Let's begin the long-awaited review of the new Kamaz 5490 truck tractor; the article presents technical specifications, test drives, owner reviews, photos and video materials.
A year has passed since the start of production of a new model of truck tractors - Kamaz 5490, during which time more than 2,000 vehicles rolled off the assembly line. Not all models were successful; in February 2014, a defective batch of Kamaz 5490 (M1842) was discovered and recalled, but otherwise the joint efforts of German and Russian designers created a quite good truck.
OJSC KamAZ, which includes over 150 enterprises, is one of the largest Russian automakers. Among the companies producing heavy duty trucks, the company ranks 13th in the world. The product range is very wide: flatbed trucks, sports trucks, dump trucks, tractor units, chassis, tractors, buses, etc. Over 40 truck models are available in almost 1,500 versions.
History of KamAZ
The company is relatively young. Since the country in the 1960s. It was necessary to increase the fleet of trucks with a more economical diesel engine, and a decision was made to build an automobile plant. It started in 1969. However, the first truck was released only seven years later. Over the years of the enterprise's existence, a lot of effort has been put into making development more dynamic, expanding the number of assembly plants and organizing a network of dealers. The efforts were not empty, and KamAZ has something to boast about:
- More than 2 million cars were produced by 2013;
- The number of dependent and subsidiary organizations is more than 150, and they are located not only in Russia, but also in countries far and near abroad;
- KamAZ develops and produces special products for the Russian Ministry of Defense;
- 43 countries import KamAZ products.
In recent years, the company’s specialists have been actively working to expand the range of vehicles produced; more and more new models with different carrying capacities are appearing. Designers pay increased attention to technical characteristics. KamAZ has both its own developments and the opportunity to use the experience of foreign manufacturers.
Thanks to such qualities as reliability, simple and inexpensive maintenance and optimal cost, KamAZ trucks are very popular all over the world. In the CIS, every third truck weighing up to 40 tons is produced by KamAZ. It is worth noting that trucks fully comply with the requirements of not only the national GOST standard, but also the international ISO.
A separate product item from KamAZ is truck tractors. Their line is quite diverse. They are used in their activities by domestic and foreign organizations that engage in long-distance cargo transportation. Truck drivers appreciate the high performance and power of these trucks. However, the company does not stand still and offers consumers new models. In particular, we are talking about a new model of commercial cargo transport, the KamAZ 5490 truck tractor.
Test drive video
The technology now has many additional options. Among them: air-suspended seats, air conditioning and a cruise control system. KamAZ-5490 is extremely popular in 80 countries. The model is valued for its low operating costs, reliability, optimal cost and ease of maintenance. The domestic truck can easily compete with foreign analogues and meets the requirements of GOST and ISO.
The vehicle is used to transport materials, products and cargo over long distances. It is especially in demand among private carriers and organizations.
New KamAZ 5490.
For several years, KamAZ designers, together with colleagues from the German Daimler, worked on the creation of this model. The main task they set for themselves was to replace the 5460 series and create a flagship car in the segment. In 2011, at the Comtrans exhibition, a presentation of the KamAZ 5490 , which has a 4x2 wheelbase, took place. But the first production truck rolled off the assembly line only two years later, on October 9, 2013. What is the KamAZ 5490 truck tractor?
Exterior of the KamAZ 5490 truck tractor.
At first it was announced that Russian designers would make the cabin, and German specialists from Daimler Trucks would work on the axle and engine. The cabin of the Mercedes Axor was taken as a basis, which underwent a slight restyling; the headlights and turn signals began to look different. However, it cannot be said that the KAMAZ team took someone else’s idea. This is a completely new development of KamAZ, into which 40 million dollars were invested. Russian specialists brought the idea to fruition and brought the cabin into line with the new chassis. The new cabin is characterized by a stylish design and streamlining and, accordingly, improved aerodynamic performance.
Suburban bus NEFAZ-5299-31-57
Passenger capacity 86 people. Number of seats 36 Overall dimensions (LxWxH) 12250x2550x3450 mm Engine Weichai WP7NG 290 Engine power 279 hp. With. Transmission ZF 6AP1220B, automatic Fuel type compressed natural gas Cylinder capacity 984 l
Modern exterior and interior design, complies with the “Accessible Environment” program, total passenger capacity is 86 people.
Trunk tractor KamAZ 5490 - interior.
The new KamAZ 5490 truck tractor received two cab options : the first is based on Axor, the second is based on the Korean DMEC. For the latter, several versions will be prepared, the difference between which will be in dimensions. However, first the Russian-German tractor cab will be mass-produced. Its size is simply enormous: the height inside is 1910 mm, that is, you can stand in it at full height. It is not yet known what KamAZ 5490 trucks with Korean cabs will be like, since work on them is still underway. We only know that a limited version with a DMEC cab will be released at the end of 2014. In addition, the company intends in 2015-2016. to fully establish production of both modifications of the new KamAZ trucks.
Kamaz 5490 - Korean cab
Kamaz 5490 - cabin from Mercedes Axor
The developers paid attention not only to the dimensions of the cabin, but also to the convenience in it, which was clearly lacking in the predecessors of the KamAZ 5490. Who would have thought a couple of years ago that the tractor would be equipped with adjustable seats with Isringhausen and Grammer air suspension, that the steering wheel could be adjusted in height that it will have air conditioning, electric windows and cruise control! The cabin has changed significantly, it has become more stylish and modern.
Now the new KamAZ 5490 mainline tractor is in no way inferior to Western-made truck tractors. Those who often go on long-distance flights will definitely like the presence of two berths in the cabin. Now you can relax together, and not take turns. Yes, maybe the sizes of the sofas are not so large - two meters in length and 0.685 and 0.7 in width - but this is already progress.
The cabin has plenty of storage space for personal items. Spacious niches are located above the windshield. The instrument panel has a very good layout, allowing the driver easy access to all control systems.
The basic version of KamAZ 5490 includes:
- power steering
- anti-glare instrument panel
- electric windows
- pad wear sensor
- air conditioner
- heater
- preheater
- LED daytime running lights and fog lights
- adjustable Grammer seats with air suspension
- three-stage footrest with anti-slip coating
- audio preparation
- fuel pre-filter
- two batteries of 190 Ah
An Intel multimedia system and navigation, as well as a refrigerator, are optionally installed. The new KamAZ is shod with 315/60 R22.5 tires.
Device
The model is built on the basis of a 2-axle frame platform with 2-bar air suspension. The car has rear-wheel drive and is equipped with a Daimler HL6 hypoid drive axle (gear ratio 3.077) with a differential lock.
The new KamAZ-5490 now has air suspension. At the front of the car there is a roll stabilizer and springs on the fingers. The latter require regular lubrication, but maintain smooth running and comfort on the road. At the rear there is a 2-barrel air suspension system.
It is controlled through the ECAS system, which regulates ground clearance. The truck has a four-by-two wheel arrangement and is equipped with a 16-speed synchronized “mechanics” model ZF16S2221, equipped with an intarder. It allows even a loaded tractor to pick up speed quite quickly. The transmission is connected to the engine through a single-plate diaphragm clutch ZF-Sachs MFZ-430. An optional 12-speed AS-Tronic automatic transmission is available.
Thanks to the use of rear and front electronically controlled disc brakes, greater safety on the road is achieved. The KamAZ-5490 is also equipped with an ASR traction control system, an ESP exchange rate stability system and a directional stability function. The steering mechanism, developed by Daimler specialists, was tested at the Paris-Dakar rally. Despite the large size, the steering wheel is very obedient.
The model is equipped with an all-metal cabin with an attractive appearance, an aerodynamic body kit and an electric tilt drive. The cabin in the tractor has been significantly improved. It has two small berths (0.685 and 0.7 m in width, 2 m in length) and a high roof, making the KamAZ-5490 excellent for interregional and international transport.
Kamaz 5490 cabin from the inside
The cabin of the new model is based on a similar element from the Mercedes Axor tractor. However, the domestic version did not borrow all the components of the German “classmate”. It was modified specifically for KamAZ-5490, taking into account Russian realities.
The engineers of the Kama Automobile Plant also took care of the drivers. The truck's cabin now features a cruise control system, an adjustable steering column and comfortable seats from Isringhausen and Grammer. The picture was completed with electric windows, a stylish interior and air conditioning. In terms of comfort, KamAZ-5490 is not inferior to the latest models of famous brands. To store things in the cabin, there are special niches above the windshield.
The basic version of the truck is equipped with a 3-stage running board with anti-slip coating, LED fog lights, an autonomous cabin heater, two powerful batteries, a pre-filter, a pad wear sensor, audio preparation, daytime running lights, a pre-heater, an anti-glare instrument panel and power windows. Navigation is optionally available.
KamAZ 5490 - technical characteristics of the new truck tractor.
The new KamAZ 5490 amazes with its technical capabilities. The main difference is two new engines. Firstly, engineers offer a standard 8-cylinder diesel engine KamAZ-740.75-440 , equipped with a turbocharging system with intermediate air cooling. Its volume is 11.76 liters, and its maximum output is 440 hp. at a torque of 1900 rpm. According to experts, this engine, which meets the Euro-4 environmental standard, will be under the hood of the KamAZ 5490 DMEC.
The second engine was developed by German partners - a 6-cylinder turbodiesel Mercedes-Benz OM 457LA with a power of 428 hp, it complies with Euro 5. According to the manufacturers, its main feature is economical fuel consumption.
As for the transmission, the developers offer two options. The Mercedes engine is paired with a 16-speed synchronized manual transmission ZF 16S-2221. This is an ideal option for truck drivers. A special feature of this transmission is that it has a hypoid main gear and is equipped with remote control.
The new KamAZ 5490 with a domestic engine received a 12-speed unsynchronized ZF-AS-Tronic 12AS-2131 gearbox. The maximum speed that a truck tractor can reach is 110 km/h.
As for the dimensions, its length is 6090 mm, the height at the top point of the cabin is 3745 mm, the width is 2950 mm including mirrors and 2500 mm without mirrors. Ground clearance – 220 mm. Vehicle weight – 7900 kg. The load is distributed as follows: on the front axle – 5300 kg, on the rear axle – 2600 kg. It is allowed to operate the KamAZ 5490 as part of a road train, however, the total weight should not exceed 44 tons. If the truck is used to tow a semi-trailer, then the weight of the latter should not exceed 36.1 tons.
The new KamAZ 5490 is based on a two-axle frame platform with spring suspension in front and double-chamber air suspension with electronic control in the rear. The ECAS system can be used to adjust the ride height.
The wheel formula of the rear-wheel drive truck tractor is 4x2. The new KamAZ is equipped with a Daimler HL6 hypoid drive axle, which has a differential lock and a gear ratio of 3.077. KamAZ 5490 wheels are equipped with disc brake systems at the front and rear and an electro-pneumatic EBS control drive, as well as an ASR traction control system. In addition, the KamAZ truck tractor is equipped with an ESP exchange rate stabilization system.
German engineers also developed a steering mechanism, which was first tested on trucks participating in the Dakar rally. Despite the fact that the steering wheel is large, it is obedient and light. The KamAZ 5490 test drive demonstrated the simplicity and ease of operation of the vehicle.
Engine
KamAZ-5490 differs from previous products of the Kama Automobile Plant with a new engine. Moreover, the truck is equipped with two engines at once (to choose from).
The standard version is equipped with a 4-stroke 8-cylinder domestic diesel unit “KAMAZ-740.75-440” with intermediate air cooling and a turbocharging system. Parameters of this motor:
- working volume – 11.76 l;
- rated power - 440 hp;
- maximum torque – 2060 Nm;
- rotation speed – 1900 rpm.
The KamAZ-5490 is also equipped with a 4-stroke 6-cylinder German diesel engine model Daimler OM-457LA, which meets the requirements of the Euro-5 standard. This engine stands out for its fuel efficiency. Trucks equipped with a German unit are not inferior to their foreign counterparts in this indicator.
- working volume – 11.97 l;
- rated power - 428 hp;
- maximum torque – 2100 Nm;
- engine life – 1,200,000 km;
- rotation speed – 2100 rpm.
New KamAZ 5490 - truck price.
After the new KamAZ 5490 has been examined from all sides, the most important question remains: how much does such a truck tractor cost? Initially it was planned that the price would not exceed 3 million rubles. And so it happened, the starting price of KamAZ 5490 was 2.9 million rubles .
However, it is worth noting that for the same money you can buy a two-year-old Man TGA or Volvo.
As a result, we can say with confidence that KamAZ managed to build a decent truck that can compete with its European classmates. Dynamic, reliable, safe, KamAZ 5490 will appeal to truck drivers.
Trunk tractor KamAZ 5490 - owner reviews.
Roman, Naberezhnye Chelny, KamAZ 5490, 2014.
I thought for a long time before buying what to take. In principle, then I could have bought a used Renault or Mercedes, but I still wanted a new car. A friend advised me to look at the KamAZ 5490 truck tractor. It impressed me right away. It looks like a Mercedes, only a Kamaz badge. I examined the entire cabin. The comfort is obvious - you can stand up to your full height in the cabin, seats with air suspension, the steering wheel can be adjusted in height, air conditioning, electric windows - in general, a lot of everything. Who would have thought that KamAZ could become so convenient! By the way, I also liked that there are two sleeping places. Yes, the sizes are certainly small, but it’s not bad either.
As for the technical characteristics, my Kamaz has a Mercedes engine, 6 cylinders, 428 horses. The car is new, so no problems yet. The downside, perhaps, is the small fuel supply, two tanks of 400 liters each. The car is easy to drive, especially since it has ASR, EBD, ESP, and the brakes are excellent. Overall I'm pleased.
Vladimir, Samara, KamAZ 5490 truck tractor, 2014.
I hesitated for a while before purchasing. To be honest, I don’t really trust the domestic manufacturer. But when I saw it, I was very surprised that our people had concocted such a unit. Here you have air conditioning, electric windows, and seats with air suspension - in short, everything is like in a foreign car! The beds, although a little narrow, are quite comfortable. You can now snore together instead of waiting for your partner to get some sleep. Soundproofing was done very well. As for the chassis, the engine is quite powerful; mine has a KAMAZ-740.75-440 diesel engine. Nothing is moving. It’s too early to say anything specific, because the car is new. In general, the KAMAZ workers made me happy. 5490 is not 5460, two big differences!
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption KAMAZ-5490 NEO
The fuel consumption of a tractor with an OM-457LA engine is approximately 29.3 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle. The diesel consumption of the 740.75-440 model is slightly higher than that of the OM engine and is about 34.2 liters during a mixed driving cycle. Equipping the tractor with two fuel tanks with a volume of 400 liters each allows you to provide the necessary reserve that is required for the operation of the main tractor.
Regarding the data on diesel consumption of KamAZ 5490, the indicators declared by the manufacturers are given. It is difficult to give exact figures, since much depends on the load, operating time and driving style of the driver.
The truck, with excellent maneuverability and maneuverability, rich basic equipment, comfort, reliability and safety, is a worthy competitor to products from world-famous manufacturers.
Depending on the installed engine, KamAZ-5490 has a different fuel consumption rate. Modifications with a Mercedes power plant consume about 33 liters per 100 km. Versions with a domestic engine are more “gluttonous”. All of them are equipped with an 800-liter fuel tank, providing a large range of the truck.
