Tractor T-150K - the legendary worker of the Soviet fields

Soviet tractors inspired respect for everyone who saw them at least once. This is especially true in relation to the K-700 and T-150K. The first tractor is more powerful and massive, it needs space to work. The second one is more compact and light, so it is relevant not only in large agricultural enterprises, but also among farmers.

Predecessor

Back in the late 1950s, the Soviet Union realized that the country needed new powerful tractors. Tracked models were far from suitable for all work, damaged the soil, and were not intended for public roads.


Such a tractor is, in fact, tied to one place, it was problematic to overtake it on its own over considerable distances. It was necessary to call a truck with a trawl, which entailed additional financial and time costs. Yes, and there was no such transport equipment in each collective farm, we had to order it from afar.

Therefore, the idea was born to create new tractors that are not inferior to caterpillar ones, but surpass them in versatility, maneuverability and are characterized by lower fuel consumption.

NAMI specialists were the first to test new models. They prepared two prototypes. T-91 (with a central hinge of the frame) and T-92 (with swivel front wheels).

As a result of the tests, it was decided that a fundamentally new design with a central hinge of the frame provides greater versatility and maneuverability to the tractor. Therefore, the T-91 model was recommended for the series.


It is interesting that initially the NAMI designers were not going to insist on the speedy launch of a powerful wheeled tractor into production. They did not have such an opportunity - the task of the engineers was to conduct tests, create experimental models. And whether they will be launched into a series is already the tenth thing.

Khrushchev brought powerful universal wheeled tractors to the leading positions. Having visited the USA, he was impressed by such technology. Returning home, the Secretary General forbade the designers to work on new models of caterpillar tractors. Now the engineers have been given a different task - to do no worse than in the USA.

In 1962, the serial production of new T-125 tractors began. Organized production at KhTZ plant in Kharkiv. The model really turned out to be universal, but it was produced in small batches. It is believed that from 1962 to 1969 only about 250 copies were collected. And this is with various modifications.


The T-125 was first of all supposed to be an experimental model, on the basis of which a new design with a central hinge of the frame was tested. In 1964, the tractor was going to be modernized and mass-produced - up to 70 thousand units per year.

How the T-150K appeared

It was only in 1964 that Khrushchev was removed. Some of the decisions of the old general secretary were canceled, wheeled powerful tractors were also abandoned. The situation was saved by Boris Kashuba, the leading designer of KhTZ. At one time, due to Khrushchev's decisions, he had to abandon his projects on caterpillar tractors. When this happened, the designer began to secretly work on the wheel model.

Kashuba was able to clearly prove that wheeled tractors are in some cases better. By that time, he and his employees had developed a new model, called the T-150K. In order not to quarrel with supporters of tracked vehicles, the technique was initially calculated as unified with them.


And so the famous wheeled tractor T-150K appeared. Serial production of the model began in 1971.

Exterior and cabin

The design of the wheeled tractor was clearly not designed to attract admiring glances. But the designers managed to achieve just that - even now the T-150K commands respect. Most likely, such a visual effect is given by huge wheels with aggressive off-road tread.

The cabin is closed, has a circular panoramic glazing that provides an overview to the driver. For the 70s, the T-150K tractor gave the machine operator an unsurpassed level of comfort. What only a sprung chair with adjustments cost.

The panel has all the necessary control devices and lamps. The levers are conveniently located for the driver, although it must be borne in mind that the model was developed in the 70s, when such nuances were not paid attention to.


However, manipulations with levers do not require much effort - a physically developed man coped with them and did not get tired by the end of the work shift. Although, for a modern driver spoiled by foreign cars, a tractor from the USSR will be difficult and tedious to drive.

Technical specifications

The main feature of the T-150K is its articulated frame connected by a hinge. Due to this, the tractor gained maneuverability. Oversized low-pressure tires with aggressive tread provide the model with patency on any soil.

Unlike tracked vehicles, the T-150K, even in early modifications, reached speeds of up to 30 km/h. This made it possible to travel considerable distances on their own, especially since the model had access to public roads.


The engine for the first modifications, and we are considering them, was installed SMD-60. This diesel power unit was developed specifically for the T-150 family. With a working volume of 9,15 liters, it develops 165 hp. With. Despite the low power, the motor is distinguished by high traction at low speeds, as it should be for a tractor power unit.


The "starter" is responsible for starting the engine. It is a two-stroke motor that is started by a rope starter.

Later modifications were equipped with YaMZ-236 engines. Despite periodic leaks, this motor is still very popular due to its simplicity of design and low cost of repair.


The front axle is usually not included, it is recommended to use it only when driving with a maximum load or overcoming difficult sections. An interesting scheme of cardan shafts between half-frames is implemented. They transmit torque regardless of the tractor's steering angle.

Modifications

The T-150K wheeled tractor is a universal technique that is still produced with minimal technical changes. On the chassis of the model, military vehicles with the T-155/155K indices were made. These tractors are designed for engineering and artillery units.

T-156 is a front loader. Used both in agriculture and on construction sites.

Skidders LT-157 were produced for logging operations. This modification was distinguished by the presence of a safety cage for the driver, and the cabin was insulated specifically for the harsh northern conditions.


For work at the factories, the T-158 was used - a modification with a cargo-type saddle trailer.

The T-150K tractor is still found both in agriculture and at construction sites. As a rule, these are still models of the Soviet period. They have developed a resource for a long time, but continue to work.

Owners and hired drivers love this tractor for its simple design. The model can be repaired at any mechanical yard or in a private household. In Russia, similar equipment is produced by the Bryansk Tractor Plant, by the way, under the license of KhTZ.