MTZ on tracks: caterpillar drive in the factory version, half-track tractors, how to make it yourself

Wheeled tractors are the most common and in demand, but sometimes their capabilities are not enough - and then tracked models come to the rescue. There are MTZs on tracks from the factory: the Belarusian model range is represented by several copies at once. But buying a separate car is not a cheap pleasure. Therefore, in the fields you can also find MTZs on half-tracks - initially wheeled models that are converted using special kits.

What advantages do tracked MTZ have over wheeled ones? When is it worth making a choice in their favor? Which option should you prefer - factory or refurbished? And is it possible to make tracks for a wheeled tractor with your own hands? We will deal with these and other issues related to caterpillar tracks on tractors further.

MTZ on caterpillar tracks in the factory version

The MTZ company produces caterpillar tractors in the factory version in several models - these are Belarus 1402, 1502 and 2103. These machines have a common chassis configuration and the same type of transmission. This approach made it possible to simplify production and improve the quality of manufacturing standardized parts. At the same time, different technical characteristics of MTZ on caterpillar tracks in the factory version are achieved through the installation of various structural elements. Due to this, it is possible to satisfy the needs of a wide range of customers.

Factory MTZ tractors on tracks are modern and productive special equipment. The machines use electronic components to provide greater control and make operation easier. In addition, electronic modules serve for diagnostic purposes and allow quick troubleshooting.

The main difference between modern tracked MTZs in the factory version is the installed engine, transmission capabilities, hydraulic system performance, the presence of a PTO and various additional equipment.

The Belarus tractor tracks in the factory version are made of reinforced rubber. They are lightweight and have a sufficient service life, without damaging the soil and allowing you to work without problems even on the weakest soils.

As an option, rubber-metal tracks are available at MTZ - more durable and durable. They are a metal structure with rubber-coated tracks.

MTZ on rubber tracks are factory equipped with diesel engines with turbocharging and intercooler. Tractors have front-wheel drive.

The hydraulic system of the tractor on Belarus rubber tracks makes it possible to separately control the PTO and additional equipment, which makes it easier to control the machine.

Application area

Crawler tractors are divided into a number of categories. Row-crop machines are used to perform agricultural work. A special feature of the equipment is the ability to change attachments. Tractors are versatile and can be used in various fields, including as tractors. Many mini tracked vehicles fall into the agricultural category.

Industrial tractors are used as a base chassis for the installation of special attachments. The largest industrial bulldozer Komatsu D575A is 12.6 m long and equipped with a 1150 hp diesel engine. With. The bulldozer blade holds 70 m³ of soil. Small models of industrial equipment are 2.5-3 m long and equipped with a 30-50 hp engine. With.

The use of special equipment reduces the versatility of machines that are used to perform a narrow range of tasks. Industrial machines can be produced in standard and swamp versions. The machine for working in swamps has a modified chassis with an increased area of ​​​​the supporting part of the caterpillar.

To harvest and remove wood, skidders are used, equipped with a platform onto which tree trunks cleared of branches are loaded. The machines can be produced in a swamp or floating version. Forestry machines are manufactured on the basis of skidders and are used for work related to forest restoration, as well as fire-fighting machines.

Design of factory tractor tracks

MTZ tractors can be equipped with different caterpillar options:

• metal,
• rubber-metal,
• rubber.

The main advantage of rubber-metal tracks is the ability to transport the MTZ tractor under its own power on public roads: the outer rubber layer is soft enough not to damage the asphalt surface, and the steel core makes them especially durable and resistant to mechanical damage.

And all modifications are available for Belarusians in the factory version. The tractor can be converted during operation by replacing some tracks with others - those that are more suitable for specific operating conditions.

The metal rubber tracks of the MTZ tractor consist of 62 tracks. The elements are connected to each other by means of rubber-metal fingers, which are inserted into the bushings and tightened with nuts.

The tractor's caterpillar suspension is torsion bar and balanced, which ensures a smooth ride. On both sides there are double carriages of road wheels with hydraulic shock absorbers. There is also a single support roller carriage on each side and two additional support ones.

The caterpillar propulsion unit consists of the following elements:

• two caterpillars;
• two driving wheels;
• four support rollers;
• 20 road wheels;
• two tensioners;
• two guide rollers.

The tracks are tensioned onto the front guide rollers using hydraulic cylinders, which are connected to the general hydraulic system of the tractor. In motion, the track mechanism is driven through the rear drive sprockets.

Specifications

The main technical characteristics of the MTZ tracked tractor in the factory version can be the following:

Comparison of technical characteristics of MTZ tracked tractors

MTZ 80 and 82 on half-track

Despite the fact that there are models on tracks in the Belarusian model range, they are not as widespread as the wheeled MTZ 80, 82, 100, 102 and their modifications. And sometimes it becomes necessary to put these models on crawler tracks. To solve this problem, special conversion kits are used. With their help, you can make not a classic crawler, but a half-track. Moreover, all work is done with your own hands.

There are two ways to install MTZ 80 or 82 on tracks:

• Additional tension wheels are mounted on the tractor - one on each side in the middle. The caterpillar track is stretched over the rear and additional wheels.
• The rear wheel of the tractor is completely dismantled and a PHC kit is installed in its place. The most common option is MTZ on tracks from DT-75.

Let's look at both options for mounting MTZ 80 and 82 on tracks in more detail and look at the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

MTZ on tracks and wheels

So, as we already wrote above, you can install MTZ 80 and 82 on tracks by installing an additional pair of wheels that serve to tension the track. The conversion kit includes two rubber-metal tracks and two tension elements. The tractor caterpillar is made in the form of a closed belt forming a ring. Its length must be sufficient to ensure proper tension on the drive (rear) wheels and tension wheels of the half-track.

You can adjust the tension of the tracks of the MTZ 82 (80) tractor by moving the tension wheel along the axle shaft. The track on the tension wheels can be set steplessly up to 0.3 m: it is possible to set values ​​in the range of 100-1800 mm. On the driving wheels of the MTZ caterpillar tractor, the track is set within 1700-1800 mm.

Pulling the caterpillar onto the MTZ wheels has an important advantage: if necessary, the caterpillar can be quickly removed, the tension wheel can be suspended and the tractor can be operated as a wheeled tractor with minimal effort.

Kits for tensioning tracks on wheels MTZ 82, 100 and others are produced universally - they are suitable for installation on rear wheels of different sizes, including tires of standard sizes 15.5R38 and 13.6R38 with a profile width of 400 and 360 mm. The size of the track bed is adjusted by changing the relative position of the lugs.

The tracks on the MTZ 80 for the rear wheels have 10 lugs on each side with welded bosses (they are staggered) and 20 lugs without bosses.

In the diagram, numbers 3 and 4 indicate the left and right bosses that serve to engage the track with the rear wheel. They are welded from the inside to the lugs. The design of the belts for tensioning the tracks on the rear wheels of the MTZ 80 allows them to be rearranged from left to right, the main condition for installation is that the bosses coincide with the point of engagement with the wheels.

As for the tensioning mechanism, it consists of:

• additional wheel;
• balancer;
• elements for mounting the structure on the axle shaft;
• shock absorber

The design of the tension wheel is shown in the diagram above. The part consists of a hub, a welded rim and a tube tire. It is noteworthy that the hub for the semi-track kit was taken from the MTZ-80. The shock absorber, also included in the kit, is necessary in order to press the caterpillar onto the ground as much as possible.

Half-track tractors

The second way to get the MTZ 80 on a half-track is to use a kit that is installed instead of the rear wheel.

We must immediately make a reservation: the Belarusian manufacturer does not recommend performing such manipulations, and all kits are produced by third-party companies and are used by farmers at their own peril and risk.

The most common option is MTZ on tracks from DT-75, since all the necessary components can be easily removed from the Volgograd tractor. Half Track Kit Includes:

• 2 half frames;
• drive sprocket;
• carriages;
• metal tracks.

But installing semi-tracks on MTZ 80 and 82 is a separate issue, and everything here is not as simple as it might seem: you can’t dismantle the rear wheels and install a UGC kit in their place - other manipulations will be required, and a lot.

Firstly, installing semi-tracks on the MTZ from DT-75 will cause the rear axle of the tractor to rise (by at least 20 cm). To eliminate the resulting distortion and uneven weight distribution, you will need to install other front wheels - for example, from MTZ-1221. Secondly, the rods will have to be redone: the upper rod will need to be lengthened, and the lower ones will need to be removed and rods from MTZ-1221 installed instead.

In addition, when converting the MTZ 82 into a tracked one, the front axle will have to be disconnected.

Other disadvantages of this method of placing the tractor on tracks include:

• Restrictions on the movement of the vehicle on public roads, since metal tracks are installed, and not rubber ones, as is the case with tension on the wheel.
• Reduced maneuverability (movement speed is limited, turning radius increases, etc.).
• Uncomfortable working conditions for the tractor driver due to strong noise and vibrations in the cab.
• The complexity of converting a tractor - you will need a crane and at least two people, the work itself will take a couple of hours (you can find videos in which MTZ 80 on caterpillar tracks was made using jacks right in the field, but this, firstly, is dangerous and is a violation safety precautions, and, secondly, it is impossible to control the tightening torque in the field).
• increases and is unevenly distributed . In the gearbox, for example, after re-equipping the tractor, speeds 1 and 2 are not used, as well as a lower row in the gearbox. Due to this, all the torque will be transmitted to the elevated row, which is structurally intended only for transport work. As a result, in the future you may encounter expensive repairs and wear out the systems faster.

Bridge

The transmission of a crawler tractor is designed to transmit torque from the engine to the drive wheels, as well as for turning. Tractors are equipped with range manual gearboxes with up to 24 forward gears. Within ranges, switching is carried out without interrupting the power flow. For this purpose, special couplings are included in the design.

Imported equipment is equipped with automatic transmissions that simplify the operator’s work. The disadvantage of an automatic transmission is its complexity and the need for regular maintenance.

The rear drive axle is located in the same housing with the gearbox. To transmit torque from the secondary shaft of the box to the bridge, a gearbox with bevel gears is used. Gearbox blocking systems are not used; on-board clutches and band brakes act as blocking devices.

Advantages of crawler tractors over wheeled ones

There are several ways to make tracks on MTZ, and we have listed them. But the question remains - why? What advantages do tracked tractors have over wheeled tractors and what kind of work do they facilitate?

MTZ on caterpillar tracks:

• Have higher cross-country ability.

It is more convenient and easier to move on them in virgin lands, in forest areas, on sites after cutting down trees, in snow, sticky mud and wetlands. But you need to remember that Belarus on tracks or half-tracks will have poor controllability and stability when driving on slopes - there is a high risk of driving to the side or overturning the car. But for off-road driving, the MTZ half-track would be an excellent choice.

• Have a large contact area.

If you take two tractors with identical technical characteristics and measure the contact area of ​​the wheel and track, then in the second case it will be approximately 6-8 times larger. On the one hand, this increases the stability of the machine when working on viscous and soft soils, and on the other hand, due to the increased friction force, the speed of movement is reduced.

• Have minimal impact on the ground.

During sowing work, it makes sense to put the caterpillar on MTZ wheels in order to minimize the impact on fertile soil layers (degradation is excluded) and not damage the crops.

• Can be used as bulldozers.

You can install different buckets and attachments on a tractor, but not all of them will be effective when working on a wheeled vehicle. For example, a half-track MTZ is better suited for working with bulldozer attachments, and a fully tracked tractor can easily replace a bulldozer in terms of functionality.

• Has lower fuel consumption.

Tractors with caterpillar tracks outperform wheeled ones in terms of slipping: 5% versus 12%. Due to this, in theory, fuel consumption is reduced. In fact, today manufacturers offer a wide variety of tires, including those with reduced slippage. Therefore, the difference becomes less noticeable.

• More maneuverable.

If we talk about MTZ on caterpillar tracks in the factory version, then the tractors are more maneuverable due to their smaller turning radius. Half-track vehicles with tracks stretched over the wheels will not have this difference. But tractors on which the DT-75 PGH kits are installed, on the contrary, have a larger turning radius and are less maneuverable.

Posts 1 page 21 of 21

Share March 14, 2010 19:09:57

• Author: Valentin-Brest
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In my youth, even when I was studying at the institute, I was in practice, they used devices (units) for wheeled tractors in Belarus. In a mechanic workshop, it was mounted on a tractor quickly and easily, but the device was very effective - it increased traction and maneuverability. Since I was inquisitive from those times, a brochure with a description remained. If there is interest I can post it. Next I’ll send a photo - RADIKAL already got it, I tried to post a photo 8 times and the text is still buggy.

Share March 24, 2010 19:26:50

• Author: Ivanovich
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If there is interest I can post it. I'll send a photo next

Let's post! If it catches on, maybe we’ll move it to the “tractor for the farmer” topic! or stay here. Maybe someone will copy something similar to Minik.

Share March 34, 2010 19:27:39

• Author: Valentin-Brest
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Edited by Ivanovich (March 4, 2010 07:41:29 PM)

Share March 44, 2010 19:33:47

• Author: Valentin-Brest
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Let's post! If it catches on, maybe we’ll move it to the “tractor for the farmer” topic! Or maybe someone will copy it to the mini.

The phrase on RADICAL “The service allows you to easily and quickly post your images and pictures” looks like a mockery. I’ve already rebooted the computer, and logged on and off the Internet, and still the photo popped up about 15 times. Almost like in that joke “And they brought the toilet and showed their ass, but they still didn’t sell toilet paper.” I apologize, but RADICAL is just infuriating. Maybe there is some alternative for posting photos.