Driver's review of the MAZ-5440E9 truck tractor (23 photos)

Author: Lan, don’t growl

16 June 2022 13:36

Tags: MAZ trucks truckers reliability rust equipment tractors trucks  

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Is six years a long time or a short one for a new MAZ? We met with the driver Alexander, who drives a 2011 MAZ-5440E9 with a Euro-5 engine. The car has already driven 460,000 km - what faults have been identified?

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— In 2011, our company needed a new tractor. At first we thought of buying a new DAF in Europe, but with customs clearance it would have cost 90,000 euros. We bought this MAZ for 50,000, almost half the price. Naturally, having saved, something had to be sacrificed.

Prices

The cost of a new truck, depending on the configuration and equipment, is from 3 to 4 million rubles. Trucks produced before 2008 will cost slightly less - depending on the technical condition, equipment, appearance and mileage, such a car can be purchased in the range from 700 thousand to 1.5 million rubles. Rebuilt 2008 models with mileage will cost drivers between 1.5 and 2 million rubles.

The MAZ-5440 truck is popular not only in its homeland in the Republic of Belarus, but in other countries - Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic states and European countries. This is due to the attractive appearance of the vehicle, a comfortable cabin, reliability and low price of the truck. The machine is not without its shortcomings, but it is distinguished by good maintainability and efficiency.

Portal mpark.pro presents a review of the MAZ-5440M9

Making a truck that meets the Euro 6 environmental standard is not just about putting a different engine under the cab. This means changing the design, completely reworking the entire structure, starting with the frame side members and the layout of the units and ending with the location of the cab supports. In terms of its aggregate base, the presented tractor is comparable to the flagship of Mercedes. For this they have already nicknamed him “AktroMAZ”. Let's look at all the details in more detail.

The tractor first appeared in public on August 8, 2014 during the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Minsk Automobile Plant.

The first thing we noticed was the updated exterior design. This cannot be called restyling. This is a truly new design that was not made just to be beautiful.

The entire component base of the MAZ-5440M9 has completely changed, which to a certain extent determined the new “appearance”. For example, now the front mask is “tied” to the width of the radiator of the new engine.

The photo clearly shows that the radiator has increased significantly in size. Now there is much more wiring, and the abundance of electronics matches the number of wires.

Creating a new visual aesthetics is one of the tasks that the creators of the tractor set themselves. They achieved this goal. Now MAZ Euro-6 and “Euro-junior” MAZs are distinguishable from a kilometer away. Only the windshield remained the same. Everything else is completely new.

The logo design of the presented tractors has also changed. Now AktroMAZs have new bison contours.

Wiping the windshield has become much more convenient. The presence of a convenient step under the bison emblem allows you to calmly take steps to the sides and not be afraid of slipping.

It is also worth paying attention to the fact that the bison emblem and the MAZ logo are located at a greater distance from each other than on tractors of previous generations. This move is to a certain extent “tied up” to electronics. The MAZ-5440M9, like many other modern long-haul trucks, has a radar that determines the distance to the vehicle in front. To prevent metallized elements from affecting the operation of this device, the emblems are spaced apart.

At first glance, the general contours of the cabin are no different from those characteristic of conventional MAZs. However, absolutely all the elements here are new.

Many believe that the MAZ-5440M9 cabin is copied from Volvo. Indeed, the profiles of the MAZ-5440 (left) and the classic Volvo FH (right) are somewhat similar, but absolute similarity cannot be asserted. A separate remark will be devoted to this nuance.

Remarque

MAZ began producing a new cabin during Gorbachev’s perestroika. At the end of the 1980s, the project entered the stage of full-size mock-ups.

In the summer of 1991, the first prototype of a truck with a new cab was assembled. It became MAZ-6430 No. 1. The USSR still existed at that time, and tractors with a cab of the discussed contours could already be seen on the roads.

The classic Volvo FH, which many are trying to accuse MAZ manufacturers of being similar to, was released in 1993, i.e. only 2 years later.

In fact, in this case no one copied anyone. The similarity of the contours of the trucks is explained by the fact that in the late 1980s and early 1990s, designers in Belarus and Sweden thought in the same way.

Some claim that the design of the false radiator grille of the MAZ-5440M9 is similar to the same elements of Scania trucks, while others claim that it is copied from the Aktros MP4. In this case, there is nothing in common with Scania tractors, but with the Aktros, some stylistic moves in the elements of the lower belt of the MAZ do overlap. However, all lines are different.

Many also claim that the MAZ-5440M9 headlights are copied from the Volvo FMX. Let's compare:

On the left is the AktroMAZ, on the right is the first generation Volvo FMX. Indeed, the supplier of lens optics is the same company - Hella, but the location of the “rounds” differs significantly.

However, the lenses shine beautifully.

The tradition of using lens optics on MAZ trucks was established back in 2012, when the second copy of the experimental MAZ-6440RA hood tractor was released.

The rear lighting equipment in AktroMAZ is also new. It is not repeated on any “European”.

In general, we can say that AktroMAZ has not been copied from anyone. He looks like himself. The family contours of the brand are also felt. Hence the conclusion is that the design problem has been successfully solved.

The only element that completely overlaps with one of the Big Seven products is the rear view mirrors.

On the left in the picture is a MAZ-5440M9, on the right is an IVECO Stralis. Here you can see 100% similarity, but not copying. Mirrors for both tractors are a purchased component. The Spanish company Ficosa acts as a supplier. In the future, MAZ trucks will have slightly different mirrors.

If everything is clear with the external design as a whole, then now is the time to “walk” through the aggregate base.

Under the cab of the truck there is a Mercedes-Benz OM471 engine, the power of which is 475 hp. With. According to Daimler, this engine is “the best diesel engine in the world.”

The engine is combined with a robotic 12-speed gearbox Mercedes-Benz G230-12 New AMT.

This gearbox was originally designed by Mercedes taking into account the possibility of installing a water retarder - SWR (Secondary Water Retarder). For the first time in the history of the MAZ brand, it was installed on its tractor! The manufacturer of this device is Voith.

AktroMAZ has a German hypoid rear axle - Daimler R440. In the future, MAZ plans to release its analogue.

Receivers with batteries are installed in the European style, that is, in the rear overhang of the frame. This is due to the fact that the side space in the base of the truck is completely occupied by a huge muffler-catalyst (cleaning station), a urea tank and fuel tanks. Today all European companies have come to this. MAZ has just adopted this experience. To make it clearer, we will compare this element of the AktroMAZ with the same element of the Actros MP4.

MAZ-5440M9 is equipped with two fuel tanks (on the left - 700 l, on the right - 400 l). In the background there is a fuel intake, in the front there is a cover with an electrical connector for connecting a fuel level sensor.

A distribution valve is located between the spar and the left tank in order to pump fuel from one tank to another.

The 75 liter urea tank is located on the left, immediately behind the cab.

The fuel tanks are covered with decorative flaps, on the right behind which, between the 400 liter tank and the cabin, there is a huge air purification station - a muffler-catalyst.

Tires on the tractor are also imported. The rear axle is Matador Diamond with air suspension with four cylinders, the front axle is Matador Silent with leaf spring suspension. Dimension – 315/70R 22.5.

Another interesting fact is that the fifth wheel coupling device is domestic. It was made in the city of Kobrin (Brest region in Belarus).

We are presented with a new level MAZ tractor. It is too early to talk about its serialization. But we will be able to see the results of the work done in the future both on this and other models.

A lot of work has also already been done on Euro-6 trucks. Prototypes accumulate kilometers during testing.

Of course, I would like to think that someday the Big Seven will turn into the Big Eight and MAZ tractors will be on a par with Euro brands. However, this is still a long way off. But a start has been made.

Photos in the review were used from the site https://mpark.pro/

How the cabin works

The cabin is equipped with various systems, such as electronics, heating, air conditioning, which creates a comfortable environment for the operator.

The cabin is designed:

• for comfortable working conditions;
• to create a microclimate;
• to protect the operator from vibrations;
• to ensure driver rest;
• to create good visibility of the road surface.

Recently, the design of the MAZ cabin has been improved; soft seats, an upper berth, and springs under the driver's seat have appeared. The modern design consists of a frame, cladding and a tipping unit. Metal frame. In terms of overall dimensions, the structure can be small or large. The first one has no sleeping space.

These vehicles are used in cities for short-distance transportation. Oversized structures are installed on tractors; they have one or two berths. The basis of the structure is a welded metal frame. The frame is assembled from two sidewalls, two parts, a floor and a roof. Then they install doors equipped with side shields to protect the openings. The instrument panel is installed under the windshield. A windshield frame reinforcement has been added. There are 3 windshield wipers.

The interior trim hides the components of the radiator and other mechanisms. Since 1990, the interior has been equipped with plastic sidewalls and additional systems. The cladding is equipped with thermal insulation. At the front are the instrument panel and the ducts for supplying warm air from the heater. The seat is height adjustable.

Shock absorbers in the form of rubber bushings eliminate vibration. The cabin is tipped by a hydraulic cylinder spring. To activate the unit, press the lever. A thin cable protects the structure from excessive tipping.

Engine and gearbox

Depending on the modification, the machine is equipped with the following types of diesel power units:

1. MAZ-544004 is equipped with an 8-cylinder power unit YaMZ-238DE. The engine displacement is 14.86 liters and the power is 330 horsepower. The engine complies with the Euro-2 environmental safety class;
2. Modifications of MAZ-544008/-5440A8 are equipped with 8-cylinder V-shaped diesel engines YaMZ-7511.10 (compliance with the Euro-2 environmental safety class) and YaMZ-6581.10 (compliance with the Euro-3 environmental safety class), both engines have a power of 400 horsepower ;
3. The MAZ-5440A9/-5440B9 is equipped with a 6-cylinder in-line power unit YaMZ-650.10. The engine capacity is 11.12 liters and the power is 412 horsepower. The motor complies with Euro-3 class;
4. MAZ-5440V3 and 5440V5 are equipped with 6-cylinder, 6.65-liter YaMZ-5361.10 and YaMZ-536.10 engines. Both engines comply with the Euro 4 standard. The first engine has a power of 270 horsepower, the second - 312 “horses”, respectively;
5. MAZ-544087 and 5440W8 are equipped with foreign-made 8.9-liter, inline 6-cylinder Cummins ISLe 375-30 (Euro-3) and Cummins ISLe 400-40 (Euro-4) engines. The first engine has a power of 375 hp, the second – 400 hp. Both engines have a displacement of 8.9 liters;
6. MAZ-544019/-5440E9/-544018 are equipped with an 11.95-liter 6-cylinder V-shaped engine OM 501LA. The engine, depending on the modification, complies with Euro-4 or Euro-5 standards. Engine power 435 horsepower;
7. MAZ-5440M9 is equipped with a German Mercedes-Benz OM471 engine with a power of 475 hp.

Attention! All engines installed on the Belarusian truck tractor are equipped with a turbocharging system, common rail injection, intercooler and liquid cooling.

As for the transmission, depending on the modification of the car, 8,9,12, and 16-speed gearboxes of both foreign and domestic production are used.