MAZ-54323 tractor and its technical characteristics

MAZ-5549 is a popular Soviet truck. Its production was established at the Minsk Automobile Plant and lasted from 1977 to 1990.

The model was based on the MAZ-5335 platform, which was very outdated by that time. In fact, the truck became a continuation of the MAZ-503A modification. The improved version received a different designation, determined in accordance with the industry norm in force at that time. Gradually, the MAZ-5549 underwent some changes. Thus, on new models, the headlights were placed on the front bumper due to changes in international standards for the installation of lighting equipment on trucks. A redesigned decorative radiator grille also appeared.

In 1985, the Minsk Automobile Plant began producing the MAZ-5551, which was positioned as the successor to this model. However, production of the MAZ-5549 did not end until 1990. The brand did not dare to complete the production of the car, since the demand for it was quite high.

Let's sum it up

The MAZ-500, by its very appearance, makes it clear that the vehicle is configured for high performance and can readily carry out assigned tasks for transporting goods in a wide variety of conditions. Yes, convenience is an issue that I don’t want to discuss in this car, but if desired, this nuance can be corrected by the hands of a good craftsman.

On the Internet you can find reviews from truck owners and see that the car really leaves a good impression. And if you are one, then with proper and timely care, the “500th” model will serve you for a very long time.

We advise you to read the article: MAZ - the history of the Minsk Automobile Plant

Fuel consumption of MAZ-5549

For 100 km of travel, the MAZ-5549 will require about 22 liters of fuel. The indicator is not the highest, but the truck cannot definitely be called an economical one. Taking into account the weight of the car and the volume of its power plant, it hardly fits into the declared consumption standards.

The owner of a truck should be prepared for the fact that it will have to be refueled much more often, and the average consumption will be about 30 l/100 km.

The car's fuel tank holds 200 liters, which allows for a long driving range.

Modifications and improvements

The MAZ-500 has become the same universal unit as the “200”. There were many modifications. New versions have been developed and developed for a variety of purposes:

• MAZ-500Sh – improved chassis for the cargo compartment. In addition to the body, such modules were installed as: a concrete mixer and a fuel tanker;
• MAZ-500V is an army version designed for transporting cargo and personnel. The suspension was redesigned and guides for the awning were added. The body was designed as an all-metal one;
• MAZ-500G - this modification was produced in a limited edition and is extremely rare. Designed for transportation of large cargo;
• MAZ-500S - for the northern part of the USSR, the car was equipped with additional heating means, and the cabin itself was more thoroughly insulated. A starting heater was also built into the motor. In case of poor visibility in polar conditions, additional searchlights were present. Later the model was renamed MAZ-512;
• MAZ-500Yu – reverse “500S”. Intended for work in hot conditions. Equipped with additional ventilation and thermal insulation of the cabin. Now called MAZ-513;
• MAZ-500A is a more advanced basic variation. The dimensions have become narrower to meet export requirements. The mechanical part has been optimized in the gearbox. Externally, the developers only changed the radiator grille. The car became more powerful, the maximum speed was now 85 km/h. And the weight of the transported cargo increased to 8 tons. The modification came off the assembly line in 1970;
• MAZ-504 is a tractor on two axles. The main difference was the additional 175 liter fuel tank;
• MAZ-504V - modification had a more powerful engine - YaMZ-238. It had 240 forces, which significantly increased its transport capacity. In addition to the loaded body, it could pull a semi-trailer with a total weight of up to 20 tons;
• MAZ-503 – dump truck. All elements of the body were already made of metal. Intended for use in quarries;
• MAZ-511 – dump truck. A distinctive feature was lateral unloading. Rare model, as production was limited;
• MAZ-509 – timber carrier. Improved transmission - double-disc clutch, increased number of gearbox stages and gearbox in the front axle;
• MAZ-505 – experimental military version. Featured all-wheel drive;
• MAZ-508 is a truck tractor with all-wheel drive. Limited edition.

Since the trucks from the “500” series are perfectly preserved, they can still be found at various enterprises. In most former Soviet republics, MAZ-500s from the 1970s are still driving around. The price for used models is now in the range of 150-300 thousand Russian rubles.

Upgrade

Special fans of the MAZ-500 still modify it to this day. To increase power, YaMZ-238 is installed. Accordingly, you have to change the box, since a divider is required. If the model is all-wheel drive, then the transfer case is also modified. Replacement of the box is also required for lower fuel consumption (without replacement up to 35/100). Of course, the upgrade costs a pretty penny, but reviews say that it’s worth it. They also improve the rear axle, or rather, simply change it to a more modern one and install new shock absorbers.

In the case of a cabin, the list will be very long. The arrangement can include everything from curtains and seats to heating and electrical equipment. There are even those who install air conditioning. The purposes for which the MAZ-500 is used are so wide that they cannot be listed without a separate article. The uniqueness of this truck has already brought it into the history of the Minsk Automobile Plant and Soviet automobile production. However, it still performs tasks with requirements much higher than those that existed when it was created.

Modifications

Each model differs in technical indicators and overall dimensions, as well as in the cost of transport. Each dump truck has different engines and gearboxes.

Modifications of this vehicle include: 551603, 551608, 5516A5, 5516X5 and MAZ-5516A8-336.

MAZ-551603

Technical indicators:

MAZ-551608

Technical parameters of the MAZ-551608-236 modification:

MAZ-5516A5

There are several models of this modification on the market.

MAZ-5516A5-380 is a dump truck that is designed for transporting various bulk materials. The maximum load capacity of this model is 20,000 kg. This type of transport has a good cross-country ability. It has a powerful engine and a nine-speed gearbox. The power of the power unit is 330 hp. With.

The equipment is used in industrial enterprises and construction sites.

It is equipped with a spacious double cabin, spring suspension mechanisms, and pneumatic power steering. The recommended oil for filling into the engine is LUKOIL-avant-garde.

MAZ-5516A5-371. The car is based on a 6x4 chassis. A reliable YaMZ-6582.10 engine, manufactured in accordance with the international environmental standard Euro-3, is installed here. The fuel tank holds 350 liters of working fluid, and the average fuel consumption is 33 liters per 100 km.

It is recommended to change all main consumables (tires, bearings, valves, filter elements, oil fluid) once a season. This will help extend the life of the vehicle and protect the main components from premature wear and damage. The first maintenance should be carried out after 5,000 km.

MAZ-5516A5-375. This vehicle works properly in off-road conditions and at low ambient temperatures (temperature range -30...+35°C). Equipped with a nine-speed gearbox and a small cabin with no sleeping space. The amount of exhaust gases complies with the international environmental standard Euro-3.

The cabin is attached to the dump truck body using a pneumatic spring front suspension. An improved shock absorber system is installed here, which makes driving this vehicle more comfortable. MAZ is equipped with an eight-cylinder engine producing 320 hp.

MAZ-5516A5-347 is equipped with a YaMZ-6582.10 engine, the power of which is 330 hp. With. The wheel formula of the car is 6x4. The equipment meets international environmental standards Euro-2. The car runs on diesel fuel, the engine displacement is 11.8 liters. It is recommended to use different oils for the winter and summer seasons.

MAZ-5516X5

MAZ-5516X5-481-000 is a dump truck with a rear unloading type, designed for transporting construction bulk cargo. The model of the installed engine is YaMZ-65853 (power - 330 hp). The volume of the cargo platform is 12.5 m3. The number of cylindrical elements is 8, their diameter is 12 cm. The model is characterized by economical fuel consumption and ease of maintenance. The cylinders operate in the following sequence: 1-3-2-4-5-7-6-8.

The equipment is equipped with a nine-speed gearbox and a high-pressure fuel pump. All electrical equipment indicators are displayed on the dashboard.

MAZ-5516Х5-480-050 is a small dump truck designed for transporting various cargoes whose weight does not exceed 20,000 kg. It is equipped with a double cabin with a berth, the cabin body is not sprung. The maximum speed that this vehicle can reach is 85 km/h, while fuel consumption will be 38 liters per 100 km. The power of the power unit is 330 hp. With.

The engine consists of eight cylinders that operate in the following sequence: 1-3-2-4-5-7-6-8. The diameter of the cylindrical elements is 12.5 cm, and the stroke of the piston part is 14 cm.

MAZ-5516X5-472-000. This model is equipped with a pneumatic power steering, a single-disc friction clutch and a drum brake. The fuel filter has a heating system, which allows you to start the engine even in low temperatures.

Car history

It is logical that the first MAZ-200 could not remain practical for long, and it was replaced in 1965 by the new MAZ-500 truck. The most noticeable difference was, of course, the redesigned body structure. The frame was located on the bridges in such a way that this increased the vehicle's carrying capacity, and at the same time its efficiency. And, since there was no longer a hood, since the engine was placed under the cab, the visibility for the driver increased.

In addition, as in the previous version, there are still three seats, including the driver's seat. Only the modification in the form of a dump truck had two seats. While working on the cabin of the new “silovik”, the designers took care of the driver and more comfortable and convenient control of the car. Controls such as the steering wheel, gearshift lever and instrument panel were located rationally. They didn’t forget about the colors of the upholstery, not counting the fact that there was any at all; the range consisted of pleasant colors in calm shades.

A convenient innovation was the presence of a sleeping place. For the first time for MAZ cars. It was the absence of a hood that allowed the “500th” model to become history. The fact is that such a design was put into operation for the first time in the Soviet automobile industry. In the 60s, the whole world began to carry out a similar revolution, since the hood significantly interfered with the control of a large vehicle.

But, given the need to raise the country after the war, the quality of roads suitable for the use of cabover cabs became suitable only twenty years later. And then in 1965 the MAZ-500 appeared, which became a worthy replacement for its previous model “200”. The truck remained on the assembly line until 1977.

The basic configuration was already a hydraulic dump truck, but the platform still remained wooden, although the cabin was already made of metal. The development focus, of course, was on versatility. Achieving this goal made it possible to use the machine in all possible areas where transportation was required.

It was enough to simply develop a modification with the required module on board. This model had the ability to start from a tractor. This meant that electricity was not required to start the engine when necessary. This feature was very useful for military needs.

Device

The signature feature of the MAZ-5549 model is the rounded shape of the cabin. This type is familiar to many modern motorists from childhood. The main feature of the truck is the headlights mounted in the front bumper, as well as turn signals installed in the place where the headlights are traditionally located. There are no panoramic windows here, like the latest products of the Minsk Automobile Plant. The “chips” of the model include a double windshield.

The steering wheel of the car is located almost vertically. Its rim is 3-spoke and very thin. The steering wheel itself is supplemented with power steering.

The cabover layout chosen by the Minsk Automobile Plant had a number of advantages. It made it possible to reduce dimensions, weight characteristics and improve access to individual machine components and the power plant. Driving the truck has become much easier. The solution of Belarusian designers significantly simplified the assembly process, eliminating the need for difficult dies.

At the same time, the vibration load also increased. The developers tried to reduce it by using softer springs and improved seats and shock absorbers.

Initially, using a cabover scheme did not seem like a good option. For the majority, the optimal solution seemed to be the use of a half-hood arrangement. However, supporters of the cabover version prevailed, promising to provide reliable protection and normal functioning in difficult conditions.

Minsk developers also dealt with the problem of heavy loads on the front axle. This element has been completely redesigned.

As a result, a truck that was fundamentally new for the entire Soviet market appeared. Expectations were met, and the product became very popular.

At the same time, the MAZ-5549 has never been a comfortable car. However, the minimum comfort in the cabin, slow acceleration and difficult shifting of the gearbox did not bother domestic consumers, since these shortcomings were compensated by the low cost and reliability of the Minsk product.

Price of new and used MAZ-5549

It is currently impossible to buy a new MAZ-5549, since its production ended quite a long time ago, only “preservation” remains.
A “living” truck (1988-1990) can be purchased for 120-160 thousand rubles. Moreover, the car will be fully functional. It is its low cost that makes it in demand among farmers who want to get rid of hired transport. The purchase of this machine should be recommended only to experienced drivers who can carry out its repairs themselves. The MAZ-5549 breaks down infrequently, but given its age, problems with its functionality will arise.

It is unlikely that you will be able to rent a car.