KamAZ 4350 technical characteristics, engine, device, price, photo

KamAZ 4350 is an all-wheel drive truck with a 4 by 4 wheel arrangement. The development of equipment for transporting 30-40 people and the ability to operate in various conditions began back in the 1970s. However, the appearance of the Mustang line had to wait almost 30 years. Its first representative was the KamAZ 4326, which did not fully meet the army’s requirements, so it was soon replaced by other models with better maneuverability and cross-country ability.

The designers of the Kama Automobile Plant simultaneously developed 3 cars of the Mustang line: KamAZ 4350 (4 by 4), KamAZ 5350 (6 by 6) and KamAZ 6350 (8 by 8). These cars differed solely in the number of axles and had a high degree of unification (up to 85%).

The first prototypes were presented in 1990, their tests started a year later and turned out to be very successful. At the Kama Automobile Plant they were preparing to open serial production of the KamAZ 4350, but then there was a large-scale fire, which forced the suspension of the modification of the models. A new batch of testing machines was assembled only in 1995. At the same time, over the course of 5 years, the design of the car was noticeably altered. Thus, the chassis was modernized and a new 10-speed manual transmission was developed.

Serial production of KamAZ 4350 started in 2001. In 2007, the car’s engine line was updated (the model began to be equipped with a KamAZ-740.31-240 unit). Currently, production of the equipment continues. Most of the KamAZ 4350 produced is intended for military use.

Modifications

KamAZ 4350 - standard variation with a load capacity of 4000 kg and a length of 7960 mm;
KamAZ 43501 - military version with a shortened wheelbase (6395 mm) and a load capacity of 3000 kg;
KamAZ 43501 VDV (KAMAZ 43501-0000399-02) - a special modification of KamAZ 43501, intended for airborne troops. The car replaced the obsolete GAZ 66, winning competition from the GAZ 3308 “Sadko”;
KamAZ 43502 is a version of KamAZ 4350 with a KamAZ 740.652-260 unit (ecological class - Euro 4) and a load capacity of 5500 kg.

Special equipment based on KamAZ 4350:

KamAZ-Barkhan - a modified model with a hood layout and a redesigned transmission;
KamAZ 3958 “Highlander” is a special vehicle with an armored cab and an increased protection class;
special equipment with radio stations (R-142N, R-142M, R-161).

Cabin

KamAZ-63501 has an all-metal two-door cab. The cars of the first years of production used the old-style cab, which was also used in many other cars, including models of the 1980s and 1990s. The design is complemented by a hydraulic lift, providing convenient access to the power unit in case of maintenance or repair. The cab suspension is four-point and has spring struts.

In 2010, the Kama Automobile Plant carried out a deep modernization of many models, including the KamAZ-63501. As a result, a new, more modern cabin was installed, featuring an increased level of comfort and an updated appearance. The front part of the cabin received the greatest changes in terms of appearance. Here they used a new radiator grille with integrated side fairings, a new more streamlined bumper made of high-strength plastic and painted in the color of the cabin, as well as modified head optics represented by block headlights, which house headlights, daytime running lights, and indicators turn. These headlight units have also been integrated into the front bumper. Metal loops appeared on the front and sides, acting as additional footrests. The wheel arches of the truck have become more massive. The windshield has become solid, and below it is a three-brush wiper with several operating modes.

As for the versions, the cabin is available in three main versions:

Short with low ceiling;
Elongated with a low ceiling and a sleeping bag;
Elongated with a high ceiling.

The designers equipped the interior with an adjustable steering column with a pneumatic lock. For the driver, a new Grammer seat was installed, equipped with an air suspension, which further smoothes out road irregularities.

Specifications

Overall dimensions (KAMAZ 4350/KAMAZ 43501):

length – 7960/6395 mm;
width – 2550/2550 mm;
height – 3290/3000 mm;
ground clearance - 390 mm;
loading height – 1570 mm;
front track – 2050 mm;
rear track – 2050 mm;
turning radius – 10300 mm.

Base platform dimensions:

length – 4890 mm;
width – 2470 mm;
height – 750 mm.

Weight characteristics (KAMAZ 4350/KAMAZ 43501):

load capacity – 4000/3000 kg;
curb weight – 7700/7100 kg;
total weight – 11900/10300 kg;
front axle load at full weight – 5300/5200 kg;
rear axle load at full weight – 6600/5100 kg.

Passability indicators:

ditch to be overcome – 600 mm;
fordability – 1750 mm;
climbability - 31 degrees.

The maximum speed of the car is 100 km/h.

Loading platform

As described earlier, this truck is available in two versions. In the first case, the truck is equipped with a metal cargo platform with folding sides. Depending on the configuration, this platform can be supplemented with an awning frame, which provides protection for the transported cargo from external factors. Also, the body is often equipped with folding benches, so the truck can also carry passengers.

The overall length of the platform structure is 6112 millimeters. The width is 2470 millimeters. All sides have a height of 730 millimeters.

If we consider the universal chassis, then a large number of different specialized add-ons and equipment are offered for it, making the truck suitable for performing specific tasks. For example, the KamAZ-63501 chassis is often used to install cranes, loader cranes, geological and firefighting equipment, crew buses, timber carriers, log carriers, container carriers, insulated vans, drilling rigs and much more.

Military modifications can be equipped with special modules and complexes, including weapons. Also, KamAZ-63501 is often used to transport various armored vehicles. For this purpose, a special folding platform is installed on the chassis.

Engine

For the first modifications of the KamAZ 4350, an 8-cylinder V-shaped diesel unit was used, corresponding to the Euro-2 environmental class. The engine had a power of 240 hp.

The KamAZ 43501 was equipped with a KamAZ 740.11-240 engine that meets the requirements of the Euro-1 standard. The unit had closed-type liquid cooling, turbocharging and 8 cylinders (V-shaped arrangement, diameter - 120 mm). The power of the KamAZ 740.11-240 was 240 hp, the displacement was 10.85 liters, the maximum torque was 833 Nm, and the nominal speed was 2200 rpm.

Since 2007, KamAZ 43501 has been equipped with a new KamAZ 740.31-240 engine, corresponding to the Euro-2 environmental class. The engine is turbocharged and liquid cooled. The unit is more economical and provides a range of up to 1200 km.

Characteristics of KamAZ 740.31-240:

working volume – 10.85 l;
rated power - 240 hp;
maximum torque – 932 Nm;
compression ratio – 16.5;
number of cylinders – 8 (V-shaped arrangement);
cylinder diameter – 120 mm;
average fuel consumption is 26.5 l/100 km.

KamAZ 4350 is equipped with 2 fuel tanks with a volume of 170 and 125 liters.

Prospects for the new KAMAZ articulated dump truck

On the Internet, at the beginning of June 2022, photographs appeared from. During the visit of the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Mishustin, a partially assembled new articulated dump truck with the working name “Hercules-40” was demonstrated in production. At the end of June, photographs of a fully assembled dump truck with a lifting capacity of 35 tons were shown to the general public.

The prototype of the new dump truck received the loud name “Hercules-40”. Its curb weight is 40 tons, while its payload capacity is 35 tons. For the engineers of the KAMAZ plant, this kind of experience in creating this kind of equipment is the first, because when assembling the car, a minimum of borrowed export components or mechanisms were used.

For representatives of KAMAZ PJSC, the creation of this kind of vehicle is an excellent chance to try to gain a foothold in the market of articulated dump trucks. This market is very specific, but at the same time, there are not many competitors in it. Experts are confident that under a certain set of circumstances, as well as the right marketing moves, it can occupy a certain share of the articulated dump truck market.

Device

KamAZ 4350 is the “junior” model of the Mustang series and has a 4 by 4 wheel arrangement. The front and rear suspensions are based on springs and are additionally equipped with anti-roll bars, which allow the vehicle to maintain control when driving on uneven roads. This feature is very important for military vehicles.

For equipment intended for the army, there are increased requirements for cross-country ability, therefore the KamAZ 4350 is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission with a 3-code switching mechanism KamAZ 142 (5 forward speeds, 1 reverse speed). Modernization of the transmission made it possible to increase the service life by 15-20%. The car is also offered with a 10-speed manual transmission with a front splitter, which significantly increases the vehicle's cross-country ability.

Torque is transmitted from the engine to the gearbox using a dry friction single-plate clutch (pressure plate). Coil springs are installed peripherally, and the hydraulic clutch drive is equipped with a follower mechanism and a pneumatic-hydraulic booster. The rear axle has a 2-speed gearbox with a locking center differential and double final drive. The front axle has a non-disconnectable drive.

The service braking system includes a 2-circuit pneumatic drive that acts on the brake devices of the front and rear axles (separate action). The brake is controlled using a foot pedal located in the cab. To reduce speed and come to a complete stop, a backup brake system combined with a parking brake is used. The latter is equipped with an emergency brake release drive, which makes it possible to act on energy accumulators in the event of a compressed air leak. To activate the auxiliary braking system, an engine retarder is used, which closes the exhaust pipes and blocks the flow of fuel to the engine. There is a system of control devices in the cabin to monitor the operation of the brake systems.

A metal cabin with pneumatic seats and comfortable visibility has been developed for the KamAZ 4350. The chairs have several adjustments. The cabin design differs little from other models of the Kama Automobile Plant. In the cabin, in addition to heating and ventilation systems, there is space for a radio. The controls are located at a comfortable distance for the driver.

KamAZ 4350 can be equipped with a body or a booth with a various set of equipment, including a refrigerator, sink, safe and other appliances.

Body design of the new KAMAZ articulated dump truck

Thanks to its overall dimensions, as well as inflated body parts, the new dump truck looks very powerful. In part, if you do not pay attention to some body details and its color, the new Hercules-40 car is very similar in appearance to another Volvo dump truck.

The large false radiator grille, as well as the impressive front bumper of the car, give it an even more impressive appearance. This is not surprising in principle, since the width of the dump truck is more than 3.5 meters.

In order for the driver to easily get into the cabin, special stairs with railings are installed above the front wheels of the dump truck. If they were not there, then getting into the cabin of a car whose height is 4.3 meters would be problematic.

The base of the car is three-axle, which in turn will allow it to overcome obstacles without any problems while driving off-road.

In general, the new dump truck of KAMAZ PJSC looks very stylish and quite interesting, even though its body in some aspects is very similar to the body of a Volvo A40G.

Price

You can purchase a new civilian version of the universal chassis at a cost of 5.1 million rubles and more, depending on the configuration and year of manufacture.

On the secondary market, such equipment is available at a cost ranging from 2 million to 2.8 million rubles. If the truck is equipped with any special add-ons or equipment, then the price tag of a used one can reach 4 million rubles. In addition, the cost of used cars is affected by the year of manufacture and technical condition.

Reviews from owners and drivers

I have had this good old four-axle worker since 2022. The car is not bad when compared with foreign analogues, which are too expensive to maintain and are even inferior in terms of capabilities. For short cargo transportation, Kamaz 63501 can be fully recommended. I just purchased a suitable copy on the advice of cargo carrier friends. I work in the construction industry, and the carrying capacity of this Kamaz is enough for me. The interior has specific comfort at the level of the 80s. The standard heater works efficiently, especially when driving. The engine pulls great. 240 horsepower allows you to confidently overcome long country climbs. The maintainability of this car is such that it can be serviced right on the side of the road. But this model is not well suited for long-distance flights due to mediocre reliability and unpredictable breakdowns. There is never any scheduled maintenance - every time something leaks, falls off somewhere, hums, clicks and knocks. But I hope that the old Soviet technology will withstand me for many more years.
I work on a Kamaz 63501 off-road truck. The vehicle has an 8x8 wheel arrangement, which indicates almost limitless off-road capabilities. I have a version with an onboard cargo platform and a typical general purpose all-terrain chassis, which is adapted for the installation of various special equipment. My timber truck of the same name is working in difficult conditions, to put it mildly. Separately, I would like to note the restyled cabin with an updated design of the front panel. The devices are better readable and do not glare in the sun. The air-suspended driver's seat is quite comfortable, ensuring continued productivity even after a long day at work. In such a seat you get much less tired than without air suspension. As you know, this model was developed under the control of the Russian Ministry of Defense, so the best specialists were involved in its creation. It is not surprising that the main emphasis was placed on the capabilities of the car rather than comfort and coziness. There is no sound insulation as such, everything cracks and creaks, the cabin quickly rusts and needs regular priming and repainting. Fuel consumption is 35-40 liters depending on the load.
I have a Kamaz 63501 truck crane with a lifting capacity of 50 tons. There are also 30 and 40 tons, so I have the top version. I am very proud that I work on the 63501. I am amazed by the 8-wheel formula and the gigantic ground clearance, as well as the presence of an off-road arsenal - with all this you can be confident in overcoming hard-to-reach places within reasonable limits. Conveniently, the Galichanin crane can be used for high-precision installation, when cargo containers are placed in a finished platform at a certain height. The crane installation is driven by two pumps driven by the main engine. In fact, thanks to these pumps, all manipulations with the crane are performed, so this unit requires timely inspection and maintenance. The machine generally works properly, the crane can be raised to a height of up to 30 meters, but the use of an additional jib will increase the height to 40 meters - this is very high, for example, when installing power lines. Fuel consumption is 40 liters. It’s impossible to fill a forced 360-horsepower diesel engine with diesel fuel, unlike the good old 240-horsepower internal combustion engine. The same applies to other consumables.
I work on a Kamaz 63501 fire truck with a 4-stroke 8-cylinder diesel engine 740.50-360 with Euro-2 econorms. The engine develops 360 horsepower and has a torque of 1570 N/m at 1300 rpm. Fuel consumption is 40-45 liters per 100 km. The 12-liter diesel engine is coupled with a 16-speed ZF transmission, which was produced in Naberezhnye Chelny. Bearings, synchronizers and seals are made in Germany. Cast iron covers, clutch housings, shafts and gears, aluminum gearbox housings - all this is original, from Chelny. The dry single-plate clutch showed its best side - there were never any unscheduled repairs with it, as well as with the hydraulic drive, which is supplemented with a pneumatic booster. The presence of a locking differential on the rear axles allows you to storm serious off-road obstacles. This is facilitated by permanent all-wheel drive on the front axles. My car is also equipped with a pair of 12 volt, 190 amp hour batteries. Generator performance 3000 Watt. The parameters of the on-board network are 24 Volts. These are far from advanced characteristics, but for the money Kamaz 63501 is the best offer based on its “firefighting” and off-road capabilities.