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Ural-4320 is a cargo-type vehicle for transporting large loads, construction materials, equipment and military personnel. Development of the car began back in 1961, when the first series of trucks was named Ural-375. Despite the fact that this was the company’s first experience, the car turned out to be very reliable over a long distance. The only drawback of that model is problems with gasoline processing. With each new series, the developers tried to modernize their creation, but in 1975, the first tractors with a diesel engine on board went on sale. The new model was called Ural 4320 and turned out to be very popular, even attracting the interest of foreign investors.
Peculiarities
Speaking about any special characteristics or properties of the vehicle, we will not touch on the design, cabin and other parameters that are not anything unusual. In appearance, this is a very ordinary truck that should cope well with the tasks assigned to it. Noting special aspects, I would immediately like to note the power indicators. The car is available in a variety of modifications, and some of them involve the use of powerful engines capable of handling large weight loads.
Unlike other truck variations, it was the Ural that was most often amenable to modernization. The developers always wanted to improve their creation, trying to make it even better. This is especially noticeable in the service life and reliability of the car. With due attention, such vehicles are able to overcome the most difficult sections of roads, and do this for many years. The main thing is to correct minor faults in a timely manner, without leading to serious breakdowns that will require much more money for repairs.
Perhaps the main feature of the Ural 4320 is the extremely favorable location of the power unit, which is located in the front of the hood. Due to this, it was possible to increase the traction properties to the maximum level. The side edges of the cabin include two flat wings of large width, the task of which is to protect the driver from the penetration of water, dirt, and sand while driving off-road.
Car device
The basic model “Ural-5557”, nicknamed “Selkhoznik”, was a six-wheeled chassis on which a two-door, three-seat, hooded cab was mounted.
The body is completely metal, with the ability to tilt on both sides at an angle of 45 degrees for unloading. Both the main and extension sides are equipped with automatic locks, and their opening is carried out by hydraulic cylinders.
The platform itself is lifted using a complex system that includes a telescopic hydraulic cylinder consisting of three stages, a tank with a capacity of 46 liters for special oil and a distribution unit. In addition, using this device you can control the hydraulics of the trailer.
To prevent loose or light cargo from blowing out from the platform during movement, as well as to protect against precipitation, a waterproof awning is provided.
Cabin
Considering the model of the Urals, it is impossible to note any obvious features inherent specifically to it. In most trucks, much emphasis is placed on technical properties, but certainly not on the design and interior of the cabin. But if you still identify some special features, then you can note the presence of three seats for the driver’s personnel and in some modifications there is one berth for a fourth passenger.
Starting in 2009, the car was equipped with an improved variation of the cabin, which was based on fiberglass. This version of the cabin boasts more interesting operational properties, and the degree of driving comfort has become much higher. This is largely due to the use of more comfortable and practical seats, which have the ability to be adjusted to suit the individual driver of the Ural 4320.
You can't ignore the car's steering, which in most trucks is, to put it mildly, not the simplest. In our case, we also get power steering, which greatly simplifies the operation of the truck, making the driving process more enjoyable.
The materials from which all on-board instruments are made are very worthy plastic, with an increased level of strength. There is nothing unusual about this, but if we talk about the service life of the steering wheel, control panel, and other devices, then this has already been checked and no problems in operation have been noticed. The same can be said about the seats, which are covered with high-quality material that does not suffer from wear and tear over years of active use. There are, of course, exceptions to this, but if we take the majority of trucks, then such a problem has not been noticed.
Modifications
From the moment the basic dump truck began to turn into a multi-purpose vehicle and be equipped with updated, improved engines, the cargo platform began to tilt not only to its side, but also to the back. Its markings have also changed, now “Selkhoznik” received the index “Ural-5557-40”.
Later, the automobile plant produced a dump truck, the cabin of which was equipped with a berth and a body platform that tilted only back, with a lifting capacity of 10 tons - this vehicle was labeled “Ural-55571-40”.
But the model with the index 55571-41 already received a four-door cabin of increased size, designed for 6 people (driver + five passengers).
It was precisely this kind of cabin that was installed on the Ural-5557 ATs - specialized tank trucks designed for extinguishing fires.
“Pozharki”, assembled on the base chassis, received the following indices: ATs-5-40 with a tank for 5 thousand liters, ATs-5.5-40 - for 5.5 thousand and ATs-6-40 - for 6 thousand liters of water.
And these are just the most common models. The popularity of the car has not decreased over the years. The vehicle's chassis is so versatile that its scope of application is almost limitless, and modernization of the original model continues to this day.
Engine and gearbox of Ural 4320
In most car modifications, two engine variations were always taken as a basis, while in the rest their modifications and additions were used. Both variations boast traction power, long service life and stable operation even in the most adverse conditions.
Main engine models:
- YaMZ 238 is one of the most successful engines; in many ways its structure and characteristics resemble the Kama model. Perhaps the most obvious feature of this particular engine is the electric torch mechanism, which replaced the preheater previously used in similar systems. This engine also has its own nuances, for example, 3 minutes of idling before stopping it. This is a mandatory condition that the driver should never forget about.
- KamaZ-740 is the most universal power system, operating at a higher crankshaft speed than the previously idolized model. The mechanism performs best in extreme cold after a long period of inactivity, significantly outperforming all possible competitors. Due to its impressive power, the Ural 4320 can easily use large batteries, a starter and many other additional devices. It should be noted that the fuel pump drive operates exclusively at high pressures.
There are three main modifications of 6-cylinder diesel engines on the market, which can have: 230, 240 and 250 horsepower, depending on the purpose of the truck. In any of the previously listed modifications, we may notice not entirely pleasant fuel consumption figures, namely: 40-60 liters, depending on driving speed, road, workload and the time of year when the transportation will take place.
The gearbox did not suffer any special differences from other model series of URAL vehicles. The box still boasts an impressive service life and reliability when working in adverse conditions. The car can be safely operated at temperatures down to minus 45 degrees Celsius, while the gearbox provides the same stability and accuracy.
Engine
"Ural-5557" is equipped with diesel power plants developed and manufactured at the Yaroslavl Motor Plant.
Cars can be equipped with turbocharged six-cylinder engines: YaMZ-236-NE2 or YaMZ-236-M2 with a power of 230 and 180 hp. With. respectively. Both engines belong to the Euro-2 class.
These engines are characterized by a high degree of reliability and good maintainability.
Currently, this truck, like its modifications, can be equipped with diesel power plants, which belong to the fourth environmental class.
Frame (frame, suspension, brakes, steering)
During the development of the Urals, much attention was paid to the simplicity of the frame, chassis and other elements. This was done for the purpose of repair work in any conditions. When developing the frame part of the Ural 4320, two stamped spars with a variable cross-section were used. They were connected to each other using six transverse connections and a front buffer. This element requires timely inspection; for this, it is necessary to periodically monitor the condition of the rivet and bolt connection. Also, it is not advisable to neglect the state of the geometric part of the frame, since the strength of all other components directly depends on this. If the main rivets are no longer as strong as before, it is better to immediately remove them and install new ones.
This can also include a towing device, which is located in the transverse part of the frame. The driver must periodically clean it from dirt, periodically lubricating the towbar rods, which play a significant role in this.
Suspension
The front suspension of the truck is based on two semi-elliptical springs, in the rear of which there are specially designed shock absorbers. Thus, it was possible to balance the front axle of the Ural 4320 as much as possible, making it more stable when driving on difficult road sections. The rear suspension is almost the same. It also consists of two semi-elliptical springs, but in addition it also includes six reaction rods that create a connection between the two parts of the car. This particular Ural model is also equipped with a locking system for interwheel and center differentials on both rear axles.
Brakes
The brake complex includes two active systems at once: a 2-circuit main and a single-circuit spare. In most cases, it is the first mechanism that is used, and if necessary, all functions are taken over by a single-circuit braking system. In addition to the two previously listed variations, there is the possibility of mechanical braking, which involves the use of a brake drum located on the transfer case. This type of braking is not completely safe, but if necessary, it also has the right to life.
Steering wheel Ural 4320
Steering mechanism with one working pair: gear sector and cylindrical worm. In simple terms, the system was originally designed for off-road driving, transportation of military personnel, heavy-duty cargo and other tasks. To make it easier for the driver to control, power steering was used, which increases the smoothness of rotation of the steering wheel. The system is not afraid of dirt, water, frost and other unfavorable conditions, since its development was carried out taking into account all possible factors.
The car includes the following configuration options (modifications):
- Basic (all characteristics are standard, load capacity: 7-9 tons);
- 4320-19. A long reinforced chassis is used, the load capacity is increased to 12 tons;
- 4320-30. Strengthening the front suspension;
- 43204. The emphasis is on the transportation of heavy loads, the chassis has undergone additional modernization;
- 43206. Use of 4x4 technology;
- 44202. Used as a tractor.
Reasons for popularity and additional features
Of course, first of all, the Ural-5557 gained such popularity because of its large load capacity and excellent traction qualities while maintaining excellent cross-country ability even in difficult road conditions.
Unification of units and components between Uralov models reduces the cost of their maintenance and repair.
The permitted temperature range without loss of operating efficiency is from -45 to +40 degrees Celsius, which is also important for equipment of this class and purpose.
In addition, for all modifications, at the customer’s request, a winch, additional fuel tanks, cranes and other attachments can be installed.
The service life before the first overhaul of the machine is 200 thousand km. And the total service life of the car is at least 10 years. Although, with careful operation and timely service, this machine can last much longer.
Loading platform
During the development process, the truck was equipped with a standard platform with three high sides, only the rear one opens. When it comes to transporting personnel, the use of folding benches is provided. If desired, the design of the platform allows for the installation of an awning; a structural frame and fabric are included with the vehicle. The platform is initially designed to transport cargo up to 7 tons, but there are exceptions in the form of modifications to the truck. In some models, which use a more powerful engine, you can transport loads of up to 10 tons. Traction properties allow you to tow up to 11.5 tons.
Malfunctions
Given the history of the truck, everyone already knows about its reliability. But this does not mean that no malfunctions will occur during operation. Judging by the information from the owners of the Ural 4320, most often problems arise with the brake system. The malfunctions themselves are not too dangerous; they may be a lack of lubricating fluid, weakening of reinforcement joints, brake discs and other elements. All that is required from the driver is a timely inspection of the brake system and quick correction of minor deficiencies that were not eliminated at the development stage.
Chassis
"Ural-5557" is an SUV with three drive axles (6x6). The new model differed from its prototype (4320 series) with a similar wheel formula in its tires: the Selkhoznik received low-profile tires that were wider than standard tires. In addition, the truck was equipped with a device for centralized adjustment of tire pressure, which allows it to be changed in the range from 1 (for a short time) to 3.5 atmospheres, thereby increasing or decreasing the tread’s adhesion patch to the road surface.
This update significantly increased the vehicle's maneuverability and also significantly reduced the pressure on the ground, reducing its destruction.
The Ural-5557 car was equipped with dependent spring suspensions, supplemented by double-sided shock absorbers.
The brake system is pneumohydraulic, with two circuits.
Prices
Speaking about a car in new condition, we can highlight a specific price that is currently relevant on the Russian market, namely 1,700,000-1,900,000 rubles, depending on the place of purchase. It is possible to purchase a used car, which will cost much less, but there is a possibility of purchasing a truck in poor technical condition, or with some kind of global malfunction.
Taking into account the entire history of the formation of the Ural car, its modernization, the introduction of innovations and similar nuances, we can conclude that it is clearly worth the money. Noting the Ural 4320, we can safely say that this is an excellent unit for working with large and heavy loads that can be delivered along any roads, be it off-road or marshy areas, the vehicle will still cope with its task 100% .
