K-700 (Kirovets) 1962-2002: technical characteristics, review, description

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Altai Tractor Manufacturing Association carries out major overhauls in the factory, production and sale of K-700 tractors and their modifications (K-700A, K-701, K-744, etc.) with full fulfillment of warranty obligations and provision of post-warranty service for manufactured equipment.

The K-700 tractor is a wheeled tractor of the fifth class of all-terrain traction, used for a wide range of work, mainly in agriculture.

An increase in the motor life of restored K-700 tractors to 90% of the life of a new tractor is achieved by introducing the following organizational and technical measures into the production of the Altai Tractor-Building Association: - one hundred percent removal of rust, scars, scale and many other contaminants when cleaning assemblies and parts;

— prevention of damage and disassembly of parts during disassembly;

— improvement of defective assembly work and prevention of depersonalization of worn-in parts during inspection and sorting, as well as parts that have pairing marks;

— provision of high-quality parts that limit the life of the main tractor units;

— ensuring maximum accuracy of tractor assembly work, as well as their modernization during the repair process in full accordance with the recommendations of manufacturers;

— absolute compliance with the regimes of running-in tractors and units with subsequent testing, as well as post-repair technical diagnostics;

— improvement of painting work.

Technical characteristics of Kirovets K-700

If we talk about the design of the Kirovets K-700, it corresponded to the technologies available at that time. In particular, the tractor was equipped with a 16-speed gearbox (four ranges) and a hydraulic turning system. Frame type: articulated. The transmission was installed mechanically, both axles were driven.

Thanks to its traction qualities (5 tons on the hook) and speed (the maximum value for plowing is 10 km/h), the tractor was significantly superior to the standard equipment of that time.

History of the Kirovets tractor

Despite their long history, Kirovets K-700 tractors are still in demand in agriculture. This is ensured by the manufacturer’s reasonable pricing policy, equipment reliability, as well as the constant introduction of innovations into the production process, the use of new technologies, including foreign experience. You can read about the model range for the 744 Kirovets in a separate article.

Tasks performed by the K700:

• agricultural;
• earthmoving;
• road construction;
• others.

Modifications

The second generation tractor, called K-701, was introduced in 1975. It received a more powerful engine (300 hp) and generally had higher performance parameters. In the same year, serial production of the K-700A with a 235-horsepower engine began. These models were unified among themselves, but at the same time they differed quite significantly from their predecessor. Difference: absence of springs; installation of two side fuel tanks instead of one rear; new wheels.

The next version appeared in 1986 (the third generation tractor was produced under the symbol K-701M). Main changes: improved design, even more powerful YaMZ 8423.10 engine (335 hp). Based on this model, several Kirovets tractors for industrial use were subsequently developed - K-702 and K-703.

Photo source: wikipedia.org Photo "Kirovets" K-700

The fourth generation K-701 was assembled in 1987 (model K-701M1). The car has become even more versatile, and the power of the power unit has increased to 350 hp. Another innovation: a torque converter has appeared in the transmission design. Now the tractor was used not only for agricultural work, but also as a means of transporting crops. And when the machine was equipped with special equipment, it was able to cope with road construction and reclamation work.

The next stage is the production of specialized equipment based on the K-701 (or rather, its industrial versions). Since the beginning of the 90s, the production of a whole line of road construction, forestry and other special machines (loaders, bulldozers, etc.) was launched - 18 types in total.

Tractor K-700 in the agricultural industry

The machine allows operation in a wide temperature range, which is especially important in depreciation conditions in a temperate climate zone. The engine power of the Kirovets K700 tractor is 220 horsepower. Due to many devices, the use of Kirovets K700 allows you to increase the efficiency of agricultural work by 2-3 times.

Agricultural work performed by K700:

• plowing the soil;
• loosening the soil;
• disking;
• snow retention;
• sowing works.

Purpose

This tractor is used in solving most agricultural problems:

• tillage;
• loosening;
• cultivation;
• disking;
• harrowing;
• sowing;
• snow retention.

The equipment is also used in construction, as well as in the transport, land reclamation and logging sectors.

Tractor K 700

Machine characteristics

The technical characteristics of the K-700 are quite high:

Tractor gearbox K-700

• Weight – 11000 kilograms. May vary slightly depending on version;
• Dimensions – 7.235x2.530x3.225;
• Engine – 8 or 12 cylinder;
• Engine power – from 220 to 335 horsepower;
• Cooling system – liquid;
• The liquid used to cool the engine is antifreeze, water;
• The volume of coolant in the system is 63 liters;
• Gearbox – mechanical;
• Number of gears: 16 - forward, 8 - reverse;
• Ground clearance - 44 centimeters;
• Maximum speed: forward - 33.8, reverse - 24.3 kilometers per hour;
• Fuel type – diesel fuel;
• Fuel consumption – 258 g/kW. h;
• Fuel tank volume – 450 liters;
• Loading capacity of the tow hitch – 2000 kilograms;
• Turning radius – 7200 mm;
• Track - 1910 millimeters;
• The brake system is pneumatic. Wheel brake mechanisms are closed type;
• The ford depth that the tractor can overcome is 1 meter;
• The frame is composite, connected by a hinge;
• Suspension – leaf spring on the front axle;
• Chassis – wheel type;
• Cornering control – steering wheel;
• Tow hitch – hydraulic, three-point.

Dimensions of the K-700 tractor

Engine design features

A distinctive feature of this engine is the V12 cylinder layout. Some people think that the YaMZ-240 was created from two twin six-cylinder YaMZ-236. However, the 240 has nothing to do with it. This unit is based on the 8-cylinder YaMZ-238. Engineers not only added 4 cylinders to it, but also changed their camber angle. New crankshaft journal bearings were also used. The cylinders were arranged in 2 rows at an angle of 75 degrees. The rows were offset by 3.5 centimeters relative to each other. Thanks to this method of cylinder arrangement, engineers managed to reduce the engine weight to 1,790 kilograms in running order. The engine also used 39 liters of oil and 35 liters of coolant.

The K-701 tractor engine was equipped with two K-36 model turbochargers. They used the energy of the exhaust gases for additional boost. What is noteworthy is that these compressors were manufactured in Czechoslovakia. New Kirovtsev models (K-744 and others) are equipped with Russian turbines from NPO Turbotekhnika.

To successfully start the tractor in winter, a comprehensive fuel and engine heating system is provided. This made it possible to use the technology in the most remote latitudes of the country.

Features of the device and operation

1. The Kirovets K-700 tractor is equipped as standard with an eight-cylinder diesel engine YaMZ-238ND5. In the updated modification, its power reaches 300 horsepower. This unit is recognized as very economical, because it consumes 220 g/kW per hour. The motor is easy to maintain and has good maintainability, as it has a minimal set of electronics. In particular, the main auxiliary component of the engine is the direct fuel injection system, which is responsible for more efficient and rational use of the combustible mixture for the sake of fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. Even an inexperienced worker can service such a motor. In addition to injection, turbocharging is no less important, which has become used in the latest updated versions of the YaMZ-238ND5. As a more affordable alternative, a 230-horsepower engine modification with a speed of 1700 rpm is provided. The transport speed is 34 km/h when moving forward, and when moving backward – up to 24 km/h. The tractor has a turning radius of 7200 mm.
2. Kirovets K-700 is a powerful tractor with support for various types of mounted options, which are driven by a hydraulic drive with a three-point hitch. Farmers agreed that this arrangement is very durable and convenient. It allows you to install an impressive list of removable equipment, including heavy, wide-cut implements for faster processing of large agricultural areas.
3. The tractor is equipped with large off-road wheels with wide-profile tires. Such tires are just necessary to achieve the best geometric cross-country ability. The tires have a special deep tread, and if necessary, you can install a dual wheeled chassis to double the cross-country ability. The transmission is all-wheel drive, with the ability to disable the drive of one pair of wheels. In this mode, the tractor can be used for simple urban tasks. In addition, to increase cross-country ability, the car received a simple body, without any design frills. Its main advantages are high ground clearance, minimal body overhangs, high approach and departure angles, as well as strong protection for the engine compartment.
4. The Kirovets K-700 tractor is equipped with a highly efficient gearbox with 18 forward and 8 reverse gears. Speeds are switched on clearly and smoothly, and there are no twitches or jerks during switching. The coordinated operation of the gearbox and internal combustion engine ensures decent smoothness and good acceleration dynamics. The box uses a hydraulic system spool - a structural element that tends to open and close at the moment of shifting to a lower or higher gear. This arrangement provided more efficient regulation of oil flow. In addition, we note another useful element of the chassis - a special hinge mechanism by which two half-frames are connected. This design forms a unique chassis rotation system, which allows the tractor to be turned around with virtually no change in the position of the front wheels.
5. In the cabin of the Kirovets K-700 tractor, special attention is paid to safety, comfort and functionality. The interior is no less comfortable and cozy than in imported cars. Firstly, let's pay attention to the anti-corrosion protection of the body, as well as several layers of sound insulation and thermal insulation of the cabin. Thanks to this, the interior is isolated from external sounds and vibrations. Already in the basic version there is an air conditioner and an efficient heating system, which allow you to set a comfortable temperature in the cabin at any time of the year. The cabin itself is made of durable steel, with the steel sheets being rigidly welded by a friend. To make heating and ventilation more reliable, their radiators were placed in a special niche. For ease of entry into the cabin, steps and handrails are provided. In addition, for an almost all-round view, the cabin received a wide glass area, as well as large rear-view mirrors. The controls are located where they should be. The attachments are controlled using simple switches and levers. If necessary, the driver's seat and steering column can be adjusted to suit your height and build.
6. The Kirovets K-700 tractor received a powerful hydraulic system and a power take-off shaft. These two components made it possible to increase the total lifting capacity of the main attachment, which is about 8 tons. This allows the installation of the heaviest wide-cut attachments. All structural mechanisms of the tractor are easy to maintain, but during operation the tractor driver, of course, must follow safety rules. For example, among the manufacturer’s instructions is to maintain the permissible oil temperature within 100 degrees. You also need to ensure that the engine runs for no more than 15 minutes at minimum crankshaft speed. When the power plant is warmed up, the oil pressure in the main line should not be lower or higher than 0.5 MPa.

The main pros and cons of Kirovets

Over the years of operation, the K-701 tractor has shown full suitability for work in the most difficult conditions. Among the main advantages, reviews note:

• reliability of the Yaroslavl engine;
• high performance characteristics;
• availability of free access to the main components and assemblies, which facilitates maintenance;
• Availability of a wide range of attachments.

Among the disadvantages, owners highlight:

1. Very stiff suspension.
2. A highly shifted center of gravity (concentrated in the front), which is why the equipment can slip in heavy mud when there is a heavy trailer.
3. Lack of a comfortable cabin.

"Chassis" and control of the K700 tractor

Represented by 4 wheels. The agricultural machine is all-wheel drive, which means 4 driving wheels at the same time.

Wheel parameters:

• one ramp;
• diskless;
• fastening with 8 nuts.
• size 23.1/18-26 inches;
• shoe brakes;
• weight – 3..4 c.

Tire pressure varies from 0.11 to 0.17 MPa depending on the task.

The equipment is controlled through separate unit hydraulics, which is based on a hydraulic pump, flow distributor, and 2-way power cylinders. The role of the turning mechanism is played by a gear-screw steering wheel connected to a spool generator

The hydraulic drive ensures compatibility with a wide range of mounted and trailed equipment, which can be installed by one person.

Modification series

Over almost 40 years of the enterprise’s existence, it has been possible to produce several modifications of agricultural machinery, which have proven themselves both in agriculture and in the road and construction industries of industrial production.

• K-700 is the main base model.
• K-700A, a unified copy of the model 701, a YaMZ-238ND3 turbocharged engine was used
• K-701. An analogue series with the previous version, a YaMZ-240 BM2 engine was used.
• Series 702. An industrial version of agricultural machinery, which had the outlines of a loader, bulldozer equipment, as well as rollers and scrapers. The suspension system and transmission (hydromechanics) were changed, and a rigid suspension was used.
• Series 703. The car had a reversible control option, that is, it could move both forward and backward.
• Series 701M. A three-axle version of the machine, and the wheel size of the K-700 tractor had four six-wheel versions. Used in conjunction with the YaMZ 8423 engine. It was developed by designers from Chukotka. In the future, the equipment became the prototype of new Russian tractors.
• Series 703MT. A three-axle articulated type of dump truck, which had an increased load capacity - up to 18 tons.

We must give credit to the manufacturers and developers of Kirovets; they managed to do the unthinkable for a country that has never had practical experience in producing powerful agricultural machinery. It is not without reason that in some countries on the coats of arms, as well as on banknotes, you can find examples of the Kirovets tractor, which became a legend during his lifetime.

Machine technical parameters

Powerful agricultural machinery has become a real assistant for agricultural producers of the Soviet state. The developers were able to introduce some new technical characteristics of the oil check gearbox of the K-700 tractor, which were successfully operated both in the conditions of the Far North of Russia and in areas with a hot climate. It is not without reason that in the Far East and Siberia this class of tractors is considered reliable in all the main technical parameters of operation.

The equipment has high characteristics of reliability, strength and durability, regardless of the area of ​​operation, and according to some data, the tractor is in no way inferior to modern Western European analogues.

Below is a table indicating the weight of the technical characteristics of the K-700 tractor.

Overall dimensions of the K-700 tractor

The fundamental differences between the series lie in the mass of attachments, which are used for each model separately.

Features of the Kirovets series

At the same time, experienced specialists believe that the tractor must be used in accordance with the technical data of the main units and components, which you can see in the table

As test drives in recent years have shown, few foreign analogues managed to surpass the quality data of the Soviet Kirovets, despite the introduction of the latest production technologies. By the way, only in 1969 did Western European manufacturers pay attention to the new tractor, but time was lost, which manufacturers from the USA and Western Europe had to make up for at least 30 years.