Tractor T-28. Overview, characteristics, application and operation features

During 1958-64, the Vladimir Tractor Plant (VTZ) produced the T-28, a tractor designed for agricultural universal row-crop work of varying degrees of complexity. The wheeled machine is still actively used in private and collective farms for inter-row cultivation of tall crops, plowing loose soil in fields, and transporting light-tonnage cargo.

The model was developed on the basis of the Soviet tractor DT-24 in order to improve its technical and economic indicators: increasing power, increasing engine efficiency, reducing metal consumption, facilitating management and maintenance processes.

History of appearance

The T-28 tractor is a model of a wheeled tractor produced by a tractor plant in Vladimir (Russia). Official production dates of the model: 1958-1964. The predecessor of the model was the DT-24. Thanks to its unique design, the unit was extremely popular in its traction class and was used everywhere in private and state farms, rural and agricultural enterprises.

The T-28 tractor is equipped with adjustable ground clearance, and the track is also adjustable. The model is rear-wheel drive, the rear wheels can be replaced with others of a smaller size. This feature allows the machine to be used for inter-row work. The layout of the machine is semi-frame, with a diesel engine located on the semi-frame.

User manual

“Vladimirets” simply had a huge potential service life. Despite this, the car still needed competent and systematic maintenance. One of the main changes in this model, compared to the predecessor tractor DT-24, was the ability to simplify the operation and maintenance of the machine. Access to all main components has been simplified, and caring for equipment has become much easier.

Link to operating instructions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bzp8YCydOSsSTUhjemRZOFBDYkk/view

Figure 6. T-28 cockpit.

Purpose of the T-28 tractor

The tractor is designed to work on any surface, including slopes, since the rear wheels can be installed on the reverse side. This will reduce the instability of the machine when moving and give the operator the ability to adjust the position of the machine.

The T-28 tractor is used for the following types of work:

• row-spacing treatment;
• plowing;
• mowing grass;
• transport work for the transportation of goods, crops;
• soil cultivation in gardens, greenhouses, personal plots;
• collection of hay, transportation to storage;
• spraying fertilizers;
• sowing work;
• cultivation;
• harrowing.

Features of the T-28 tractor model:

• high cross-country ability on the ground and rough areas;
• the specific pressure on the soil is reduced;
• easy access to key control units, therefore, the ability to carry out repairs yourself;
• reliability, low percentage of breakdowns.

Tractor magazine, issue twenty-third: T-28X4: mib55

The difference is noticeable, and here’s why: on the model they are mounted on a straight axle, but in the original T-28X4 it is equipped with final drives; this solution made it possible to increase the tractor’s ground clearance, which is critical for working with cotton.

It was not possible to find a rear view of the tractor in its pure form, only this one, with a seeder. However, the differences in the landing of the rear wheels can be seen from this photo. So, alas, the model turned out to look more like a toy than a copy of a real tractor. However, if you have the desire and direct hands, it is quite possible to modify it.

photo taken here, presumably it is from the same catalog “Traktoroexport 1973”

In the next, 24th issue - a model of the Volgograd tractor T-175.

The lineup

In addition to the main model produced in Vladimir, the following modifications of the T-28 were also produced:

• T-28X (together with the plant in Tashkent) - increased ground clearance;
• T28X2 - increased engine power, 40 hp;
• T28X4 - engine power 50 hp. (T28X2, X4 and X were produced by the plant in Tashkent from 1970 to 1995).
• T-28A - front-wheel drive, constant track of guide wheels;
• T-28P - row crop tractor, all-wheel drive;
• T-28M2, P2 - D37V engine (instead of the previously installed D-30). T-28M, M2, P, P2 - were additionally equipped with a mechanical type additional loader for the rear wheels.

Tractor T-28 4X

Overview of modifications

The T-28 tractor received a continuation. Several more machines were produced in this series, designed to perform various agricultural work. In 1956, together with engineers from the Tashkent Tractor Plant, a model was designed for working in cotton fields. The vehicle was named T-28X.

This equipment was produced in a three-wheeled version and had a higher ground clearance. This modification was produced until 1970. It is worth noting that the joint project became completely at the disposal of the Tashkent plant.

The T-28X was improved two more times, so the T-28X2 and T-28X4 models appeared. In both versions, only the engine was changed. Diesel units with a capacity of 40 and 50 horsepower were installed on the new cars. These tractors were produced until 1995; the production line is currently closed.

Vladimir designers also did not sit idle. After the T-28X production line was transferred to Tashkent, the T-28A tractor was produced at the Vladimir Tractor Plant. Unlike the basic version, the T-28A had all-wheel drive, which provided the vehicle with even greater maneuverability. Other technical parameters remained the same, the weight of the car increased by 100 kilograms.

Tractor T-28X4M

Then the T-28P was released. This is a powerful tractor designed for arable work on difficult soils. The T-28M rolled off the production line almost immediately. These vehicles were equipped with a D-30 diesel engine. The new power unit had more power and high torque. These modifications were equipped with a mechanical rear wheel loader.

Later, the previous models were continued - T-28M2 and T28P2. These versions were equipped with a D-37V diesel engine.

Specifications

The T-28 model and its modifications have long been discontinued, which is why it is currently possible to buy similar equipment for relatively little money. The cost of a tractor in good condition ranges from 100 to 150 thousand rubles (30-60 thousand UAH). There is also a great demand for spare parts for the T-28. The vehicle has high maneuverability and average weight. There is a drive axle locking mechanism.

The tractor can successfully operate in greenhouse complexes, livestock farms, and processing plants. Newer versions, starting around the 80s, are equipped with a new transmission design, for example, it has a freewheel, as well as other technical features.

Overall dimensions and weight of the T-28 tractor

Contemporaries love the T-28 not only for its functionality, but also for its fairly compact size.

• The weight of the tractor is only 2500 kg, and the dimensions of the DShV are as follows: 4.07 x 2.1 x 2.92 m.
• Ground clearance is 82.5 cm.
• Available speeds: from 0.45 km/h to 25 km/h.
• The track is adjustable in the range from 1800 to 2400 mm.

Engine brand, its parameters

The flagship T-28 model is equipped with a two-cylinder, four-stroke engine running on diesel fuel.

• Engine brand D-28.
• Cooling type: air.
• The rated power of the tractor engine is 28 hp/20.6 kW.
• RPM 2000.
• The diesel engine is started by a gasoline PD8.

Engine features: small magneto size, lighter carburetor. There is a lubrication system for the engine hour sensor.

Also, as a result of modernization, the volume of the starting engine tank was increased, and the engine itself began to be located at a greater distance from the tank.

Tractor gearbox T-28

Multi-stage gearbox - 6 forward gears, 2 reverse. The speed range allowed the machine to easily maneuver even on a small area of ​​soil.

Cabin structure

Cabin T-28: all-metal, designed for one person. The operator's seat is soft. The integrity of the cabin is ensured by a rigid frame. The driver's workplace is comfortable; informative sensors are located on the front panel under the steering wheel. The control mechanism is steering, there are gear shift levers.

Tractor control T-28

The T-28 was controlled using a steering mechanism - a steering column plus a driveshaft. Control was carried out by the operator from a seat, activating the gearshift levers, brakes, and clutch pedals. There are also rear PTO levers and a fuel lever. All operation of the mechanisms is controlled by drivers using the dashboard and corresponding panels. Among the advantages of the T28 control, one can highlight the angle of rotation of the guide wheels. Even when driving on soft or wet soil, the tractor did not bog down. With this machine you can easily drive off-road.

Device

The main elements of the tractor are:

1. Four-stroke diesel engine equipped with two cylinders. An air system is used to cool the motor. The element is launched by a special gasoline device. The engine is equipped with a lightweight carburetor and an operating hour meter. A thermostat is attached very close to the cylinder head.
2. The transmission is distinguished by a longitudinal arrangement of shafts. It is characterized by the presence of 6 gears that provide forward movement and 2 gears that are responsible for reverse. Switching is carried out using two levers. This function becomes unavailable when the locking mechanism is activated while the clutch is engaged.
3. The steering consists of a base mechanism, a steering column and a driveshaft. The tractor is controlled from the driver's seat using gear levers. The steering system includes a brake and clutch.

The dynamics of the system and the performance of the elements can be monitored using instruments located on the panel.

4. The tractor chassis is based on a semi-frame. The balance beam and the front beam are connected to each other using hinges. In turn, the balancer is equipped with two shafts on which brackets are mounted. These elements are responsible for adjusting the ground clearance of the front axle of the car. Pneumatic front wheels are designed to accommodate additional loads.
5. The cabin is all-metal. It has rigid frame jumpers that meet basic safety requirements. The cabin is designed for one driver.

Attachments

The hydraulic system and PTO make the T-28 tractor a universal machine. With a wide range of attachments, the tractor can make the work of farmers on large and small farms easier.

The following attachments may be used in combination with a tractor:

• equipment for planting potatoes;
• root diggers;
• milling equipment;
• harrow;
• mowers of various types;
• seeders;
• carts and trailers;
• multi-furrow plows;
• irrigators;
• sprinklers;
• fertilizer sprinklers;
• hay tedders;
• pitchfork;
• cargo platform (maximum cargo weight for a cargo dump platform is 2000 kg).

The photo shows a T-28 plowing a vegetable garden - a homemade plow is used for plowing

Power point

This model was equipped with a “native” diesel engine manufactured at the same enterprise. The 28-T tractor had a four-stroke two-cylinder diesel engine with an air cooling system and a power of 28 horsepower, thanks to which this equipment received a traction class of 0.9.

Despite the fact that its power is low, it was quite enough to perform agricultural work. In other areas of industry, such equipment was generally not used.

The diesel engine was started by a low-power PD-8 starting engine, on which a compact magneto and lightweight carburetor were installed. The rotation speed of the main engine was 2000 rpm, fuel consumption was 205 g/l hour. Due to the 90-liter fuel tank, the T-28 could operate for quite a long time without refueling.

Rules of operation and maintenance

Operation of the T-28 must be carried out according to the following rules:

• like all wheeled tractors, the T-28 requires monitoring tire pressure;
• driving is permitted only with the cab door closed;
• use attachments only after making sure that all fastenings are secured correctly;
• before turning on the machine, check the fuel level;
• control the oil level;
• use only recommended fuel, do not fill with poor quality fuel;
• Clean fuel filters on time.

Tractor maintenance is carried out according to the user manual, namely:

• since there are no new T-28 models, running-in and running-in of key engine parts is not necessary;
• before each start of seasonal operation (if the tractor was idle), update the fuel and oil;
• never leave the tractor for storage with liquids - drain the oil and fuel;
• do not store equipment in damp conditions - it is recommended to cover the tractor with a tarpaulin and monitor the positive temperature in the room where it is located;
• before starting the engine, check the presence of gasoline in the starting engine;
• Once a season (spring-summer/autumn-winter) carry out a complete preventive maintenance of all moving parts, fasteners, gearbox, carburetor, if necessary, repair or replace worn parts.

For new models, running-in is required to increase the life of the tractor so that all parts get used and fit into the grooves. This procedure takes about 6-8 hours, during which the tractor is operated at 50% of its power. Upon completion of the procedure, it is necessary to change the engine oil.

For used tractors, running-in is not necessary.

At the end of the operating season, the tractor must be mothballed. It must be cleaned, placed in a dry place, the oil drained, the spark plug wires disconnected and the parts lubricated to prevent corrosion from forming.

Tractor T-28 4M

On the hood and fenders of the MTZ tractor

If you choose

, the closest color to the original blue would be #5015 . The paint is prepared according to the recipe, right in front of the client.

According to RAL catalog No. 5015

Possible malfunctions and their elimination

What malfunctions do T-28 owners most often encounter and how to troubleshoot them - see the table below. Malfunctions, the cause of which cannot be determined independently, must be repaired in special repair centers. If you encountered a problem and successfully fixed it, leave your feedback on repairing the T-28 tractor in the comments to this article.

Table 1. Main malfunctions of the T-28 tractor

Malfunction and its cause	How to fix
1. Fuel line clogged (accumulation of fuel waste).	Flushing and purging the fuel line.
2. The fuel pump adjustment is incorrect.	Removing and adjusting the pump.
3. Smoke from the engine (overload or cold engine).	Additional warm-up time. Reduce speed, reduce load.
4. Any foreign noise during engine operation (wear of piston rings, increased clearance between bearings, knocking in the piston).	Replacement of rings or piston, replacement of bearings, grinding of the crankshaft.
5. Increased oil consumption.	Check the condition of the piston rings, check for oil leaks.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of the tractor are the following:

• maneuverability;
• increased cross-country ability;
• compactness;
• light weight;
• simple repair and maintenance;
• ease of operation;
• availability of spare parts and components;
• low fuel consumption;
• unpretentiousness to fuels and lubricants;
• low price.

The T-28 unit, in addition to its advantages, has disadvantages:

1. The rear axle of the tractor is designed on a rigid suspension, so during operation the tractor driver feels uneven surfaces.
2. The cab requires more comfortable conditions for the operator.
3. It is difficult to start the engine in the cold season.
4. At maximum loads oil leaks.

Owner reviews

Stepan, Tomsk:

I got the tractor along with the plot from my grandfather. In its non-working form, the car sat in a garage for about six years; no one needed this tractor; relatives wanted to scrap it. Repairs had to be done, of course. I overhauled the piston group, repaired the cabin myself, strengthened and welded it, and replaced rusted areas. As a result, I got a car with excellent engine traction and average fuel consumption. I don’t have any attachments for it, I’m only renting a trailer, I want to make or buy a plow (for now I need to calculate which will cost less). The tractor is good! I recommend

On MTZ tractor wheels

To paint discs, take 3 color options:

• standard palette color No. 671 (light gray)
• standard palette color No. 858 (white night)
• or according to No. 7040