Tractor T-74. Review, technical specifications, reviews

The T-74 tractor is a caterpillar type machine, designed primarily to perform all work in agriculture. This model was created through the complete improvement of such a tractor as the DT-54. The T-74 can also be called a kind of modification. The production of the tractor was launched at the Kharkov Tractor Plant back in 1962, and the Altai Tractor Plant also took part in production, but later, 21 years later, namely in the fall of 1983, the T-74 model was finally discontinued. Over all the years of production, about 880 thousand tractors were produced. From the factory, the tractor was equipped with a diesel power unit of the SMD-14A brand, capable of developing 75 horsepower of maximum power. Thanks to fairly good traction characteristics, this tractor belongs to class 3 traction equipment.

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Purpose

The T-74 tractor in Soviet times was the most popular equipment for agricultural work, but it is worth noting that at the moment the operation of this tractor is as relevant as before. The tractor is capable of performing the entire range of necessary work, namely plowing a field with a variety of soil types, cultivating, harrowing, preparing the soil for sowing, sowing and harvesting. His range of work does not end there, as he is involved in the construction of roads and other large-scale projects, land reclamation and transportation of various heavy loads.

Reviews

• Anton, Petropavlovsk. Cool Soviet tractor with a caterpillar chassis. It has everything you need for efficient and trouble-free operation - provided you regularly service the machine. This is easy to do, because repairs do not require complex devices. The interior is relatively comfortable, as much as possible for a 30-year-old car. But I love Soviet technology, although I didn’t really have to choose. What they gave me, that’s what I work on. Soil hilling, cultivation, plowing, loading, unloading, installation activities - the T-74 copes with all this without problems.
• Alexey, Leningrad region. T-74 is a universal tractor for universal use. From experience, I can say that a tracked chassis is much better than a wheeled arrangement, especially off-road. The machine easily clings to the ground and does not dig in. The tracks evenly distribute the total weight of the tractor, and due to this, a low specific pressure on the ground is ensured, and due to this the machine does not dig into the soil. This allows our tractor to overcome even muddy soil and swampy ponds. Disadvantages include high fuel consumption, high toxicity of the engine due to black exhaust smoke, noise and vibrations in the cabin - emanating from the engine and heater. Despite the disadvantages, the machine copes with any agricultural operations, as well as loading and installation work.
• Dmitry, Tomsk. Overall I liked the machine; it was purchased two years ago in good condition, especially for cultivating agricultural land. The tractor is equipped with wide-cut implements and a tow hitch. This allows you to perform loading and unloading operations, harrowing and hilling the soil, sowing and harvesting. The old diesel is moderately powerful and high-torque, it is still enough for off-road use. Tracks and high ground clearance also play an important role. The machine is maintainable and can be repaired even in the field. That's why our workers always take a set of tools with them.

Attachments

This tractor has a wide range of applications due to the ability to use a variety of additional attachments. Based on the fact that the tractor is a complete modification of the DT-54, the set of attachments is practically the same, with the exception of the addition of several new units. The following attachments are included with the tractor for use:

• Special mowers of the KN-14 series.
• Plow units, namely PN-4-35, PRN-4-35 and PBN-2-60.
• Mounted cultivators KRN-3, KRN-5, KRN-3K and 3KPN-3V.
• Special harrowing equipment ZBDN-2 and ZRBN-3.
• Various planting units used mainly in tree planting SLN-1.
• Equipment designed for planting various crops SRN-8.
• Reclamation units.
• Watering equipment DDA-100M.
• A variety of permanent construction and agricultural dumps.

Also, in addition to attachments, there is also a trailed one, the use of which is often in demand in transportation work.

Tractor DT-54

At the heart of the machine is a frame assembled from 2 longitudinal channels, a front beam, 2 central cross members and a round stern axle. The track rollers are placed on 4 carriages equipped with spring suspensions. The use of a tracked undercarriage made it possible to use the vehicle in difficult and swampy terrain.

The tractor used an original 4-cylinder swirl-chamber diesel engine model D-54. The engine was equipped with a single block head. The unit, with a working volume of 7460 cm³, developed a power of 54 hp. at 1,300 rpm. The launch was carried out by a PD-10 gasoline engine installed through a 2-stage gearbox. The tractor used a dry clutch with 1 disc and a 5-speed gearbox with an additional creeper. As a separate order, the box was equipped with a shaft and drive pulleys for working with attachments.

Control is carried out by pedals and levers installed in the operator's cabin. Early releases are equipped with a common control system for side clutches and rotation brakes. Subsequently, the system became separate. The cabin is closed and equipped with a heating system. The heated air is supplied by a fan through openings in the front wall of the cabin. The holes are equipped with a rotary damper that regulates the air supply.

After modernization carried out in the mid-50s, the tractor and engine received the designation 54A. Improvements affected the piston group, the valve timing and fuel injection changed, and an alternating current generator began to be used. Improved technical characteristics have increased productivity while reducing fuel and maintenance costs. The traction properties and range of attachments have not changed.

The hydraulic system has retained a separate circuit for supplying fluid to the units. The hinged mechanism could be assembled according to a scheme with 2 and 3 attachment points. To drive the equipment, a shaft was used, connected to the reverse shaft in the gearbox through a cam-type clutch.

Modifications

Over all the years of production, five not entirely significant modifications of this tractor were developed. All versions, in technical terms, do not have any special differences, with the exception of the refinement of the hydraulic system, as a result of which more diverse attachments and accessories became available for use, and the power and load capacity of the hydraulic system itself was increased. The T-74 tractor itself has the following modifications:

1. Modification C1 has a separate hydraulic system equipped with four power cylinders, or rather one stationary and three remote. This version included special mechanisms designed for attaching various additional equipment to the tractor. The operating weight of this modification is 5770 kilograms.
2. Modification C2 is a simple version in which the designers removed the hydraulic system cylinders and mechanisms for attaching attachments. Due to this, the operational weight of the modification was reduced to 5520 kilograms.
3. Modification C3 differs from the previous one in the complete absence of some components of the hydraulic system. As a result, the mass of this version is exactly 5400 kilograms.
4. Modification C4 is identical to the first version, since in this version the hydraulic system again received the main cylinder, and a special mechanism was added for installing additional attachments. As a result of this, the weight of the tractor was increased to 5720 kilograms.
5. The C9 modification is technically similar to the C2 version, since the modification does not have all the power cylinders of the hydraulic system. Due to this, the operating weight of this modification is exactly 5500 kilograms.

Video of the T-74 tractor in action

The T-74 working equipment includes a power take-off shaft, a 3-spool hydraulic distributor, a separate hydraulic system and a rear linkage.

The tractor has comfortable working conditions. It has a heated closed cabin with a 2-seater seat equipped with a soft backrest. Heated air enters here from the motor through the casing. Its flow is regulated by a special valve. The cabin is also equipped with a manual windshield wiper.

The diesel engine speed is controlled using levers, and the rotation of the equipment is controlled using the track brake pedal and one lever. Gears in the T-74 can only be changed when the clutch is disengaged. The main working gears are considered to be the second through fourth. Higher gears are used when transporting goods and working with special devices. To overcome strong resistance, first gear is used.

The electrical equipment in the tractor operates on a direct current of 12 V. It includes: a relay regulator, a cabin lighting lamp, a 180-watt generator, a starter motor, an ammeter, an electric fan motor, a battery, dashboard lighting lamps, a sound signal and headlights.

Specifications

The operating weight of the basic version of the tractor is 5910 kilograms. The length, edge to edge, is 4225 millimeters. The width with the edges of the tracks is 1845 millimeters. The height from the very bottom to the roof of the tractor is 2325 millimeters. Ground clearance, both front and rear, is 280 millimeters. The distance between the tracks is 1435 millimeters. The longitudinal base of the entire tractor structure is 1622 millimeters. The tractor exerts an average ground pressure of 0.42 kilograms per square centimeter.

The tractor transmission is equipped with a double-disc clutch and a six-speed manual gearbox. The gearbox includes five gears for moving the tractor forward and one gear for moving the tractor in reverse. The clutch itself is controlled by a foot drive. Installation of a creeper is also provided. The maximum speed of the car is 11.5 kilometers per hour.

The tractor is equipped with an SMD-14A diesel engine with an in-line arrangement of four pistons. It is capable of developing a maximum power of 75 horsepower. There is also a fairly large fuel tank, the capacity of which is 218 liters. Fuel consumption is 195 grams per kilowatt per hour.

The hydraulic system consists of a rear linkage, distributors and a hydraulic pump.

Device

When creating the T 74, the tractor units T-75 and DT-54 were taken as a basis. The frame of the unit is channel-type, longitudinal channels are connected using a beam at the front, an axle connects them at the rear. Transverse fastening beams connect the channels in the center of the frame. A motor is installed in front of the frame, and a cabin is installed at the rear. The clutch system is double-disc. The gearbox is made with mechanical shifting and has 6 gear stages. This box is controlled by two levers:

When a gear is turned off, first turn it on, and then turn on the group of gears.

Cabin

The workplace is a two-seat all-metal cabin. Two soft seats without changing the backrest configuration. The cabin is heated using warm air coming from the engine. The temperature is regulated by a special damper. The ventilation system is of a natural type.

Equipment

The T 74 tractor comes with a set of working tools:

• Power level take-off shaft;
• Three-spool distribution element;
• Separate-unit hydraulic system;
• Rear hinged mechanism.

The following products are used in the electrical equipment of DT 74: control relay; lamp illuminating the cabin; 180 Volt generator; engine starter; accumulator battery; lighting lamps; sound signal mechanism.

dimensions

• length with hinged mechanism in transport position - 4225 mm;
• length without attachment mechanism - 3825 mm;
• width - 1845 mm;
• height 2325 mm;
• longitudinal base - 1622 mm;
• track width (nominal) - 1435 mm;
• ground clearance at the lowest point (yoke bolt for fastening the gearbox) - 280 mm;
• specific metal consumption - 72 kg/hp;
• rated towing force - 3 tons;
• operating weight of a fueled T-74 tractor is 5770 kg without counterweight;
• specific pressure on the ground - 0.42 kg/cm2.

Control mechanisms on the tractor

Diesel speed is regulated using a special lever. The T-74 tractor makes turns using one of two levers and thanks to the existing brake pedal of the caterpillar mechanism. The gear shifting process is only possible when the clutch is completely disengaged. Main working gears: second – fourth. The fifth and sixth are used for working with a special machine and during the process of transporting cargo.

First gear can be used in the only case: when overcoming short-term increased resistance. The entire mechanism of electrical equipment operates with a constant supply of current (the rated voltage should be 12 V). The electrical equipment includes: a generator (power - 180 W), a relay regulator, a battery, a starter for starting the engine, a sound signal, an ammeter, headlights (four pieces), an instrument panel lighting lamp (two units), a lamp for illumination in the cabin, a cabin fan motor. When working with various attachments, when turning on the speed, you must sound a sound signal, and then start moving without jerking, smoothly. When driving over hillocks, ditches and other obstacles, you should use low speed, avoiding rolls and swaying.

Peculiarities

The lifting capacity of the tractor's hydraulic system is exactly 2000 kilograms, and the tractor is capable of pulling a weight of up to 3000 kilograms, which also significantly expands its range of work, both in agriculture and in construction, where a tractor can be used instead of a tractor. The vehicle's cabin is built on a vibration-isolating platform, which dampens strong vibrations emanating from the transmission and other mechanisms.

The tractor is quite popular these days due to its simple design and structure, since if a problem occurs in the operation of various mechanisms, it is possible to quickly find the cause and eliminate it. Also, repairing a tractor will not cause a large waste of money and a long search for the necessary spare parts, because the cost of them is low, and availability, on the contrary, is quite high.

The tractor’s powerful and economical power unit will allow you to perform work of any complexity for quite a long time without stopping to refuel the fuel tank, which is also important in absolutely any field of activity. The engine is also very reliable, with a huge service life and will not require frequent repairs.

The vehicle is maneuverable and has good cross-country ability, which allows operation in places that are difficult to reach for other equipment and on soil with varying structural stability.

Tractor T-74

The T-74 tractor is a Soviet model of tracked tractors with a 3rd traction class.
The manufacturer of this equipment is Kharkov Tractor Plant. The basis for the development of the T-74 model was the T-75 and DT-54 tractors, which underwent deep modernization. The first T-74s were produced in April 1962. Production of this model officially ended in November 1983. During this period, 880,792 copies of the tractor were produced. The T-74 is perfect for performing classic agricultural work: harvesting with trailed, semi-mounted and mounted machines and implements at high speeds or continuous tillage. The tractor is also actively used in road, construction and reclamation work, in various operations in agriculture and when transporting massive loads in difficult conditions and on bad roads.

The product of the Kharkov Tractor Plant turned out to be very popular and was produced in 5 modifications:

• T-74-S1 – equipped with a separate-aggregate hydraulic system, 3 remote and main hydraulic cylinders and a linkage mechanism;
• T-74-S9 - received the same properties as the T-74-S1, but did not have a linkage mechanism, external and main cylinders;
• T-74-S4 – equipped with a linkage mechanism, a main cylinder and a separate hydraulic system;
• T-74-S3 – did not have hydraulic system units;
• T-74-S2 - received the same differences as the T-74-S1, but without the linkage mechanism and the main cylinder.

Engine

The T-74 tractor is equipped with an SMD-14A diesel engine with an in-line arrangement of four pistons, the maximum permissible power of which is 75 horsepower. This power unit is water-cooled and has a vortex-chamber mixture formation. The working volume of all cylinders combined is 6.33 liters. The diameter of one cylinder, like many other similar tractors, is 120 millimeters, and the piston stroke is 140 millimeters. The maximum rotation of the crankshaft reaches 1830 rpm. The crankshaft rotation at idle is no more than 600 rpm. The compression ratio in the combustion chamber reaches 17. At average engine load, fuel consumption reaches 195 grams per kilowatt per hour. The fuel pump is four-piston sectional, operating from right rotation. The regulator is all-mode, centrifugal type. The weight of the entire engine without any fluids is 675 kilograms. The power unit is started by a PD-10M-2 starting gasoline engine, which in turn is started by an ordinary electric starter.

Essential elements

The equipment has the following structural elements:

• Diesel engine. It has 4 working cylinders and a vortex combustion chamber. The motor is equipped with a cyclone filter. All collected dust is removed from the system along with the exhaust gases. The oil cooler is the leading element of the lubrication structure. At low temperatures, the motor is brought into working condition using a special heater. This is a compact gasoline device with a gearbox, its model is PD-10M-2.
• The gearbox is equipped with four operating modes, each of which has 3-4 speeds: reverse gear, slow motion, working and transport.

Modes change by changing the position of the hydraulic couplings. These operations can only be performed while the machine is completely stopped.

• The tractor chassis is based on a channel frame. A pair of elements are connected by durable bars and an all-metal axle. A caterpillar track is attached from below at a distance of 40 to 80 millimeters. This gap is adjusted using an axis. It is also possible to adjust the track rollers that are present in the track mechanism.
• The basis of electrical equipment is a generator with a relay. Neighboring it are a battery, a starter, a heater, instrument panel lights, a horn and headlights. All elements operate from a constant supply of 12 V.

Price new and used

Purchasing a new T-74 tractor is currently an impossible task, since production of this machine was discontinued in the fall of 1983. Only a used version of the tractor is available for sale, the cost of which ranges from 30 thousand to 70 thousand rubles. The cost directly depends on the year of manufacture of the machine, the condition (technical and in some cases external), the version of the modified model and the various additional devices or units included with the tractor.

Basic malfunctions and ways to eliminate them

If the T-74 tractor engine heats up excessively during operation (the main reason is heating of the oil in the crankcase):

• The intercostal space is clogged (you should stop the engine and clean it);
• The fan protective mesh is clogged (it should be cleaned);
• Poor tension or broken fan belt (its position needs to be adjusted or replaced);
• Lack or excessive amount of lubricant (add or drain it);
• Too much load on the motor.

The following breakdowns could result in the motor not producing the required power:

• The fuel system filter is clogged;
• The injectors may be clogged or faulty;
• Failure of the fuel pump.

Advantages and disadvantages

Reviews from owners of DT-54A and 74 vehicles allow us to highlight a number of positive aspects of the equipment:

• the ability to work with units for soil cultivation;
• maneuverability;
• permeability;
• maintainability;
• low price, possibility of using spare parts from other equipment;
• the possibility of modernizing the SMD-14A engine by installing a turbine and a modified piston group.

Negative features of tractors are:

• outdated design, difficulties with purchasing spare parts;
• difficulties with starting the SMD-14A engine in winter;
• noisy cabin;
• lack of operator seat adjustments;
• low transport speed, complicating the movement of the car.