KamAZ-5320

KamAZ-5320 at a glance

The KamAZ-5320 was designed as a modern, high-capacity truck for long-distance freight, with a forward-control tilting cab and a powerful V8 diesel. It set the technical pattern for the whole family: the same cab, engine and gearbox were used in the KamAZ-5410 tractor unit, the KamAZ-5511 dump truck and many later models. The company's story is told in the history of KamAZ, and all its trucks are in the KamAZ catalogue.

Design and body

The 5320 has a steel flatbed with drop sides and a forward-control cab that tilts forward for access to the engine. The cab was offered in a short version and a long version, the latter with more space behind the seats. According to the old 1cars text, the cab seats three, the windscreen is split into two panes and the dashboard carries a full set of gauges and warning lights. For its time the cab was considered comfortable, although the large steering wheel and awkward pedals tire the driver on long journeys.

The 5320 was designed to pull a trailer: the old 1cars text notes that a matching trailer could carry another 8 tonnes, doubling the load of a single truck.

Engine

The KamAZ-740 is a naturally aspirated V8 with direct injection, designed for long service life. The old 1cars text mentions versions with 132 kW (180 PS) and 154 kW (210 PS), a pre-heater and flame-glow system for starting in cold weather, and an air filter with automatic dust removal. The truck was designed to work in temperatures from +50 °C to −40 °C. The closed cooling system uses two thermostats and a fan driven through an automatic hydraulic coupling, which keeps the engine at a steady temperature in both hot and cold climates. Two fuel tanks, of 250 and 175 litres according to the old 1cars text, give a long range despite fuel use of about 35 litres per 100 km.

Gearbox and running gear

The gearbox is a five-speed manual, synchronised from second gear, combined with a two-stage range unit that doubles the number of ratios to ten. According to the old 1cars text, the clutch is a twin-plate design with hydraulic assistance. Both rear axles are driven, giving a 6×4 layout. The top speed is 100 km/h.

Suspension, steering and brakes

According to the old 1cars text, the front axle is suspended on semi-elliptic leaf springs with double-acting telescopic dampers, while the rear bogie uses a balancing suspension on semi-elliptic springs, which spreads the load between the two rear axles. Steering is by a screw-and-nut mechanism with an integrated hydraulic power booster. All six wheels have drum brakes with a dual-circuit pneumatic system, and an exhaust-type engine retarder serves as an auxiliary brake; the trailer brakes are operated from the truck. The same source gives a stopping distance of 36.7 metres from 60 km/h and a main service interval of 8,000 km.

Dimensions and weights

Variants and derivatives

The KamAZ-4310 added all-wheel drive for rough terrain, while later models such as the KamAZ-4308 used a new generation of cabs and engines.

Development and production history

The task of creating a new family of heavy diesel trucks was set in 1968, according to the old 1cars text, and the KamAZ plant was built specifically for it. The new family was planned from the start around a common cab, engine and gearbox, so that flatbeds, tractor units, dump trucks and chassis for special bodies could be built on one production line. The first 5320s were built in small numbers in 1976, and large-scale production started in 1978. From 1978 the trucks were also exported to East Germany. The 5320 remained in production with few changes until 2000, by which time a new generation of KamAZ trucks had appeared. In the mid-1980s KamAZ also developed a gas-diesel system together with the NAMI research institute: a prototype was built in 1984, tests in 1985 showed better fuel economy and lower smoke and noise, and gas-diesel trucks went into production in 1987, according to the old 1cars text.

In service and preservation today

Many 5320s are still in use, because the design is simple, strong and easy to repair, and parts remain available for the KamAZ-740 engine and the gearbox. When buying one, check the frame for cracks and corrosion, the condition of the engine and its fuel injection pump, the gearbox and range unit, and the rear bogie.

Strengths and weaknesses

The old 1cars text summarises the experience of drivers and operators:

Strengths:

• Works in climates from +50 °C to −40 °C.
• Easy to maintain, with relatively cheap spare parts.
• Copes well with overloading and has good ground clearance for poor roads.
• Good visibility from the high cab and effective brakes for its class.
• A wide range of variants and special bodies.

Weaknesses:

• Engine noise and poor sound insulation in the cab.
• Seats and interior materials of low quality by later standards.
• High fuel consumption.
• Some repairs need special skills and tools.

Rivals: how the 5320 compared

In its class the 5320 competed with other heavy trucks of its era, such as the MAZ-500 family and the ZIL-133. Its strengths were its powerful V8 diesel, ten-speed gearbox, high payload and the tilting cab that made maintenance easier. Its weaknesses were high fuel consumption, a basic cab, a very large steering wheel and uncomfortable pedals.