General information
The new generation dump truck meets current domestic and foreign standards in terms of noise levels, safety, and controllability. KamAZ-6520 meets the requirements of the European environmental standard Euro-3. The service life before the first major overhaul is 500,000 kilometers. The mileage of the truck between maintenance for TO-1 is at least 5,500 km, for TO-2 - 16,500 km.
The volume of the rear unloading dump platform is 12 cubic meters. Raising the platform and dumping the load is provided by a powerful hydraulic mechanism. In the case of transporting light-sized cargo, the volume of the dump body can be increased using special extension sides, the installation of which is provided for by the design of the vehicle. The traction and dynamic parameters of the dump truck allow it to easily overcome a 25% rise when fully loaded.
KamAZ-6520 is equipped with a unified cab with a high roof, which differs from traditional KAMAZ cabs by an original buffer, a lower belt and an additional step that facilitates access to the cab. In addition, in accordance with the requirements of the UNECE Regulations, the cabin is equipped with a new set of mirrors that improves the driver’s visibility.
Certain changes have also appeared in the steering mechanism, in which a hydraulic rotation limiter is installed, which prevents damage to the steering rods. In addition, the new KamAZ is equipped with a safety steering wheel.
KamAZ-6520 is equipped with drive axles with a single-stage main gear and planetary-type wheel reducers. This design not only increases the clearance of the bridge, but also significantly increases the reliability and durability of the bridges, which is especially important when operating a truck with overload.
The durability of the supporting structure is ensured by straight-section frame spars equipped with reinforcements, and transverse stabilizers installed on the rear axle and front axle contribute to greater stability of the truck when cornering. The cross-axle differential locking mechanism allows for increased cross-country ability of the truck, which allows it to be used in off-road conditions.
KAMAZ-6520 - an ordinary, unusual dump truck
alternative reality
Maxim Shelepenkov, photo by the author
Taking a quick glance at the photographs, many will shrug their shoulders - an ordinary KAMAZ-6520 dump truck. But the specialist will immediately note the wheels measuring 12.00R24 and the Betsema-Istra dump truck, which is unusual for a truck from Naberezhnye Chelny, which was previously installed exclusively on imported trucks.
It is no secret that the KAMAZ-6520 dump trucks are inferior to modern imported dump trucks in terms of their technical characteristics, mainly in terms of the weight of the cargo transported. Its maximum load capacity of 20 tons compared to 25–28 tons of foreign analogues is, to put it mildly, not impressive. Of course, KAMAZ is beyond competition in terms of cost, but practice shows that more expensive, but heavy-duty trucks are more profitable to operate - they bring more profit.
An ordinary, unusual dump truck
However, recent jumps in exchange rates, economic sanctions that have squeezed the banking sector, as well as the government’s announced import substitution policy force us to take a fresh look at the current state of affairs.
A fresh look at KAMAZ-5320 was offered by Naberezhnye Chelny, which has long and quite successfully specialized in the production of non-standard equipment based on production KAMAZ vehicles. The company’s specialists decided to correct the main drawback of this dump truck and offer consumers a product at the level of imported analogues. At least in terms of characteristics.
The standard KAMAZ-6520-K4 (Euro 4) dump truck chassis was chosen as the basis, which underwent major modernization.
The vehicle has a reinforced front steer axle with a permissible load of 9 instead of 7.5 tons, like the standard KAMAZ-6520, and rear drive axles with a permissible load of 32 tons instead of 25.6 tons. In addition, larger wheels are installed 12.00R24 instead of 12.00 R20.
The chassis frame of the car in the most loaded rear part is equipped with additional reinforcements, and to ensure optimal weight distribution along the axles, the wheelbase of the car has been increased from 3600 to 3800 mm, i.e. by 200 mm.
As a result, the total weight of the KAMAZ-R6520 road-quarry dump truck allowed by its design (the letter “P” before the digital index means RIAT) increased to 41 tons. For the standard KAMAZ-6520 this value is 33.1 tons. As a result, the load capacity of the modified dump truck increased from 20 to 28 tons, which allowed the KAMAZ-R6520 dump truck to transport almost one and a half times more cargo than a standard vehicle in one trip.
Test drive KamAZ-6520
The KamAZ-6520 truck is the basic model of the plant, distinguished by a large number of modifications. Suffice it to say that the price list includes as many as 15 versions of this truck. Among the proposed modifications are cars with bodies of different sections and volumes, drive axles produced by KamAZ and the Hungarian company Madara, with a restyled version of the cabin.
Overall dimensions of KAMAZ-6520
Among the modifications there are also trucks that meet Euro 4 and 5 environmental standards. It should be noted that all modifications of the KamAZ-6520 are equipped with licensed 16-speed ZF gearboxes produced at the plant in Naberezhnye Chelny.
To conduct a test drive, we received modification 6520-26014-63. This is a restyled version of the truck with a four-point air suspension, which is not available in other modifications. Despite the fact that the dump truck is equipped with the KamAZ-740 engine, which is well known to us, the power unit on our vehicle was equipped with a commonrial injection system. Our car was also distinguished by the quality of body welding, which was clearly superior to the MAZ-5516 and similar Chinese trucks.
Salon of the new KAMAZ
As already noted, the KamAZ-6520 is equipped with a power unit with a power boost of 320 horses and an increased displacement. The engine design incorporates original solutions that make it possible to increase the mileage before major overhaul to 750 thousand km. Of course, in comparison with branded engines, this figure seems quite modest, but if we compare it with the parameters of KAMAZ engines, it is almost double the previous figures.
True, a caveat is required here. We tried to find out from representatives of the car plant whether there is actual evidence of the indicated mileage today and realized that cars with updated engines began to be used relatively recently, and their mileage is still too far from the indicated figure. Thus, the question of the effectiveness of engine modernization still remains open.
The dump truck is equipped with 12.00R20 tires. The high torque of the modernized power unit is efficiently transmitted by a licensed ZF gearbox. The truck cabin and its suspension to the frame are similar to the KamAZ 61115 model.
The design of disc wheels with stud fastening to the hubs, in our opinion, is more reliable in comparison with previous discless wheels with a wedge clamp. In such a design, there are no problems with wheel misalignment if installation is carried out incorrectly.
At first glance, the problem of wheel misalignment does not seem critical, but it should be borne in mind that imbalance leads to accelerated wear and destruction of hub bearings, steering rod joints, and power steering. And wheel imbalance does not add to driving comfort.
KamAZ-6520 technical characteristics and price of the dump truck
KamAZ-6520 is a heavy-duty truck, developed to meet new market needs and focused on the transportation of bulk cargo. At one time, this model was considered the most flagship in the Kama Automobile Plant model line. Due to its impressive characteristics, this vehicle has been considered the leader in the cargo transportation market for more than 10 years. However, KamAZ-6520 is still in wide demand in the construction industry; it is in demand among government organizations and private entrepreneurs.
General information
The KamAZ company began developing the 6520 model in the early 1990s. The process of creating the car took place in a turbulent environment. And yet, the economic crisis did not prevent not only the launch of the model into mass production, but also the introduction of the truck to foreign markets. The popularity of the car knew no bounds, and later it became necessary to produce many modifications based on the KamAZ-6520. And yet, it must be admitted that in terms of its characteristics, the domestic truck was noticeably inferior to foreign analogues, which cost several times more.
Please note that the predecessor of the 6520 is considered to be the 65115 model, which has a lifting capacity of 15 tons. In the 1990s, this was no longer enough, and it was this circumstance that made KamAZ think about a new model. In addition, truck 65115 could no longer boast of its obsolete design.
KamAZ-6520 is essentially a deeply modernized version of 65115. The vehicle has a 6x4 wheel arrangement, which allows it to cope with almost any tasks associated with transporting the heaviest cargo on roads of any quality, including off-road. The design features of the model are the presence of an ABS system and an all-metal cargo compartment.
The design of the KamAZ-6520 was already initially adapted for difficult operating conditions. That is why it does not make sense to operate this model in light conditions, because in this case it is worth taking a closer look at a simpler model.
The list of modernizations carried out in KamAZ-6520 deserves special praise. Early versions of the truck rolled off the assembly line with the cab from its predecessor. The fact is that the manufacturer has focused all its efforts on creating an innovative chassis. After some time, the car received a restyled cabin.
The high potential of the truck allowed the release of several modifications designed for specific tasks. It is noteworthy that even in difficult conditions, the resource of the KamAZ-6520 can reach 500,000 kilometers. At the same time, the service interval of the truck before the second maintenance is 5,500 km, and the second maintenance occurs after 16,500 kilometers.
Design and cabin
KamAZ-6522 in its latest version is equipped with a modern cabin. Its high roof provides comfort and convenience when landing, as well as spending long periods behind the wheel. In addition, for ease of entry, the designers have provided an additional step - this feature will certainly be appreciated by not very tall drivers. Moreover, the truck finally received excellent visibility thanks to new rear-view mirrors.
The KamAZ-65200 cab has many ergonomic innovations. For example, it is worth noting the new steering wheel. Its new form has a safety design. A hydraulic rotary limiter is built into the steering, thanks to which possible damage to the steering rods is practically eliminated. This is good news, especially considering that the truck is already equipped with an ABS system as standard.
Modifications:
Today the following modifications of KamAZ-6520 are presented on the market: 6520-006, 6520-60006, 6520-001, 6520-026-06, 6520-032, 6520-007, 6520-036, 6520-037 and 6520-120.
Any of these versions has certain advantages over the others, but at the same time has a common design, which ensures high maintainability and interchangeability of parts.
Dimensions and load capacity
As stated above, the KamAZ-6520 has a class-record payload capacity that reaches 20 tons. At the same time, the capacity of the cargo platform is 12 cubic meters, and with additional add-ons – even 18 cubic meters.
The length of the model is 7800 mm, and the width and height are 2500 and 3055 mm, respectively. The weight of the truck in running order is 12950 kg. The load on the front axle is 5230 kg, on the rear axle – 7720 kg. The total weight of the truck is 27,500 kg; in this case, the load on the front and rear axles should not exceed 7,500 and 2,000 kg.
Motor range
KamAZ-6520 was initially equipped with a classic Euro-2 power plant. This unit was installed on all modifications of the 6520 until 2008. Despite the outdated design with Soviet technology, this unit was equipped with a turbocharger with intermediate air cooling, which increased the efficiency of the turbine.
A few years later, the old diesel engine was replaced by a modernized engine that had advantages over its predecessors. Its main advantages are improved efficiency and environmental friendliness, as well as power output.
The working volume of the new engine is 11.7 liters, and the torque and rated power are at 1225 N/m and 400 horsepower, respectively.
Driving impressions
Getting into and out of the cab is not much different from previous KAMAZ models. The driver's seat doesn't add any new sensations either. But the ZF gear shift lever is noticeably different from the traditional KAMAZ one for the better. In general, the licensed box fits very well into the KamAZ-6520 transmission system. In addition to a high-quality, reliable mechanism, the gear ratios and switching pattern are very well selected.
The dynamics of acceleration demonstrated quite acceptable driving characteristics of the truck. The engine provides a maximum speed of 100 to 107 km/h, which is quite enough for cars in this class. With a full load, the dump truck accelerates to 60 km/h in 37-39 seconds.
Overall, my impressions of the truck were quite good. True, we, as specialists, were to a certain extent alarmed by the readings of the truck’s oil pressure sensor. When the power unit is warmed up, regardless of the speed, the pressure sensor indicator needle is in the middle of the yellow sector of the scale. And this despite the fact that the car’s mileage is extremely short, only 3,000 kilometers. For example, in a Scania with a 10,000th mileage, the pressure in the lubrication system at 1500 rpm is stable at 6-7 bar, and at idle it is about 3 bar.
In conclusion, we note that if the reliability parameters of KamAZ vehicles within the specified mileage correspond to foreign analogues, at their cost they will be in good demand on the market.
Modifications based on KamAZ 6520
Based on this dump truck, various modifications of trucks, the number of which exceeds a dozen and a half, were put into mass production. The most famous of them are:
- KamAZ 6520 (43). The model is equipped with a power unit that complies with the Euro-4 standard.
- KamAZ 6520 (73). This version has additional body heating to prevent its contents from freezing.
- KamAZ 65225 and 65221 are equipped with fifth-wheel coupling mechanisms for transporting semi-trailers.
The KamAZ 6520 010-60 model provides the ability to unload on 3 sides of the body, modification 6520-029 is distinguished by an increased volume of the body, accommodating up to 20 m 3 of cargo.
Owner reviews
Review of KAMAZ 6520 2011
We can talk about twenty for a long time, but to be honest, it’s better not to bother, and for the same amount take a five-year-old Scania, which will last longer and will not, like a new KamAZ, constantly require replacement of the radiator, cylinder, cooler. Well, at first this is done under a guarantee, and then you have to do it all at your own expense.
A little later, springs and turbines begin to break, and balancer bushings fly off. In general, I wonder what the designers were thinking when they installed fluoroplastic bushings under a 30-ton body? I had to change them to bronze ones, which last for almost three years. If I had my way, I would poke the designers into every detail and ask why it was done this way?
Review of KAMAZ 6520 26014-63 2011
The first impression of the dump truck was positive - a soft cabin with air springs, it’s a pleasure to drive one. The car was driven to its tail and mane; in two months the mileage was 35 thousand km. During this period, the intercooler caused a lot of headaches, which had to be disassembled and soldered several times. As soon as we solved this problem, a problem came that we have not been able to cope with for almost two months. At a certain point, the truck stopped gaining momentum.
At idle, the engine runs like a clock, but after warming up the check light comes on and the dump truck stands up, as if an anchor was attached to it from behind. If you turn off the engine and start it again, everything is fine until it reaches 1500 rpm. Specialists from Perm arrived and spent almost ten hours trying to make a diagnosis. The computer generated error 1121 - a malfunction of the fuel supply system. The specialist said that he was 90% sure that the problem was in the injectors. The diagnosis seemed dubious to me, but there was nothing to do - I had to send the car to a service center, where these same injectors were adjusted.
After the adjustment, we put the injectors in place - everything was the same, no changes. The service center specialists said that they would have to remove the pump. They went through the pump, cleaned something there, adjusted it and said that now everything should work perfectly. We put it on a truck - it’s the same story... So we’ve been racking our brains over this riddle for two months now.
Review of KAMAZ 6520 2012
We have this KamAZ truck in our garage, a 20-ton truck. With a 740 engine, boosted to 320 horses. 16-speed ZF gearbox, gear axles. In general, there are different modifications - with and without inter-wheel locking. There are options with an 8-speed gearbox, but you shouldn’t mess with these. The engine in this version has an extremely narrow range of operating speeds; below 1000 revolutions the thrust is generally just like a moped.
For me, this KamAZ is inferior to the three-axle MAZ in all respects, except the cab. The engine, frame, suspension are weaker than those of MAZ. At the same time, it is more expensive and more difficult to maintain. Our office already operates several such KamAZ trucks, and the reviews about these vehicles are contradictory.
