Flatbed truck GAZ-3309

In the 90s, trucks of the 33rd series dominated the Gorky Automobile Plant. First of all, this applies to the base GAZ-3307. It turned out to be very popular, but had one weak point. The car was equipped with a gasoline engine, and the era of medium-tonnage diesel-powered transport was already in full swing.


Therefore, when at the end of 1994 the plant introduced the GAZ 544.1 turbodiesel, the issue was resolved immediately. This 4-cylinder 116-horsepower power unit was installed on the base model, changing its index. The new diesel version with a carrying capacity of 4,5 tons was named GAZ-3309. And although at the beginning of its history, at the turn of the century, it briefly gave way to the "elder sister", the future turned out to be "XNUMX".


Over time, this model forced out a competitor with a gasoline engine from the assembly line, taking the position of the main car of the plant. There were multiple modifications used in special purposes. And the history of this truck lasted more than a quarter of a century.

The appearance of the first GAZ-3309

The new car almost completely corresponded to its predecessor. The turbodiesel served as an internal difference, and the air intake pipe on the left side of the cab served as an external difference. At the turn of the century, the question arose with the model of the power unit. This put the model on hold for a while. Very soon it was resolved positively. At the beginning of the "zero" partners from the Minsk Motor Plant offered the D-245.7, which turned out to be a godsend for the Gorky medium-tonnage.



The car gained popularity, despite the fact that high traffic was not one of its strengths. In his niche, he found few worthy competitors. Therefore, very often "zero ninth" can be found in small towns and villages. After all, paved roads and short trips are the strong point of this model. In addition, the truck often proved to be very worthy in areas with the worst quality of coverage, transporting medium-heavy goods.

The serial car has earned respect, including for the optimal ratio in terms of quality / price. Its diesel unit has confirmed its good motor resource on many provincial roads of our country. There are a number of additional bonuses:

✅ reliability
✅ easy operation
✅ low maintenance and repair costs
✅ good functionality

The all-metal truck cab has a bonnet layout. Inside, a pleasant soft upholstery is used and there are two seats. Each of them is equipped with a seat belt. Pre-installed heating and ventilation systems do their job quite well even in not the most favorable weather conditions.

Modifications and development of the model

Back in the late 90s, an all-wheel drive version of the car appeared, called "Sadko" (GAZ-3308). The 2-ton truck was primarily intended for military use. The existing civilian version was distinguished by a 300 kg greater carrying capacity. Their successful operation led to the emergence of new modifications. So a whole family of 5-seater cars with a twin cab GAZ-3325 "Huntsman" appeared. A little later, under the order for wealthy hunters, a full-size off-road truck "Vepr" (GAZ-330811) was offered.


In the middle of the 2s, it was time to revise the power units. The car has been upgraded several times in order to obtain certification of compliance with environmental standards: EURO-2006 (2008-3) and EURO-2008 (2012-2009). Therefore, serial production of "zero seventh" with Zavolzhsky gasoline engines was stopped in 2010. After that, they were produced only in small batches, under the state order (in 406 - 245 pieces). On the contrary, Minsk diesel engines of the XNUMXth generation became the base for the Gorky truck line:

✅ D-245.7 E-3 - in 2010-2012 it was installed on GAZ-3309
✅ D-245.7 E-2 - at the same time on "Sadko" and "Countryman"
✅ 119-horsepower D-245.7 E-4 from 2013 to 2016 was used for all modifications

In addition, the modification "096" until 2016 had a Cummins ISF 3.8L diesel engine under the hood that meets the requirements of EURO-4. The same model of the power unit was installed at the Valdai. Since 2013, the era of Yaroslavl engines of the 534th series has begun. They assembled a new modification of the GAZ-33098 and an updated all-terrain vehicle "Sadko" (GAZ-33088). Here we have 12-volt equipment, power steering, air-hydraulic brakes and ABS.

Technical features of the GAZ-3309

Having dwelled in more detail on diesel units, it is worth noting that they have 4 in-line cylinders and a turbocharger of a tubular-plate type. Direct fuel injection is also used. Belarusian engines with a volume of 4,75 liters develop a maximum power of 125 liters. With. The Yaroslavl competitor, with a slightly smaller working volume (4,43 l), is able to give out a little more “horses” - 134,5 and has 100 rpm more (2300). Fuel consumption at YaMZ is also higher by one liter (15,5 l / 100 km).


The general concept of all modifications of the truck is rear-wheel drive and a frame structure with dependent spring suspensions. There are double-sided telescopic shock absorbers in the front. The brake system has a double circuit and hydraulic drive. It is complemented by vacuum reservoirs in the circuits and drum brakes.

The exterior design includes 20-inch wheels, round halogen optics and a rear fog light. The exterior is made very simply, which is emphasized by a massive radiator grille and a shockproof bumper of a classic type. The cabin is completely made of metal.

Inside the 2-door cabin with wide openings there is a good heater and comfortable chairs with a high back. Large glazing for good visibility and large manually adjustable mirrors are also available. The spacious hood provides easy access to the elements of the engine compartment from any side.


Seats and mirrors are mechanically adjustable. The front panel is equipped with round instruments and large control levers. There are hooks for outerwear next to the seats, and sun visors in front. In general, everything is simple and without pretensions to any special luxury or comfort. Given the short distances for which the GAZ-3309 is intended, this is not surprising. The truck has the following dimensions:

✅ length - 6,4 m
✅ width - 2,38 m
✅ height - 2,35 m (on the awning - 2,9 m)
✅ wheelbase - 3,77 m
✅ ground clearance - 265 mm
✅ climbing angle - 14 degrees

The curb weight, depending on the modification, can range from 3,53 to 3,68 tons. The tilt version has a load capacity of 150 kg less, and the gross vehicle weight is 8,18 tons. The cargo platform has a wooden floor with metal reinforcement and three folding sides, 51 cm high. For the transportation of bulk materials, their height is increased.

Demand and end of production

In addition to the usual modifications, there were also long-wheelbase versions of the truck, such as Dobrynya or GAZ-33091. The latter took root well as a special vehicle in the fire department. The warranty period for a car was considered to be 30 mileage or a year of operation (depending on which came first).


In 2014, all trucks received a small external change. Now, instead of the usual inscription "GAS", the emblem of the manufacturer flaunted on the radiator grille. At the same time, the minimum price of GAZ-3309 was 870 thousand rubles. The release of popular trucks continued until 2019. In January of the following year, the cars were discontinued.