KamAZ 65225 is a long-haul all-wheel drive truck tractor with all-wheel drive. The model is intended for transporting massive loads on roads with different surfaces.
For a long time, the MAZ 537 tractor, which could interact with various semi-trailers, was used to transport military equipment and special cargo. By the beginning of the 2000s, this car was morally and physically outdated. The Kama Automobile Plant began preparing a competitor to the MAZ 537. As a result, in 2006, the company opened serial production of the KamAZ 65225, for which the KamAZ 6520 was chosen as the base. In a short period of time, the new product became the main vehicle for transporting military vehicles and equipment in the Russian army.
KamAZ 65225 was developed with the aim of entering the truck tractor market with a fundamentally new product with high performance. The design of the equipment includes functionality that allows it to tow heavy category semi-trailers (up to 64,000 kg). Thanks to this, the car could transport tanks and military vehicles of enormous mass. The universal coupling device made it possible to use the model with various types of semi-trailers.
In 2010, KamAZ 65225 underwent restyling, receiving a “new model” cabin with an updated design, improved interior and sleeping space, allowing it to travel long distances. During the modernization process, the car acquired a new KamAZ 740.37-400 engine with a Common Rail system. In the basic version, the model was equipped with a revised instrument panel, a 500-liter fuel tank, fog lights, R20 tires, a power take-off and Madara axles.
KamAZ 65225 has established itself as a powerful and reliable tractor; its production is currently ongoing.
KamAZ-65225: all-wheel drive tractor unit
The KamAZ-65225 truck was first demonstrated to the general public at the Moscow International Automobile Exhibition in 2004. According to the designers and manufacturers, the car was intended for transporting large-capacity cargo on public roads and in off-road conditions. The design of the KamAZ-65225 chassis allows the installation of various manipulators and superstructures on its base; the truck is often used as a log carrier, when servicing oil and gas fields, for transporting and towing heavy civil and military equipment.
Structurally, KamAZ-65225 is a three-axle, frame vehicle with a front engine. Wheel formula of the truck: 6*6, rear and middle axles cannot be disconnected, the front axle is connected using a transfer case. The tractor is equipped with a fifth-wheel coupling device with three levels of freedom, which facilitates vehicle movement in off-road conditions and reduces the load on the suspension and gearbox. Most often, the tractor is operated in conjunction with a three-axle semi-trailer ChMZAP-5247G.
Military use
The Russian Army uses many types of transport that help in solving certain problems. Kamaz-65225 is used for transporting military armored vehicles. Several years ago, it completely replaced the Maz-537, which was outdated in all respects. For government orders, the army at the Kama plant supplements the tractor with special equipment.
Immediately after the start of production of the truck, it was widely used in the military sphere. Taking advantage of the universal coupling, a special trailer was developed for transporting tracked armored vehicles. Therefore, this transport can often be found in places where military parades and military training grounds are being prepared.
Military specialists from Russia took part in the International Army Games using Kamaz-65225. Having demonstrated all their skills, the team managed to take first place. The quality of the truck was a great addition to the drivers' skills. In the army, vehicles are valued for their high performance characteristics, durability and high maneuverability.
Exterior, interior and cost of the KamAZ-65225 truck tractor
Most of the KamAZ-65225 that can be found on Russian roads were produced after 2010, when the model was restyled. The chassis received an updated cabin, with smooth lines, a one-piece windshield, a radiator painted in the color of the cabin and external mirrors with different viewing angles. According to drivers' reviews, the paintwork has significantly improved, and complaints about the car's poor aerodynamics have decreased.
The interior design of the cabin has also changed. It received modernized air suspension seats, with adjustment mechanisms in several planes, a comfortable berth, new door trim and the entire interior. The instrument panel is now made of high-quality plastic; it consists of three sections, which has improved the ergonomics of the placement of indicators and controls. The steering column is equipped with a hydraulic booster. On some modifications, the option of adjusting the steering wheel height and offset is available. Also in the restyled cabin it became possible to install air conditioning, electric windows and heated seats; an autonomous heater is available as standard.
For a new KamAZ-65225 truck tractor, depending on the configuration, today they are asking from 4,160,000 to 5,300,000 rubles. The cost of cars with various add-ons can reach 8 million rubles. There are many offers for used cars for sale online.
A 2010-2014 truck can be purchased at a price from 1,500,000 to 3,200,000 rubles.
Modifications
The car model is available in several versions. These include the following options:
- Kamaz 65225-22 is a three-axle truck tractor with an old-style cab. Equipped with a compartment for a sleeping bag. Has a large load capacity.
- Kamaz 65225 - 43 is a modification of the car with a more flexible design.
- Kamaz 65225-6141-53 is a model with a cab on air suspension, additionally equipped with a KOM pump. It has improved characteristics and is economical.
- Kamaz 65225-014-22 is one of the most powerful models. Used for transporting large loads off-road.
- Kamaz 65225-6015-53 is a truck tractor for towing semi-trailer vehicles on hard road surfaces. The car is equipped with a strong engine and all-wheel drive, allowing the car to be used for transporting heavy loads.
Dimensions and load capacity
- Chassis length: 7,230 millimeters;
- Curb height: 3,060 mm;
- Width without mirrors/with mirrors: 2,500/2,900 mm;
- Center distance (front and middle axles): 3,600 mm;
- Fifth wheel height: 1,490 mm;
- Ground clearance (clearance): 308 m:
- External turning radius: 11 meters;
- Curb weight of KamAZ-65225: 11,285 kg;
- Load capacity (saddle load): 11,000 kg;
- Gross truck weight: 22,400 kg;
- Maximum towed semi-trailer weight: 26,700 kg;
- Weight of KamAZ-65225 as part of a road train: 38 tons;
- Maximum speed of the tractor: 80 km;
- Limit angle of climb: 180.
General characteristics – General photos
We supply special vehicles to oil producing holdings and state corporations, geological exploration and oil refining enterprises, oil and gas and energy complexes of the country, the mining industry, construction companies, agriculture, transport services of organizations and other elements of small, medium and large businesses in Russia. Currently, at the end of 2022, the only engine equipped with KamAZ-536O5 vehicles is the Cummins ISB6 inline six-cylinder diesel engine.
Engine and fuel consumption of KamAZ-65225
Throughout the production of KamAZ-65225, it was equipped with domestically assembled diesel engines. Most trucks of this model are equipped with one of three engines:
- KamAZ 740.60-360
- KamAZ 740.63-400
- KamAZ 740.37-400
KamAZ 740.60-360. The “youngest” in the family of engines of this truck tractor. According to its design features, it is an eight-cylinder diesel engine with a V-shaped arrangement of cylinders. The engine has a turbocharging system and a forced charge air cooling mechanism. With a displacement of 11.76 liters, it develops a rated power of 360 horsepower at a crankshaft speed of 1,900 rpm. The engine is equipped with an electronic control unit, the use of which saves fuel and reduces the amount of harmful emissions. Turbodiesel KamAZ 740.60-360 has been certified for compliance with the requirements of the Euro 2 standard.
KamAZ 740.60-360
KamAZ 740.63-400. In most respects, this turbodiesel is in no way inferior to the previous engine. However, thanks to the changed settings, its power increased to 400 horsepower, which significantly expanded the operational capabilities of the KamAZ-65225.
KamAZ 740.37-400 (Euro 2). Most restyled models are driven by this four-stroke V-eight, with a camber angle of 900. The engine has a standard displacement of 11.76 liters and, at a crankshaft speed of 1,300 rpm, develops a rated power of 400 horsepower. This figure is achieved thanks to a turbocharging system, the main components of which are two turbochargers and a gas turbine. The declared resource of this turbodiesel is 800,000 kilometers.
KamAZ 740.37-400
The fuel consumption of KamAZ-65225 largely depends on operating conditions: in the summer, a loaded vehicle when driving at a speed of 70-80 km/h consumes up to 37 liters. In winter, this figure can increase to 42 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.
These are future direct competitors of MZKT
These new developments of the Kama Automobile Plant demonstrated that the Russian Strategic Missile Forces in the foreseeable future may cease to be the most generous clients of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (for which it, in fact, works eighty percent). Because the KamAZ-7850 16x16 from the Platform-O project is a full-fledged replacement for the Belarusian MZKT-79221 tractor, proven over the years.
Accordingly, in a few years, KamAZ, and not Minsk, nuclear “centipedes” may become carriers and carriers of intercontinental ballistic missiles, mobile missile systems RT-2PM2 “Topol-M”, “Yars” and many other valuable and large-sized military equipment. And the gigantic money that each such truck costs will remain in the Russian treasury, and will not go to the Belarusian one. This is provided that the Platform-O project continues its successful development.
This KamAZ project itself was a consequence of the refusal of the President of Belarus to sell the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant to Russia. More precisely, sell it at a price that suits Moscow.
Not only the Topol and Yars strategic ballistic missiles are transported on tractors produced by MZKT. The model range of this unique enterprise, built in Soviet times, is extremely wide. In addition to the giant eight-axle M3KT-79221, the plant produces many smaller tractors.
This led to the fact that the launchers, antenna posts and control cabins of the Russian air defense anti-aircraft missile systems - S-ZOO PS/PM and S-4OO "Triumph" - were designed specifically for them; launchers of multiple launch rocket systems "Smerch" and "Tornado"; mobile coastal anti-ship complex "Bastion"; cruise missiles RK-55, vehicles of the coastal artillery complex "Bereg"; transport vehicles for anti-missile missiles 5№Т6 "Amur". The famous Iskander operational-tactical missile system is also mounted on the MZKT-7930 wheeled chassis with a weight of 42 tons and a payload of 19 tons. This is a lot, so it was decided to try to eliminate the dependence of the Russian army on Minsk.
The Platform-O project swallowed a huge amount of money. By the way, the Almaz-Antey concern, which produces modern Russian anti-aircraft missile systems, for its S-300 and S-400 in 2016 acquired the Bryansk Automobile Plant, the main domestic manufacturer of heavy-duty equipment. The BAZ-6909 tractor with an 8x8 wheel arrangement was taken as the main cargo vehicle for placing the elements of the S-4OO complex on a wheeled chassis. And in the foreseeable future - also the S-5OO Prometheus anti-aircraft missile system.
The research and testing center for automotive equipment of the 3rd Central Research Institute of M0 of the Russian Federation worked together with KamAZ on the development of a domestic chassis for autonomous launchers of mobile ground complexes of the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation.
Transmission and power supply KamAZ-65225
The truck tractor engine, in most cases, is coupled with a sixteen-speed ZF 16S1820 gearbox. This manual transmission is equipped with a hydraulic drive and a pneumatic booster; it is controlled remotely using a rocker-type lever. Like any all-wheel drive truck, KamAZ-65225 is equipped with a two-speed ZF STEYR VG 2000/300 transfer case with a locking center differential. The interaction between the gearbox and the engine is carried out using a dry single-plate diaphragm clutch ZF-Sachs MFZ-430. The unit is equipped with a hydraulic drive and a pneumatic booster. As additional equipment, the tractor can be equipped with a power take-off.
Clutch mechanism mod MFZ - 430: 1 - drive shaft; 2 - flywheel; 3 — driven disk; 4 — pressure disk; 5 - thrust ring; 6 - diaphragm; 7 — clutch casing; 8 — clutch release; 9 — clutch release fork; 10 — clutch release fork shaft; 11 — restrictive ring; 12 — gearbox; 13 — pneumatic hydraulic booster.
The voltage in the KamAZ-65225 single-shot network is 24 volts; all vehicle devices are powered by batteries with a total capacity of 380 A/hour. Additionally, the truck is equipped with an inverter and a two-kilowatt generator.
What are the advantages of using electromechanical transmissions?
It was not without reason that KamAZ relied on the use of such an unconventional technical solution: a diesel-electric drive with electric motors. What is the point of this approach?
First of all, this is the absence of a complex transmission: there is no clutch, no gearbox, no transfer case, as well as drive shafts and differentials - all this seriously reduces the weight of the chassis.
In addition, electric motors are capable of developing maximum torque immediately after power is applied to them.
Also, such a system allows all wheels of the chassis to rotate at different speeds and even in different directions.
Front view from below. Unconventional solutions eliminated numerous cardans, but at the same time increased the number of different cables, hoses, power electronics and hydraulics equipment
It is possible to use a braking energy recovery system.
Ensuring active traffic safety is simplified - all kinds of algorithms for systems such as ABS are programmed in the control unit and are able to influence each of the wheels individually.
Brakes and suspension KamAZ-65225
Each wheel of the car is equipped with a drum-type brake mechanism, with a drum diameter of 420 mm, a brake pad thickness of 180 millimeters and a total lining area of 7,200 cm3. In addition to the main one, the truck is equipped with a parking, auxiliary and reserve brake. All brake systems are capable of operating autonomously, despite the presence of common components and parts.
The car's suspension is based on springs; the front and rear bogies are equipped with a stabilizer bar, which protects the car from dangerous rolls and rollovers. To give smooth movement, the front suspension uses two telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers. The riveted chassis frame is reinforced with longitudinal spars and transverse beams.
Detailed technical and operational characteristics of the KamAZ-65225 truck tractor are available at the link:
| Weight parameters and loads | |||||||||
| Vehicle curb weight, kg | 11150 | ||||||||
| — load on the front axle, kg | 5200 | ||||||||
| — load on the rear bogie, kg | 5950 | ||||||||
| Load on fifth wheel coupling, kg | 11000 (*17000) | ||||||||
| Gross vehicle weight, kg | 22400 (*28300) | ||||||||
| — load on the front axle, kg | 6400 (*6900) | ||||||||
| — load on the rear bogie, kg | 16000 (*21400) | ||||||||
| Gross semi-trailer weight, kg | 26700 (*48000) | ||||||||
| Gross weight of the road train, kg | 38000 (*59300) | ||||||||
| Engine | |||||||||
| Model | 740.60-360 (Euro-3) | ||||||||
| Type | diesel with turbocharging, with intercooling of charge air | ||||||||
| Maximum net power, kW (hp) | 265 (360) | ||||||||
| at crankshaft rotation speed, rpm | 1900 | ||||||||
| Maximum useful torque, Nm (kg cm) | 1570 (160) | ||||||||
| at crankshaft rotation speed, rpm | 1250:1350 | ||||||||
| Location and number of cylinders | V-shaped, 8 | ||||||||
| Working volume, l | 11,76 | ||||||||
| Cylinder diameter and piston stroke, mm | 120/130 | ||||||||
| Compression ratio | 16,8 | ||||||||
| Supply system | |||||||||
| Fuel tank capacity, l | 500 | ||||||||
| Electrical equipment | |||||||||
| Voltage, V | 24 | ||||||||
| Batteries, V/Ah | 2×12/190 | ||||||||
| Generator, V/W | 28/2000 | ||||||||
| Clutch | |||||||||
| Type | diaphragm, single disk | ||||||||
| Drive unit | hydraulic with pneumatic booster | ||||||||
| Transmission | |||||||||
| Model | ZF 16S 151 | ||||||||
| Type | mechanical, sixteen-speed | ||||||||
| Control | mechanical, remote | ||||||||
| Gear ratios | |||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | ZH | |
| 13,86 | 9,52 | 6,56 | 4,58 | 3,02 | 2,08 | 1,43 | 1,00 | 12,97 | |
| 11,56 | 7,96 | 5,48 | 3,83 | 2,53 | 1,74 | 1,20 | 0,84 | 10,85 | |
When will prototypes become real heavy trucks in the Russian army?
In 2022, it was reported that the first special wheeled chassis made under the Platform-O program were accepted for supply to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. They talked about the first batch of five different cars from this family.
During operation, the customer - the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation - formulated additional requirements regarding the security of the vehicle. Fulfilling this requirement for the “motor-wheel” circuit turned out to be difficult to implement. Although the sample was equipped with a protected cabin and fuel tanks, other components and assemblies of the chassis were not protected in any way.
This is clearly visible if you consider the equipment installed inside the chassis frame and the cables and hoses laid there - in the event of a mine explosion, a short circuit of high-voltage equipment (voltage up to 900V) and a fire in the hydraulic system oil may well occur.
Even more problems arose with the motor-wheels: during side impact tests, it turned out that after the wheel hub covers were broken through and damaging elements and fragments got inside, the motor-wheels were tightly blocked. The way out of this was the decision to use a “motor-axle” scheme instead of the “motor-wheel” scheme.
What they talk about on the forums: reviews from owners and drivers
Nikolay Shevelev, 41 years old, Chelyabinsk region:
I have been using the KamAZ-65225 tractor for eighteen months. I got a new car and hoped for a calm and comfortable life, but it didn’t work out. The complaints are not so much about the quality of parts and components, but about the assembly. The first breakdown happened a month later - the radiator leaked. Then it got worse: the nuts on the left hubs came loose because the smart people at the factory didn’t install locking nuts. It's good that it happened on a country road and not on the highway. In general, there are breakdowns every month, it’s good that the engine hasn’t failed yet.
Where can I buy
There are a couple of options. You can purchase the car in question directly at the manufacturer’s factory, from an official dealer or on the secondary market. The cost of restyled trucks starts from 4.7 million rubles, the price of earlier models starts from 2.8 million rubles.
On the secondary market you can purchase a vehicle for 1.2-2 million rubles. – depends on the condition of the vehicle and its year of manufacture. Never agree to buy a car based on photos, as they are not able to convey the overall picture of the condition of the heavy truck.
Analyzing the article, we can say that the Kamaz 65225 car has proven itself to be the best over the years of its existence. The available reviews are positive, and the range of manufactured modifications allows you to choose a machine for the right purposes.
Detailed information is visible in the video:
Chassis
The front uses a dependent suspension on semi-elliptical springs. At the rear, a balanced configuration is used. Due to the lack of airbags, reviews note low ride smoothness. The truck handles rough over bumps, even when loaded with a trailer. A gearbox is used as steering control. This scheme is familiar from the 5320 model. On the highway you often have to steer, which causes fatigue.
The brake system is of pneumatic type. Drum mechanisms are used at the front and rear. But, despite the old design of the brakes, each of the axles has ABS sensors (one per wheel). The drive is on all wheels, but can be switched off. By the way, military versions of tractors are equipped with a winch, which is driven by the power take-off shaft.
