Bus of the Kurgan Automobile Plant - KAVZ-3976: description, photo and specifications

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

Soviet buses, produced by the Kurgan Automobile Plant with the index 3976, have a fairly long history, which is estimated at almost twenty years of experience. The first model debuted in 1989. After that, the manufacturer carried out a number of upgrades. The technical equipment has been improved. Initially, the car was positioned as a small-sized bonneted bus, and subsequently there were no changes in this regard. It was intended for making routes both around the city and beyond. The well-known Soviet quality made it possible for many years to operate this machine without any special overhaul costs.

When compared with modern standards, the KAVZ-3976 bus is significantly inferior to new models. However, this disadvantage completely covers the cost of the car. Initially, production was as cheap as possible, whichsubsequently influenced the formation of prices in sales. Model 3976 is currently out of production. Its production was curtailed in 2007

Technical highlights 1989-2004

As mentioned earlier, over the 18 years of assembly, some upgrades of the KAVZ-3976 car were carried out. Its technical characteristics are not very impressive. In order to reduce costs, the manufacturer preferred to install on the bus, let's say, not the latest technology. However, it cannot be completely called unsuitable for operation. He coped well enough with the tasks.

In 1989, the bus was equipped with a domestic ZMZ-513 engine. This model was considered primitive even at that time. It is a simple V-shaped carburettor type device with 8 valves that are located at right angles. The maximum power threshold that this power unit could produce stops at around 125 hp. With. The speed limit did not exceed 90 km/h. Over the years of operation, the engine has proven to be reliable under all conditions.

Modernization 2005

The KAvZ-3976 model received a new power unit only 16 years later, in 2005. It was a diesel plant MMZ D-245.7. Its technical characteristics have been slightly improved. First of all, the manufacturer worked out the aspect of environmental standards, now the engine complies with European EURO-2 standards. As for the technical nuances, the power indicator has decreased by almostfor 3 units (122.4 hp), on the contrary, the high-speed one increased by 5 units, in the new modification the bus could accelerate to 95 km/h.

The chassis was borrowed from the GAZ-33074 model, and not only it. It can be called the progenitor of the KAvZ-3976, since the bus was equipped with the same 5-speed mechanical transmission, engine and other equipment. It is worth paying attention to the electrician. It is problematic to find something new here, everything was also inherited from the GAZ-33074. But with one exception: the new car had interior lighting, which was not used before.

Dimensions

At the time of the release of model 3976, all Soviet buses were almost identical. This similarity was seen not only in technical equipment, but also externally. The dimensions of this car cannot be called large, but they are quite enough to transport employees of institutions, as well as to be used as urban transport (until 2000). Currently, these machines remain only on the balance sheet of some state-owned enterprises.

So, let's move on to the dimensions. The length of the body reaches almost 7 m, or to be more precise, 6915 mm. The width is not very large - 2380 mm, height - 3030 mm. Bus 3976 could move freely on country roads due to the considerable ground clearance of 265 mm. There are 21 seats in the cabin, but the total capacity is calculated at 28.

Problem areas

The first drawback that immediately catches your eye is the presence of only one door. To close itit took a lot of effort. Over time, the mechanism fell into disrepair, so there were always drafts in the cabin that penetrated through a loosely closed door. It made rattling noises when moving, which, of course, did not increase the level of comfort.

Modifications

KAvZ-3976-53 was mainly used to transport children. It differed in length: in this modification, the platform was increased to 8470 mm. Having a second door was its main advantage. Since the main task of the bus is to transport children, special equipment was installed at the plant, which was responsible for the speed of movement. It did not allow the driver to accelerate the vehicle over 60 km/h. The installation of a modern ABS system has significantly increased the level of car safety.

KAvZ-3976-011 is a gas-powered model. It was developed with the aim of reducing fuel costs. An Italian company was engaged in the production of a gas installation. Thanks to this modernization, the bus could travel long distances without additional refueling. This opportunity appeared after the installation of a kit consisting of 2 cylinders of 180 liters each.

KAvZ 3976-020 has improved interior characteristics. It used high-quality insulation, which made it possible to operate the bus in areas with low air temperatures. Modern heating systems were installed on these models.