Driver's review of the MAZ-5440E9 truck tractor

Author: Lan, don’t growl

16 June 2022 13:36

Tags: MAZ trucks truckers reliability rust equipment tractors trucks

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Is six years a long time or a short one for a new MAZ? We met with the driver Alexander, who drives a 2011 MAZ-5440E9 with a Euro-5 engine. The car has already driven 460,000 km - what faults have been identified?

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— In 2011, our company needed a new tractor. At first we thought of buying a new DAF in Europe, but with customs clearance it would have cost 90,000 euros. We bought this MAZ for 50,000, almost half the price. Naturally, having saved, something had to be sacrificed.

Confident Power

The tested model was first presented almost two years ago at the Comtrans`2013 exhibition. Judging by the berth in the cabin, the new product is addressed to universal cargo carriers operating over long distances, by dump truck standards – 35–50 km. What kind of hard workers are these? Removal of waste from construction sites, snow from city centers, construction bushes remote from housing.

The permissible gross weight of the truck is 33.5 tons, and the load capacity is 20 tons. In order to obtain such impressive declared characteristics, the frame was strengthened. Compared to previous models, the height of the 8 mm thick side members has been increased from 280 to 310 mm, and the frame has four additional cross members.

The dump truck is equipped with a 412-horsepower YaMZ-651 engine and a 16-speed ZF manual gearbox. This combination is rarely found on domestic dump trucks (for a person born in the USSR, MAZ is an exclusively domestic vehicle). The engines of the YaMZ-651 family are in-line 6-cylinder engines of a traditional design for this class of vehicles. As we have already written, they are produced under a technological license from Renault Trucks; for this purpose, an assembly line was purchased, which is located in Tutaev. Achievement of environmental standards of the fourth class (Euro 4) is ensured by the use of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, i.e. without the use of AdBlue technology. By the way, Yaroslavl diesel engines of the “651” family are also successfully used on TONAR trucks. The ZF16S2520TO gearbox is a proven and long-familiar unit that appears from time to time in a variety of trucks: from KamAZ to Ford Cargo.

Technical specifications in numbers

Overall dimensions: length – 7.55-9.75 m; width – 2.55 m; height – 3.13-3.45 m.
Wheelbase – 3.2 m – between 1 and 2 axles; 1.4 m – between 2 and 3 bridges.
Ground clearance – 260 mm.
The outer minimum overall turning radius is 9.66 m.
Curb weight - 12.425-14.425 tons; total weight – 29.5-33.5 tons.
The load on the front axle is 7.5 tons, on the rear bogie - 26 tons.
The maximum weight of a road train with a trailer is 60.5 tons.
Diesel fuel tank capacity – maybe 200; 300; 500 liters or 700 liters.
Real diesel fuel consumption when driving at a constant speed of 60 km/h is at least 35-40 liters.
The maximum speed set by the manufacturer is 85 km/h.
Tire size – 12.00 R20 or 315/80 R22.5. Wheels - disc.

Design Features

MAZ-6501 has a spar “ladder” frame made of high-strength hardened steel. At the front, dump trucks of this model are equipped with a dependent suspension with shock absorbers, a transverse stabilizer and leaf springs, and at the rear - a spring-balance type suspension.

The cars are equipped with a brake system with drum mechanisms on all wheels, an anti-lock brake system and a pneumatic drive, as well as a hydraulic power steering. The MAZ-6501 chassis is already equipped at the Minsk Automobile Plant with welded metal dump bodies, tipped using a hydraulic mechanism.

Cargo dump platforms on the MAZ-6501 come in both rectangular and U-shaped (“trough-shaped”) shapes, with rear unloading, with a volume of 12.5 to 15.4 cubic meters. And also - rectangular in shape with three-way unloading, volume from 11 to 14 cubic meters; 22 cc body with hinged sides and side unloading.

The lifting mechanism (tipping mechanism) is hydraulic, single-cylinder, with electro-pneumatic remote control, with direct action on the platform. The mechanism provides independent separate control of raising the platform of the car and the trailer at an angle of 49-3, lowering, stopping in an intermediate position, automatically limiting the lifting angle, shaking the loaded platform at the very end of the lift, for complete dumping of the cargo. Unloading is carried out with pneumoelectric opening/closing of the tailgate locks.

What awaits the driver

The cabin has remained virtually unchanged over the past 12 years (“GP” No. 1, 2013), only a new radiator trim has been added.

There are a lot of positive changes in the cabin interior compared to the previous generation of “superMAZs”. But some things have already become outdated, and rough plastic and some “pre-revolutionary” buttons and steering column switches have not actually changed in five years, when we tested the 4-axle 27-ton MAZ-6516V8-520 (see “GP” No. 10, 2010).

The massive gearshift lever gave the impression of being immortal. This control has not changed externally since the early 1980s of the last century, only now it is entrusted with the function of selecting 16, rather than 8, gears, for which a “slap in the face” was added to the flag on the Adam’s apple, but I would like modern toggle switch and compact “flag”, like most European trucks.

The steering column is adjustable only in angle and is secured with a simple mechanical lock. But the driver's seat has a lot of adjustments and pneumatics. The view, seasoned with an abundance of all kinds of mirrors, did not disappoint, but the huge side windows will have to be raised manually.

The instrument cluster is amazing to read, but the bright green display of the on-board computer is a little original and reminiscent of the “Electronics” calculators from school childhood. But the long-awaited climate control appeared - a tribute to the driver of the dump truck, who will now be able to work with closed windows on dusty construction sites. The pedal assembly was in its “right place” for testing, and the electronic accelerator pedal now proudly flaunts on the right.

In a word, all the advantages of the famous first “superMAZ” have been preserved and enhanced, but it is clearly evident that Belarusian designers created the model as independently as possible. That is why some solutions, in particular plastic casings, the location of some instruments and keys, were not entirely successful. I don’t want to criticize everything and everyone, but, hand on heart, I have to admit that there are better things, but of course more expensive.

It would be unfair not to note that today a large number of options are available for Minsk trucks directly from the factory, including electrically controlled mirrors and central locking. There is even an independent Russian-made liquid engine heater “Pramotronik”, a voltage converter, an anti-lock brake system, and a traction control system. Agree, all this is very important for the driver, as it makes his work safer and more comfortable.

Which tractor is better Kamaz or Maz? | Topic author: Nikita

Anton What the coolest mountain tractor of Colchis!

Georgy zil

Leonid Kraz

Konstantin We have a Kamaz tractor, but probably a Maz is better! And even better is a foreign car!

Fedor MAZ sucks, crap car

Boris KAMAZ is more powerful, MAZ is more convenient... Kamaz is better!

Andrey, depending on what kind of Kamaz and Maz, but it seems to me that this Kamaz is better... he has more power...

Vadim Mazy is better in operation, the Kamaz gearbox is weak if it is not a Manov tractor, it is better to immediately take a foreign car

Roman Maz Stanislav - he has traction, so he is better off-road!! ! Kamaz Stanislav is resourceful, he needs speed!! !

Alexey is better supported by MAN, but the choice is between comfort and power! I'd rather take KAMAZ

Body and cabin

The exterior of the MAZ-6516 body contains traditional details, but with a modern interpretation. The cabin index is 6501. The position is high enough that you have to use two steps. There are no excesses in the exterior. The radiator grille is decorated with the abbreviation “MAZ”, and in the center of the large bumper there is a logo in the form of a bison moving to the left. And despite the fact that symbolically the direction to the left means going back or braking, the same cannot be said about this car.

Behind the bas-relief is a conveniently hidden towing device.

The block with all light indications is located on the bumper. Separately, you can notice the fog lights. Unfortunately, there is no protection for the headlights, which is a strong disadvantage in construction and quarry conditions. In addition, air intakes are installed in the center of the bumper. There, but on the sides, there are steps to access the cabin. To make the ascent process more convenient, the door opens wide enough, and there are handrails inside to prevent you from falling.

When entering the cabin, what catches your eye is the large panoramic window, which gives a good overview. The partitions between the side windows and the windshield are not thick, but strong, and do not create inconvenience when it is necessary to maneuver in a narrow space. The front glass is cleaned by three wipers at once, which means that even in severe bad weather visibility will be good. For rear visibility, there are four mirrors that reduce the blind spot to a minimum distance. The mirrors are adjusted using an electric drive.

In case of fogging, the manufacturer has provided special electric heating. Next, the comfortable seat in which the driver sits becomes noticeable. It is equipped with an air suspension and is adjustable in several modes, which allows a driver of any size to adjust it to suit himself. Adjusting the steering column is no longer a new feature for MAZ cars. You can change the position vertically, along the reach and angle of the steering wheel. The lock release pedal is in a convenient position next to the clutch. A similar method of adjusting the position of the steering wheel can be found in Volvo trucks.

Passenger comfort is a bit worse off. The seat is just as comfortable, but has no springs, which means a lot of shaking while driving. But, instead of this, under the chair there is a box for tools or spare parts, even with a lock. The sleeping place is made large enough so that a person of almost any size can fit in it. For productivity and safety, it is important that the driver has adequate rest during a long trip. Therefore, due attention has been paid to this element.

Tipper set

A rectangular dump platform with a volume of 20 m 3 and a load capacity of 20 tons with rear unloading and mechanical locking is controlled using a Penta hydraulic cylinder and is heated by exhaust gases. This type of body, in combination with a fairly long wheelbase (3875+1400 mm), is intended for transporting bulk, non-sticky, large-volume cargo with average specific densities in the range of 0.9–1.3 m 3 /t - sand, crushed stone, soil, construction materials garbage, snow or, for example, solid waste. Mainly, this is a road modification, but the presence of blockages also means periodic driving off the improved surface. The presence of a reinforced frame and a rear bogie with a lifting capacity of 26 tons, in theory, should withstand both a broken road and some overload, but within reasonable limits.

Having examined the detailing of the MAZ-6501V9 car, I came to the conclusion that it would best fit into a vehicle fleet with its own repair base, where hardworking mechanics still remember Soviet trucks. The peculiarity of the car is that it is a long-familiar MAZ, but with an imported power unit and dump hydraulics. Most likely, if handled properly, foreign components will require simple maintenance, which will be limited to changing oils, filters and occasional adjustments. And everything else will be immediately put in order without the involvement of expensive equipment and the need to visit a beautiful, but expensive dealer service. I thought about it, doubted it, but came to the conclusion that such a fruit of joint creativity of imported technologies and domestic design has the right to life and will be in demand even today, since it will save money that flows into the pockets of transport workers not with the power of Niagara Falls.

Yes, and here's another thing. Today, many enterprises financed from the state budget are tasked with import substitution, and MAZ represents a very interesting alternative for the operator...

Transmissions

MAZ 20-ton trucks are equipped with 9, 12 or 16-speed mechanical transmissions. Initially - Yaroslavl Motor Plant; then the main supplier of gearboxes for this truck family became the well-known European one, model 9S1315TO (9JS135A); 12JS200TA; 16S1650; 16S2220.

Currently, various modifications of the MAZ-6501, along with ZiEf ones, are also equipped with 9- and 12-speed gearboxes of the “JS” brand. Their manufacturer is Chinese Engineering. These manual gearboxes have been produced since 2013 and were chosen by the Minsk Automobile Plant to replace the manual transmission and the Yaroslavl Motor Plant due to the cheaper price of Chinese products. With its decent quality and proven reliability, of course.

Both rear axles are driven, with lockable center and cross-axle differentials.

Currently produced modifications (information current as of August 2022)

MAZ-6501A5 is a rear dump truck equipped with a Cummins 6ISBe (Euro-3) engine with a power of 300 hp. (220 kW) and a 9-speed JS135TA gearbox. Standard load capacity - 15.1 tons. Curb weight - 9.825 tons. Gross weight - 25 tons. Tires - 295/80K22.5. Fuel tank – 200 l. The cabin is without a berth.
MAZ-6501A8 is a grain dump truck with three-way unloading, equipped with a YaMZ-7511.10E2 (Euro-2) or YaMZ-6581.10 (Euro-3) engine with a power of 400 hp. (294 kW) and a 12-speed manual transmission of the JS200TA model. Standard load capacity - 20.1 tons. Curb weight - 13.605 tons. Gross weight - 33.5 tons. Tires - 315/80R22.5. Fuel tank – 300 l. The cabin is without a berth. Designed for use with a trailer, as part of a road train.
MAZ-6501V5-480 (481) – a dump truck with rear unloading, equipped with a YaMZ-536.10 (Euro-4) engine with a power of 310 hp. (228 kW) and a 9-speed JS135TA gearbox. Standard load capacity - 21 tons. Curb weight - 12.425 tons. Gross weight - 33.5 tons. Tires - 315/80 R22.5 or 12.00R20. Fuel tank – 300 l. The cabin is without a berth. The type of loading platform is U-shaped (“trough-shaped”).
MAZ-6501V5-482 (484) – a dump truck with rear unloading, equipped with a YaMZ-536.10 (Euro-4) engine with a power of 310 hp. (228 kW) and a 9-speed JS135TA gearbox. Standard load capacity - 20.65 tons. Curb weight - 12.425 tons. Gross weight - 33.5 tons. Tires - 315/80 R22.5 or 12.00R20. Fuel tank – 300 l. The cabin is without a berth. Loading platform type – U-shaped (“square”).
MAZ-6501B9-470 is a grain dump truck with three-way unloading, equipped with a YaMZ-651.10 (Euro-4) engine with a power of 412 hp. (302 kW) and a 12-speed manual transmission of the JS200TA model. Standard load capacity - 20.3 tons. Curb weight - 13.605 tons. Gross weight - 33.5 tons. 12.00R20 or 315/80R22.5. Fuel tank – 300 l. The cabin is without a berth. Designed for use with a trailer, as part of a road train.
MAZ-6501V9-470 (471) – grain dump truck with side unloading, equipped with a YaMZ-651.10 (Euro-4) engine with a power of 412 hp. (302 kW) and a 12-speed manual transmission of the JS200TA model. Standard load capacity - 19 tons. Curb weight - 13.605 tons. Gross weight - 33.5 tons. Tires - 12.00R20 or 315/80 R 22.5. Fuel tank – 500 l. The cabin is without a berth. Designed for use with a trailer, as part of a road train.
MAZ-650119-420(520) – grain dump trucks with three-way unloading, equipped with a Mercedes Benz OM 501LA (Euro-4) engine with a power of 435 hp. (320 kW) and a 16-speed manual transmission of the ZF S221 model. Standard load capacity - 20.5 tons. Curb weight - 13.605 tons. Gross weight - 33.5 tons. Tires - 315/80R22.5. Fuel tank – 300 l. Cabin – without a berth or with a berth. Designed for use with trailers, as part of a road train.
MAZ-650128-570 is a rear dump truck equipped with a Weichai WP12.430E50 (Euro-5) engine with a power of 430 hp. (316 kW) and a 12-speed JS200TA gearbox. Standard load capacity - 19.7 tons. Curb weight - 13.8 tons. Gross weight - 33.5 tons. Tires - 315/80R22.5. Fuel tank – 300 l. The cabin is without a berth. The type of cargo platform is U-shaped (“square”), with a volume of 20 cubic meters.
MAZ-6501S9-8526-000 is a grain dump truck with side unloading, equipped with a YaMZ-653 (Euro-5) engine with a power of 422 hp. (310 kW) and a 16-speed manual transmission model ZF16S2520TO. Standard load capacity is 16 tons, body volume is 33 cubic meters. Curb weight - 14.5 tons. Gross weight - 30.5 tons. Tires - 315/80R22/g. Fuel tank – 700 l. The cabin is without a berth. Designed for use with a trailer, as part of a road train.
MAZ-6501S5-522-000 is a rear dump truck equipped with a YaMZ-53603 (Euro-5) engine with a power of 330 hp. (242 kW) and a 9-speed gearbox ZF 9S13110T0. Standard load capacity - 20.65 tons. Curb weight - 12.85 tons. Gross weight - 33.5 tons. Tires - 315/80 R22.5. Fuel tank – 300 l. The cabin is without a berth.