Tractor "Kirovets" K-700: an alternative to John Deere from the USSR

The K-744 tractor belongs to the KIROVETS series of machines and has an impressive range of applications. This machine is called ENERGY DENSE due to the number of areas of use. The unit can participate in basic and pre-sowing tillage, work with various attachments, as well as transport goods, distribute fertilizers, perform silage and clear the ground from snow ice.

K-744 is widely used as a tool for cleaning roads and surrounding areas. The machine is a continuation and legal successor of the K-700 model tractor, the production of which was suspended in 2002.

The new KIROVETS meets all the standards of modern agricultural implements. Possessing outstanding technical characteristics, the machine is designed in such a way that the operator-driver is in the most comfortable and safe conditions.

Figure No. 1. "KIROVETS"

History of creation

The machine was designed on the basis of an outstanding Russian manufacturer. The tractor was designed by the group, in particular, the St. Petersburg branch. The KIROVETS series units are the main production line of the company, which has the most outstanding performance. The first models were designed and produced more than 50 years ago, and the plant began its production work in 1924. The fifth generation of Kirov machines - tractors of the K-744 line, appeared in 2000. At the moment, the plant has produced almost 500 thousand representatives of the model.

Video of tractor K-701

The production of K-701 was launched at the Leningrad Tractor Plant, which created the first Soviet tractor in 1924. The need to develop a large and powerful tractor arose in the USSR in the 60s. Then the most widely used models were DT-75 and DT-54 with a power of 75 and 54 hp. They were great for small fields, but on virgin soil they looked rather weak. Soviet designers decided to create a unique high-power model in the shortest possible time. In 1963, the “hero tractor” K-700 appeared, and in 1972 it was replaced by the K-701.

“Kirovets” could single-handedly cultivate up to 2 hectares of arable land in an hour and replaced three DT-54s at once. Thanks to the new tractor, it was possible to increase labor productivity and reduce fuel costs. In addition to agricultural use, the K-701 was used as a tractor or bulldozer. The model worked with 53 mounted units, and large wheels increased its maneuverability in the fields. On the highway “Kirovets” accelerated to 35 km/h.

Purpose

The main advantage of the KIROVETS series tractors and the K-744 model is their versatility. The unit belongs to the fifth traction class of machines, which allows their use in almost all areas of agricultural work. Tractor used:

• During arable and cultivation activities.
• When working with small seeders and large seeding complexes.
• As a tool for transporting massive loads in the shortest possible time.
• For silage and fertilizer distribution.
• When clearing roads of snow and dirt.

Analogs

An analogue of the K-701 is the UDM-5K-1 tractor, which has similar dimensions and load capacity, and is used to solve the same problems.

Photo

Specifications

Each model of the K-744 tractor is a general-purpose agricultural unit with all-wheel drive, designed on an articulated frame. Separately, it is worth noting the high characteristics of the machine, which distinguish it from similar equipment - high performance indicators, excellent maneuverability, simplicity and reliability, maintainability. All these features are obtained thanks to unique technical characteristics.

Engine characteristics

As a propulsion system, the K-744 tractor uses a four-stroke engine with eight cylinders, YaMZ-238ND4 brand. This engine has a rated power of 250 horsepower and is equipped with a turbocharging system. The engine power when used is 229 hp, which allows you to effectively use various attachments. Motors of this type had increased MOTOR RESOURCE indicators - up to 12 thousand MOTOR HOURS. Such power plants are easily maintained and can be repaired quite economically. The characteristics allow the installation to be operated in various weather conditions.

Among the distinctive features of the engine, it is worth noting the presence of built-in water-oil radiators. YaMZ-238ND4 was equipped with four valve cylinder heads and a Kompakt-4 fuel installation. It is worth noting the presence of a pre-heater.

Dimensional and mass parameters

• Length – 7050mm, width – 2865mm, height – 3690mm.
• Wheelbase – 3750mm, track – 2115mm.
• Ground clearance (clearance) – 460mm.
• The smallest turning radius is 7980mm.
• Weight – from 14,020 to 15,790 tons.
• Load capacity – 8.5t.
• Tire size – 28.1 R26.

Cabin

The K-744 tractor involves the installation of a cabin designed for two jobs. The cabin has a reliable frame that ensures proper safety and is also protected from vibration, noise and thermal influences. The basic configuration of the cabin includes a heating system and air conditioning devices.

Engineers at the St. Petersburg Tractor Plant decided to replace the composite windshield with a solid frame. The glass frame provides an adequate level of visibility, which can be appreciated from the driver's seat. The side windows are made in an almost transparent version and are equipped with holes for ventilation.

During production, a decision was made to replace the steering column. The current control lever has improved performance, allowing you to raise the comfort and convenience of tractor control to a new level. External factors are controlled from the dashboard with panels.

Fuel consumption

The specific fuel consumption of the K-744 tractor is 162G/hp. The tank volume is 640 liters. Representatives of the line of units are equipped with a hydraulic system of fuel equipment with an axial piston pump. The pump performance at maximum load is 180 liters per minute. The installation that controls the fuel supply is made in the form of a distributor into five sections and has four pairs of terminals. HYDROLINES regulate flow rates from 0-90 liters per minute, and also include free drainage terminals.

Chassis and transmission

The K-744 model tractor is equipped with a manual transmission with four operating modes. Within each of them, switching occurs without interruption of the power flow. The unit has 16 forward and 8 reverse speeds. The maximum speed when moving forward is almost 29 kilometers per hour. Minimum – 4.5 km/h. The front axle is driven, the rear axle can be switched off. The machine uses a self-locking free-motion clutch as a differential. The rear and front axle suspensions are rigid. The K-744 model agricultural unit is equipped with 28.1R26 tires.

Brake system

The KIROVETS is equipped with a pneumatic braking system. All its main components can be examined in more detail in the figure below.

Diagram of the tractor brake system.

Tank volume and fuel consumption

As mentioned earlier, “KIROVETS” is an ENERGY-INTENSIAL agricultural unit that belongs to the fifth power class of such machines. However, despite the stated performance, the engineers who designed the car were able to complete an impossible task. For a given power, the K-744 remains a fairly economical and versatile tool. The tank volume of 640 liters allows you to carry out a huge amount of work without prior refueling. The specific fuel consumption, equal to 163G/hp, is also not the maximum among similar tractors.

Device

The internal structure of the tractor is made in accordance with the best ideas of that time. In 2000, there was no machine that would provide not only the best productivity, but also ergonomics and comfortable operation. The engineers who created the fourth version of the KIROVETS project were able to fit into it high technical indicators, a convenient control access system and installed a comfortable and safe cabin. The main components of the tractor that ensure high performance can be called:

• Manual transmission with the ability to switch between 16 forward and 8 rear travel modes.
• High-strength alloy steel is used as the material for the KIROVTS bridges. Both axles are driven, while the rear axle can be disabled. Each of them has a rigid suspension.
• An additional element is installed on the tractor semi-frame, serving as a load. This load allows for greater traction with the surface of the earth on which the unit operates.
• The hitch is mounted on three zones, and also involves the operation of a power take-off shaft with a large set of fastening elements for different devices. The PTO allows the use of many attachments for various purposes.

Cabin and steering equipment

The cabin of the K-744 tractor provides a high-quality, comfortable room designed for two seats. Driver safety is ensured by a built-in rigid frame that can withstand enormous loads. The basic package also included a tinted window frame, which replaced the usual composite glass. Additional devices include:

• Air conditioner.
• Sound recorder.
• Mechanism for adjusting the position of the operator's seat.
• Front and rear windshield wipers.
• Two pairs of front and rear lights, as well as a pair of flashing lights.

The cabin has excellent all-round visibility, an ergonomic structure, a central operator's seat, as well as noise, vibration and thermal protection systems.

Attachments

KIROVETS has a three-point equipment suspension system. The basic configuration of the tractor allows the use of the following models of attachments:

• Seeding complexes of various sizes and types - seeders and wide-cut units.
• Cultivation devices – paw, disk and combined models. It is possible to install cultivation complexes intended for sowing.
• Plows for various purposes - for primary cultivation, for cultivating old arable soil and other types.
• Deep loosening devices used to decompact soil compositions, as well as for cultivating old lands.
• Disc harrows.
• A huge variety of trailers designed for transporting cargo. The K-744 series tractor is widely used as a towing tool.

Advantages and disadvantages

Despite the fact that the K-744 tractor was released during the times of new Russia, it managed to obtain all the excellent qualities inherent in technology from the USSR. Reliability, ease of repair and operation, combined with the latest technologies of the beginning of the new century - all this provides KIROVTS with a large baggage of advantages. The tractor is in a leading position among all machines of a similar draft class at that time.

• Excellent safety margin - the manufacturer's engineers guarantee 2000 hours of operation without repairs. In fact, this figure increases two to three times. Due to the well-thought-out design and quality of materials used in the production of tractor components, the machine very rarely breaks down.
• A versatile cabin with high levels of comfort, a spacious fuel compartment and minimal consumption. All this allows the operator to provide more than 15 hours of work without interruption. Moreover, during this time period, KIROVETS can be used at its maximum possible capacity.
• Easy access to all vehicle components ensures high maintainability.
• Wide range of tractor applications. Multifunctionality in use allows the K-744 to be used in almost all sectors of agriculture. In addition to its intended purpose, the tractor can be used as a road roller.
• Equipped with a high-power power generator, “KIROVETS” allows the use of welding machines.

Despite this list of positive aspects, it is worth recalling that the unit is not without some disadvantages. When working with some types of attachments, operators record power losses. This state of affairs is due to the imperfection of the installed hydraulic systems. The weight of the tractor also does not allow it to be used in some weather conditions - despite the wide tires, the unit slips on wet soil.

Confession

According to many, the Kirovets was a milestone in the history of agricultural machinery in the USSR, although there is also an opinion about the absolute uselessness of such equipment in agriculture. The dimensions and weight were impressive, but if the tractor got stuck in the field, then all was lost. Nevertheless, for its design features and characteristics, the Kirovets was awarded first place at the German exhibition of agricultural machinery in 1968. Already in 1969, the K-700 at the Paris agricultural machinery exhibition was recognized as the most powerful tractor in the world.

The K-700 quickly gained popularity, production increased. In 1964 alone, 1,200 vehicles were produced, and two years later, in 1966, already 3,820. Every year, more and more Kirov vehicles were produced; in 1975, the plant produced its 100,000th tractor, and since then, “hundreds” have been produced every 5 years. The world production record for the K-700 was reached in 1987, when 23,003 vehicles were made in a year. In the late 1980s, Kirovtsy was used in 40% of agricultural work in the country.

What can be included with

Additional equipment is installed on the machine according to the order of the client who contacts the manufacturer. Among the body kit, the following devices and mechanisms can be noted:

• PTO.
• Trailer in the form of a pendulum.
• Dual wheel system.
• Hook-shaped trailer.
• Torque converter.
• Devices for controlling tire pressure.
• Arched and twin wheels.
• Triangular traction mechanism.
• Dump.

Modifications

The production line of the KIROVETS K-744 tractor consists of 8 types of modified units in two versions. The tractor is also presented in the form of one model as an industrial tractor.

• K-744R. The first modification of the KIROVETS, the equipment of which was distinguished by the possibility of installing a foreign premium engine “CUMMIS”.
• K744-P1. The main difference between this model and the K-744 configuration is the presence of the front axle under the springs. Also, the model has a reinforced cab frame, which is responsible for operator safety and even greater fuel efficiency.
• K-744-R2. The model received a reinforced propulsion system, expanding power capabilities to 350 horsepower. The unit, made in a modern design solution, K-744-R2, has many advantages in terms of operating comfort.
• The K-744-R3 continued the trend towards increasing power - it has an indicator of 400 “horses”. In addition, it is equipped with an air cleaner, a fuel hydraulic pump and mounts for installing additional ballast.

"Kirovets" K-700: cons

There were also negative features of this undoubtedly outstanding tractor. For example, its low cross-country ability on noticeably uneven areas due to the engine protruding forward. In some places, the Kirovets could even capsize; as they say, for the driver this most often meant certain death. Also, many agronomists criticized the large mass of the tractor: it crushed the soil beneath it too much. A lighter car was needed, but the designers did not eliminate this issue even in modifications.