The good bus drove away: after 35 years, GAZ Group ceases production of LiAZ-5256 and 5293

Suburban bus LiAZ-5256. Photo GAZ

LiAZ-5256 is a Soviet and Russian high-floor large-class bus produced by the Likinsky Bus Plant, used in almost all regions of Russia and in some cities near and far abroad, being the most numerous large-class bus in the post-Soviet space. Available in the following versions : urban; suburban/intercity; for transporting children; special (disabled). On the basis of this bus, many buses and trolleybuses from other plants were developed: Volzhanin-5270, YaAZ-5267, Neman-5201, MTRZ-5279, LiAZ-5280 (VZTM-5280) and others. T

Story

School LiAZ-5256 with two doors. Photo Wikipedia

In the mid-1970s, the All-Union Design and Experimental Institute of Bus Manufacturing) began work on creating a new LiAZ bus, which was initially developed as part of a new unified family of buses (which included a medium city bus LAZ-4202, a commuter bus LAZ-42021, large city buses) buses LiAZ-5256 and LiAZ-5256M and tourist buses LAZ-5255).

Development began in the late 1970s at the LiAZ Design Bureau together with the VKEIA (All-Union Design and Experimental Institute of Bus Manufacturing) in Lvov. The first and second prototypes were built in 1979; from 1980 to 1985, several more pilot production batches of buses were produced, some of which were tested on bus routes in Moscow in the early 80s. Serially produced since 1986.

The vehicle was developed using a large-section design , with common stamped elements of the sidewalls, roof and other components. Within the framework of the same system, the Ikarus-412/415 city bus was developed to replace the 200 series; the bodies of the LiAZ-5256 and Ikarus-412 of early releases are almost identical. In the early 1990s, an experimental KamAZ-5262 bus in a similar body was presented. The model was developed for the installation of both a horizontal (Raba-MAN) and a V-shaped diesel engine (KAMAZ-740), with an automatic hydromechanical gearbox.

In 1982, the first prototypes of the LiAZ-5256 were tested on urban routes in Moscow, Leningrad, Tashkent and Yakutsk.

The start of mass production of the model occurred in 1989 ; the bus was produced for a long time in parallel with the LiAZ-677, and bus fleets were reluctant to take on the new unreliable car. Due to difficulties in mastering the new Lvov-made automatic transmission, the bus was equipped with a KamAZ manual gearbox, which was not very suitable for intensive work on city routes.

In 1991, VKEI completed the design of a suburban modification of the LiAZ-5256 with a manual transmission and a modified brake system (during the design it was coded 52565, but produced under the name LiAZ-52565).

In 1992, 409 LiAZ-5256 buses were produced, in 1993 - 350 (despite the development of bus assembly at other enterprises and the creation of new modifications, a fire at the KamAZ engine plant on April 14, 1993 caused a reduction in production volumes).

The model had an unsuccessful start, which occurred at the beginning of the difficult 1990s for the country’s economy. By 1996, production at LiAZ was discontinued.

Suburban bus LiAZ-5256. oto YarKamp

However, the potential inherent in the car was revealed after modernization of production , modification of weak units, installation of Caterpillar, Cummins, YaMZ engines and Voith automatic transmissions, commissioning of an anti-corrosion treatment and body painting line at the plant, consisting of 8 cataphoresis priming baths, 12 painting booths, 10 drying booths, which ensured the service life of the bodies up to 12 years. As a result, LiAZ-5256, even despite the emergence of numerous competitors (Volzhanin, NefAZ, RoAZ, MARZ), became the most popular and in demand large-class city bus on the market.

LiAZ-5256 buses of various modifications can still be found in a number of cities and villages of the Russian Federation. In 2003, the model was restyled - plastic lining appeared on the front and rear. However, this restyling was soon abandoned, and for some time the bus was produced in its original form. In 2004-2005, the model underwent a second restyling , as a result of which the front part became identical to the LiAZ-5293 model and continues to be produced along with newer models.

Now (information valid as of January 2022) the Likinsky Bus Plant produces a city version designed for 110 passengers (23 seats), a suburban version designed for 88 passengers (44 seats), as well as an intercity version for 66 passengers (44–45 seats).

About cost and service

The price for a new LiAZ-5256 bus is from 4 million rubles. For this money you can get a domestically produced car, no frills, but also no mileage. With imported engines the price will be 4.8 million rubles. With Cumminz gas engines, a bus will cost from 5 million rubles.

Models with mileage from 1992 to 1995 today cost about 7-10 thousand US dollars. For a good bus, which rolled off the assembly line in 2000, they will ask about 300 thousand rubles. If the age is no more than 5 years, then you need to prepare 1 million rubles.

Drivers consider models that were produced in 2003 and beyond to be good. Then there were also good, repairable copies. Cars equipped with imported engines are not so finicky and more stable. Buses from the late 90s, equipped with American diesel CATs, are very popular and valuable among car enthusiasts. They are economical and reliable.

According to driver reviews, this bus can be purchased and repairs will be inexpensive. In recent years, cars have improved significantly.

So, we found out what the LiAZ-5256 bus has technical characteristics, body and price.

Description LiAZ-5256 device

City LiAZ-5256. Photo GAZ

LiAZ-5256 is a city bus with a high floor and a large load capacity . Thanks to its reliability and long service life, the model has gained popularity in the CIS countries.

LiAZ-5256 is a safe and comfortable Russian development . The bus is designed to transport a large number of passengers both within the city and between populated areas. You can find several varieties of the model on sale - this is due to the fact that they have been improved over time. Drivers note that the vehicle is convenient and reliable, and its repair and replacement of parts is not difficult.

This bus also has its downsides . These include high fuel consumption and insufficient durability of new engine models that entered service after 2007. However, vehicle repairs are inexpensive, and all the necessary parts are freely available.

Salon, diagram

The LiAZ bus is designed with comfort for passengers and the driver in mind . The interior is spacious, the ceiling height in different models is 2.0-2.1 m. There are three doors and seating for 23 people. In total, the transport can carry up to 110-117 passengers at the same time.

Layout (diagram) of the interior of the special bus LiAZ-5256. oto Skat-Auto

The interior is ventilated naturally through windows and hatches. You can install forced ventilation in the form of air conditioners - it is needed in models for intercity transportation. The bus's heating comes from the engine cooling system . It is also possible to install electric heaters, but this option will cost additional costs.

The driver's cabin is heated using a combined method. There are two heating devices installed here. One of them is designed to warm up the windshield, the second is to maintain a comfortable temperature in the driver’s seat. In modifications that run on diesel fuel, it is mandatory to preheat all parts of the system. Buses that run on gas have engine heating.

Technical characteristics, photos

The body is carriage type, monocoque, 3-door (for passengers there are two 2-leaf doors and the rear half of the front door; for the driver - the front half of the front door). All doors are swing type.

The seating layout is 3-row.

Bus LiAZ-5256. Photo Wikipedia

The driver's seat is adjustable in height, length, weight, cushion and backrest angle.

The heating system is liquid, using the heat of the engine cooling system and an independent heater mod, 14.8106.

Number of passenger seats – 23

Capacity (including standing passengers): nominal – 89 and maximum – 117

Overall dimensions, mm. 11400x3500x3000.

Base, mm. 5840.

Weight of the unloaded bus, kg. 9135

Total weight, kg. 17835

Steering. Mechanism MAZ-5336, with hydraulic booster TsT-70-280.

Brake system. Working – drum-type shoe brake with a wedge mechanism on all wheels with a pneumatic separate drive.

Parking – rear axle brake mechanisms driven by brake chambers with spring energy accumulators. Pneumatic control.

Auxiliary - a hydrodynamic moderator is installed in the GMP.

Engine

Different LiAZ-5256 models can be equipped with domestic or imported engines , which differ slightly in characteristics. In the first case, their power will be 240 horsepower, in the second - 340 hp. With. Modern modifications contain YaMZ engines .

The first models of the LiAZ bus were developed on KamAZ engines, then they were replaced by YaMZ engines. Newer vehicles are equipped with imported engines with high power. Their manufacturers are MAN and Caterpillar. In 2014, a limited series of cars based on the Swedish Scania engine .

Engine characteristics of the LiAZ-5256 model. KamAZ-7408.10. Type U-shaped, diesel, 4-stroke, eight-cylinder. Location: posterior longitudinal. Power, kW (hp) – 144 (195). Maximum torque, Nm – 100. Working volume, l. 10.85.

Design

As noted earlier, stylistically the LiAZ-5256 2021-2022 pickup truck is more similar to the Dacia Duster, but the Russian model stands out for its sporty design, which is more typical of the Hyundai Santa Cruz. But despite the above, the presented pickup truck has its own, somewhat unique style.

The Russian novelty was created for use in urban conditions. Its compact dimensions allow you to maneuver with confidence in heavy traffic. But at the same time, the car has impressive ground clearance, which allows it to be used beyond smooth asphalt. That is, the presented pickup truck was created for Russian conditions. This is emphasized by the extended square-shaped wheel arches, along which an additional plastic body kit is laid. The latter also extends along the bottom of the side doors, forming a kind of running boards here.

The Russian new product has heavily stacked A-pillars, which smoothly merge into the roof, visually lengthening it. This design solution gives the car a more rapid look. In addition, by increasing the angle of the A-pillars, the developer thereby made the windshield larger, which had a positive effect on visibility from the driver’s seat and reduced the area of ​​“blind” spots.

The body of the Russian pickup truck is completely flat. But above the front volumetric wheel arches, the developer placed a protrusion that visually raises the car a little. The hood goes at a noticeable angle, which once again emphasizes the sporty style. The new product from LiAZ received standard trapezoidal head optics. It is placed in separate niches and is complemented by LED lights. The presented new product is equipped with a huge polygonal-shaped radiator grille with a fine mesh. It protrudes slightly forward, thus forming a kind of “nose”.

The front bumper of the presented pickup truck is embossed. Its smooth curved lines end abruptly, turning into an elongated air intake, which is also placed in a separate niche. On the sides of the air intake are narrow, vertically oriented ventilation openings, above which are mounted barely visible fog lights.

From behind, the LiAZ-5256 2021-2022 looks more like a Dacia Duster. Like the Romanian model, the Russian model has a square-shaped feed. But the rear door of the LiAZ pickup truck has a complex configuration, formed due to numerous bends of the body metal. This stylistic decision gives the stern a broken structure.

The rear optics of the new product are located almost under the very edge of the cargo platform. The perimeter of the latter is formed by curved sheet metal, which forms a kind of compact visor. The rear bumper is complemented by protection, which is fixed at a noticeable angle. This arrangement has a positive effect on the vehicle's cross-country ability.

Modifications: suburban, intercity and others

Modifications currently in production:

• LiAZ-5256.62 - intercity, with a YaMZ-53621-42 engine with a power of 245 hp. s., or YaMZ-53601-42 with a capacity of 310 hp. pp., Euro-5;
• LiAZ-5256.65 - suburban, with a YaMZ-53621 engine with a power of 245 hp. s., or YaMZ-53633 with a capacity of 275 hp. pp., Euro-5;
• LiAZ-5256.67 - commuter, with a YaMZ-53624 gas engine with a power of 285 hp. s., Euro-5.
• LiAZ-5293 is a further development of the model, a semi-low-floor, cheaper analogue of LiAZ-5292. Many technical solutions of LiAZ-5293 later began to be used on LiAZ-5256. Depending on the modification, the degree of unification with LiAZ-5256 is different.

Modifications discontinued:

Popular modifications

LiAZ-525660/5256.60 and LiAZ-525660-01

IMPORTANT! This model has changed the name LiAZ-525665 suburban, Euro-5.

LiAZ-525665 is a commuter bus with a passenger capacity of 88 people and 44 seats. The bus is equipped with a YaMZ diesel engine and a ZF manual transmission, as well as a RABA axle. Passengers can sit on soft and comfortable seats, and for driving safety, seat belts are installed on each seat. As standard, the bus is equipped with a GLONASS system and a TACHOGRAPH. It has a number of other advantages, such as: affordable price, unification with other LIAZ models. LIAZ-525665 has proven itself well on suburban routes.

Suburban bus LiAZ-525665. Photo Transport Center

Technical characteristics of the LiAZ-525660 and LiAZ-525660-01 modifications are presented below.

LiAZ-525653

• City bus LiAZ-525653 with a load-bearing, all-metal body of a carriage layout
• Body life, years. 12
• Wheel formula. 4x2
• Drive wheels. Rear
• Length/Width/Height, mm. 11400/2500/3060
• Base, mm. 5840
• Ceiling height in the cabin, mm. 1950…2100
• Number/width of doors, mm. 3 / 1300
• Minimum turning radius, m. 11.5
• Curb/full weight, kg. 10150 / 17800
• Load on front/rear axle, kg. 6500 / 11300
• Total number of seats (including landing seats). 110 (23)
• Fuel tank capacity, l. 238
• Front axle. KAAZ 5256-3000012-10, with cross beam and drum brakes
• Rear axle. RABA 718.23-3300 (i-5.44) double spaced or KAAZ 22.2400012 (i-5.6)
• Steering gear. MAZ-64229 or ZF Servocom 8098 with power steering.
• Brake system. Pneumatic, dual-circuit, with ABS.
• Ventilation. Natural and forced
• Heating system. Liquid, using the heat of the engine cooling system and an independent liquid heater.
• Tires. 275/70 R 22.5″
• Engine (diesel). Cummins 6ISBe 245B
• Number and arrangement of cylinders. 6R
• Environmental safety standards. Euro-3
• Working volume, l. 6.7
• Engine power, kW (hp)/min. 180 (245) at 2300 min-1
• Maximum torque, Nm. 950 at 1200…1800 min-1
• Location. Posterior, longitudinal.
• Maximum speed, km/h. 80-90
• Manual transmission: ZF 6S-1200, automatic transmission: ZF 6HP504C, Voith Diwa D 854.3E.

Big city LiAZ-525645

• Total number of seats (including landing seats). 118 (23)
• Length/Width/Height, mm. 11400/2500/3007
• Base, mm. – 5840
• Ceiling height in the cabin, mm. 2100
• Ground clearance, mm. 180
• Wheel formula. 4x2
• Engine. KAMAZ-740.31-240. Diesel. Number of cylinders – 8. Cylinder arrangement is V-shaped. Torque – 931 Nm. Power – 240 hp Volume – 10.85 l.
• Maximum speed, km/h. 70
• Number and width of doors. 3 and 1200
• Transmission. KAMAZ-141; Allison T-270R
• Curb/full weight, kg. 9750/17780
• Front axle load, kg. 6330
• Rear axle load, kg. 11600
• Fuel tank volume, l. 230.
• Fuel consumption, l. thirty.
• Steering type. MAZ-64229 with power steering
• Brake system. Pneumatic, dual-circuit, divided into circuits along the axes, brakes on all wheels - drum, ABS

LiAZ-525636

• Body type. Carrier, carriage layout
• Overall dimensions, mm. 11400x2500x3007
• Wheel formula. 4x2
• Body life (years before through corrosion). 12
• Base, mm. 5840
• Ceiling height in the cabin, mm. 2100
• Door width, mm. 1280
• Number of doors. 3
• Number of seats. 23+1
• Total number of places. 110
• Ground clearance, mm. 180
• Curb/gross weight, kg 10250/17840
• Fuel tank capacity, l. 230
• Bridge KAAZ(IS)/Raba(Hungary)
• Load, kg: on the front axle – 6480 and on the rear axle – 11300
• Engine YaMZ-6563. The number and arrangement of cylinders is 6V. Environmental safety standards – Euro-3. Working volume, l. 11.15. Power, kW (hp). 169 (230). Maximum torque, Nm. 889. Location – longitudinal, in the rear overhang.
• Checkpoint. YaMZ-236L1, Voith D851.2
• Maximum speed, km/h. 90
• Control fuel consumption, l. 34
• Brake system. Pneumatic, dual-circuit, divided into circuits along the axes, brakes on all wheels - drum, ABS
• Steering gear. MAZ-64229 with power steering
• Ventilation. Natural through hatches and vents
• Heating system. Liquid, using the heat of the engine cooling system and an independent Webasto heater

Device outside

How much does it weigh

Weight characteristics must comply with the technical regulations of the Customs Union TR CU 018/2011 “On the safety of wheeled vehicles.” Permitted gross weight according to this document:

• for two-axle vehicles - 18 tons;
• for three-axle buses, with the exception of articulated buses - 25 tons;
• for three-axle articulated ones - 28 tons.

City articulated bus LiAZ-6212. Photo Wikipedia

The total weight of the two-axle LiAZ-5256 is 17930 kg, the total weight of the three-axle articulated LiAZ-6212 is 28000 kg, which corresponds to regulatory data. The LiAZ-4292 has the minimum gross weight of the entire line of models - 14400 kg.

The document limits the maximum static vertical axle load . For example, a bus with one driven and driven axle must have the following permitted indicators:

• driven - 10 tons;
• leading - 11.5 tons.

For LiAZ-5256 these figures are 6430 and 11500 kg, respectively.

Length

City bus LiAZ-6213. Photo Wikipedia

The length of the body directly affects the capacity of the vehicle. In the domestic industry standard OH 025 270-66, this parameter is even included as the main one in the classification of passenger vehicles. The above technical regulations of the Customs Union provide the following length restrictions:

• a two-axle bus should not be more than 13.5 meters long;
• a bus with more than two axles should not be more than 15 meters long;
• an articulated bus does not exceed 18.5 meters in length.

The length of the two-axle LiAZ-5256 bus is 11.4 meters, the articulated LiAZ-6212 is 17.64 meters. The maximum length of model 6213 is 18.04 meters, the minimum length is 9.5 meters for model 4292.

Height

The technical regulations of the Customs Union provide for a height limit of no more than 4 meters. This restriction applies to buses with gas cylinders or air conditioners on the roof . Buses without additional items on the roof with only seated passenger seats have a height of 2.4...2.6 meters, and buses that carry standing passengers have a height of 2.8...3.1 meters.

Suburban bus LiAZ-5256. Photo GAZ

LiAZ-5256 has a height of 3.06 meters.

Width

The width is limited by the ability to maneuver on the roadway . For buses it does not exceed 2.55 meters and is almost the same for all. The width of LiAZ-5256 is 2.5 meters.

Basic information, characteristics

Manufacturer/manufacturer where the equipment is produced/manufactured. Likinsky bus ]LiAZ[/anchor]) is a Soviet and Russian enterprise, a manufacturer of medium, large and extra large class buses, located in Likino-Dulyovo, Moscow region.

Purpose. City (basic model), intercity, suburban, school, special (depending on modification).

Class. Big.

Body type. Load-bearing, all-metal, carriage-type.

Body resource. 12 years old.

Basic characteristics

Urban modifications

Suburban modifications

Intercity modification

Salon inside

Capacity

City LiAZ-5256. Photo GAZ

To calculate the capacity of the cabin, there are established by calculation and experiment norms of area per person. Moreover, they are designed for two modes: transporting passengers during rush hour and normal, quiet inter-peak mode.

When calculating normal capacity, we are guided by the values ​​of 0.315 m2 per seated and 0.2 m2 per standing passenger.

To calculate peak capacity, one value is accepted - 0.125 m2.

LiAZ-5256 capacity:

• normal - 89;
• maximum - 117.

Seat map

One of the main indicators of the seat layout is the number of rows in the cabin - it can be two-row, three-row, four-row or combined. Intercity LiAZ-5256 has 44 seats in a four-row arrangement. In city models 5256 there are 28 seats arranged in three rows. This seating arrangement ensures that passengers can enter/exit without interference or delay.

Layout (diagram) of the interior of the special bus LiAZ-5256. oto Skat-Auto

Seats

The seats can be located in the direction of travel of the bus, against the direction of travel, along the side walls of the body, have a compartment-type layout, or be shifted from the longitudinal axis. Intercity buses are equipped with adjustable backrests in height and angle of inclination.

Driver's cabin

The regulatory document establishing the requirements for the driver’s workplace is GOST R ISO 16121-4-2011. This standard defines requirements for heating, air conditioning, ventilation, defrosting and fogging of windshields, air quality, and noise levels.

Driver's seat of the LiAZ-4292 bus. Photo GAZ

The cabin is equipped with devices that ensure compliance with the requirements of the standard. So on models 5256 and 6212, two heating units . One of them blows the windshield and heats the interior, while the second heats exclusively the driver’s workplace. Excess noise is eliminated by a partition separating the driver’s workplace from the passenger compartment. The driver's seat of the LiAZ-5292 is equipped with an air suspension with the ability to adjust it to create a comfortable position. It is possible to set the steering wheel to the desired position . The driver's cabin must have a fan and, if necessary, depending on the climatic conditions, an air conditioner.

Technical characteristics: braking system/mechanism, turning radius and more

Fuel type. Diesel or gas (for urban and suburban versions), diesel (for intercity versions).

Capacity of fuel tank/gas cylinders, l. 238 or 918 (9 cylinders of 102 each).

Curb and technically permissible weight, kg. 10368/17930 (with a diesel engine) or 10620/18000 (with a gas engine) equipment for the city and suburbs, 11300...16700 (intercity).

Load on front/rear axle based on technically permissible weight, kg. Urban modifications: 6430/11500 (diesel) or 6500/11500 (gas), suburban: 5900/10800 (diesel) or 6300/10900 (gas), intercity: 5900/10800.

Minimum turning radius, m. 11,5.

Steering mechanism, control type. MAZ-64229 or RB-Servocom 8098 with power steering.

Brake system. Pneumatic, dual-circuit, with ABS.

Flow and dynamics

Fuel consumption ranges from 28 to 32 liters per 100 km. The maximum speed that can be reached on this car is 120 km. The modification intended for transporting children is limited and the peak speed is up to 40 km/h. Diesel fuel is stored in tanks with a capacity of 238 liters, and in the gas case, 776 liters of fuel will fit in the cylinders.

The steering system is equipped with a hydraulic booster. The cornering characteristics are up to 11.5 m. The brakes are standard for LiAZ. They are made according to a dual-circuit design and are also equipped with an ABS pneumatic system. The brakes are ordinary, drum with wedge clamp. If necessary or in emergency situations, you can use the motor brake.

Chassis characteristics

Intercity bus LiAZ-5256. Photo GAZ

Brand. KAAZ 5256-3000012-10, with cross beam and drum brakes / RABA, 718.23-3300 (gear ratio i-5.44) double spaced (urban and suburban). KAAZ 5256-3000012-10, with cross beam and drum brakes/RABA, A-209.17-3300 (gear ratio i=4.778 single, hypoid) – long-distance.

Main bridge. Rear.

Wheel formula. 4x2.

Wheelbase, mm. 5840.

Ground clearance/ground clearance, mm. 180.

Tires. 275/70 R 22.5.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS). Present.

additional characteristics

Ventilation. Mixed: natural - roof hatches and vents; forced - front heater in the driver's cabin.

Heating system. Liquid, using the heat of the engine cooling system and an independent liquid heater.

Luggage compartment volume, cubic meters 4.5 (intercity).

Luggage compartment location. In the lower part of the body, between the aprons and rear wheels.

Engine/powertrain characteristics

Urban and suburban modifications

Intercity modification

Features/Benefits

• Thanks to advanced painting technologies, anti-corrosion treatment, and the use of galvanized sheets when lining the sides, the life of the body before through corrosion is at least 12 years.
• The front and rear masks and the roof are made of fiberglass, which further increases the corrosion resistance of the body.
• A modern component base, the use of high-quality materials in the design of interior elements, soft adjustable/non-adjustable seats determine the optimal operation of the bus in the commuter cycle.
• The aggregate base of the bus is represented by both domestic and imported components at the client’s choice.
• Wide range of engines and gearboxes.
• Affordable price.
• High maintainability.
• Unification with other LiAZ models.

Comfort

• Air conditioner
• Audio system
• Electronic route indicators
• Tinted double glazed windows
• Accessibility for all categories of passengers (mechanical ramp)

*Is an optional extra and may not be included as standard.

Safety

• DVR for external and internal surveillance
• Digital tachograph
• GLONASS/GPS
• Fog lights

*Is an optional extra and may not be included as standard.

• Specifications
• Basic characteristics
• Aggregate characteristics