audio equipment (including an antenna and two speakers), air conditioning, heated car seats, and an electric sunroof.
TTX KamAZ-5490 of these modifications are as follows:
- The load on the SSU is from 10.625 to 11.125 tons.
- The total weight of the semi-trailer is from 36.025 to 36.525 tons.
- Curb weight - from 7.4 to 7.9 tons.
- Rear axle load: 5.08 to 5.38 tons.
- Front axle load: 2.32 to 2.52 tons.
- Automatic transmission ZF 12AS2130 / manual transmission ZF 16S 2220.
Additional elements: indicators of worn linings and axle load, fairings, Advers 14TS heater, car radio, tachograph, car seat heating system, electric sunroof.
Test Drive
The domestic KamAZ-5490 “Neo” tractor, the technical characteristics of which are given above, behaves quite confidently on the road. Driving a truck feels like driving a Mercedes. In fact, inside the cabin it is. Information from the instruments is readable perfectly, all controls are freely accessible, and the buttons and keys on the front panel can be easily reached.
Separately, it is worth noting the presence of various systems aimed at significantly facilitating the driver’s work. This includes air conditioning, autonomous air heater, electric windows, heated and electrically operated mirrors, cruise control and the like. The German-made diesel engine has decent traction and accelerates well. The high seating position, coupled with a full set of rear-view mirrors, guarantee excellent visibility. The control parts require minimal effort, and the steering wheel is quite comfortable. After getting rid of the early problems, the controls are practically no problem. In general, the car turned out to be as close as possible to a real mainline truck tractor.
Reliability and efficiency of KAMAZ-5490
High performance characteristics of the KAMAZ-5490 are ensured by the Daimler OM457LA engine, which consumes about 33 liters per 100 km, the ZF16S 2220 gearbox (available with automatic transmission), the Daimler HL6 hypoid drive axle, a cruise control system, solid steel cord tubeless tires and a set of aerodynamic cabin fairings and chassis.
European level security
A new level of tractor safety is guaranteed by the use of front and rear disc brakes with electro-pneumatic drive (EBS) with exchange rate stability function (ESP) and traction control (ASR), pneumatic rear suspension with electronic control system ECAS, front underrun protection, lighting equipment with LED technology.
What are users saying?
Reviews of the KamAZ “Neo” 5490 indicate that the car’s owners are generally satisfied with its technical side, but there are a number of complaints. Among the advantages, drivers highlight:
- beautiful exterior;
- excellent cabin equipment, including heated seats;
- presence of a ventilation hatch;
- traction diesel engine;
- informative dashboard.
Users also noted a lot of disadvantages. Among them:
- heavy steering;
- poor adhesion of tires to the road surface;
- narrow sleeping area;
- slow operation of the automatic transmission.
Operation and price
At this time, more than one hundred truck tractors of this series are at the disposal of large cargo vehicles. The LLC is primarily engaged in cargo transportation. Another 50 units were sold to the transport organization Leader-Trans in Naberezhnye Chelny. The same number of cars were issued through a special leasing program, which provides for special conditions when concluding a contract, aimed at representatives of large businesses.
The truck supplier is an official dealer. Several tractors were transferred under a preferential program to the transport enterprise Stavropol Auto-Trans. Two hundred Neos were sold under lease. When selling trucks, the following schemes are also used:
- "Disposal".
- "Preferential leasing".
- "Big Leasing"
All of them are supported by the state and are actively being introduced into the economic spheres of trade. The starting price of this car starts from 4.25 million rubles.
Bottom line
The KamAZ-5490 “Neo” truck tractor, reviewed above, has undergone a number of changes compared to its predecessor. The layout and some parameters have changed slightly. Increasing the base made it possible to redistribute the axial load, significantly reducing the maximum stress on the rear axle. On domestic public roads, such a transformation is very relevant.
In addition, the design uses a spring suspension of a different configuration. In the updated unit, rubber-metal hinges increase the operating period and do not require special maintenance. Consequently, the cost of operating the car becomes cheaper. The designers deliberately increased the capacity of the fuel tanks by placing an additional pair of configurations with a rear-mounted battery. Lightening one of the sides of the truck frees up space for another fuel tank. Depending on the modification, it is mounted on the right or left side of the frame.
