The predecessor of the KamAZ-55111 model was the KamAZ-5511 car, produced in the 1977-1990s. This equipment had a lifting capacity of 10 tons and was equipped with a powerful V8 diesel unit. In 1988, the Kama Automobile Plant introduced a dump truck with the index 55111, which was to replace the veteran on construction sites of the Soviet Union.
The model quickly gained popularity. Among the products of the Kama plant, it was KamAZ-55111 that soon became the leader in terms of production volume.
This dump truck has a rear loading and is intended for transporting bulk and bulk materials. The machine is also used for unloading materials by tipping the body. This procedure takes a minimum of time, which is especially important in modern conditions. The system also saves money and time waiting for a loading crane. The main areas of use are agriculture, landscaping and construction.
History of creation and release
The developers managed to build an advanced model that combines high performance and technical indicators. In comparison with the KamAZ-5511 modification, not only the power parameters have changed in the new model. The truck has been transformed in appearance. The cabin has become more spacious, and the headlights have been made rectangular. In addition, the model received a shortened platform.
Production of KamAZ-55111 continued until 2012. After this, the model was replaced by an improved version - KamAZ-65115.
The first yellow trucks appeared in Naberezhnye Chelny. They were noticeably different from traditional equipment produced by domestic enterprises. The design of KamAZ-55111 consisted of three axles. Moreover, most of the elements and components were standard for all products of the Kama plant. Among the innovations, the alarm system should be highlighted.
Size matters. About the length of semi-trailers in Russia and Europe 16:42, July 16, 2022 Print version
Carriers use various tricks to increase the volume of cargo transported without exceeding size restrictions. Among them are extended trailers, which are increasingly found on Russian roads. Some entrepreneurs see them as a threat to small companies.
For carriers, the volume of cargo is often more important than its weight. The cargo capacity of a trailer is directly related to its size. The permissible dimensions of a road train differ in different countries.
In the European Union, the maximum length of a road train is 16.5 meters. This is the so-called “Eurotruck”, the useful volume of which is 82 m³. It can easily transport cargo throughout all European countries: transport workers will not have any questions about the dimensions.
There are legal ways to increase the volume of a Eurotruck without going beyond the permissible dimensions.
These include smaller custom wheels and low bed tractors and trailers such as the Jumbo Variable Height Trailer. With the help of such tricks, the useful volume can be increased to hundreds of cubic meters.
The dimensions of the “Eurotruck” have become an unspoken standard precisely because they allow cargo to be transported across all European countries without exception. Some of them, however, have less stringent requirements. For example, in Great Britain the maximum height of a car is not limited at all: it is limited only by the height of bridges and tunnels. Therefore, you can find many high-trailer trucks in the UK, but they operate exclusively domestically.
Purpose
KAMAZ-55111 refers to road dump trucks for use on general roads. For many years, such equipment has been a common element of construction sites. They are designed for transporting all kinds of bulk cargo, which can be unloaded by tipping the body. Most often you can find KAMAZ-55111 involved in the construction of buildings and structures, when laying roads, as well as when performing agricultural work.
What is turning radius
Already from the name of the characteristic you can guess its essence. This parameter means the semicircle that the car describes during a maneuver with the steering fully turned. It is imperative to know this value. Moreover, it is necessary to distinguish between small and large radius turns.
Schematic illustration of a car turning
Some manufacturers indicate two parameters as the turning radius, separated by a fraction. The minimum turning indicator of a vehicle corresponds to the track left by the outer wheel when the vehicle maneuvers. This indicator is called “curb to curb”. This value does not take into account the dimensions of the front overhang, the length of which determines the accuracy of the indicator.
In practice, it is more convenient to use another value - the “wall to wall” radius. In this case, obstacles that are included in the minimum space in external dimensions and can be hit by the bumper are taken into account. But that’s not all. There is one more nuance that the driver needs to take into account when driving in a confined space.
Value for a car with a trailer
When turning, some part of the body moves to the inside. Therefore, when leaving the parking lot, you should not sharply turn the steering wheel to its maximum position. With such actions, you can hit a neighboring car. To understand what radius is needed for a turn, you need to determine the minimum overall clearance for your car. To do this, you need to know the distance that separates the maximum and minimum circles.
Such awareness will allow you not only to easily maneuver in difficult conditions and make the right maneuvers on a narrow road, but also to make turns on the road in accordance with the 2022 traffic police clarifications.
How important is the parameter?
Modern drivers have to drive in difficult conditions: there are many cars, but there is often not enough space for them. This is especially true for parking spaces in big cities and crowded places. Often the driver has to squeeze between cars back to back and perform complex maneuvers among other cars.
The turning radius reflects the vehicle's maneuverability, its ability to make turns on narrow roads and in confined spaces. The smaller this parameter is, the more comfortable and simpler it will be to control the vehicle while moving in a confined space. If the turning radius and the width of the road are known, then by carrying out simple calculations you can find out the probability of performing a maneuver at one time.
Car manufacturers must indicate the value of interest to us for each car. This indicator can be found in the practical guide or technical description. But there may be a catch here. Many manufacturers indicate a minimum indicator - a small radius turn. This will allow them to present their creation as more maneuverable than it actually is. To find out the actual figure, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the vehicle overhang.
Specifications
Weight parameters of the KamAZ-55111 vehicle:
- total weight – 22400 kg;
- total weight of the semi-trailer – 12800 kg;
- front axle load – 3980 kg;
- load capacity – 13000 kg.
The length of the dump truck is 6680 mm, width – 2500 mm, height – 2740 mm. When fully loaded, the equipment can accelerate to 90 km/h. KamAZ-55111 has a six-by-four wheel arrangement and is characterized by good cross-country ability and a small turning radius (9000 mm). The truck's lift angle is 25 degrees.
Engine
KamAZ-55111 is equipped with a 4-stroke 8-cylinder diesel power unit of the KAMAZ 740.51-240 model, which is a modified version of the previous KAMAZ 740 engine. This modification is turbocharged and has a V-shaped cylinder arrangement. The dump truck engine complies with the Euro-2 standard. The charge air is cooled during operation.
Fuel consumption
The car's fuel consumption rate is 30 l/100 km. The fuel tank of the model holds up to 350 liters. With a fully filled tank, the truck covers over 800 km.
Transmission
Ten-speed manual transmission in two variations:
- Without a 14.5-step divider, the distribution number is 7.22. 5 manual transmission.
- With 15.5 steps divider. Distribution number - 6.53. 10 manual transmission.
Body
Welded bucket-type platform, all-metal. The tilt is directed towards the front side. The visor covers the free space between the body and the cabin.
The bottom is heated by exhaust gases, which prevents bulk cargo from freezing to its base.
The maximum body tilt angle is 60 degrees. The platform volume is 6.6 cubic meters.
Body lift system
The platform is tilted using hydraulics. The machine is equipped with a three-stage telescopic hydraulic cylinder for these purposes. It is aggregated through a drive by a power take-off.
Brakes
The KamAZ 55111 brake system diagram is a symbiosis of small parts and components.
The KamAZ 55111 brake circuit is divided into main and auxiliary. The first controls the situation while driving. The second (parking) holds the truck during parking and stopping. Including downhill.
Wiring diagram
Unfortunately, the wiring diagram of KamAZ 55111 has not undergone significant changes compared to the previous model 5511.
Dynamic characteristics
- The maximum speed of the truck declared by the manufacturer is 90 km/h;
- Acceleration time to 60 km/h – 50 seconds;
- Vehicle run-out from 50 km/h – 800 m;
- The maximum climbable height of the dump truck is 25%;
- Turning radius – outer wheel 8 m, overall wheel 9 m;
- The time for lifting a loaded body at 2200 rpm is 19 seconds.
Turning radius: what it is and what is its importance
Any car is characterized by a number of parameters. Some of them are of primary importance and are of greater interest to the motorist. Other parameters are paid less attention, and they have less influence on the formation of the general opinion about the car.
Indicator for a Toyota Sienta car
Each car has a characteristic turning radius. This characteristic often goes unnoticed; moreover, not every motorist has a correct idea about it. We set out to correct this state of affairs.
Device
KamAZ-55111 is equipped with a welded box-type platform. Special fasteners and ties connect the car frame with a system of steel side members and cross beams. For more reliable operation, hydraulics are provided, including a power take-off box, a pneumatic drive, a hydraulic cylinder, a tank, a control valve, an oil drive, pneumatic valves operating on electricity, limitation valves and an oil pump. This mechanism is launched from the driver's cabin.
Simple and lightweight truck wheels are produced at the ZIL plant. The dump truck has a spring suspension.
KamAZ-55111 is equipped with a 2-seater tilting all-metal cab located above the engine. It is distinguished by a high roof and lack of sleeping space. This places a limit on how long the car can be used. The cabin is also insulated and has good sound insulation.
The dump truck is equipped with a 9-speed manual gearbox. In this case, without a divider, the number of steps is reduced to five.
The design of the model provides a 2-disc dry clutch and a hydraulic drive with pneumatic booster.
The vehicle has an all-metal platform with the ability to tip over and a heating system; the equipment is unloaded only backwards. Remote control of the procedure is available.
The pneumatic braking system of the model is of the drum type with a working surface area of 6300 square meters. cm.
Dimensional and weight parameters
- Length – 6700 mm;
- Width – 2500 mm;
- Height – 2765 mm;
- Wheelbase – 2840+1320 mm;
- Track width – front wheels 2043 mm, rear wheels 1890 mm;
- Ground clearance – 290 mm;
- The curb weight of the dump truck is 9150 kg;
- The total weight of the dump truck is 22300 kg;
- The total weight of the semi-trailer is 12800 kg;
- The total weight of the road train is 35100 kg;
- Load distribution at full weight - front axle 5550 kg, rear bogie 16850 kg.
Cabin
The cabin design has changed compared to the previous model. It has become more spacious. The cabin roof was raised.
Rectangular headlights were installed in front. The cabin is made of metal and is tilted forward in the direction of travel of the car. The cabin is designed for 3 people.
There is good noise and waterproofing inside the cabin. The entrance and exit are designed for two sides.
Features and operation
The KAMAZ-55111 differed from the previously produced model in its increased load capacity. The frame and suspension components have been strengthened. The exterior of the car has also changed. The headlights and direction indicators began to be mounted in the bumper, and the shape changed from round to rectangular. The car was equipped with headlights with an asymmetrical beam of illumination, which was quite a progressive solution for its time. To access the power unit, the cabin could recline in two fixed positions at 42 and 60 degrees. For driver comfort, a sprung seat with seat belts was installed. KAMAZ-55111 was not intended to be used for transportation over long distances, so the cabin was not equipped with a sleeping place. To ensure the highest speed of unloading cargo, especially in winter, the all-steel body was equipped with a heating system from vehicle exhaust gases. For the same purpose, the rear part of the body is slightly expanded. To ensure safety during loading and unloading operations, the body is made with a protective canopy over the cabin. As additional equipment, fog lights and a rear safety beam are installed on the car.
Tips for a truck driver
Driving a truck is as difficult as driving a ship on the sea; it requires skills, many years of experience and professionalism:
- No sudden movements - there is a load at the back that exceeds the weight of the tractor. Its inertia pushes the car forward, and this must be constantly remembered, because abruptly changing direction is problematic.
- A dangerous moment of driving is when turning, because the driven structure tends forward by inertia, which can result in folding in half. You should not make sudden movements, but only operate the equipment smoothly and do not “accelerate”.
- When precipitation , physical laws such as friction do not apply, so you need to choose the right speed in proportion to the quality of the road surface.
- When turning at intersections , remember that drivers of neighboring cars begin to move before the rear of the road train passes by. Take the time to look in your mirrors to avoid a collision.
- Remember that reckless drivers make risky overtaking , taking up vacant space between moving vehicles. In case of an emergency, the intruders will have time to brake, and you have a load behind you, so you won’t be able to stop instantly.
- You should always remember that the semi-trailer has an independent trajectory , so choose a slightly larger radius to prevent it from leaving the road line.
- You should not overtake when the road ahead is not visible; turning sharply or braking will no longer be possible.
Important! Setting up a truck for unloading is considered a complex maneuver. Remember, a semi-trailer is driven by the rear wheels, not the front wheels. Constantly improve your professional skills by performing training maneuvers on special sites.
We hope that the recommendations given in the article for passing difficult sections of the road will help truckers avoid traffic violations. Remember that an experienced driver sees far, and a professional confidently controls the situation around the vehicle he is driving.
