Lipetsk tractor LTZ-60 - economical, efficient, maneuverable

The LTZ-60 tractor is an all-wheel drive agricultural machine with a towing class of 1.4 tons. This device, which is no longer produced today, is effectively used during spring sowing and for harvesting, plowing fields, transporting various goods, and landscaping work.

History of creation

The history of the LTZ-60 tractor began at the Lipetsk Tractor Plant (LTZ), created in 1943 on the basis of the production facilities of the large industrial enterprise Stankostroy. At the same time, a small workers’ settlement began to be organized nearby, called “Traktorny”. The first to be produced at LTZ was the Kirovets-35 tracked tractor, which had a gasoline engine. Wheeled modifications of this heavy equipment began to be produced at the enterprise in 1957.

During the operation of the Lipetsk Tractor Plant, many different models of tractors rolled off its assembly line. These were mainly all-wheel drive modifications. Already in 1970, LTZ manufactured more than half a million tractors. The plant produced the most T-40 tractors, the production of which lasted from 1961 to 1995. During this period, the company produced about 1,196 thousand different modifications of the T-40 for the national economy. The all-wheel drive tractor LTZ-60, which replaced the obsolete T-40, began production in 1991.

Unfortunately, in 2004, after LTZ was declared bankrupt, a new one was organized on the basis of the enterprise, which was part of the Russian machine-building concern Tractor Plants. In 2006, the company became part of Agromashholding OJSC, and the concern remained its partner.

In 2009, the work of the machine-building and assembly shops was discontinued; only some auxiliary production facilities functioned. Many factory buildings were demolished and empty ones were rented out.

Currently, in partnership with the Tractor Plants concern, the Volgograd Tractor Plant and the Cheboksary Aggregate Plant, which produces spare parts for tractors, it has begun producing tractor and loading equipment. The company also produces a modernized model of a universal row-crop tractor under the brand name LTZ-60AB. This suggests that there is hope for a revival of production.

Price and analogues

Now it is difficult to say how much a new tractor costs. The model has long been discontinued, and the preserved remains from the warehouse have been sold out.

But on the secondary market you can still find a similar device with a worn-out plate with “MTZ-60” stamped on it. However, there are no “original” parts, especially the engine, there. The car will cost from 80 to 200 thousand rubles. depending on the condition. It makes no sense to buy a rusty frame cheaper - repairs and restoration will cost more.

Based on similar characteristics, you can specify the “80” series machines or the YuMZ (6AKM40.2, or 8040.2.) AGROMASH (60TK, 85TK) models.

Specifications

The LTZ-60 tractor has good driving stability and is easy to control. The front drive axle engages automatically, which reduces slipping. Reverse is engaged in all gears.

All-wheel drive operates when driving on mud and sticky soil; in other cases, only the rear axle is connected. The hydrostatic steering mechanism has an additional hydraulic cylinder. A band brake system is used that acts on all four wheels synchronously.

The LTZ-60 is equipped with a reverse eight-speed gearbox (Gearbox), which has a dry single-plate friction clutch and an additional clutch coming from an independent power take-off shaft.

The tractor is equipped with a D65M1L engine with 60 hp, developing a torque of 221.4 Nm at maximum crankshaft speed. LTZ-60 reaches a speed of at least 30 km/h.

Table: speed modes of LTZ-60

Fuel consumption no more than 8.98 l.h. with a load capacity of 850 kg. The fuel tank capacity is 70 liters.

Dimensional and mass indicators of LTZ-60

Due to good ground clearance, various obstacles can be overcome without damaging the suspension.

Cabin

The use of LTZ-60 is possible in different climatic zones due to the high level of cabin comfort, which is absolutely sealed and reliably protects the tractor from vibration and noise.

The driver's seat has a high level of comfort and is adjusted using a lever to suit the dimensions of the tractor driver. An autonomous heating system allows you to keep the cabin warm in winter. Ventilation is provided through the side vents.

Due to the large glass area of ​​the cabin, the entire surrounding area is visible.

Attachments

A feature of almost all Lipetsk tractors is the ability to work with 120 types of attachments. And LTZ 60 is no exception. Its versatility allows it to be used as a truck, for loading cargo, as a combine harvester, and as a snowblower and excavator.

The design assumes an even distribution of mass on the front and rear axles, at which the pressure on the soil is minimal, which is especially important when weeding agricultural plants between rows.

Chassis and transmission

The LTZ-60 tractor uses 6.50-16 or 8.3-20 tires for the front wheels and 13.6R38 or 14.9-30 for the rear wheels. On an installed eight-speed gearbox with transverse shafts, the locking mechanism is activated by pressing a special clutch pedal roller. Power is transmitted to the rear and front axles using bevel and spur gears. Each axle uses its own differential:

• For the front - closed two-satellite with automatic locking.
• For the rear there is a double ratchet clutch.

Device

Engine

The four-cylinder diesel engine produced in Rybinsk, which powers the base model, is water-cooled. Its power is 60 horsepower, and it “eats” very little fuel - only 8.98 liters per hour.

Transmission

The unit is equipped with a dry friction permanently closed single-disc clutch. An additional clutch is used to transmit rotation to the power take-off shaft. The four-speed gearbox has eight speeds. Its shafts are arranged transversely. The gears are locked using the clutch pedal blocking roller. Brakes are dry, band type.

The main transmission of the rear axle is gear (straight-cut cylindrical gears). This axle is equipped with a double-satellite closed differential with automatic locking. On the front axle, the main transmission is carried out using bevel spiral gears, and its differential is a ratcheted double double-sided freewheel. If the wheels slip by more than 4%, it turns on itself.

Electrics

The generator produces 700 watts of power and is equipped with a 14-volt rectifier and voltage regulator. To start the engine, an electric starter with a power of 4 kilowatts is used.

Rechargeable batteries of type 6ST-190A are used. There are two sockets: for connecting a portable lamp and electrical devices of towed equipment. The cabin is equipped with a lamp.

Steering

This mechanism, consisting of a steering wheel, steering column and hydraulic drive, serves to turn the front wheels. The hydraulic volumetric steering drive with a metering pump mounted on the steering column has an additional hydraulic cylinder in the trapezoid. The steering column can be changed in height (with a collet clamp) and inclination (there are 5 fixed positions).

Attachments

The tractor can work with such mechanisms and units as:

• three-furrow plow type PLN-3-35;
• high-speed cultivator KPS-4;
• potato planters SN-4B, KSM-4, Krot;
• beet seeder SST-12B;
• corn seeder SUPN-8;
• cultivators KRN-5 and KRN-6;
• sprayer POM-630;
• machine for planting seedlings SKN-6A;
• potato diggers KTN-2V and UKV-2;
• potato harvester KKU-2A;
• foragers FN-1 and FN-4.

And this is not the entire list. Note that the LTZ-60 can easily be turned into a machine that is very useful for utility workers or road workers. Attachments are also used for this. Thus, using a plow blade with a shock absorber, you can move away masses of snow or earth, and by hanging a brush device, moving due to the PTO, you can clean roads. Excavators are also produced on the basis of LTZ-60.

Start of operation

Before starting work, you should check the completeness and technical condition of the LTZ-60 tractor. Check that the tires are free of through cracks and tears. Only serviceable electrical equipment should be used to prevent sparking and current leakage, especially in places where fuel or oil may come into contact with it.

Check that the battery is securely secured and that there are no electrolyte leaks. The steering wheel should have a play of no more than 25° and turn smoothly, and the hydraulic pump should be turned on. The clutch should operate without slipping, smoothly engage and disengage completely. Check the serviceability of the door locks and be sure to place a rubber mat on the cabin floor. The fuel and oil systems must be sealed. You should also check the reliability of the windshield wiper.

Before starting the engine, make sure that all control levers of the LTZ-60 tractor are in the neutral position. Before you start driving, look for people who are unsafely close to the tractor's path. During operation, be sure to monitor the readings of instrumentation and do not allow the engine to overload or smoke. The gear shift lever should move to the desired position without effort, while the clutch should be disengaged.

Never apply sudden braking while driving on slippery roads. When connecting a trailer to a tractor, be sure to check the operation of its braking system. Trailers must not be used to transport people.

A special feature of the LTZ-60 is that the new tractor does not require running-in, which makes it possible to initially give it a full load.

Advantages and disadvantages

Nowadays it is difficult to find out about the advantages or disadvantages of a machine from the machine operators who operate it. But, from the available records, it is possible to highlight the positive aspects of the model.

1. Good reserve of motor resources. Manufacturers have specified an engine life of 5,000 hours. However, as users of the equipment claimed, with proper care it worked much more.
2. Availability of attachments.
3. High maintainability. Thanks to unification, components and parts from other models are suitable for the MTZ-60.
4. Easy to maintain.

Along with the advantages, among the descriptions, the owners indicate a number of disadvantages.

1. Cramped cabin. It was already difficult for a machine operator with an above-average build to feel comfortable in a cramped space.
2. Poor sealing and sound insulation. Dust penetrated into the cabin when working on dry soils, and the sound of the running engine was not muffled by anything.
3. The need to constantly adjust the clutch. As a rule, even a careful attitude towards this unit and precisely adjusted settings could not extend the service life of the friction disc by more than a season.

Modifications

There are several modifications of the LTZ-60 that are worth considering in more detail.

• The LTZ-60A was practically no different from the base model, with the exception of the engine. Instead of the D65M1L, the D-144, produced in Vladimir, was used. Despite the reduction in volume to 4.15 liters, the power of the power unit remained at 60 hp.
• The LTZ-60AB was equipped with a D-248 diesel engine with a power of 57 hp. with water cooling produced by the Minsk Motor Plant. The largest load capacity (900 kg) in the model range. Seven-speed gearbox. Single-plate clutch using a clutch with cermet linings and reinforced damper springs.
• LTZ-60AB-10 is a continuation of the AB series. The modification is universal, can be assembled with various attachments and is used for any agricultural, loading and unloading, utility work, cargo transportation and general purpose work.
• LTZ-60AV with a diesel engine of the base model D65M1L from the Rybinsk Motor Plant. An improved power steering was used, and the overall dimensions of the cabin were increased.
• LTZ-60AV-01 served old-type farms and had a lowered cabin.

Currently, from the LTZ-60 model range, only the LTZ-60AB modification is produced.

Purpose

"LTZ 60" is widely used in the agricultural industry and public utilities. He achieves the greatest efficiency and effectiveness when performing the following types of work:

• cultivation of grain crops;
• plowing large areas;
• sowing plants;
• planting vegetable crops;
• land cultivation;
• application of fertilizers;
• loading and unloading activities;
• cargo transportation;
• cleaning areas from debris, fallen leaves and snow.

Operating experience, advantages and disadvantages

All LTZ-60 tractors produced at the Lipetsk Tractor Plant have proven themselves on the positive side and are characterized by low fuel consumption and high performance indicators.

The design of the chassis is well thought out. LTZ-60, being lightweight for this class of machines, does not damage the soil during planting and harvesting operations. The tractor is unpretentious in operation; there are no difficulties with spare parts during maintenance and repair work.

Unfortunately, on all modifications of the series, except for the LTZ-60AB, a clutch basket from an outdated T-40 tractor is installed, which, given the increased loads due to the increased engine power, often leads to the breaking of the clutch studs and mounting bolts.

Despite some minor shortcomings, the LTZ-60 can still compete on equal terms with many modern tractor models.

Owner reviews

"Hi all! I have been using the LTZ-60 tractor for more than a year and a half. I'll tell you a little about him. The tractor was made on the basis of the T-40, but with significant differences. First of all, I would like to note the spacious cabin and good dashboard and steering wheel adjustment. But still I had to do some things on my own. I installed the seat wider and the heater from Moskvich, cut out a window in the right door for ventilation. I had to change the clutch disc twice; most likely, the safety margin of the disc is not enough for such an engine. I'll take the disk from MTZ and redo it. It is inconvenient that the hydraulics, including the steering, are completely powered by one low-pressure pump; there is only a separation valve. Is that bad. Now I am installing a second NSh-10 pump into the drive via a spacer to the NSh-32 pump. We had to move the generator somewhat because the belt was in the way.” Rural resident “The device is quite reliable, but problems may still arise with the gearbox, since in recent years they have made it out of absolutely nothing. If possible, it’s better to take it with a D-65 engine” Vladimir

Owner reviews

Vladimir : “If you choose an LTZ 60 or MTZ 80 tractor, then of course the Lipetsk one is better. Economical in terms of diesel, parts can be selected. In general, the design of the machine is very intelligently made, everything is clearly worked out. If you carry out maintenance on time and do not overload, it will work reliably. I’ve had an LTZ tractor for 11 years, I bought it almost new, there have been no serious breakdowns during this time.” Anton , Podolsk: “I accidentally bought an LTZ-60 tractor after a major overhaul. The cabin is spacious, excellent visibility, the window was made independently. I've had it for 7 years now and I've been using it to the fullest. I changed the clutch discs and will probably have to change them again soon. But overall I like it, it’s a responsive car.”