KamAZ-5490 real reviews on fuel consumption

KamAZ-5490 is the flagship vehicle of the Kama Automobile Plant, the most technologically advanced model in the KamAZ truck family. Produced since 2013. It is a long-haul truck tractor, which is the first car in the history of the Kama plant with an updated cabin, which was borrowed from the previous generation Mercedes-Benz Actros model. The production of the imported cab was mastered at the Kama Automobile Plant, and most of the components for the 5490 are also produced in Russia. According to KamAZ's plans, by 2022, trucks with the classic old cab will be discontinued. They should be replaced by updated vehicles with a cab, like the KamAZ-5490. The carrying capacity of KamAZ-5490 is 44 tons.

KamAZ-5490 owner reviews

Bogdan, Irkutsk. I have a KamAZ-5490 with a Russian engine, which is more economical than a German diesel engine. The domestic unit is time-tested, more economical and cheaper to maintain. The machine has been in operation since 2014, engine power is 140 horsepower. The unit works with a reliable 16-speed ZF gearbox. Fuel consumption is 32 liters in the urban cycle, on the highway it is 26 liters, in the combined cycle you can keep within 29 l/100 km.
Anatoly, Minsk. I ordered KamAZ-5490 in 2013, on the day sales began. Then a version with an imported engine was available. A car with a carrying capacity of 40 tons is pleasing and corresponds to the main class. Fuel consumption is 40 liters per 100 km.
Rinat, St. Petersburg. I drove 90 thousand kilometers to 5490. I have a 2015 car, with a KamAZ diesel engine, fuel consumption does not exceed 32 liters. Power 140 horses. In terms of reliability, this KamAZ cannot be compared with those produced with a classic cab.
Anton, Kirovsk. It’s a cool car – it’s immediately clear that KamAZ is moving to a new level, albeit with imported components, but progress is obvious. I drive a KamAZ-5490 with a domestic engine. The unit produces 140 horsepower, is endowed with dynamics and high efficiency. The cabin is relatively quiet and comfortable, with all the necessary options. Fuel consumption is 30 liters in the city, and on the highway I get within 25 liters per hundred.
Leonid, Chelyabinsk. We have a batch of ten KamAZ 5490 in the S5 version - this is equipped with a Daimler engine and a 32-speed ZF gearbox. In terms of maintenance costs, these long-haul tractors are almost as good as foreign cars, and fuel consumption is 40 liters in the city. Powerful and reliable, but expensive to maintain.
Igor, Lipetsk region. I work on a KamAZ-5490 with a German Daimler engine. This engine appeared in the truck in 2013, and there was no alternative to it, so our company ordered a batch of such vehicles. The car is very powerful and relatively economical, with a comfortable cabin. And most importantly - reliable. It consumes up to 40 liters per 100 km in the city, 30 liters on the highway, and 34 liters in the combined cycle. KamAZ-5490 S5 has all the advantages of a long-haul tractor, unlike the usual 5490 with a weak KamAZ engine.
Alexey, Moscow. KamAZ-5490 is a powerful vehicle with high cargo capabilities. I have a long-haul tractor version with a lifting capacity of 45 tons. The car consumes 32 liters in the city and 25 liters in the suburban cycle. A car with great acceleration dynamics and powerful brakes.
Oleg, Perm region. I drive a KamAZ-5490 in its basic configuration. The car is manufactured in 2015, in the back of a long-haul tractor. I drove an old car, so I have something to compare with. I liked the spacious and comfortable cabin, with a bunch of options and adjustments. The KamAZ engine's fuel consumption does not exceed 34 liters.
David, Saratov. The car has been in operation since 2014, with a domestic engine, in which I like the traction and efficiency. In addition, the car can be loaded to capacity, and fuel consumption will be no more than 35 liters in the city. Economical, modern and fast new generation KamAZ truck.

“Made with us” and on Yandex.Zen

KAMAZ has mastered the production of all-gas tractors KAMAZ-5490 running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) with two cryotanks. The first six cars of the new modification were produced.

In February, the automobile plant produced the first two KAMAZ-5490 LNG vehicles with not one, as before, but with two cryogenic tanks. In March, four more units of such equipment were produced. The technical characteristics of these models are in no way inferior to their diesel counterparts; they have an engine power of 400 hp. and an autonomous range with a full load of more than 1,400 km.

KAMAZ-5490 with LNG with two cryogenic tanks is an innovative product using high technology. For example, only the power supply system includes a cryogenic tank, which is a technically complex product where gas is stored at a temperature of minus 160 degrees. It is also worth noting a set of high-tech components for converting LNG into a normal state and ensuring safety and other features of automotive equipment.

High consumer interest in these vehicles has been noted: carriers are already waiting for modern tractors of this modification, which, due to fuel savings, can radically reduce the cost of ownership and provide their owners with significant advantages in the highly competitive long-haul transportation market. The first batch of LNG-powered KAMAZ vehicles with two cryotanks is planned to be used for test operation with a number of carriers in order to confirm the high efficiency of this equipment in practice.

“The greatest effect from the use of natural gas is achieved on long-haul tractors, since they consume 3-4 times more fuel than other types of road transport. Moreover, we are talking not only about the efficiency of this type of fuel, which is important for carriers, but also about environmental friendliness, which is important for everyone. Therefore, KAMAZ is implementing a program of priority development of KAMAZ-5490 tractors running on natural gas,” said Evgeniy Pronin, director of gas engine technology at KAMAZ PJSC. — Taking into account that the network of gas filling stations on the main roads is at the stage of formation and is not yet dense enough, the company, first of all, organized mass production of KAMAZ-5490 gas-diesel tractors running on compressed natural gas (CNG), which are in great demand and More than five thousand of them have already been produced.”

The head also noted that now the main trend in long-distance road transportation is the transition to the use of liquefied natural gas, which makes it possible to place the largest possible amount of gas motor fuel on board a vehicle and achieve mileage on one fill-up comparable to diesel counterparts. Today, the country is working to develop a network of LNG filling stations on highways and small-scale production of liquefied natural gas intended for use as motor fuel. There are already a sufficient number of LNG filling stations on the M10 and M11 highways, and in 2022 a liquefied natural gas filling network will be created on the M4, M5 and M7 highways. It is also worth noting government programs for subsidizing the accelerated development of a network of liquefied natural gas filling stations for the growth of the NGV market in Russia.

Anticipating this vector of development, KAMAZ organized mass production of K3 generation LNG vehicles back in 2022. In 2022, the KAMAZ-5490 tractor (a representative of the K4 generation) with one cryogenic tank, running entirely on liquefied natural gas, was developed and certified. In 2022, production of KAMAZ-5490 gas tractors powered by LNG with two cryotanks was launched. In addition, the company is implementing a program for the development and mastery of the KAMAZ-5490 gas tractor model range, built on the basis of a modular approach, when various fuel system configurations are created on a single chassis: with one cryotank, with two cryotanks, with two CNG cassettes, with a combination of CNG cassettes and cryotanks.

It should be noted that the legislation allows the use of gas-powered vehicles for the transportation of dangerous goods; in this regard, the model range of tractors has configurations that meet the requirements of ADR. This approach allows the consumer to choose the optimal configuration for the KAMAZ-5490 gas-engine tractor for the state of the refueling network on his routes.

Photos from open sources

Specifics, pros and cons

KamAZ on methane

Methane-powered cars are not a new thing for a long time. Recently, at KAMAZ and in the whole country, this topic has been discussed especially actively. As part of this project, the automotive giant held a scientific conference for consumers of natural gas vehicles.

It was there that automotive geniuses shared their experience of use, and buyers evaluated and chose the most suitable offers.

Each car that runs on methane saves 2-4 million rubles a year, and therefore, despite the higher acquisition cost, gas-cylinder cars pay for themselves much faster than diesel ones.

Manufactured vehicles running on compiled natural gas comply with all environmental standards, and their noise and smoke levels are significantly reduced. The next goal is the transition to liquefied methane. The company already produces dump trucks that already run on liquefied gas.

Production of the gas engine began three years ago. The production of equipment with a gas engine will not only renew the aging fleet of municipal vehicles, but will also significantly improve the environmental situation. After all, gas exhaust is cleaner and meets international standards according to its standards.

In addition, a gas engine is cheaper to operate. The actual production of gas engines is not inferior in quality to competing companies, and it is also cheaper, which makes it even more in demand. Another advantage is that interested individuals will receive subsidies from the budget when purchasing equipment using gas engine fuel. Read about model 65115, which runs on gas.

Consumers very often ask what distinguishes seemingly identical propane and butane? The first component is much heavier than air.

It goes down, in case of a leak, if the vehicle is in the repair area, the lower part of the room will be filled with gas. There may be a risk of explosion.

Another gas, methane, rises to the top because it is lighter than air. Methane is a natural element. According to researchers, its reserves will never run out. The development of gas engine technology began precisely for this reason, and the technology of the future will run exclusively on methane.

The main advantages of such transport

New KamAZ trucks

Saves money on fuel several times;
The engine's operation is almost inaudible;
Exhaust gases and toxic substances will no longer pollute the external environment;
The money that would have to be paid for emissions into the environment is saved 4 times;
Significant savings on additional purchases, expensive catalytic systems and urea will no longer be needed;
Methane will be used as a combustible material. It positions itself as the safest fuel for motors compared to other, less environmentally friendly analogues.

Many buyers doubt that a gas installation is safe for their car. This is the main negative characteristic of such equipment, according to customers. How safe is it to drive with a gas cylinder instead of diesel fuel?

It's completely harmless. Cylinders undergo rigorous strength tests before installation. The working pressure of each cylinder is taken into account and this coefficient increases three times. In addition, the cylinders are subjected to pistol fire, attempts are made to burn them, and they are thrown from high-rise buildings.

The company is not aware of any cases where there was something wrong with the cylinder. The internal metal casing and plastic braids protect it from any type of impact.

The valves are located on the top of the cylinder, they are configured to automatically open and close when the car is moving.

Another disadvantage is that the gas installation will not work properly even in the winter. Each KAMAZ model has a built-in preheater, which also runs on methane. In addition, it is necessary to take into account a central lubrication system, which can be controlled autonomously or mechanically.