With a pure heart
Daniil Minaev, photo by the author
A test drive of the new family of KAMAZ vehicles, which took place in Naberezhnye Chelny in December 2015, demonstrated the promise of the new line, developed not only for highway work, but also for the construction industry, transportation of heavy cargo on low-grade roads and in off-road conditions. At that time, journalists were provided with pre-production cars, the configuration and specifications of which were in doubt, including power units. In March 2017, I again went to Naberezhnye Chelny to take a closer look at some samples of the auto giant’s serial products, equipped with Cummins brand engines localized here.
Heavy multi-axle dump trucks and off-road chassis are in demand today in the construction and mining industries; often here, under the current legislation, the purchase of equipment strictly only of domestic production is required. Therefore, it is not surprising that the attempts of KAMAZ PJSC to compete in this current segment led to the fact that in just a couple of years after the appearance of the first-born of the new line - the long-haul truck tractor model 5490, the family grew with an on-board vehicle, a van, a dump chassis, and in the fall of 2016 serial production of heavy three- and four-axle dump trucks began.
However, today's consumer is very specific and not at all generous, hence the variety of specifications for trucks with old classic KAMAZ cabs, but fundamentally different chassis and engines. Here are three interesting examples of such equipment with Cummins engines, behind the wheel of which I drove laps on the plant's control and test track.
Batyr KamAZ-65221: off-road tractor
The first information about the KamAZ-65221 tractor appeared in 2008, at which time mass production of this vehicle was launched.
The truck is designed to transport heavy loads on roads with poor surfaces and in off-road conditions. The tractor can be used both with a single trailer and as part of a road train. The KamAZ-65221 chassis can be used to mount container ships, timber carriers, dump trucks, flatbed semi-trailers, and it can also be used as a military tractor. By design, it is a three-axle frame truck (6*6 wheel arrangement) with a front engine and an all-metal cabover cab. In 2014, the car was restyled and received a new modern cabin. The cabin has two or three air-suspended seats with many adjustments, and the steering column also has an adjustment mechanism. Depending on the modification, the cabin can be equipped with a comfortable sleeping place. The basic package includes a radio and an autonomous heater; the dashboard has become more informative and ergonomic.
The manufacturer offers the KamAZ-65221 truck tractor in an average configuration at a price of 5.25 million rubles. Used cars, 2010 - 2012, can be purchased at prices starting from 1,800,000 rubles.
Dump truck “liner” KAMAZ-6580-K5 (6x4), 65802-001-K5 (6x6) with an intriguing power line
Of course, KAMAZ with the onboard index K4141 is the most comfortable and modern of the three trucks tested that spring day. A beautiful and spacious cabin in the color of ripe cherry with decent ergonomics, precise operation of the gear shift drive, minimal effort on the pedals, heaven and earth in comparison with, albeit heavily modernized, but still veterans of the assembly line. I was able to drive around the factory track in a 6x4 vehicle, but at the presentation of equipment with Cummins engines, a 6x6 all-wheel drive version was also on display. In the designation K4141, as in cars of the Daimler AG concern, the first two digits indicate the total weight of the vehicle, and the next pair indicate the rounded engine power in conservative “horsepower”. The letters in front of the marking numbers in the new family determine the purpose of the trucks: M – long-distance vehicle group, K – heavy or all-wheel drive group.
Intriguing units
The main intrigue of the new dump truck is that the new cabin based on the Axor and even similar markings do not at all mean that the chassis and (or) power line are of the same type or that they belong to Mercedes. So, our handsome dump trucks with a load capacity of 26 tons (6x4) or 25 tons (6x6) hide under the cab another, more powerful 12-liter Cummins ISG12E5 of the fifth environmental class, capable of delivering 419 “horses”. This engine comes from China, and the Cummins Kama joint venture is the supplier here. The ISG12 series, representing the new global Heavy-Duty platform, was developed in the USA (first presented in September 2013), consists of in-line six-cylinder engines with a displacement of 10.5 and 11.8 liters, which are characterized by compact dimensions and low weight.
Their production began in 2014 in China at the Beijing Foton Cummins Engine Co. plant. Cummins ISG12 has a power range of 350-500 hp. The only drawback of the ISG series engines, from the point of view of the Russian operator, which became the price to pay for weight and compactness, is the one-piece unlined cylinder block. There is also no provision for boring cylinders to repair sizes.
Now briefly about the K4141 transmission (KAMAZ-6580-K5 6x4). Drive axles with a load capacity of 16 tons for a truck with a total weight of four-and-a-half tons - HanDE Axle brands also come from China, where they are produced under license from MAN and were once used on tractors of the F2000 family, and now they can be seen on Shacman and on Dongfeng.
Technical characteristics of KAMAZ-6580-K5 K4141, (6x4)
| Parameter | Meaning |
| Total weight, kg | 41 000 |
| Permissible axle load, kg | 9000/16 000/16 000 |
| Curb weight, kg | 14 800 |
| Load capacity, kg | 26 200 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 90 |
Engine:
| Cummins ISG12E5-420 Turbodiesel, I-6, Euro 5 11,866,419 at 1800 min-1 2093 at 1100–1400 min-1 |
Transmission:
| ZF16S 2220 TO, mechanical 16/2 |
| Clutch | Dry, single-disc, driven disc diameter 430 mm |
| Brakes on all wheels | Drums |
| Final drive ratio | 5,262 |
| Suspension | Front – leaf springs, rear – spring-balancer |
| Tires | 12.00R24 |
| Fuel tank volume, l | 350 |
Main operational and technical characteristics of KamAZ-65221
Dimensions and load capacity
- Overall chassis length: 7,360 millimeters;
- Height of the restyled model: 3,220 mm;
- Width: 2,540 mm;
- Ground clearance (clearance) 396 mm;
- Curb weight of the car: 11,550 kilograms;
- Gross vehicle weight: 27,150 kg;
- Maximum load on the saddle: 17,000 kg;
- Weight of the tractor as part of a road train: 62.7 tons;
- Cruising speed: 90 km/h.
Engine and fuel consumption
The pre-restyling modification of KamAZ-65221 was driven by a KamAZ 740.50-360 diesel engine. The engine is equipped with turbocharging technology and a charge air cooling system. A common rail high-pressure fuel pump is responsible for direct fuel injection, the presence of which helps reduce fuel consumption. KamAZ 740.50-360 has a working volume of 11.76 liters, while its rated power does not exceed 360 horsepower, and in terms of environmental parameters it complies with Euro 2 standards.
After restyling, the all-terrain vehicle received a more powerful KamAZ 740.63-400 power unit. This eight-cylinder turbodiesel with a V-shaped cylinder arrangement develops a power of 400 horsepower with a displacement of 11.76 liters. The power unit has a turbocharging function and intercooling of the charge air. It is also equipped with a Common Rail fuel system, which promotes more complete combustion of fuel. The motor complies with Euro 4 standards.
As standard, the Batyr KamAZ-65221 truck tractor is equipped with a fuel tank with a capacity of 350 liters. Fuel consumption when operating in mixed mode does not exceed 32 liters per 100 kilometers.
Transmission, brakes and electrical equipment
The car is equipped with a licensed ZF 16S1820T gearbox. This sixteen-speed “mechanics” (gear ratio 6.88) provides good acceleration dynamics and smooth movement of the truck when changing gears. The ZF 16S1820T Ecosplit manual transmission consists of a unit with four gears, a range and a front divider. The gearbox is controlled remotely; gear shifting must be done with the clutch pedal fully depressed.
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.
Purpose
Kamaz Batyr or Kamaz 65221 is an all-terrain vehicle, which is also called a timber carrier or truck tractor. It is used as a military tractor with excellent technical characteristics. Can be used as a dump truck. It has impressive dimensions and a powerful Euro 4 engine with 400 horsepower. Produced since 2008.
Main purpose: transportation of heavy oversized cargo, bulk construction materials, logs, boards, forest raw materials. It can be used both as part of a road train and as a vehicle with one trailer. It is supplied from production in the form of a chassis, but upon customer request it is equipped with various add-ons.
Features of Kamaz Batyr 65221:
- fuel heating;
- adapted to work in harsh conditions;
- 350 liter filling tank;
- reduced fuel consumption thanks to the fuel pump model.
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 overcome: 18 0 .
What does the cabin and electrical circuit of the Kamaz 65221 look like?
External view of the Kamaz 65221 cab: double, standard, with adjustable seats, there is a heating system. Good visibility thanks to the windshield without crossbars. There is no sleeping place.
Electrical diagram KamAZ 65221:
Car diagram: front and side view:
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.
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.
Reviews about KamAZ 65221
Stanislav Sergeevich:
“I’ve been working at this logging plant for two years now. I'm very pleased with everything, everything suits me. But to be objective, I will write about both the pros and cons. The car is not cheap, no one will buy one every year, after all, it is purchased once and for 10-15 years, and then depending on your luck. I’ll say right away: they work in the northern region, the roads are bad, but the car overcomes them with a bang!
Advantages: the quality of the parts and components is high, the engine is powerful, the fuel is heated, the diesel in the tank does not freeze, which is a significant plus for our latitudes. Engine power 400 horses.
Disadvantages: before operation, I reviewed all the key components, found many shortcomings - I tightened them and tightened them myself.”
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 740.63-400. 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-shaped eight, with a camber angle of 90 0. 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.
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.
Modifications
KamAZ-65225-43 is a truck tractor with three axles. It is equipped with a spacious and ergonomic driver's cabin.
The high roof and the presence of a sleeping place make it possible to use the equipment for transportation along interregional routes.
The wheelbase of this model is 3.6 m. The distance between the axles of the front and rear cart is 0.72 m. Features of the model include the fact that the delivery package includes a cast fifth wheel coupling device, which has 3 degrees of freedom and a kingpin with a diameter of 90 mm.
The carrying capacity of this model is 11,000 kg, and the weight of the entire vehicle is 22,400 kg. The permissible weight of the towbar is up to 26,700 kg.
KamAZ-65225 - a log carrier - is a vehicle equipped with a hydraulic manipulator. The car has a dual-pitch tire, which is why it can transport cargo on the highway. An extended version of the working surface is installed here, which is made of 09G2S steel.
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 cm 3 . 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.
