The KamAZ-54112 is the tractor unit that succeeded the KamAZ-5410 in 1980 and stayed in production until 2007. It looks almost the same as its predecessor, but it was built to pull heavier semi-trailers and to work in extreme climates.
KamAZ-54112 at a glance
| Maker | KamAZ, Naberezhnye Chelny |
|---|---|
| Developed | late 1970s, from the KamAZ-5410 |
| Production | 1980–2007 |
| Replaced by | KamAZ-54115, from 1995 |
| Layout | 6×4 tractor unit |
| Kerb weight | 7,050 kg |
| Payload | 11,350 kg |
| Gross weight | 19,000 kg |
| Train weight | 33,000–35,000 kg |
| Engine | KamAZ-740, 10.85 l V8 |
| Power | 210 hp (154 kW) |
| Torque | 639 Nm |
| Top speed | 95 km/h |
| Fuel tanks | 2 × 125 l |
The article is based on one source, the Russian Wikipedia page on the KamAZ-54112.
History of the KamAZ-54112
The 54112 was developed in the late 1970s on the basis of the KamAZ-5410, and series production began in 1980. The two vehicles look much alike, but the newer tractor can pull heavier semi-trailers at higher fifth-wheel loads, which required changes to the frame: the side members were reworked and the layout of components such as the spare wheel and the fuel tanks, mostly carried behind or under the cab, was revised.
The model was also built for hard conditions. The basic version works at ambient temperatures from −40 to +50 °C and copes with 98 per cent humidity at +35 °C, and an XL version was made for temperatures down to −50 °C. As with the 5410, the type was exported to East Germany under the designation 54112H. Some vehicles received a hydraulic tipping system so that suitable semi-trailers could be used for bulk loads, and a sleeper-cab version appeared as the 54112M.
The engine is the KamAZ-740 V8 diesel of 10,850 cm³ with a bore and stroke of 120 mm, delivering 210 hp (154 kW) and a maximum torque of 639 Nm. The gearbox is a five-speed manual with a low range for off-road work, the drive is of the 6×4 type, and the truck reaches 95 km/h and climbs an 18 per cent gradient. Two 125-litre tanks feed the engine, which uses about 35 litres per 100 km.
The tractor measures 6,200 mm long, 2,500 mm wide and 2,850 mm high on a wheelbase of 2,840 plus 1,320 mm, with a ground clearance of 280 mm and a turning radius of 18 m. It weighs 7,050 kg empty, carries 11,350 kg and has a gross weight of 19,000 kg, with 13,930 kg on the double rear axle; as part of a semi-trailer train the combination may weigh 33,000 to 35,000 kg. The 54115 became its successor in 1995, but the 54112 remained in production for another twelve years.
Design and features
- Stronger frame: reworked side members and revised layout for higher fifth-wheel loads.
- Climate proof: rated for −40 to +50 °C and 98 per cent humidity, with an XL version to −50 °C.
- Export versions: sold to East Germany as the 54112H.
- Tipping option: a hydraulic system for bulk semi-trailers, and the 54112M sleeper cab.
- Long life: twenty-seven years in production alongside its successor.
KamAZ-54112 versions
- KamAZ-54112: the standard tractor unit.
- KamAZ-54112M: the version with a sleeper cab.
- KamAZ-54112H: the export designation used in East Germany.
- KamAZ-54112 XL: the cold-climate version for temperatures down to −50 °C.
- Tipping version: a tractor with a hydraulic tipping system for bulk semi-trailers.
The 54112 was developed from the KamAZ-5410 and was replaced by the KamAZ-54115 in 1995. More trucks are in the KamAZ collection.
Sources
- КАМАЗ-54112, Russian Wikipedia: history, specifications
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