The first one with the brand of the Belarusian Automobile Plant. The BelAZ-540 dump truck turns 60 years old

Description BelAZ-7540

BelAZ-7540 cars have been produced since the early 1990s. Their design and appearance have undergone minimal changes over the years of production. It is very simple, strict and practical. The slightly protruding hood occupies the entire front part of the dump truck. Under the hood there is a massive straight bumper with light optics built into it, and on the sides of the hood there are stairs that lead to the top of the large metal wings.

The cabin is located offset to the left side of the vehicle. It is equipped with one side door and panoramic glazing. Inside there is the same practical interior as the general appearance of the dump truck itself: an informative dashboard in a classic style, a well-adjusted ergonomic arrangement of controls, a sprung driver’s seat and an additional “trainee” seat for a passenger on the side.

BelAZ-754O are equipped with metal bucket-type bodies, welded construction, with a triangular profile in modifications 754ОА, 754ОВ and 754ОК, as well as with a special bucket-type coal platform (with high sides) - in modification 754ОE.

In all versions of the truck, its body is supplemented with a far protruding visor to protect the cab from falling rock debris and other heavy objects, heating of the bottom with exhaust gases and a device for mechanically locking the body in the raised position.

The maximum lifting angle of the body is 53 degrees, and the lifting process itself is carried out by telescopic hydraulic cylinders with three stages, one of which is double-acting. A hydraulic circuit combined with the steering is used to control the hydraulic cylinders. It is powered by gear-type hydraulic pumps.

The body capacity indicators are as follows: in the basic version (in modifications 754OA, 754OV and 754OK), its geometric capacity is 15.1 cubic meters when loaded to the sides, or 19.2 cubic meters when loaded “with a header” of 2:1. The coal-carrying truck body of modification 754OE, the one with additional sides, holds about 24.7 cubic meters of cargo when loaded at the level of the sides, or 28.2 cubic meters when loaded “with a cap.”

Quarry Star

After a test cycle, serial production of the BelAZ-540 began in September 1965.

The truck was manufactured in parallel with the MAZ-525 for four years. For example, in 1962, the Belarusian Automobile Plant assembled five pre-production BelAZ-540 and 1005 copies of the MAZ-525. The following year, the production of the BelAZ-540 model was doubled - 10 pre-production vehicles against 1090 copies of the MAZ-525. In 1964, two dozen pre-production vehicles were already produced, and in 1965, full-fledged mass production began, when 300 copies of the BelAZ-540 were assembled. True, in the last year of their production, more MAZ-525 dump trucks were assembled - 820. Since 1966, the Belarusian Automobile Plant completely switched to the production of BelAZ-540.

They immediately began to think about increasing the carrying capacity. It was planned to produce 45-ton road trains with BelAZ-540V-5271 semi-trailers. The cars passed tests, but in the end they did not go into production. Preference was given to the “single” model BelAZ-548 with a lifting capacity of 40 tons. But that's a different story.

All production cars were externally distinguished by rearranged headlights, which significantly affected the perception of appearance. At first, the serial BelAZ-540 was equipped with the D12A-375B engine (V12, 38.8 liters, 375 hp), which was a “conversion” of the famous V-2 tank diesel engine. But this was initially considered as a temporary measure, since the more advanced YaMZ-240 diesel engine, on which the main focus was made, had not yet been mastered by the Yaroslavl Motor Plant in mass production. On the eve of May Day 1967, the first batch of BelAZ-540A, equipped with a more economical and maintainable YaMZ-240 diesel engine (V12, 22.3 l, 360 hp), rolled off the assembly line. But the supply of engines from Yaroslavl was insufficient, so the “pure” BelAZ-540 with the ex-tank diesel engine D12A-375B was produced in parallel with the BelAZ-540A at least until 1973. Since 1974, only BelAZ-540A was assembled on the assembly line. On average, the plant produced 2000-2500 cars of this family per year.

Features of the device: frame, suspension, brakes

BelAZ-30-ton trucks are built on a welded spar frame made of ultra-strong low-alloy steel. The longitudinal spars have a box-shaped cross-section and are connected by cross members in the form of a ladder.

The suspension of the dump truck around the entire circle (both for the front axle and the drive axle) is fully dependent, pneumohydraulic, with trailing arms and transverse rods, as well as with integrated hydraulic shock absorbers (two pieces on each axle, pneumohydraulic cylinders (oil and nitrogen The piston stroke of the front cylinder is 205 mm, the rear cylinder is 265 mm.

The brake system of the BelAZ-754O dump truck includes 4 subsystems. Working (wheel drum brakes with separate pneumatic drive). Parking (block mechanism, permanently closed type on the drive shaft of the main gear, with a spring drive and pneumatic control). Auxiliary (from a hydrodynamic retarder on the drive shaft of an electrically controlled transmission). Plus a spare one (parking brake and working circuit of the working brake system). The large working surface of the friction linings of the service brakes ensures consistently reliable braking.

The initial appearance of a dump truck of this family (BelAZ-75405, produced in the 90s)

The steering mechanism is made according to the principle of a “screw with a ball nut and a piston-rack, with a hydraulic booster. A small turning radius in combination with a short wheelbase provides exceptionally high maneuverability of dump trucks for this class of vehicles.

Evolution of modernizations

By 1986, the BelAZ-540A was seriously modernized in order to increase productivity, reliability, and efficiency.

All main units and components were improved, which made it possible to increase the payload of the vehicle to 30 tons. Now the basic 30-ton truck was designated BelAZ-7522. It was equipped with a more economical YaMZ-240M1 diesel engine and an LG-470 torque converter with increased efficiency. The hydromechanical transmission and the main drive of the drive axle were modernized, and the braking system was improved. The new parking brake required less maintenance time. Stone ejectors were installed for the rear dual wheels. The loading platform began to be installed with a modified configuration, made of higher quality metal. In total, the improvements made made it possible, compared to the BelAZ-540A model, to reduce fuel consumption by 2-3%, extend the service life of the vehicle by 13-15%, and increase the interval between maintenance services by 25%.

The cabin was also modernized, now equipped with improved seats, a new instrument panel with a safety coating, a more efficient heater, and an electric windshield washer. Sound insulation has been improved. Externally, the modernized 30-ton trucks were easily distinguished by a different radiator lining, the blowing front of which increased. This lining also provided better cleaning. The mirrors increased in size, which improved visibility.

At the end of the 1980s, the classic BelAZ was modernized for the third time. At the same time, the first prototype appeared, designated BelAZ-7540. The appearance has not changed, but many design improvements have been made. For example, they began installing a more powerful engine - the 420-horsepower YaMZ-240NM instead of the 360-horsepower YaMZ-240M.

In this form, the BelAZ-540 survived the collapse of the Soviet Union. But they were already made many times less than under the USSR. The last examples with a classic rectangular-angular appearance were assembled in 1996.

Areas of application and operating features

BelAZ-754O quarry dump trucks are intended for transporting bulk cargo and rocks in a loosened state along specially laid technological roads. In addition to quarries and open-pit mining of mineral resources, these machines can be used in the construction of large industrial and hydraulic facilities, in the construction of railway and highway complexes, and in the technological departments of processing industry enterprises.

Depending on the specific weight of the cargo being transported, the maximum efficiency of using this equipment is achieved when it is used in conjunction with excavators or loaders with buckets with a capacity of four to eight cubic meters.

Unusual special versions

The BelAZ-540 became the basis for unusual special equipment.

For example, there were BelAZ-540 firefighters. One of these served in Dnepropetrovsk, the other in Yakutsk. The firefighters themselves converted them using their own resources.

But there was also a “professional” production of special vehicles based on BelAZ vehicles. Organizations such as TsKPTBtranschermet, Gipronickel, NPO Chermetmekhanizatsiya, NIIKMA developed technical documentation, and specialized repair plants built special equipment based on this documentation.

The most exotic were, of course, the “blowers” ​​of the quarries. Gas pollution was a colossal problem, and engineers tried to solve it with the help of aircraft engines installed on BelAZs. The engines were used both jet and turboprop.

The favorite special vehicle of all BelAZ drivers who worked in the quarries were these mobile canteens. They were mass-produced by the Kafan ARZ in Armenia and Belgorod. Inside the insulated body there were two dozen seats and its own kitchen with an area of ​​6.4 m2. By the way, in other Khrushchev buildings the kitchens were smaller.

And on the basis of the BelAZ-540, tow trucks, watering and irrigation vehicles, tank trucks, fuel tankers, oil tankers, explosion-technical and repair vehicles were built.

Modifications of BelAZ-7540

The BelAZ-754O family of 30-ton trucks includes four modifications, which differ from each other both in engines and the capacity of their bodies, as well as in overall dimensions. The 754OA and 754OB have identical dimensions: length - 7.11 m, width along the mirrors - 4.56 m, height along the visor - 3.93 m. Modification 7540E is slightly longer - 7.16 m and lower 3.9 m. Version 754OK is the longest of all existing in the enterprise’s production program - 7.41 m.

• 7540A - with a diesel engine YaM3-24OPM2, power of 309 kW and torque of 1491 N*m, at 16OO rpm. Transmission formula: 5+2. The geometric volume of the body is 15.1 cubic meters, with a 2:1 “head” - 17.8 cubic meters.
• 7540B – with diesel engine YaM3-24OM2, power 265 kW and torque 1275 N*m, at 16OO rpm. Transmission formula: 3+1. The geometric volume of the body is 19.2 cubic meters, with a 2:1 “head” - 21.7 cubic meters.
• 7540E – with a coal-carrying body, the car is equipped with a YAM3-24OM2 engine, with a power of 265 kW and a torque of 1275 N*m, at 16OO rpm. Transmission formula: 3+1. The geometric volume of the coal-carrying body is 24.7 cubic meters, with a “cap” of 2:1 – 28.2 cubic meters.
• 7540K - with a Cummins QSM11-C diesel engine with a power of 298 kW and a torque of 1898 N*m, 1ZOO-14OO rpm. Transmission formula: 5+2. The geometric volume of the body is 15.1 cubic meters, with a “head” of 2:1 – 19.2 m3. A number of 7540D modification dump trucks were also produced, equipped with a German-made Deutz BF8M1015 diesel engine with a power of 395 hp.

BelAZ-7540 engines

Most dump trucks of this family are equipped with long-stroke diesel engines of the YaM3-24O series. They are designed specifically for powerful and productive mining dump trucks, as well as for heavy automotive and construction equipment, with a gross weight of up to fifty-three tons.

YaM3-240M2 and YaM3-24OPM2 are twelve-cylinder V-shaped diesel engines with a displacement of 22.3 liters. These are four-stroke engines with compression ignition, direct injection of diesel fuel, liquid cooling, and mechanical speed control.

YaM3-24OPM2 is a turbocharged version of the YaM3-24OM2 power unit and differs from it by the presence of turbocharging. The power of YaM3-24OM2 is 265 kW (360 hp), torque is 1275 N.m (130 kgf.m); YaM3-24OPM2 – 309 kW (420 hp), torque – 1491 N.m (152 kgf.m).

The BelAZ-7540K is equipped with a foreign (Chinese) diesel power unit from Cummins QSM11-C. This is a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with a displacement of 10.8 liters, a power of 298 kW (400 hp) and a maximum torque of 1898 Nm at 1600 rpm. It is also equipped with a turbocharger. The cylinder diameter of this engine is 125 mm, the piston stroke is 147 mm. Like the turbocharged YaMZ-240PM2, the Cummins QSM11-C engine is paired with a five-speed hydromechanical transmission.

Each of the presented diesel engines used on these dump trucks provides optimal specific power, dump truck speed on inclines, as well as decent fuel efficiency. To ensure easy engine starting in subzero temperatures, BelAZ-7540 mining dump trucks are equipped with a pre-start heater, which ensures heating of diesel fuel and coolant when starting the diesel engine.

The diesel fuel consumption of the BelAZ-7540 depends on the technical condition of the engine and the operating modes of the truck. The standards set by the manufacturer set the following value: 115 liters per 100 kilometers (at a speed of 40 km/h and a fully loaded body).

Air purification is carried out using a two-stage filter with dry-type elements. The air purification system is equipped with a clogging indicator. Exhaust gases are released through the loading platform. The exhaust system is adapted for the installation of exhaust gas converters. The lubrication system is of mixed type, based on the “wet” sump principle. The cooling system is liquid, with forced circulation.

Under intense pressureBelAZ mining dump trucks

V. Perelygin, Ph.D., mining engineer

If we consider the entire fleet of dump trucks produced by the Belarusian Automobile Plant, it should be noted that more than half of the fleet operates in quarries for the extraction of ferrous and non-ferrous metal ores, where operating conditions are the most difficult. A significant number of machines are used in coal mines, in quarries for the extraction of mining chemical raw materials, non-metallic minerals, in the construction of hydraulic engineering and irrigation structures, i.e., almost everywhere where it is necessary to transport large volumes of rock mass.

Dump trucks have a number of advantages over other types of transport:

• relatively high maneuverability of machines, the ability to work in relatively cramped areas, in hard-to-reach faces;
• lower costs for construction and maintenance of temporary roads compared to rail transport;
• high productivity in combination with single-bucket excavators;
• high mobility of the park as such.

The mobility and maneuverability of dump trucks contribute to the effective implementation of selective mining and averaging of ores directly in the quarry.

The main disadvantage of road transport is the higher cost of transporting rock mass compared to rail transport. The use of dump trucks is most appropriate for short transportation distances, in difficult terrain, in deep quarries, etc.

Quarry vehicles are operated in a wide variety of climatic, mining, geological and road conditions.
Most of the mining enterprises in Russia are located in zones of extreme continental climate: low, up to –40 °C and below, temperatures in winter with strong winds and high temperatures in summer (up to +40 °C). In mountainous areas, dump trucks operate at low atmospheric pressure, which reduces engine power and increases fuel consumption. Quarry vehicles are characterized by short transportation distances - from 1 to 5 km, roads with variable profiles and a large number of turns, and many temporary roads with unsatisfactory surfaces. The longitudinal profile of quarry roads is an alternation of ascents and descents of different sizes and lengths. Longitudinal slopes of roads reach 10...12%, and in some short sections even more. BelAZ-7540 series

There are two types of transmissions used on mining dump trucks – hydromechanical (HMP) and electromechanical (EMT). As practice shows, with slopes ranging from 12 to 15%, it is preferable to use dump trucks with GMF, they have better dynamic characteristics. Efficiency hydromechanical transmission is higher, which means higher speed of the dump truck and its productivity per unit of fuel burned. In turn, the use of EMT allows you to change the layout of the dump truck, simplify the kinematic diagram, and use an individual drive for each wheel (motor-wheel).

The creation of heavy dump trucks with GMF is associated with a number of design problems. The transmission of large torques requires a significant complication of the design of transmission units and their weight, causing an increase in the cost of the machine, including during operation.

To meet the needs of numerous medium- and low-capacity quarries, the Belarusian Automobile Plant produces a range of dump trucks with a hydromechanical transmission and a payload capacity (g/c) of up to 90 tons. Heavier vehicles are traditionally produced with EMT (the heaviest is BelAZ-75306 with a payload capacity of 220 t). However, such world leaders as Caterpillar and Komatsu produce a number of heavy dump trucks with hydromechanical transmission (the heaviest is the CAT 797B model with a capacity of 380 tons), which are successfully used in many enterprises. In Russia, the most common dump trucks are the BelAZ-7540 series with a capacity of 30 tons, including the predecessors of this series - the BelAZ-7522, BelAZ-7526 models, as well as the veteran BelAZ-540.

The beginning of a glorious family of mining dump trucks was the 27-ton BelAZ-540, the first example of which was created in September 1961 at the Belarusian Automobile Plant. It began serial production in September 1965 and was equipped with a D-12A diesel engine (38.8 liters, 375 hp), an automatic hydromechanical three-speed gearbox (Gearbox), wheel planetary gearboxes, and power steering. It was equipped with the most advanced hydropneumatic suspension and integrated hydraulic system at that time.

Since 1967, they produced a modernized version of the BelAZ-540A with a new YaMZ-240 diesel engine (22.3 l, 360 hp). The dump truck with a wheelbase of 3550 mm had a maximum speed of 55 km/h. BelAZ-540A corresponded to the world level and was the first in the USSR to be awarded the Quality Mark, which was honorable in those days. The car turned out to be very successful and, according to Caterpillar representatives, it became difficult for their products to compete with.

Since 1972, the production of northern and tropical (export) versions began - 540C and 540T, respectively. The 540B truck tractor worked as part of a 45-ton dump truck train. At the same time, the Belarusian Automobile Plant offered a coal dump truck model 7510, the geometric capacity of the body of which was increased from 15 to 19 m3. Dump trucks models 540 and 7510 were designed to work with the EKG-4.6B excavator, and later with the EKG-5A.

In the 1980s, the “540” was replaced by an improved version of the BelAZ-7522 with a capacity of 30 tons with a more economical 360 hp engine and a new transmission with increased efficiency. torque converter and an upgraded brake system. The variant of the coal carrier was assigned the index 7526. Since 1981, the BelAZ-7540 with a capacity of 40 tons was also produced for the removal of rock from deep quarries, equipped with a 425-horsepower YaMZ-240PM2 diesel engine with turbocharging. Today the automobile plant offers a series of modern 30-ton BelAZ-7540 dump trucks.

BelAZ-7547 series

The basis of the heavier family of dump trucks with GMP was the two-axle BelAZ-548A with a capacity of 40 tons with a wheelbase of 4200 mm and a body with a capacity of 21 m3, the production of which began in 1967. It was intended to work with the new EKG-8I excavators and modifications of the EKG-6, 3US and ECG-4U. The car was equipped with a YaMZ-240N diesel engine with a turbocharger capacity of 500 hp. s., and in other respects its design repeated the previous BelAZ-540 family. In 1972, BelAZ-548A began to be assembled in a northern version. It was called BelAZ-548S, with a 27-cc body (the coal tanker was designated as BelAZ-7525, and as a truck tractor - BelAZ-548V for working with dump semi-trailers with a capacity of 65 tons. In the early 1980s, production of the modernized version of the "548th" began » model with a capacity of 42 tons, designated BelAZ-7523 (its coal-carrying version is BelAZ-7527).

To replace the BelAZ-7548, which was discontinued in 2002, the BelAZ-7547 was created with an increased payload capacity of 45 tons. Since 1995, production of a new generation dump truck began - the 55-ton BelAZ-7555, for which YaMZ or Cummins diesel engines are available. power 525…730 l. s., self-made GMP or American Allison, hydropneumatic wheel suspension with 35-inch tires. Coal miners immediately fell in love with this model, since its parameters are most suitable for working together with the EKG-8I and EKG-10 excavators - the main mechanical shovels in the mining operations of open-pit coal mines.

The modern developments of the automobile plant are very interesting, for example, the BelAZ-7528 (6x6) articulated dump truck with a capacity of 36 tons with an MTU S-60 series engine with a power of 550 hp, GMP (5+2), 29.5R25 tires. Its mass is 42.3 tons, the geometric capacity of the platform is 16.3 m3, with the “cap” – 22 m3. The model is designed for transportation of bulk cargo and is designed for operation in different climatic zones, both on special technological roads and in off-road conditions on soils with low bearing capacity. The use of a layout with articulated frames allows for higher maneuverability of the vehicle, all-wheel drive increases traction characteristics (more total traction). The dump truck is able to overcome large slopes, is less sensitive to the quality of roads, and is indispensable in mining operations when transporting rocks from deep horizons with increased water inflow.

The Belorussian plant also offers a new series of heavy dump trucks with a capacity of 90 tons and a GMP – BelAZ-7557. Engine power QST 30-C – 1065 hp. s., transmission – GMP 6+1, tires – 27.00R49, vehicle weight – 73 tons, geometric platform capacity – 37.3 m3, “with cap” – 53.3 m3. The dump truck is designed to work with excavators with buckets with a capacity of 12.5...15.0 m3 and will be in demand in mining and processing plants with deep quarries.

The operating experience of BelAZ dump trucks with GMP shows that, in general, the vehicles of the named series are reliable, quite “tenacious” and to a certain extent satisfy the operating conditions in mining operations. Repair services, accustomed to the products of the Belarusian Automobile Plant, in most cases independently carry out restoration repairs of units, including gearboxes and gearboxes. Specialized repair companies are widely used only to carry out major engine repairs. At the factory, repairs are carried out with the possible replacement of the crankshaft or cylinder block, which extends the residual life. In addition, the prices for spare parts for BelAZ dump trucks are significantly lower compared to the prices for spare parts for imported vehicles, which makes the operation of the automobile plant’s vehicles noticeably more economical. Such factors help maintain stable demand for BelAZ products, and not only in the post-Soviet space.

In practice, the mileage of BelAZ dump trucks with a capacity of 27...45 tons before write-off is on average: up to 225 thousand km for the regions of the Far North; up to 210...220 thousand km for deep (more than 200 m) quarries; about 320 thousand km during construction work (standard mileage is 270 thousand km, or 6 years of service). The annual mileage in most quarries is 5...40 thousand km. Equipping dump trucks with imported engines allows to extend the service life to a certain extent and increase the overhaul interval, but leads to higher maintenance costs.

BelAZ-7555 series

The complex longitudinal profile of quarry roads significantly complicates the operating mode of the mine. Alternating ascents and descents, sometimes protracted with the operation of the retarder on descents, causes overheating of the unit, especially in the summer months, leads to “welding” of gear clutches, and failure of oil radiators. There are also specifics when working in the Far North, where due to extreme cold the reliability of equipment sharply decreases, so there is a need to carry out special measures to ensure normal operation of the machines (warming up, using special oils, cold-resistant materials, including frost-resistant rubber, and etc.).

It should be noted that by maintaining the correct operating mode of the dump truck, many incidents can be eliminated, for example, failure of the hydraulic transmission due to overheating. Driving style largely determines the operating mode of the systems, so driver training must be carried out responsibly and efficiently. However, the personnel problem has only worsened in recent years, and not only in relation to the training of drivers, but also in relation to the training of competent specialist mechanics and repairmen. Bad personnel are capable, without straining, of “fixing” high-tech expensive machines from Caterpillar or any other manufacturer with a worldwide reputation and an impeccable reputation. Good personnel are able to support dear and patient BelAZ trucks, which are traditionally treated with a simple attitude.

Today, the Belarusian Automobile Plant, more than ever, is under strong pressure from competitors offering high-quality equipment. Dealer and service centers of manufacturing companies are developing rapidly. So far, the price/quality ratio allows BelAZ to successfully compete with world leaders, but it is difficult to predict how long this situation will be advantageous for the plant. An increase in the intensity of mining and construction work as a direct consequence of the entry of CIS members into the world market will require the use of new, highly efficient equipment systems. Today it is important not to waste time, so as not to fall into the group of outsiders in the future. The priority direction of the plant’s activities should be the renewal of production, the introduction of the latest technologies, and the creation of new series of high-performance dump trucks.

Transmission and hydraulic system BelAZ-7540

Vehicles of the BelAZ-754O family of dump trucks are equipped with a three- or five-speed hydromechanical transmission. The hydromechanical transmission allows you to select the most optimal traction and speed mode of the dump truck, which makes it easier to control the vehicle and ensures traffic safety. The torque converter reduces dynamic loads in the transmission and ensures stable engine operation during load changes.

The cardan transmission consists of two open-type cardan shafts with hinges on needle bearings. They connect the hydromechanical transmission to the power unit and the drive axle. The front driveshaft is equipped with an elastic coupling.

The integrated hydraulic system, built on standardized elements, has structural simplicity and minimal power losses. Raising the dump body on all trucks takes 16 seconds, lowering it in 20 seconds. The highest pressure created in the hydraulic system is 13.5 MPa, and the degree of filtration is 10 microns. The maximum performance of the hydraulic pump at 21OO rpm reaches 168 dm3/min (on trucks of modifications B and E), 174 dm3/min (on vehicles of modifications A and K).

The hydraulic system includes a matching guitar, which consists of three shafts. Between the engine and the guitar is a driveline, which is equipped with a rubber coupling at the front joint. There are hatches on the unit housing that serve to connect power take-off gearboxes. From the guitar, torque is transmitted to a single-stage hydraulic transformer, which is capable of operating in hydraulic clutch mode.

After the transformer there is a four-shaft five-speed gearbox. It is equipped with friction clutches and electro-hydraulic shift drives. On some of these vehicles (with a naturally aspirated YAM3 engine), a simplified unit is installed, which has three forward gears. The design of the unit includes a special wheel with blades, which serves as an additional retarder. The operation of the brake mechanism is controlled by an electric drive.

The dump truck's drive axle is mechanical; with single-stage main gear (bevel gears with circular teeth); with differential (straight bevel gears and 4 satellites); with planetary wheel gears (cylindrical spur gears).

Gear ratios: main gear - Z.167; wheel drive - 5.1ОО; total drive axle - 16.1.

Equipment

The manufacturer's list of basic equipment for mining dump trucks of the BelA3-754O family includes: a liquid preheating system, a fire extinguishing system with remote control, a centralized auto-lubrication system, stone ejectors and stone breakers (with the exception of the 754OE coal tanker), a cabin interior heater, an adjustable steering column, a signaling device about approaching a high-voltage transmission line. As additional equipment, the BelA3-754O dump truck can be equipped with: air conditioning, a second heater and electric heated mirrors.

Technical characteristics in numbers (common for all modifications)

• Dump truck weight: operational – 22.6 tons, gross – 52.6 tons.
• Axle load: with an empty body – 10.55 t – on the front axle and 11.2 – on the rear; with a fully loaded body – 17.1 tons on the front axle and 34.65 tons on the rear axle.
• Load capacity – 30 tons.
• Car tire size: 18.00-25; 18.00R25, NHS2. Rim – 1З.00-25/2.5. The air pressure in the tires is 6 kgf/cm2.
• The highest speed of the dump truck is 50 km/h.
• Specific consumption of diesel fuel at rated power is 230 g/kW*h.
• Turning radius – 8.7 meters (on the outer wheel); 10 meters (overall).
• The overall turning diameter is 20 meters.
• The steering angle of the steering wheels is 35 degrees.
• Wheelbase width – 3.55 meters.
• The track width of the front wheels is 2.82 meters.
• The volume of the fuel tank is 420 liters of diesel fuel.
• Engine cooling system volume – 80; 98 liters.
• Engine lubrication system capacity – 32; 46; 54 l.
• The volume of fluid in the hydraulic system is 115 liters.
• The volume of fluid in the hydromechanical transmission is 60; 70 liters.
• Suspension cylinder capacity: front – 9 l (4.5 l x 2); rear – 9 l (4.5 l x 2).
• The height with the body raised is 6.85 meters.
• The braking distance of a car at 40 km/h is 22 meters.
• The climbability on quarry roads is 10 degrees.
• The voltage in the electrical system is 24 Volts.

Dimensions and load capacity

Drawing of the BELAZ-75306 dump truck

Cabin BelAZ-7540

The interior of the BelA3-754O cabin is quite simple and spartan. It is not much different from equipping the cabins of conventional heavy-duty dump trucks (not BelAZ). All controls are located quite ergonomically and compactly. The driver's seat is located on a torsion bar suspension, air-sprung. It is fully adjustable – both in height and inclination of the back of the chair. The glass consists of three layers and is tempered. There is a windshield wiper and washer. The cabin is initially equipped with both a liquid heater and a fan.

To turn the steering wheel, very little effort is required, the steering column is adjustable for the angle and height of the steering wheel, the steering wheel is ergonomic and injury-proof. The steering of the car fully complies with the requirements of the ISO 5O1O standard. In general, the equipment of the driver’s workplace guarantees labor safety, ease of operation and a decent level of comfort.

Reviews of BelAZ-7540 dump trucks

Everyone notes the excellent maneuverability, high smoothness and stability of dump trucks in this series. They are achieved using optimally selected geometric parameters of vehicles and steering, and the use of pneumatic-hydraulic suspension of an original design.

The machines have a long service life, which is determined by the use of reliable and advanced power plants, the high technical and technological level of all components and assemblies, and the use of high-strength materials used for the manufacture of the frame and loading platform.

There is an opinion that the “baby” BelAZs are poorly profitable, since they transport “only” 30 tons of cargo, and diesel fuel consumes about three hundred liters per 12 hours of operation. However, we should not forget that we are talking about quarries where the equipment is operated in difficult conditions, and the BelAZ-754O will be much stronger, more durable and durable than any “ordinary” dump truck, be it KamAZ, MAZ, KrAZ, or a foreign car.

The cabin interior, despite its simplicity, is quite comfortable. But the cabin is noisy. This is a huge disadvantage of working for BelAZ. Driving a BelAZ-754O is not much more difficult than a regular truck, despite its impressive overall dimensions. The gears are engaged easily, although the hydromechanical transmission control lever, of course, takes some getting used to. The most difficult thing is to leave the pit, the gate of which is only 30-40 centimeters wider than the dump truck itself (especially in reverse).

King of the Gas Station

The layout of the BelAZ-540 was made according to the “cabin next to the engine” scheme. This scheme allows you to obtain a minimum base and length of the machine, and therefore increase its maneuverability. The same scheme makes it possible to rationally distribute weight along the axles and make the best use of the vehicle's area - most of the chassis is occupied by the body. These basic principles are still relevant today for “compact” mining vehicles.

And the BelAZ-540 was impressively large. For its time, of course. Make allowances for the fact that it was the most load-bearing Soviet dump truck at that time. That’s why they liked to photograph it next to cars to emphasize its scale.

Here and below, scanned historical photos from the author’s collection are used as illustrations.

BelAZ-540 became a star in the Soviet media space. His photographs constantly appeared in many newspapers and magazines. And Belarusian documentary filmmakers made an absolutely gorgeous film about how the first BelAZ-540 was assembled. The background music alone is worth it! Nowadays they don’t know how to shoot like that anymore.

Almost immediately, the BelAZ-540 became a movie star, playing one of the main roles in the cult comedy “Queen of the Gas Station.” This film featured one of the prototypes, testing of which began in 1962 - the same time the film was filmed.

- Gas station attendant! Refueler! Crap! Sleeping at work! Girl! Refuel!

- Don't shout. If you are rude, you will get nothing at all.

- Tsits!

- No, it’s you who is “tsyts”, please!

- They put some wicks here. Where are you looking? Where are you looking? Either the police are playing on your nerves, or else... You should be spraying with a spray bottle in a hairdresser. Hey you little fiend!

- Uncle! Uncle! Uncle, what about the money? Uncle! You have to pay...

- Lyudmila, come here!

- What?

— How many liters did you take?

— 370.

- I warned you. Well, little fish, now we’ll deduct it from your salary. According to the instructions. But tears cannot cover the shortage.

Obviously, the BelAZ-540 was added to the film for effect. Of course, such cars were not supposed to drive on public roads and refuel with diesel fuel at regular gas stations. On the one hand, the creators of the film did not confuse anything with the displacement: the fuel reserve of the BelAZ-540 was 400 liters, so it could easily carry 370. However, there was still a technical glitch: a reserve of 400 liters is the volume of two fuel tanks, and Lyudmila only poured diesel fuel into one of them. However, this does not make “Queen of the Gas Station” any less masterpiece.

The BelAZ-540 did not go into production immediately, but still quite quickly by Soviet standards.

Prices and analogues of BelAZ-7540

The selling price of Zhodino trucks of this model ranges from five to six million rubles (depending on the model of the engine used). For used cars they ask from one million rubles (with naturally aspirated diesel engines) to 3.5-4 million rubles (with turbocharged engines). The cost of hourly rental of such a mining dump truck starts from two thousand rubles. A direct analogue of the BelAZ-754O is the Komatsu HD325-6 mining dump truck, which is also designed to transport 32 tons of cargo.