KAMAZ 4310 (diecast 1:43, Elecon)

The model has cool suspension and the drivers cab tilts forward,

Today on Russian roads you can see many different models of trucks. In the face of such fierce competition, domestic manufacturers have a hard time, however, KamAZ trucks still retain their popularity. In the 80s of the last century, they managed to become the pride of the Soviet automotive industry. The all-wheel drive truck KamAZ 4310 was then considered the most successful model. These vehicles, originally designed for the army, found their way into civilian life, and the modifications that appeared in the 90s are successfully used today.

History reference

The official start date of the Kama Automobile Plant is February 16, 1976. On that day, the first truck manufactured at this enterprise rolled off the assembly line. Meanwhile, the creation of an all-terrain vehicle, now known as KamAZ-4310, began back in 1967, that is, two years before the first pit was dug on the site of the future giant of Soviet industry.

This paradox is explained very simply - this car, like the Kama "first-born", the KamAZ-5320 car, was created by the designers of the Likhachev Moscow Automobile Plant, the famous and now dead ZiL. It was at this enterprise that, starting from 1969 to 1978, models, prototypes and the first samples of the KamAZ-4310 all-wheel drive truck were made. V. A. Vyazmin was responsible for the design and further development, and the overall management was entrusted to A. M. Krieger, the chief designer of ZiL.

Appearance

In accordance with the terms of reference received back in 1967 and updated about a year later, it was supposed to create six different versions of the new machine at the same time:

KAMAZ-4310. Major modification. The platform for the carriage of goods is equipped with a rear folding side;

KAMAZ-43103. In general, it coincides with the base model, differing from it in a cabin, inside of which a berth is equipped;

KAMAZ-43101. The platform for the carriage of goods has not one, but three folding sides;

KAMAZ-43102. Coincides with modification 43101, but there is a berth in the cab;

KAMAZ-43104. There is no cargo platform, it is allowed to install various types of bodywork or any special equipment. The most versatile option - it could be a concrete mixer, a timber truck, a tractor, a manipulator - the application was provided with equipment;

KAMAZ-4410. It is a truck tractor capable of towing a semi-trailer weighing 15 tons.
The first 12 trucks, among which all the listed modifications were present, were manufactured at ZiL in the period from 1972 to 1975. The release was carried out in four consecutive small series.

Interdepartmental tests were carried out from April 1976 to March 1977. For some reason, options 43104 and 43101 did not take part in them, although this was hardly essential, since basically the design of all modifications coincided.
During the test, the cars covered from 33,000 to 37,000 kilometers, moving, in particular, in high mountains (up to a height of 3,370 meters), on dirt roads and highways. One of the test stages was carried out near the city of Chita, with significant frosts - up to minus 42 degrees. In addition, the trucks were tested at a special NAMI test site (Scientific Automobile and Motor Institute).

The total mileage of some prototypes of KamAZ-4310 after factory and interdepartmental tests exceeded 200,000 km, and together they drove almost one and a half million kilometers.

All the shortcomings and defects found were eliminated in a fairly short time, and already in 1978, the modified cars were sent to a new run of 18,000 km, during which all-wheel drive KamAZ trucks from Moscow drove to the Baikal-Amur Mainline under construction, then went to Irkutsk and finally returned to the capital. After that, preparations for serial production began - already in Naberezhnye Chelny.

By that time, the Kama plant had already mastered the production of the KamAZ-5320 truck, however, a separate production line was required for the manufacture of an all-wheel drive vehicle. Its operation began in February 1981, and this event was "tailored" to the beginning of the XXVI Congress of the CPSU. In order not to be late with "congratulations", the first batch of KamAZ-4310 vehicles was assembled "in the adjustment mode" on the main conveyor of the first line.
During the test, the trucks covered from 33,000 to 37,000 kilometers, moving, in particular, in high mountains (up to a height of 3,370 meters), on dirt roads and highways. One of the test stages was carried out near the city of Chita, with significant frosts - up to minus 42 degrees. In addition, the trucks were tested at a special NAMI test site (Scientific Automobile and Motor Institute).

The total mileage of some prototypes of KamAZ-4310 after factory and interdepartmental tests exceeded 200,000 km, and together they drove almost one and a half million kilometers.

All the shortcomings and defects found were eliminated in a fairly short time, and already in 1978, the modified cars were sent to a new run of 18,000 km, during which all-wheel drive KamAZ trucks from Moscow drove to the Baikal-Amur Mainline under construction, then went to Irkutsk and finally returned to the capital. After that, preparations for serial production began - already in Naberezhnye Chelny.

By that time, the Kama plant had already mastered the production of the KamAZ-5320 truck, however, a separate production line was required for the manufacture of an all-wheel drive vehicle. Its operation began in February 1981, and this event was "tailored" to the beginning of the XXVI Congress of the CPSU. In order not to be late with "congratulations", the first batch of KamAZ-4310 vehicles was assembled "in the adjustment mode" on the main conveyor of the first line.
The work was completed on time, and five off-road trucks were sent to Moscow for demonstration to the party leadership. One of them, having already reached the capital, unexpectedly failed - the clutch broke. The car was driven into the first gate that came across, and the remaining four nevertheless reached the Kremlin, including KamAZ-43105 under the number 001, on which an inscription was made that it was a gift for the congress.

In all this, there were definitely elements of "window dressing", because the real large-scale production of new cars was only able to be deployed in 1983. Nevertheless, KamAZ-4310, of course, was a great success for the USSR: it was one of the most advanced vehicles of its class in the world.

Development

The transition to mass production did not mean that the development of a new off-road truck was completed. The designers continued to improve the KamAZ-4310, seeking, in particular, to increase its carrying capacity. Some modifications of the car were able to carry not 6, but 7 tons in the back. In addition, measures were taken to increase the volume of engine oil.

In 1984, all-wheel drive KamAZ trucks began to be produced with an updated bumper, and in 1989 - with a more powerful engine. At the same time, a number of transmission and suspension mechanisms were strengthened, which ensured increased resistance to wear and mechanical damage.
In the 90s, several more modifications of the all-terrain vehicle appeared. One of them, called "Typhoon-1", was an attempt to turn an army truck into an armored car. However, it should be borne in mind that modern Typhoons have nothing to do with that experimental machine. The KamAZ-43118 model turned out to be much more promising. This car, equipped with a 260 horsepower engine, is capable of carrying up to 10 tons of cargo. In 2017, KamAZ-43118 was recognized as the best-selling truck in Russia. Production of all-terrain vehicles continues to this day, although the production of their base model, 4310, was discontinued back in 1990.

Design description

KAMAZ-4310 is an all-wheel drive three-axle off-road truck with a cabover layout. In many ways, this machine differed from all other all-terrain vehicles produced in the USSR, and the drive axle drive device became the most original.

Transmission

All three axles of the truck are similar in design, but the front one is used for maneuvering, which required it to be equipped with constant velocity joints.

The gearbox of the KamAZ-4310 car is mechanical.

The gear ratios are as follows:

The first stage - 7.82;
The second stage - 4.03;
The third stage - 2.5;
The fourth stage - 1.53;
Fifth step - 1.0;
Reverse - 7.38.

In addition, the transmission includes a two-stage transfer case. The gear ratio of the first stage is 1.692, and the second - 0.917. Initially, an electro-pneumatic drive was used to control the transfer case, however, starting in 1988, a transition was made to “pure” pneumatics.

Since the base of the KamAZ-4310 truck is quite large, when driving off-road, situations may arise in which the wheels of the vehicle will each move at their own angular speed. To maintain controllability and provide the necessary level of patency, an asymmetric center differential mechanism is installed on the car.

During a normal trip, the KamAZ 4310 transfer case, the circuit of which includes this device, transmits one third of the torque to the front pair of wheels, and two thirds to the other two axles. The differential can be locked using a pneumatic actuator.

A power take-off mechanism is also connected to the transfer case, with the help of which the engine can “share” sixty horsepower. The "razdatka" is mounted on the supporting frame, but not directly, but with an emphasis on four rubber pads. Such a connection protects the mechanisms from sharp shocks and vibrations during the trip and thereby increases the resource of their use. This design feature of the car distinguishes it from many other all-wheel drive vehicles.

The design of the KamAZ-4310 transmission also includes four cardan shafts. Three of them are connected to bridges, one is intermediate.
The clutch is a double-disk, dry, equipped with a pneumohydraulic booster that facilitates gear shifting.

For the manufacture of bridges, steel beams made by stamping are used. Crankcase hatches, spring mounting brackets and brake flanges are attached to them by welding.

Cabin

The cab of the KamAZ-4310 is attached to the carrier frame, directly above the engine. The softness of the suspension is achieved thanks to the sprung mounts in the rear. For access to the engine, the cab is made swivel, on the front articulated supports. "Tipping" is carried out using a special hydraulic lift. The maximum angle of inclination can reach 60 degrees with a complete replacement of the motor, and with normal maintenance and repair - up to 38 degrees.

The cabin is made entirely of metal by welding. Its main load-bearing element is a load-bearing frame, on which the doors, rear wall, roof and cladding panel are suspended. Inside are various instruments, equipment and controls. The frame itself is made of angle and box profile sheet steel.

The cladding panel can be raised and fixed using two telescopic type stops. This provides access to the windshield wipers, electrical equipment and heating system.

Cabin windows are equipped with swivel windows and mechanisms for lifting and lowering windows with a manual drive. Rear-view mirrors - external, mounted on brackets. The windshield is a triplex. There is heat and noise insulation, in addition, measures have been taken to ensure that vibration is not felt in the cabin.
On a number of vehicle modifications, the cab is equipped with a berth for the driver to rest when traveling a considerable distance.

Body

The body of the base model of the KamAZ-4310 car was quite simple in design. It was made of metal and had a folding tailgate. At the same time, a variant with three folding sides was created, which simplified loading and unloading operations.

It was possible to install benches for transporting people in the body, it was allowed to use a high tarpaulin top, stretched on special frame metal arcs. Later, closed pressurized vans (kungs) began to be installed on KamAZ-4310. In addition, dump trucks and special vehicles were made on the chassis of this truck.

Winch

Like many other wheeled all-terrain vehicles, KamAZ-4310 is equipped with a winch. It can be used to perform loading and unloading operations, provide technical assistance to other vehicles, and also (and this is the main thing) for self-extraction when stuck.

The winch is driven by the power take-off mechanism of the "razdatki" and creates a force of up to 35 kilonewtons when the cable is fed forward. In the opposite direction, a thrust of 50 kN is provided.

The main elements of the winch design:

Drum with a cable wound around it;
Brake (made automatic);
Rope handler;
Worm gear.
The winch is installed on the frame of the machine, in its rear part.

Fuel system

The car uses solar oil as fuel. The initial modifications of the machine were equipped with two tanks, each with 125 liters, and in later versions, the KamAZ 4310 refueling tanks were brought to a total volume of 560 liters.

Fuel supply is provided by two pumps - low and high pressure. At the same time, diesel fuel passes through coarse and fine filters.

The uniform distribution of fuel over the engine cylinders is ensured by a high-pressure pump. This device is equipped with a bypass valve, through which excess fuel is discharged into the tank.

In the "post-Soviet" time, fuel tanks on KamAZ trucks received filling necks that were locked with a lock. This simple device is designed to prevent fuel theft.

Engine

Initially, the power plant was the KamAZ-740.10 engine. This is an eight-cylinder sixteen-valve V-shaped diesel engine with a displacement of 10.85 liters. At 2600 rpm it reached its maximum power of 210 horsepower. The torque of this engine, which was also installed on the KamAZ-5320 truck, reached 637 Nm (the rotation speed of the main shaft was 1600 rpm).

Since 1989, the all-terrain vehicle has been equipped with a more powerful KamAZ-740.10-20 engine. This engine had the unofficial name "Rex" in those years. The working volume of the cylinders remained the same, but the torque and power increased to 667 Nm and 220 hp. respectively.
The capacity of the engine lubrication system is 28 liters.

Suspension, brake system and wheels

The suspension device of the KamAZ-4310 car has a certain similarity with the schemes used on other trucks, such as, for example, the Ural. Its main elements are semi-elliptical steel leaf springs with sliding rear ends and telescopic shock absorbers (only installed on the front axle).

Wheel disks - with a rim 310-533. The car uses wide-profile tires IP-184 with overall dimensions 1220x400x-533. Some modifications of the all-terrain vehicle are equipped with a tire pressure adjustment system that allows you to vary this parameter in the range from 0.8 to 3.2 kgf per square centimeter. If there is no pumping mechanism, the pressure should be 3.5 kgf per sq.cm.

Each of the six wheels is equipped with its own brake mechanism with two inner pads and a drum. With use, the pads gradually wear out, which leads to an increase in the gap between them and the drum. You can correct this situation with the help of an adjusting lever, but sometimes you have to resort to a complete disassembly of the entire mechanism.

The brake system drive is pneumatic. The air compression necessary for its operation is created by a compressor. The cab has a pressure gauge showing the pressure level in both circuits of the pneumatic system. When it falls critically, emergency lamps light up on the dashboard and an audible signal turns on.
The schemes of the parking and spare brake systems of KamAZ-4310 are combined. Both of them are equipped with a pneumatic drive, to ensure the operation of which so-called energy accumulators are used - cylinders with power springs placed in them. When the vehicle is moving, the pressurized air compresses the power spring, which causes the parking brake to disengage. When stopped, the pressure drops, the spring is released and the wheel is blocked.

Governing bodies
The steering gear of the KamAZ-4310 has a gear ratio of 21.7. To facilitate the work of the driver, a hydraulic booster is used. When the steering wheel is turned, the effect is transmitted through the column and cardan gear to the drive gear of the bevel gear.

Driving with a faulty power steering is allowed only for short distances in case of emergency.
Fuel consumption per 100 kilometers depends on the load of the car and ranges from 31 to 40 liters. The technical characteristics of the simplified modification KamAZ 43105 could change when it was “finished” to the level of an army truck, which was sometimes practiced.

Model range and modifications

The KamAZ-4310 all-wheel drive vehicle was produced in the following main versions:

Base model;
KAMAZ-43105 is a simplified "agricultural" modification with a conventional metal side body. The car does not have a tire pressure control system. In addition, the length of the loading platform has been increased, and the spare wheel has been “moved” into the body;

KAMAZ-43101. Produced since 1989. Equipped with a new 220 hp engine. The design of the suspension, steering and transmission has been strengthened. In addition, engine crankcase protection has been added;

KAMAZ-43106. Upgraded version of modification 43105 with a new engine;

KAMAZ-431017 - "tropical version" modification 43101;

KAMAZ-4510 is an all-wheel drive dump truck for the transportation of bulk cargo. The body can be overturned both to the right and to the left.
In the 90s of the last century, not in the USSR, but in the Russian Federation, the most advanced modifications of this machine were created - KamAZ-43114 (army),

KamAZ-43115 (civilian) and KamAZ-43118 (transport). These cars are equipped with new engines and have significantly increased capabilities.

In addition, a sports KamAZ-S4310 was created on the basis of an SUV. Its main difference was the engine - at first it was boosted to 290 horsepower, and then the car was equipped with a 430 hp engine. On this machine, they improved the lubrication system, changed the suspension and cooling. The sports modification has repeatedly participated in various rallies, the most famous of which is the Paris-Dakar.

Combat use

As soon as the large-scale production of the KamAZ-4310 car began, they began to send it to the army. Most of the vehicles entered the "limited contingent of Soviet troops" located in Afghanistan. The military liked the new all-terrain vehicle. There were no particular difficulties with its development, since the army already had experience in using the KamAZ-5320 truck.

Compared to other modes of transport that were used in real combat operations in Afghanistan, KamAZ-4310 was much more comfortable. In addition, it was one of the most reliable cars, since military acceptance did not miss cars with poor build quality. Steering received special praise - a heavy truck did not require significant effort from the driver when maneuvering.

At the same time, operation in such harsh conditions revealed a number of shortcomings. Complaints were caused, for example, by the frequent leaks of the cooling system, which turned out to be too “gentle” for the road conditions of Afghanistan. The cylinder heads also did not show the required tightness - after 50 thousand kilometers, oil began to ooze out of them.

As a result, all this military experience has greatly improved the car. Improvements made the design more tenacious and durable, its characteristics have increased significantly.
Advantages and disadvantages
Positive qualities of the KamAZ-4310 car:

Excellent cross;
Significant load capacity;
Ease of operation and maintenance;
High level of unification in terms of components with other KamAZ models;
Low price;
Possibility of use at any temperature mode.
Among the shortcomings, one can note the relatively low dynamism of the car - it accelerates slowly, the maximum speed is low. In addition, the level of comfort in the cab is far behind modern requirements, and fuel consumption is too high.