The car from the Kama Automobile Plant, marked 5308, should be classified as light class. A similar machine is used for traveling between cities and suburbs, and it can transport various types of cargo. The car can withstand an axle load of up to 10 tons. It is KamAZ itself that can be used with a total weight of 14 tons. The entire KamAZ model range.
The model can even withstand slightly increased overloads, which is why it is also used for transporting massive loads. The car has rear air suspension. A distinctive structural feature of the machine is the presence of a low-frame chassis, which has a loading height of 0.91 m.
This figure was increased through the introduction of low-profile tires, the diameter of which is 19.5 inches, and also thanks to a decrease in the height of the frame profile and a non-standard suspension device. With the help of the presence of a tail lift and a small loading height of the frame, it was possible to reduce the duration of work on loading and unloading cargo.
This indicates an increase in the efficiency of the truck. Also, as an auxiliary function, the KamAZ body can be equipped with an awning. This article will describe the technical specifications.
Differences between KamAZ-5308 and its predecessor
First of all, this is a new restyled cabin. Despite the external similarity, the KamAZ-5308 is distinguished by an increase in the length of the loading platform to 7.26 meters, an increase in the load capacity to 7.8 tons, and in the case of a full load with a trailer-truck - up to 28 tons. At the same time, special equipment and superstructures with a total weight of almost 10 tons can be installed on the KamAZ-5308 truck chassis. At the same time, a plus is the maximum unification of KamAZ-4308 and KamAZ-5308 parts. This greatly simplifies and reduces the cost of machine maintenance and repair.
The advantageous differences of the KamAZ-5308 are: the permissible axle load increased from 9.2 to 10 tons, the capacity of the road train increased to 115 m³, reduced diesel fuel consumption, and reduced curb weight of the vehicle. And, naturally, in connection with the introduction of the new cab, there is a noticeable improvement in driver comfort in the workplace. There are options with air suspension; There is a significant share of imported components.
There is also an option with a low-frame chassis, which has a loading height of 0.91 m. This value was achieved by using low-profile tires with a diameter of 19.5 inches, as well as by reducing the height of the frame profile and a non-standard suspension device. If there is a tail lift, then in combination with the low loading height of the frame, this makes it possible to reduce the duration of work on loading and unloading cargo.
Purpose
As the manufacturer himself notes, KamAZ-5308 was created to perform the following tasks:
- Transportation of industrial goods over medium distances.
- Transportation of large quantities of products.
- Transportation of construction and municipal objects.
In view of this, KamAZ-5308 can be produced in different versions:
- Isothermal van, as well as refrigerated van.
- Tent.
- Onboard platform.
- Chassis with installation of special superstructures of various types.
By the way, the tilt versions are equipped with durable aluminum sides and a gate at the back, which makes loading/unloading much easier.
Modifications of KamAZ-5308
- Modification D3 (KAMAZ-5308-6023-97 (D3), with a load capacity of 7.7 tons.
- Modification A4, with a load capacity of 7.5 tons.
- Modification A5 (KAMAZ-5308-48 (A5), with a payload capacity of 8.2 tons, produced since the second half of the 2010s, eventually became the main and only serial modification of this model.
All cars are equipped with modern six-cylinder turbocharged Cummins ISB6.7 diesel engines with power from 245 to 300 horsepower and a 9-speed ZF gearbox, which are manufactured by the joint ventures Cummins Kama and CF Kama in Naberezhnye Chelny.
Price and options
The price of the compact KamAZ 5308 truck starts at RUB 2,400,000. You can buy, if necessary, a used version, for example, models from 2011-2012 will cost about 1,600,000 - 1,800,000 rubles. You can also rent a car on the car market, which is quite popular today. In one hour you will need to pay about 900 rubles.
The Kama Automobile Plant produces vehicles of the KamAZ-5308 division in various modifications, among which there are vans with a 6x2 and 4x2 wheelbase, an automobile chassis, which is intended for the implementation of specialized superstructures of various types (this includes road, construction and utility enterprises), with a wheelbase of 6x2 and 4x2, as well as onboard tractors with a wheelbase of 6x2 and 4x2.
KamAZ-5308 truck engine
Cummins diesel engines have long been used not only for the KamAZ-5308, but also for other trucks of the auto giant. These engines are made in Naberezhnye Chelny: they are not only assembled, but also the cylinder blocks are processed.
KamAZ-5308 can be equipped with one of three options of structurally identical power units: Cummins ISVe 6.7 245 (180 kW (245 hp) and 850 N.m); Cummins 6ISВe 6.7 285 (209 kW (285 hp) and 950 N.m), or Cummins ISB6.7E5 300. These are six-cylinder in-line engines equipped with turbocharging and intercooling of charge air.
The latest diesel engine model currently in use is the Cummins ISB6.7E5 300, with a maximum net power of 292 hp. (or 215 kW).
Technical parameters of this motor:
- Working volume – 6.7 liters.
- Maximum net power – 292 hp. (215 kW), at a crankshaft speed of 2500 rpm.
- The highest torque is 1087 N.m (111 kgf.m), at a crankshaft speed of 1300 rpm.
- Compression ratio –17.3.
The Cummins engine suspension effectively reduces shock loads when the vehicle moves over uneven roads and completely dampens the current reactive moments that arise during engine operation. This suspension consists of a front, two rear and one supporting support.
For 100 kilometers, when driving along the highway at a uniform speed of 60 km/h, the KamAZ-5308 consumes about 23 liters of fuel. The truck's fuel tank holds 350 liters of diesel fuel, which guarantees a long operating time without the need for refueling.
Transmission KamAZ-5308
The clutch on this car uses a diaphragm, friction, single-disc clutch from the European manufacturer ZF&SACHS, model MF 395 or FS MF-430. The clutch control drive is hydraulic, with a pneumatic booster.
The transmission is represented by German manual gearboxes: 6-speed ZF 6S1000 (on trucks of the first years of production) and 9-speed ZF 9S1310. The first generation KamAZenka still used a domestic gearbox, the KamAZ-141 model. The presence of a large number of gears allows you to more accurately maintain engine speed at any change in speed. The speed switching algorithm is made according to the “2H” scheme.
Gear ratios of the ZF 9S1310 gearbox: 1-9.48; 2-6.58; Z-4.68; 4-Z,48; 5-2.62; 6-1.89; 7-1.35; 8-1,OO; 9-O.75; 3X-8.97.
The transition from a higher range of gears to a lower one is carried out in the KamAZ-5308 not by a button or by raising/lowering the “ring”, as in many other trucks, but by a slight push of the lever to the right or left. This is not a minus: you can get used to this method of switching to a “lower” mode quite quickly.
The gear ratio of the main gear of the KamAZ-5308 transmission is 3.91. The main gear is of the hypoid type. The hypoid axle in the KamAZ-5308 design significantly reduces fuel consumption, as well as power losses in the transmission, and reduces the metal consumption of the structure. A cardan shaft with an intermediate support has one joint and is used in conjunction with a double-joint shaft; they are balanced together.
Pros of the car
- New, modernized cabin;
- Good load capacity at low loading height;
- Possibility of installing various add-ons and specialized equipment on the chassis;
- Inexpensive prices for spare car parts;
- A good power unit that meets European environmental standards;
- Small sizes;
- Improved interior ergonomics;
- Availability of comfortable seats;
- The quality of the parts used in interior finishing has increased;
- Increased load capacity compared to the previous model;
- Possibility of transporting cargo with a trailer;
- German gearbox;
- Powerful power units;
- Large body volume for transporting goods.
Frame, suspension and chassis
The frame of the KamAZ-5308 truck is of the spar (“ladder”) type. It consists of channel-type spars of constant cross-section with a profile height of 240 mm, which reduces the loading height. The spars are also made with a special perforation mesh. The towbar, cast integrated brackets and front underride guard are located at the front of the vehicle frame.
The front suspension is mounted on parabolic leaf springs, which are characterized by low and reduced internal friction. Anti-roll bars and hydraulic shock absorbers are also located here. The front axle is a solid forged I-beam. Operating experience demonstrates that this suspension was quite successful at the Kama Automobile Plant: it “swallows” the vast majority of potholes and bumps on the road quite well.
A rear pneumatic double-balloon suspension with anti-roll bar is mounted back (on trucks with a 4x2 wheel arrangement). KamAZ-5308 vehicles with three axles and a 6x2 wheel arrangement (few such exotic KamAZs were produced) have a rear pneumatic four-balloon suspension. The wheels come with standard or low-profile tubeless tires. The latter allow you to slightly lower the loading height of the vehicle and make loading/unloading operations faster and more convenient.
Wheel rim size: 7.5-19.5; their type is disk. The tire size is: 285/70 R19.5.
As additional optional equipment, there is a towbar (TSU).
Device
KamAZ 4308 turned out to be one of the first two-axle trucks of the brand that received side members of a constant cross-section in the frame design. The innovation made it possible to create several wheelbase options. Now the car is offered with 2 variations of the base (European analogues have many more similar varieties).
The suspension uses small-leaf parabolic springs with low weight. Their length has been increased to 2 meters to improve smoothness. Springs require periodic lubrication, and they themselves are easy to repair. The suspension brackets have special rubber suspensions that eliminate the clattering of the springs when the unloaded machine moves on an uneven surface.
In the latest versions of KamAZ 4308, the chassis has been modified. They now have rear air suspension, which is an electronically controlled unit. Due to it, you can raise or lower the rear of the machine by 100 mm if necessary. The car is equipped with large tires, which are produced abroad.
The braking system is made in the form of a pneumatic drive with ventilated disc brakes from Haldex. In the future, KamAZ 4308 is planned to be equipped with domestic brake systems, the production of which will be launched at the Knorr-Bremse KAMA enterprise.
The truck is equipped with a modern engine, the efficient operation of which would be impossible without a high-quality transmission. The model is equipped with a clutch from Sachs. The company is a subsidiary of the famous German concern ZF. The drive did not undergo significant changes during the production of KamAZ 4308. Initially, the vehicle was equipped with a KamAZ 141 gearbox, which was considered one of the most successful for the enterprise. Subsequently, its production ceased. The brand began producing transmissions jointly with the German company ZF. This gearbox is currently being installed on the truck. An optional 9-speed ZF9S109 transmission is available, which is necessary when operating the truck as part of a road train. This gearbox is used in many European cars. The option will not cause logistical difficulties or a sharp increase in cost, since the production of the ZF9S109 transmission is carried out at the ZF Kama enterprise.
The Kama medium-tonnage vehicle may have problems with the drive axle. The model uses bridges produced in China, so there is no need to talk about their high quality.
The truck's cabin is considered one of the best in the line. There were no radical changes in it. A plastic grille and 4 rectangular headlights were added to the standard steel radiator trim. These small changes radically changed the perception of the car's appearance. The relatively recent restyle has increased the amount of plastic used for the cabin, which has reduced the originality. At the same time, the number of elements susceptible to corrosion has decreased. The brand does not yet galvanize the cabin, which is considered a big disadvantage. The dimensions of the head for a delivery truck are quite normal. An optional sleeper cab is available. The suspension is made on 4 elliptical springs, which absorb shock well when driving on uneven roads. Inside the cabin, all-molded upholstery and handles and locks from AvtoVAZ cars are used. The steel dashboard in the latest modifications was replaced with a plastic panel. The instruments remained pointer-type, but Grammer driver's seats with air suspension and many settings appeared.
The main disadvantages of the KamAZ 4308 are the low level of comfort in comparison with foreign trucks and the lack of power for quick acceleration when fully loaded. Otherwise, there are no problems with the car. KamAZ 4308, despite the presence of many competitors, looks very good in the medium-duty segment.
Appearance
This medium-duty truck comes equipped with a well-known cab, which is installed on heavier-duty models. Small changes were made only to the radiator grille and trim on the sides. However, recent innovations have given the cabin a more modern and pleasing appearance.
Moreover, in order to better combat corrosion, the company used a new method of priming and painting for the first time. The truck received a foreign driver's seat with Grammer air suspension. Together with the sprung cabin, this made it possible to move over the uneven terrain of the Russian Federation more comfortably.
The radiator grille, along with plastic panels, comes to the Kama Automobile Plant from Ivanovo. The front optics are rectangular in shape and were produced by Hella.
The plastic body kit is made using impact-resistant material, which is fully frost-resistant, which significantly expands the area of use of the car. A more advanced cabin shows that the company strives to be competitive and wants to constantly develop.
Cabin interior
The seats of the medium-duty vehicle are manufactured by the Grammer company, which is located in Germany. The majority of companies that occupy leading niches in the world are interested in its services, therefore, in the majority, the comfort for the driver is not inferior even to many international brands.
The design component of the cabin was well thought out and worked out. It has a large number of small elements that make it possible to clearly recognize and distinguish variations in cabin trim in similar models. The design of the cabin was perfectly equipped not only in terms of aesthetics, but also in terms of comfort for the driver and the passengers sitting next to him.
Most of the parts on KamAZ 4308 were manufactured by foreign companies, which makes it comfortable and competitive among European models.
The dashboard, located directly in front of the driver, has a rounded shape. Accessibility to all system nodes has been significantly simplified. The locks, together with the internal designs of the handles, are very similar to VAZ ones in external layout and functionality. With such a cabin, KamAZ 4308 can be used both on long trips and in urban areas.
Inside the compact truck you will no longer find the painted metal panels that were so familiar to buyers. The cabin of the car itself was treated with a cataphoresis primer, which can almost completely eliminate the most pressing problem for metal - corrosion.
The cabin was installed using quarter-elliptic springs. The structural components of the car are always refined and improved, which makes it possible for the car to meet international standards for ecology and reliability.
Steering and brake control
In terms of lightness, accuracy and simplicity of steering, the KamAZenok is practically no different from the average passenger car. Not every truck can boast such a balanced response to steering wheel turns and such little effort applied to them. The steering wheel receives almost no shock from the front suspension when encountering road irregularities. The steering is equipped with an integrated hydraulic power steering wheel, which makes cornering easier.
The braking system is pneumatic, dual-circuit, with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) as standard. The brake system of the machine has a drive axle disk device, which has a pair of floating pads. The front brake system is also equipped with a similar device. The parking brake of the car operates on a pneumatic drive. Disc brakes are used on all wheels - both front and rear. Brake disc size: 19.5 inches.
Interior design
This is a new type of instrument scale. It is completely hidden under a single glass. Slightly turned towards the driver. Now all keys are within arm's reach. The metal parts are covered with plastic that is pleasant to look and feel.
The large and thin two-spoke steering wheel makes steering easier. There are convenient niches at the top of the cabin and built-in speakers.
The seating on the 5308 has been improved. The backs are profiled and high. The seats themselves are lightly sprung. They have a regulating mechanism. This device makes the driver’s workplace more convenient and safe.
Technical specifications in numbers
- Load capacity – 8.2 tons.
- The permissible weight of the special superstructure on the chassis, with cargo, is 9.295 tons.
- The permissible trailer weight is 13 tons.
- The total weight of the vehicle is 15 tons.
- The load on the rear axle is 10 tons.
- Load on the front axle – 5 tons.
- The total weight of the road train is 28 tons.
- The curb weight of the chassis is 5.63 tons.
- The load on the rear axle is 2 tons.
- Front axle load – 3.63 tons.
- Fuel tank capacity – 350 liters of diesel fuel.
- The minimum external turning radius is 11 meters.
- Maximum speed – at least 100 km/h.
- The angle of the climb to be overcome is no less than 25% (14 degrees).
- Ground clearance – 300 mm.
Cabin KamAZ-5308
The cabin of this vehicle, compared to the classic KamAZ, is quite modern and comfortable. It differs from the “classics” in its advanced exterior and interior. The instrument panel is made of high-quality, high-quality and soft-touch plastic, with a special polyurethane foam shell. A large panoramic windshield with three wiper blades ensures the driver always has excellent visibility. There are fairings that can be adjusted in height.
Unlike the first KamAZenka, the cabin of this model even has a sleeping place. The instrument panel is located in a convenient, well-calibrated manner and looks quite stylish: it has large, easy-to-read instruments and switches. When traveling, the dashboard design elements do not rattle or creak. The interior decoration is done carefully, and all metal elements are fully hidden.
The comfortable and soft driver's seat is located on a pneumatic cushion, which is especially necessary and pleasant when driving on imperfect roads.
The steering column, unlike its predecessor, is adjustable not only for tilt, but also for reach, so a driver of any height and build can sit comfortably behind the steering wheel. The handbrake lever is conveniently located slightly to the right and below the steering wheel. Dead zones in front and along the side of the car are eliminated by placing some auxiliary external visibility mirrors.
The cabin has one passenger seat. The cabin is located quite low above the road surface, which provides the driver with comfortable entry and exit. This is also very important for a delivery vehicle.
Noise insulation is decent: with the diesel engine running in the cab of the KamAZ-5308 vehicle, you can talk absolutely calmly, without even straining. The modern Cummins diesel engine itself is quiet, the cabin is well soundproofed, and the gearbox is separate from the cabin. It has also been confirmed by practice that this cabin is capable of retaining heat well, which is also an extremely important factor for Russia.
Let's sum it up
It’s nice that the Kama Automobile Plant thinks not only about off-road rough trucks, but also produces medium-tonnage trucks that are perfect for urban conditions, as well as for medium and small businesses. The appearance of the KamAZ-5308 has become much better, the cabin looks more modern.
Inside, the quality of the materials used to decorate the interior has increased significantly; now there are no exposed metal elements. The designers have worked seriously to ensure the proper level of comfort for the driver and passenger, equipping the cabin with comfortable seats, and the driver’s seat is sprung. Both seats have convenient adjustment mechanisms and well-profiled backrests.
The technical component of KamAZ is at a high level; it has American power units that meet European environmental standards and a German gearbox. True, driving off-road and rough terrain is not recommended; the car was simply not designed for such roads, and the ground clearance itself is quite low.
Interestingly, you can additionally connect a trailer and transport impressive loads. For a compact truck, it’s not bad at all. But European models are still far away, but the KamAZ automobile company is on the right path of development.
Its efforts show that they strive to be competitive and are constantly developing in this area. And, in general, reviews on the Internet from the owners of this car are positive.
We advise you to read the article: KAMAZ - cars of the era
Reviews from drivers and owners of KamAZ-5308
KamAZ-5308 The most common versions of the KamAZ-5308 truck are: flatbed with an awning on the frame, a regular manufactured goods or isothermal van, as well as a refrigerated van. The tilt version is equipped with durable aluminum sides and a gate at the rear. On the universal KamAZ-5308 chassis it is possible to install a huge number of special superstructures for various purposes. Namely, on-board platforms with crane-manipulators, tow trucks (the most common and popular options).
According to reviews from drivers and owners, the dynamic characteristics of the KamAZ-5308 are good. The truck demonstrates a smooth ride, precise shifting of all gears and smooth, confident braking. For all its external massiveness and considerable overall length, the car is quite maneuverable and fast.
Customers had serious quality complaints about KamAZ-5308 vehicles from the first years of production (until 2012). However, the model was subsequently modified, replacing the Chinese bridge, electrical wiring, and engine up to 300 hp. picked it up, and the car drove completely differently. Diesel fuel consumption immediately decreased dramatically.
According to driver reviews, the cab of this truck lacks a more spacious platform for the left foot, on which it could be installed by removing it from the clutch pedal. You have to adjust and adapt.
The length of a standard cargo van reaches 7.2 meters. Large sizes mean not only greater capacity of the “booth”, but also some limitation in maneuverability. Thus, the length of the rear overhang of KamAZ is almost three meters. Therefore, you need to move around the city very carefully and skillfully. Therefore, parking sensors in the cramped and crowded conditions of a modern metropolis will not be superfluous on this “long” car.
Appearance
The small KamAZ-5308, or “Kamazenok” as it is also called, can already be seen quite often on the road. The power unit here was assembled in England, the gearbox was German, and the rear axle was Chinese.
Near the fuel tank there is another tank containing a solution of urea, which is injected into the neutralizer. Comparing the small truck with its younger brother - the 4308 model, the 5308 began to lift more cargo by exactly 2,000 kg, and its length increased by 2 meters.
But the car was designed only for asphalt, since, for example, there is about 20 cm from the muffler to the road surface. Therefore, it is not recommended to drive off the asphalt onto a country road. Even if we take the younger model, 4308, it has the minimum ground clearance of 35 centimeters (muffler).
However, this is a side effect of the huge body, the volume of which is 41.5 cubic meters. If you also connect a trailer, it is possible to transport about 113 cubic meters of cargo. Even truck drivers will be jealous.
The car feels great in city traffic, thanks to its small overall dimensions.
The truck itself, due to its small size, is quite maneuverable. It is not so difficult to control in small and narrow areas, and it also feels comfortable in dense traffic. The cabin looks modern, and its restyled version turned out to be so pleasant that sometimes it seems as if this is a foreign car.
