KamAZ-5350 - Russian "Mustang"

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

KamAZ-5350 is a truck designed at the Kama Automobile Plant by order of the Ministry of Defense of the Soviet Union. Work on the creation of a military vehicle that was supposed to replace the KamAZ-4310 began back in 1987. It should be noted right away that the designers faced a difficult task - to make a car that could surpass the characteristics of its predecessor, which had proven itself during the hostilities in Afghanistan.

KAMAZ-5350: specifications

This three-axle model, which has permanent all-wheel drive, received a 6x6 wheel arrangement, which looks like this:

• pair of closely spaced rear axles;
• front steering axle.

The truck has a rather impressive curb weight, which is about 9100 kg. Maximum load capacity KAMAZ-5350 - 7400kg. The maximum permissible load on the rear axle is 10.6 tons, and on the front axle is 5.25 tons.

Technical characteristics of KAMAZ-5350 allow transporting cargo in a trailer, the maximum weight of which does not exceed 12,000 kg. Also, the truck can be used as part of a road train, the maximum weight of which does not exceed 28 tons.

Engine

Despite its large unladen weight, a loaded car is capable of reaching an impressive 100 km/h. Excellent dynamics became possible thanks to the installation of a powerful diesel engine. KamAZ-5350 has on its board a four-stroke V8 with a volume of 10.85 liters and a capacity of 260 "horses", equipped with a turbocharger and water cooling. Motor KAMAZ-740.30.260 fully complies with European environmental standards Euro-2.

The declared fuel consumption per hundred kilometers is 27 liters. KAMAZ-5350 is equipped with two fuel tanks, the total volume of which is 295 liters. This is quite enough for a truck to cover a distance of about 1000 kilometers without refueling. Indicators may vary significantly depending on weather, road conditions, as well as the average speed of the vehicle.

Transmission

This KamAZ model received a 10-speed manual gearbox and a two-stage transfer case, which allows you to distribute torque between the front and rear axles. Gear shifting is carried out using a dry disc clutch, aggregating withpneumatic booster and hydraulic drive.

High cross-country ability of the car is ensured by a reliable differential lock system located between the middle and rear axles.

Pendant

KamAZ-5350 received dependent suspension. Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers and leaf springs are located on the front axle. The middle and rear axles received a spring-balancing suspension equipped with springs and telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers. Such a decision of the designers is not accidental. Truck suspension provides high flotation and a smooth ride.

Platform

KamAZ-5350 is an all-wheel drive truck originally designed for military needs. However, over time, it has become a multi-purpose vehicle, used both for the transport of various goods and people, and for the installation of civilian and military equipment. A colossal number of fire trucks, emergency vehicles, ambulances, and mobile laboratories have been assembled on the chassis of this KamAZ. Such popularity is explained by the high cross-country ability, as well as the ease of maintenance of the KAMAZ-5350.

In the basic version, it has an open metal side platform, which is 75 cm high, 24.7 cm wide and 48.9 cm long. The simple and versatile design allows you to quickly and easily modify the truck, for example by installing protective modules for transporting military personnel and conducting combat directly from the car body.

Reviews and features of operation

The vast majority of motorists whohad a chance to drive a KamAZ-5350 truck, notes that this vehicle has incredible cross-country ability, reliability, maneuverability and ease of maintenance. The significant advantages of this model include a spacious and rather comfortable cabin, which offers excellent visibility. Also, thanks to the design of the cabin, located above the engine, there is a lot of free space inside that can be used when transporting ammunition, personal items, tools.

Significant disadvantages include ill-conceived weight distribution (the front is too heavy) and the design of the tie rod, which can be easily damaged by running into, for example, a stump.

Summing up

Despite the fact that this model was created for military purposes, it has found its application in civilian purposes. The popularity of KamAZ-5350 was influenced by such qualities as:

• relatively low cost;
• reliability;
• maneuverability, patency;
• easy and cheap maintenance;
• relatively low fuel consumption.

Today, the cost of the new KamAZ-5350 varies between 3-3.5 million rubles.