Tractor MTZ 1523: technical specifications and owner reviews

MTZ 1523 is a universal wheeled agricultural tractor designed to perform a fairly wide range of work. The model is used to prepare the soil for sowing, sowing, processing seedlings, and helps with harvesting and transporting it. In addition, the MTZ 1523 tractor is in demand in industry, construction, forestry and public utilities.

The production of this equipment is carried out by the Minsk Tractor Plant and is intended for operation in different climatic and soil zones.

Purpose

MTZ 1523 is capable of performing work in any climate and on any soil.

In crop production it is used:

• for tillage;
• chemicalization of plants and protection;
• cultivation and harvesting of grains, corn, potatoes, vegetables and other industrial crops;
• for applying fertilizers;
• for the preparation of feed;
• to perform transport and loading operations.

In livestock farming MTZ 1523 is used:

• for removal and application of solid and liquid organic fertilizers to the soil;
• feed preparation;
• bringing prepared feed to farms in difficult to navigate areas;
• preparation and grinding of feed.

In addition, this technique is used in the repair and construction of roads, in forestry, road and municipal services.

A variety of devices can be attached to this unit: trailed, mounted and semi-mounted additional equipment, harvesting complexes, drives of stationary devices and mechanisms for loading and unloading operations, which greatly increases the functionality.

Advantages and disadvantages

I have never encountered this family of tractors directly. To look for the advantages of the model and its shortcomings, I read the reviews of familiar machine operators and discussions of the machine on the Internet. Among the entire volume of information, one can highlight the advantages of MTZ-1523.

• High-torque diesel engine with high torque and low specific fuel consumption.
• Clear operation through the use of informative stickers and signs.
• Comfortable cabin.
• All-terrain, all-wheel drive.
• Large number of compatible attachments.
• Reliable hydraulic system assembled from imported components.
• Good maintainability. Thanks to unification with previous models, machine operators do not experience difficulties when repairing the machine.

As much as I wouldn’t like it, among the positive reviews there were also negative ones.

• Rapid clutch wear. In some cases, the unit failed without even working for a season. Even frequent free play adjustments do not help to extend the life of the clutch.
• Insufficient strength of high pressure hoses. Rubber hoses quickly lose their tightness, crack and burst.
• Negligence during assembly. Owners of new devices often point out that the threaded connections may not be tightened, the joints of the units are leaky, and the mounting holes are misaligned.

Advantages and disadvantages of MTZ 1523. Owner reviews

The undeniable advantages of this model are:

• the presence of a reliable and durable high-power European class engine with low fuel consumption and a good torque reserve;
• hydraulic distributor MTZ 1523 from Bosch with automatic regulation of plowing depth;
• after conversion, the possibility of reverse mode;
• comfortable and modern cabin, ergonomic control panel;
• relatively low cost and excellent quality;
• excellent compatibility with many agricultural machines;
• towing devices are available in a wide range;
• low cost of repairs and availability of spare parts.

Thanks to the listed factors, the MTZ 1523 tractor has mostly positive customer reviews. Most users confirm that this equipment is quite durable and reliable in operation. If you follow all the rules for using mechanisms without exception, carry out inspections in due time, and, if necessary, repairs, the equipment will last for quite a long time and without interruptions.

MTZ 1523 owner reviews about the shortcomings have the following:

• Quite rapid wear of clutch discs and release bearings.
• The clutch engagement cylinders sometimes begin to leak after a while. Changing them is quite expensive, and finding a repair kit is quite problematic.
• The oil supply hose to the PTO is weak.
• Oil leaks occur through engine gaskets.

Hydraulics

The MTZ 1523 hydraulic system is equipped with an integrated block of the BOSCH brand, which provides power, positional and mixed position control of agricultural machines. The system's gear pump NSh-32-3 is of right rotation with a maximum capacity of 55 liters per minute, providing a pressure of 20 MPa. The BOSCH integrated block includes a four-position three-spool valve and an electro-hydraulic spool regulator HER-23LS, operating from an on-board electrical network with a voltage of 12 volts. The mounted system is equipped with a pair of hydraulic cylinders Ts90x250. Before installing the integral unit, the tractor was equipped with a BOSCH distributor and a BOSCH EHR4 regulator. The tractor is equipped with a lift-type towing device TSU-3V, adjustable in height.

Peculiarities

MTZ-1523 has a number of features that distinguish it from other models:

• 6-cylinder engine 155 hp. With. with turbocharging, which meets the highest requirements for ecology and emissions of harmful substances;
• availability of the latest hydraulic system;
• the synchronization transmission has planetary wheel reducers of the rear axle;
• can work in reverse mode;
• The model has a modern design and interior upholstery; the cabin is made of bent profiles and contains spherical laminated glass.

Nuances of operation

The designers tried to make a simple tractor that would be needed by ordinary farmers working in the fields. I think they succeeded. It is difficult to find a replacement for Belarus-1523 in terms of performance characteristics.

Machine operators agree that a reliable machine can operate for more than 15 years without major repairs, subject to timely maintenance.

Malfunctions and their elimination

One of the reasons why machine operators value Minsk Tractor Plant machines is the possibility of repairs in the field, if circumstances require it. During the warranty period stated by the manufacturer, the tractor will operate stably and without failures even with high intensity use.

But self-propelled vehicles are not immune to breakdowns. When preparing the material for this article, I carefully read the instruction manual, including the sections that indicate common failures and how to resolve them. In order not to overload the reader with information, I’ll just say that the machine operator will find in the accompanying documentation the answer to almost any question about troubleshooting and repair.

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Tractor MTZ 1523: technical characteristics

Weight:

• structural – 5700 kg;
• operational – 6000 kg;
• full (maximum possible) – 9000 kg.

Total length – 4.75 m.

Tractor width – 2.25 m.

Height (at cabin level) – 3 m.

Fuel tank volume – 130 l.

The volume of the additional fuel tank is 120 l.

Track size:

• front min 1.54 m, max 2.115 m;
• rear min 1.52, max 2.435 m.

The wheelbase of the model is 2.76 m.

Specific fuel consumption - 227 g/kWh

Specific fuel consumption at rated power - 220 g/kWh

The tractor is capable of moving at different speeds (depending on its load). In the absence of cargo, the maximum travel speed is 32 km/h.

Engine

The model is equipped with a six-cylinder, in-line, 4-stroke diesel engine produced by MMZ with turbocharging. The unit has low fuel and oil consumption, power is 116 (158) kW (hp). The MTZ 1523 engine meets all the necessary safety and environmental requirements for emissions of toxic harmful substances and heavy particles. The tractor is capable of using both domestic and imported fuels and lubricants. The model has a torque reserve. The diesel engine corresponds to the technical level of the best foreign analogues.

MTZ 1523 engine technical characteristics have the following:

• Engine type - highly reliable diesel, four-stroke, 6-cylinder, equipped with turbocharging.
• Rated power - 114(155) kW (hp).
• The nominal rotation speed is 2100 rpm.
• Cylinder diameter - 110 mm.
• Number of cylinders - 6.
• Piston stroke 125 mm.
• Working volume 7.12 l.

The unit provides a torque of 596 Nm, thanks to which this equipment can be used for the most difficult jobs in industry and agriculture. The torque reserve is 15%.

Directly behind the engine are the power transmission mechanisms:

• checkpoint;
• posterior VOS;
• clutch MTZ 1523;
• rear axle

Modifications and Applications

The Belarus MTZ-1523 tractor is a universal device that can be used to facilitate work not only in agriculture, but also in other areas, for example, by road or utility services, as well as for work in forestry.
Belarus MTZ-1523 belongs to traction class 3 and is produced in Minsk at the tractor plant. Compared to previous models MTZ-1221 and MTZ-82, the tractor has improved power and torque characteristics.

Belarus MTZ-1523 is adapted for work in various regions with different climatic conditions.

A large number of attachments, the use of which is provided for by the design, allows you to expand the range of operation of the tractor.

The wheel formula of the MTZ-1523 is 4x4, which increases maneuverability and off-road maneuverability.

During the production process, the MTZ-1523 model underwent minor changes, so the following modifications of the tractor are known on the market:

1. 1523B
2. 1523.3
3. 1523В.3
4. 1523.4
5. 1523.5

In fact, the models differ only in engine power and, accordingly, there is a slight difference in fuel consumption. There are also differences in maximum torque.

Transmission

The transmission of this model differs from those previously used on tractors by the presence of:

• reinforced dry closed clutch;
• rear axle having a planetary type wheel reduction gear;
• lockable, bevel, closed differential, which has an electro-hydraulic control system with 3 modes: off, on and automatic, depending on the angle of rotation of the wheels;
• rear two-speed power take-off shaft with synchronous and independent drive;
• “wet” or dry three-disc brakes;
• along the diameter of the reinforced final drive axle shafts;
• mechanical synchronized gearbox with six ranges.

MTZ 1523 transmission characteristics are as follows:

The clutch is closed, double-disc, dry.

Gear shifting is by synchronized clutches.

Number of gears:

• forward - 16;
• back - 8.

The tractor moves:

• forward - at a speed of 1.73 - 32.34 km/h;
• back - at a speed of 2.7 - 15.50 km/h.

Rear PTO: two-speed, independent, with hydromechanical control. Differential lock: automatic with hydraulic drive, friction.

Availability of 3 operating modes:

• Forced on.
• Automatic on and off.
• Turned off.

The MTZ 1523 tractor (photo attached) has a traditionally simple design, fairly high performance and reliability. The model is economical in the consumption of fuels and lubricants (both domestic and imported), spare parts, is adapted to various types of monitoring and diagnostics of technical condition, equipment is possible for long-term and operational operation in reverse.

Electrical system and equipment

The on-board electrical system has a voltage of 12 volts, the starting one is 24 volts. The tractor is equipped with two parallel-connected batteries with a voltage of 12 volts and a capacity of 120 A/h each. Discharge current when starting the engine is 880A. A generator with a built-in current rectifier and voltage regulator supplies a voltage of 14 volts. On tractors with a D-260.1 engine, a unit with a power of 1150 watts is installed, and with a D-260.1S2 engine, a generator with a power of 2000 watts is installed.

The lighting and light signaling system of the machine includes:

• pair of front road headlights with low and high beam
• four working front and four rear lights
• two front marker lights with turn signal
• rear marker lights with turn signal and stop signal
• license plate light, road train sign light
• cabin lamp, hazard warning lights

The audible alarm system is triggered when the oil pressure in the engine decreases, the operating temperature of the engine increases, and the pressure in the tractor pneumatic system drops. To connect towed machines to the tractor's electrical system, it is done through a nine-pin combined socket.

Control and signaling devices of the operator’s place of work:

• voltage indicator with additional battery charging alarm
• fuel level indicator with reserve level alarm
• coolant temperature indicator with alarm for emergency temperature rise
• engine oil pressure indicator with alarm pressure level alarm
• air pressure indicator in the pneumatic system with emergency pressure level alarm
• oil pressure indicator in the machine's transmission hydraulic system
• high beam alarm
• tractor and trailer turn indicator
• parking brake light
• air filter clogged lamp
• HPI oil pressure lamp
• liquid level monitoring lamps in the main cylinders
• foot for engaging differential and FDA locks

The combined indicator is equipped with indicators:

• arrow speed indicator
• arrow indicator of engine speed
• illuminated PTO speed indicator with colored segments

Cabin

This equipment has an injury-proof cylindrical cabin with a rigid protective frame made of bent profiles. Glued-in tinted spherical glass. The rear and side windows open. The cabin interior features molded upholstery and panels and carpets. On the roof there is an emergency hatch and a ventilation and heating system, as well as a control panel for some electrical appliances, lighting and alarms, a sun visor, a radio receiver, and a rearview mirror. The seat has a comfortable backrest. Upholstery and sound-absorbing mastics provide sound, heat and moisture insulation. Thanks to heating, ventilation and air purifiers, working conditions are always comfortable.

Air conditioner

On request, air conditioners can be installed on the tractor, which include a system for cleaning the supply air, cooling or heating it depending on the outside air temperature. Equipping this equipment with air conditioners can significantly facilitate the operator’s work and reduce fatigue throughout the entire working day.

Stepless regulation of supply air cooling creates the most optimal and comfortable working conditions in warm weather. The cabin heating system ensures operation of the tractor in harsh winters. Thanks to the 3-stage regulation of the air flow rate created by the fan and the use of recirculation dampers, you can quickly heat up the tractor cabin even after long periods of parking in cold weather.

The ventilation and cleaning system, which is part of the air conditioner, prevents dust and harmful impurities from entering the cabin, which is also important for comfort.

Basic faults

The principles for carrying out basic repair work are given in the operating instructions. The engine does not start:

• Lack of diesel or motor oil;
• There is dirt in the fuel or air filter;
• The ignition system has failed;
• The carburetor is not mixing fuel and air correctly.

The tractor vibrates:

• Lack or insufficient oil and diesel level;
• Insufficient tightening of bolts;
• Improper attachment of attachment.

Brakes

The brakes are disc brakes and operate in oil. They act on the rear wheels and on the front wheels through the FDA drive. Control is interlocked with trailer brakes and pneumatic drive. For such mechanisms, this option can be considered classic. The disc parking brake is combined with service brakes, with a separate mechanical drive. This increases the safety of the mechanism. The trailer brake drive is pneumatic, combined with the tractor brake control.

In general, this model is a modern image of specialized equipment of its class, ensuring the fulfillment of all tasks assigned to it.

Chassis (transmission) and tractor controls

The MTZ model 1523 tractor is equipped with a working and parking brake system. The actuators are installed on the drive gear shafts of the final drives.

The service brakes are divided into right and left and are operated by two pedals using a hydrostatic drive.

The parking system is activated by a fixed lever using independent mechanical rods. There is a pneumatic drive for the brakes of the trailer or towed equipment, the compressor of which is also used to inflate tires.

The steering of the Belarus tractor is hydrostatic, which can significantly reduce the effort when performing maneuvers.

The system consists of the following elements:

• dispenser pump;
• double-rod working cylinder;
• pump driven by a diesel engine and hydraulic system;
• oil containers with fine filter.

The mount is designed in such a way as to be able to control the movement of the tractor in reverse mode from the rear operator's workplace.

The transmission of the MTZ-1523 tractor is mechanical and includes the following elements:

• The clutch is a dry double-disc clutch, permanently closed. The control is a pedal, the drive is hydrostatic.
• Rear axle, the design consists of a main gear, a differential with a locking function, two final drives and final drives.
• The front axle, the drive axle, is in the form of a cast beam, in which there is a main gear housing with drive and driven gears.

The chassis of the Belarus-1523 tractor is highly reliable and easy to use. The wheels are mounted on hubs, the design of which allows changing the track of the agricultural machine. On the front axle, the distance is increased or decreased by rotating the disk 180°, on the rear axle - by moving the unit along the axle shaft. To improve cross-country ability, it is possible to install dual wheels.