The flagship two-axle (4x2 wheel arrangement) mainline truck tractor KAMAZ-54901 of the plant’s advanced line has become available to companies and entrepreneurs in the Krasnoyarsk Territory and Khakassia starting in 2022. Trucks in this series are equipped with a completely new engine, transmission and the latest K5 cab.
KAMAZ-54901 is a car of a new level - starting with this model, KAMAZ intends to take a strong position in the segment of full-fledged premium trucks due to the significant advantages of its technological platform and cost of ownership compared to similar solutions from foreign automakers.
The latest KAMAZ R6 engine
The tractor is equipped with the latest in-line six-cylinder engine KAMAZ-910.12-450 of Euro-5 environmental class, with a displacement of 12 liters and a power of 450 hp, which was created together with engineers from the famous German company Liebherr.
The engine has high traction and dynamic characteristics with fairly low fuel consumption and high reliability. The unit produces a torque of 2060 N*m at 1300 rpm, its service interval is 120 thousand km, and
The service life of this engine is 1.5 million kilometers.
There is no other way
“We have made it our strategy to move into the premium segment,” said Sergei Kogogin, General Director of KAMAZ PJSC, answering questions from journalists and explaining the combination of high technical characteristics and options within one model. “This is very difficult for the company, but nevertheless there is no other way.” The head of the auto giant noted that this is one of the main projects of the company, which is the future. The company plans to enter the world market with the new car. “Outside Russia, we will be very happy to look for partners for its sales throughout the globe. Our intentions are first of all to enter the markets of the CIS countries. We expect to bring it to Europe too,” explained the head of KAMAZ.
ZF TRAXON gearbox and chassis
KAMAZ-54901 is equipped with a new 12-speed automated transmission ZF Traxon (ZF 12TX2210 TD) with a wide torque range, which can select the optimal gear depending on road conditions, which can significantly reduce fuel consumption.
In addition, the driver with the ZF TraXon gearbox has access to the following functionality:
- Rocking function - makes it easier to start moving when the truck is slipping. Improves performance in low grip conditions (dirt, icing, etc.) and off-road (potholes).
- Hill start assistant - allows you to safely start moving a heavy vehicle from a stop “uphill”.
- Creeping mode is a mode similar to working with a torque converter. Ensures comfort when starting or maneuvering – the required truck position can be achieved with high precision.
- Coasting – automatically shifts into neutral if the speed is in the appropriate range due to the slope, with automatic gear selection at the end of the coasting phase. Allows you to save fuel comfortably and safely.
The KAMAZ-54901 is equipped with a single-stage DAIMLER HL6 axle with a hypoid final drive and a reduced total weight of the structure, which again increases the overall efficiency of the truck.
The frame of the main tractor is made of lightweight high-strength steel, which makes it possible to reduce the curb weight of the vehicle and increase the payload, and the use of rubber-metal hinges ensures an increase in service life. The front axle is equipped with maintenance-free hubs, which reduces vehicle operating costs.
Price new and used
The new KamAZ went on sale at the end of May 2022. For obvious reasons, the model is not yet available on the secondary market, but dealers have an abundance of new tractors. The only thing is that the check for 6.4 million rubles announced last year did not materialize. Due to the economic situation, now the price for KamAZ 54901 is 7,099,000 rubles in the initial range.
It is worth noting here that the MAN TGX and DAF XF105 of a similar plan are sold at the same price, but the Kama Plant will please you with an additional bonus in the form of a service contract, which is already included in the price.
The latter will allow you to undergo all maintenance, change consumables, make repairs and replace parts free of charge during the first 3 years from the date of purchase (a list of warranty cases can be found in the contract).
Cabin K5 KAMAZ-54901 and controls
The flagship long-haul tractor is equipped with a high and wide cabin of the new generation K5 with a living space of 9 m3, created together with engineers and designers from Mercedes/Daimler AG.
The overall ergonomics of the cabin have already earned the most positive feedback from drivers. The ceiling height of 2.02 meters with an internal width of 2.27 m, along with a flat floor, allows the driver
stand and move freely inside the cabin at full height
The steering wheel, like on all modern trucks, is multifunctional - from it you can quickly and conveniently control various systems, the on-board computer, navigation and cabin climate. There is a separate remote control to control the rear air suspension when coupling.
The newest KAMAZ long-haul tractor is also equipped with a new dashboard with a display that displays all the most important information for work and an on-board information system (BIS), which allows not only to control navigation, driving routes and truck parameters, but also serves as a full-fledged communication and multimedia system with Internet access.
Device
The supporting frame is a frame platform on two axles with 4x2 rear wheel drive.
Frame concept MP4 K5
The cabin ideology is based on the driver’s workplace, which should be at the level of the best representatives of the premium passenger car segment. If from 1976 to 1995 minor improvements concerned only an increase in efficiency while maintaining the living space at the level of 5 m3, then already in 2005 in Naberezhnye Chelny they worked to reduce vibration and noise, while the living space increased to 6.5 m3. However, no matter how you modernize the old project, a radical scrap is required. After all, the internal volumes of modern cars are 7.5–9 cubic meters. And it was decided to move towards the highest point.
There was something to start from. The design of the new look of KAMAZ vehicles was carried out by the Italian studio Torino Design srl, which two years ago already created the KAMAZ 2022 exhibition cabin with a shower and a treadmill inside.
Even if you install a new cab without fundamentally changing the chassis, any truck will look like a new model. Therefore, the main sign of continuity is the door - the most expensive part in production. The generic sign is the door openings and the “greenhouse” - the body (as engineers correctly call the cabin).
Externally it turned out really beautiful and recognizable and distinctive. Only a subtle and meticulous design connoisseur will suspect German origin in the styling through the shape of the doorways. The original plastic body kit plays a significant role in the perception: the lower belt and the front lining, giving the car a new mood.
The body (i.e. the cabin) is based on a joint effort between Daimler AG and Daimler AG. The frame index is SFTP, like the fourth generation Actros, which will be produced in Russia from 2019. The volume of future production is up to 55,000 pieces per year. SFTP cabs are already mounted on the current generation Actros MP4 tractors, and the production of frames does not mean the bodies themselves, but stamped panels (roof, walls, doors).
The interior has also changed. For Mercedes-Benz trucks manufactured in Naberezhnye Chelny, it will produce complete cabs, but for KAMAZ it will produce only steel frames. Do the rest yourself! The cabin meets the latest requirements for comfort and is a compact coupe: the distance in the cabin from floor to ceiling is 1980 mm, and the internal width is 2270 mm. The controls and instrument panel are designed to be accessible at arm's length. The seats allow a wide range of adjustments. Two berths are not yet provided as basic, but an on-board information system with a 10-inch touch screen is already an integral attribute.
The expected focus on driver convenience and comfort affected not only the interior, but also the exterior. There are wide steps and handles at the front of the cab for servicing the windshield. Fog lights with cornering function are built into the bumper. It is not yet possible to judge how much new modern materials along with elegant color schemes have raised the interior and exterior of the cabin to a new level, since it is not yet possible to judge, since a pre-production show-stopper and a production sample are not the same thing.
Driver's cabin
The vehicle is equipped with a modern, spacious K5 cabin. It has an attractive appearance due to the presence of clear horizontal lines of the radiator grille and slanted headlights. This ensures not only beauty, but also dynamic design. At the top of the KamAZ 54901 cab there is the name of the manufacturer, and below it there is a nameplate on a blue background.
The truck's headlights have several compartments, each of which allows you to create comfortable conditions when driving at night. The low beam is represented by a halogen lamp, the high beam by lensed optics, and the dimensions by LEDs with a long service life.
The internal height of the KamAZ 54901 cabin is almost 2 m; there is no motor tunnel on the floor, which ensures ease of movement. The handle for controlling the gearbox is represented by the right steering column joystick. There are several USB ports inside the cabin.
There are four steps to access the cabin, three of which are located behind the door, which guarantees protection from dust, dirt, snow and water. Usually the driver changes his shoes in the cabin and leaves his shoes on the top step. Therefore, such a design solution is characterized by convenience and functionality.
Inside the KamAZ 54901 cabin there are a large number of storage compartments: above the windshield, on the sides and under the berth. There is a refrigerator in the drawer under the “sleeping bag”, and the second drawer can be used as a table. The center console is also functional and roomy. There is a button to start the motor.
The seat is mounted on an air suspension and has a large number of settings. The cabin has two berths, the top one is folding. They contain lighting lamps and compartments for personal belongings.
Steering and instrument panel
All controls are located as ergonomically as possible and are convenient to use. The instrument panel allows you to view sensor readings in any weather; it has a classic shape. The finishing materials are pleasant to the touch and durable.
The viewing angle of the KamAZ 54901 truck tractor is quite large, which is due to the installation of a compact, but informative and functional instrument panel. All elements on it have a traditional arrangement; the tachometer and speedometer reflect the main characteristics of the car. The remaining data is displayed on the monitor.
The center console is oriented towards the driver and is equipped with a 10” monitor with a touch screen. Below it are controls for the microclimate in the cabin and the car radio.
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Advantages of the newest KAMAZ-54901
The advanced truck tractor from KAMAZ has all the technical, ergonomic and aesthetic characteristics of a real premium truck.
- Reduced fuel consumption. This is achieved through a new engine, a modern intelligent gearbox, improved aerodynamics and the use of modern electronic control systems. Operating experience shows that on average consumption does not exceed 30 liters per 100 km when driving with a 20-ton semi-trailer.
- Reduced maintenance costs. Through the use of technical solutions that made it possible to significantly increase the service interval and the introduction of information systems for monitoring and preventing breakdowns.
- Increased work comfort. The latest ergonomics and automation solutions lead to improved overall driver performance and productivity.
- Low cost and ease of ownership. A large extensive network of KAMAZ branded services throughout the country (including in Krasnoyarsk and Abakan) allows us to service such complex high-tech vehicles with high quality and at minimal costs (compared to foreign analogues).
Electronic variety
Intuitive human-machine interface has become an integral part of safety and ergonomics. A huge number of electronic systems and mobile applications are offered as options for KAMAZ-54901. Among the latest solutions are a driver condition monitoring system, a turn and traffic jam assistant, autonomous driving in traffic jams, a system for remote location monitoring and control of vehicle parameters, which, among other things, can monitor fuel consumption and the fact of fuel drainage based on the location. Taking into account such devices as mileage timing and linking to maps, the tractor becomes a robot.
However, electric units with specified characteristics have not been forgotten. The use of a thermoelectric exhaust gas heat recuperator allows an increase in efficiency by 3%, and another 2% is achieved by the use of an electrically driven turbocharger. The use of intelligent lubrication and cooling systems can together bring a 2% improvement in efficiency. Separately, the use of intelligent fuel equipment and auxiliary systems brings 0.5 and 0.55%.
KAMAZ-54901 for the Krasnoyarsk Territory and Khakassia
We recommend this flagship economical tractor of the new generation to transport companies and cargo carriers of Yenisei Siberia for the main work on long-distance transportation along federal and regional highways with sufficient cross-country ability and load for a two-axle truck.
Compared to the previous similar popular model KAMAZ-5490, this is a truck of a higher, most modern level in all aspects - from manufacturability and efficiency to safety and comfort.
KAMAZ-54901 is for those who are accustomed to the characteristics of European premium truck tractors, but want to get a lower cost of owning vehicles of this level.
If you need a tractor of the flagship K5/R6 line with a higher permissible load on the SSU, then we advise you to pay attention to the model with a lifting rear axle KAMAZ-65659.
You can purchase KAMAZ-54901 in the Krasnoyarsk Territory and Khakassia from an official KAMAZ dealer in the region. The cost of the tractor depends on the specific configuration and additional options. Call us on tel. in Krasnoyarsk 2-555-004 or request a call back: and we will advise you!
Story
Perhaps it’s worth starting with the fact that the new KamAZ 54901 will divide the products of the Kama plant into before and after. If you look at it objectively, for the previous 40 years the company simply churned out the same truck without serious investments in its own technical developments. In addition, according to the results of the 2014 financial report, the manufacturer was not even able to recoup production, not to mention profit.
They began to move and think about a competitive truck in 2015, when “from above” they made it clear that they expected serious changes from the enterprise, and dealers were calling for a 50% drop in sales.
There were other important differences, but all this together forced the company to look for ways to solve the accumulated problems. Having received funding from the state budget in the amount of 9.8 billion rubles at the beginning of 2015, the plant signed a cooperation agreement with DK RUS (the Russian branch of Daimler AG) and seriously invested in transport production.
The result of 3 years of calculated work was the release of a truck with the index 5490, which soon grew into the 54901st. But putting aside patriotic sentiments, “DK RUS” talks in its commentary about the wholesale borrowing of German materials and serious dependence on imports.
As you can see below, the new KamAZ 54901 tractor is a clone of the 4th generation Mercedes-Benz Actros. Even the new cabin visually replicates the dimensions and design solutions of the truck from Stuttgart, because even the frame was borrowed, and the engine is a modified Liebherr 946, released by the German company of the same name in 2012. The gearbox is also a European product of engineers from ZF.
Comparison of KamAZ 54901 and Mercedes Actros
Brief technical characteristics of KAMAZ 54901
| Wheel formula: | Wheel formula 4x2, tubeless tires 315/70R22.5 |
| Fifth wheel: | The load on the SSU is 10.4 tons, the height of the SSU is 1150 mm. Model: Orlandi/Jost/SAF-Holland, dia. kingpin 50.8 mm (2″) |
| Semitrailer: | The total weight of the towed semi-trailer is 35 tons |
| Engine: | In-line 6-cylinder KAMAZ-910.12-450 (450 hp), 2060 Nm, V 12 l., EURO-5, fuel. tank 800+600 l. |
| Checkpoint: | Automated ZF 12TX2210 TD remote control with intelligent control |
| Chassis and transmission: | Rear drive axle Daimler HL6 with electronic control system. Hydraulic clutch MFZ-430, electro-pneumatic EBS disc brake system with integrated ABS function, anti-skid system (ASR) and electronic stability control (ESP). |
| Features of the packages: | The K5 cabin is high with a flat floor on a 4-point spring suspension, one or two berths (depending on the configuration), an adjustable seat on air suspension with heating, air conditioning, heater, engine pre-heater, on-board computer, tachograph of Russian and European standards and etc. |
Error codes with explanations
| Error code KAMAZ 5490-S5 | |||||
| Error code ADM3 (J1939) SPN | Error code ADM3 (J1939) FMI | Error code ADM3 (K-line) | Error code MR2 (K-line) | Error Location | Description of the error |
| 173 | — | 12406 | Engine exhaust temperature | Above face value | |
| 173 | 15 | — | 12429 | Engine exhaust temperature | too high |
| 174 | 3 | — | 11115 | Fuel temperature sensor "A" | Input shorted to high level |
| 174 | 4 | — | 11116 | Fuel temperature sensor "A" | Input shorted to low level |
| 175 | 3 | — | 11015 | Engine oil temperature sensor | Short circuit to high level |
| 175 | 4 | — | 11016 | Engine oil temperature sensor | Short circuit to low level |
| 190 | — | 10530 | Engine speed | Engine overspeed condition | |
| 523 | 9 | 17809 | — | Current transmission gear | Incorrect update rate |
| 523 | 19 | 17819 | — | Current transmission gear | The received network data is incorrect |
| 524 | 9 | 17909 | — | Selected transmission gear | Incorrect update rate |
| 524 | 19 | 17919 | — | Selected transmission gear | The received network data is incorrect |
| 558 | 1 | 11701 | — | Accelerator pedal idle speed sensor (GAS1 + GAS2 or J1939) | Both are equal signals, but should not |
| 558 | 5 | 11705 | — | Accelerator pedal idle speed sensor (GAS1 + GAS2 or J1939) | Both switches are open |
| 558 | 9 | 11709 | — | Accelerator pedal idle speed sensor (GAS1 + GAS2 or J1939) | Incorrect update rate |
| 558 | 12 | 11712 | — | Accelerator pedal idle speed sensor (GAS1 + GAS2 or J1939) | Circuits of both switches are closed |
| 558 | 19 | 11719 | — | Accelerator pedal idle speed sensor (GAS1 + GAS2 or J1939) | The received network data is incorrect |
The truck is still raw
It’s not very clear why KAMAZ decided to display 54901 right now. Those copies that are shown to the public today are pre-production samples that have quite a lot of shortcomings. So it simply doesn’t make sense to evaluate the interior trim or build quality at the moment. (By the way, the model will be presented to the general public at the autumn COMTRANS exhibition.)
It’s also surprising that a completely new truck still doesn’t have its own name. Agree, presenting “fifty-four nine hundred and one” is simply undignified! Although KAMAZ promised to choose a name two months ago. But the “Arus” or “Intro” proposed by the public were rejected, and for some reason the marketers did not come up with a new one...
Psychological picture
Some time ago, during the CTT-2019 exhibition, I had a behind-the-scenes conversation with a team of engineers from the DK RUS enterprise, the Russian representative office of the freight and bus divisions of the Daimler AG concern. We examined the products of the Kama auto giant. They secretly commented on my question about cooperation between Mercedes-Benz and KAMAZ as follows. If you look at this process through the eyes of an employee of the Daimler AG representative office, it is a shame to see how developments that cost the parent company a lot of work are floating away to Russia. But, if you look at the results of joint work through the eyes of a patriot of your country, it is gratifying to see how new technologies are gradually transforming trucks from Naberezhnye Chelny. When I examined KAMAZ-54901 in detail, and then found myself behind the wheel, I kept mentally returning to this curious position.
There are high hopes for the noisy new product. The cars will be tested until December 2019, and sales will start only after the tests are completed. Therefore, the tractor that ended up in my hands at the Myachkovsky Autodrome is a “children’s” model, pre-production, and at certain moments deserves a condescending attitude. But the other scale is pulled by formidable competitors - the seven largest brands from Europe, Ford and the Chinese, who from time to time show a surge of interest in the Russian market.
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Big family
The fourth generation Mercedes-Benz Actros family of trucks has the flagship, largest cab - GigaSpase with a width of 2500 mm, a flat floor and an internal height of 2130 mm. In addition to it, there are six more options, and for the first time, the Actros began to have a relatively narrow cabin with a width of 2300 mm. It should replace the cabin of the Mercedes-Benz Axor. In general, an analogy with the MAN TGX and TGS cabs suggests itself. Slightly lower in status than GigaSpase is the BigSpase cabin. Its floor is also flat, but the height to the ceiling is 1990 mm. For StreamSpase series cabins, two widths (2300 and 2500 mm) and heights (1970 and 1790 mm), two floor designs (flat and with an engine tunnel) are available. And the smallest cabin, ClassicSpase, with a width of 2300 mm and a height of 1400 mm, is intended for car transporters. The new generation of KAMAZ K5 series trucks will have the same “big family” of cabs, but proper names have not yet been invented for them.
First of all, KAMAZ-54901 4x2 truck tractors, which are aimed at long-distance and international transportation, were launched into mass production. In this segment, Kama truck tractors did not always compete successfully even with SuperMAZs, and before the advent of KAMAksor they were clearly inferior to foreign-made tractors. The three-axle KAMAZ-65659 6x2 chassis for mounting flatbed tilt platforms and insulated vans will also be quite interesting. These machines are largely unified in terms of cabin and units with truck tractors. At the end of last year, a test assembly of KAMAZ-65659 three-axle vehicles took place and the first batch of trucks was put into operation. Serial production is already underway, sales will start soon, and in November they plan to launch production of new versions of cars of this family.
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This year, the Kama Automobile Plant is launching heavy dump trucks KAMAZ-65951 8x4 and KAMAZ-65952 6x6, designed for transporting various bulk cargoes. These are the very first construction vehicles based on the K5 family, and “narrow” cabins are used here - analogues of those installed on the Mercedes-Benz Arocs. Now the production of a pilot batch is being completed, then they will be transferred to controlled operation. It is unlikely that in the current economic situation the new K5 dump trucks will displace KAMAZ-6520 and KAMAZ-6580 from the Russian market. However, according to Trade and Financial specialists, carriers are showing great interest in these cars, and the start of sales is scheduled for July 2022.
