BelAZ-7540 - the smallest dump truck in the line of mining giants

BelAZ trucks are produced in the Belarusian city of Zhodino. In all the former republics of the USSR, this is the only plant of its kind. Mining dump trucks of various sizes are produced there, starting from model 7571, capable of taking on board up to 450 tons.


But today we will not talk about this giant, although we will also talk about him. The hero of this publication BelAZ-7540 is the smallest dump truck in the line of the Belarusian manufacturer.

Short story

Heavy trucks in Zhodino began to be produced at the suggestion of the Minsk Automobile Plant. It was this company that handed over the MAZ-525 model in 1958. A mining dump truck did not fit well into the factory line, and machines of such a plan were vital for the country. Therefore, the enterprise in Zhodino was redesigned for the production of MAZ-525.


These were heavy mining dump trucks with a payload capacity of 25 tons. Already in 1965, design engineers launched their model, called BelAZ-540A, into a series. By the way, this still recognizable design was created by Valentin Sergeevich Kobylinskiy - he was specially sent from the NAMI Institute.

The first BelAZ in history had a carrying capacity of 27 tons. The hero of our today's article left not far from him. The carrying capacity of BelAZ-7540 is only 30 tons. Why, one might ask, does the plant need such a “baby”? After all, logically, the trucks had to be modernized and only “grow”.

But everything is explained more simply - certain tasks require the use of dump trucks with different dimensions. There are careers and cuts where heavy models are simply not able to pass.

BelAZ-7540 appeared in 1992 and is still in production. There are 4 versions of this model in the manufacturer's lineup, differing in power units.


Mining dump trucks BelAZ-7540 are designed to work in any climatic conditions. They work in temperature ranges from -50 to +50 degrees Celsius. Due to the small weight and dimensions for such equipment, cars can be operated on mountain roads.

Appearance

The design of the “youngest” model in the line of the Zhodino manufacturer is typically “Belazovsky”. It is unlikely that this truck can be confused with something else. Even the fair sex, often far from cars in general, knows about BelAZ. But these dump trucks have become familiar since Soviet times, and the brand has become a household name.

BelAZ-7540 from afar looks like a children's toy - it seems small and too short. But as soon as you get closer to this truck, it becomes clear that it is also a giant, although it is lost against the background of the “big brothers”.


The front has a protruding hood. The massive bumper protects the optics from damage. On the sides of the BelAZ there are characteristic ladders, along which you can get into the cabin or simply climb to its level from the other side for maintenance. A massive radiator grill provides additional cooling to the engine, although all motors are liquid.

The cabin is traditionally located for BelAZ models - on the left. She has only one door, on the same side. There are two places inside. The salon is practical:

✅ The driver's seat is sprung and has a number of settings
✅ All controls are accessible
✅ Dashboard informative
✅ There is a powerful stove and ventilation system

The body of BelAZ-7540 is equipped with a visor protruding above the cab. This element protects the driver from pieces of rock that could damage the roof during inaccurate loading. By the way, the visor is reinforced obliquely with a special beam, which eliminates the possibility of its serious deformation.


Cabin glass is highly durable. Frontal three-layer, rear and side - hardened. In the basic configurations, air conditioning and dustproofing of the cabin are not provided, but they can be ordered as an option.

Modifications

The earliest versions of the "small" mining truck had an index of 75405. This truck was produced in the 90s. The car was as light and cheap as possible. At that time, Belarusian dump trucks were mainly purchased by Russia, as they are now, however.

BelAZ-75405 worked together with Caterpillar and Komatsu. The drivers had a lot of complaints about the Belarusian early models - they poured many times more than foreign ones. Although, it must be admitted that they were not spared - overloads were considered the norm. Foreign models were not exploited so harshly.

Another version that is no longer produced is BelAZ-7540D. This truck featured a German Deutz engine with 395 hp. With. Due to this, the cost of the car was higher, but the model was in demand. The German power unit was distinguished by reliability. Now, due to economic sanctions, which also affected Belarus, the supply of this motor is impossible.


The same fate befell the BelAZ-7540C modification, although the reason is different. This mining dump truck was equipped with a D 280 engine. This power unit was jointly developed by the Minsk and Tutaevsky Motor Plants. During operation, it was decided to abandon this engine - it was inferior in reliability to other power units.

Current modifications of BelAZ-7540:

✅ 7540A is equipped with a YaMZ-240PM2 engine. Gearbox five-speed
✅ 7540V version with YaMZ-240M21 motor. Equipped with a three-speed gearbox
✅ 7540E is technically similar to the previous mining truck. Differs in the increased body
✅ 7540K is equipped with a Cummins power unit. This is the "top" version of the dump truck. Has a cabin of increased comfort, rich equipment

Outwardly, all BelAZs of this series are identical. The most interesting modification is 7540K. The manufacturer managed to keep this version in gamut. At least, it is still offered on the plant's website. It is possible that Cummins engines were purchased even before the sanctions. Although they are made in China, the company itself is from the USA.

Engines

The main engine for BelAZ-7540 is a turbocharged YaMZ-240PM2. This power unit is assembled at the Yaroslavl plant. Interestingly, Belarusian manufacturers tried to abandon these engines, but then returned to them. The working volume of the power unit is 22,3 liters. Power - 420 liters. With.


YaMZ-240M2-1 - modification of the previous engine, but without a turbine. This motor is more reliable and easier to operate. With the same volume, power is reduced to 360 hp. With.

The most reliable powertrain is the Cummins QSM11-C. With a volume of 10,8 liters, it develops 400 hp. With.

Service and reviews

Any equipment needs maintenance, even such as BelAZ. Mining trucks require regular maintenance. If this is not done, you will have to change parts more often - this is expensive, because the parts are expensive.


Drivers speak positively about BelAZ-7540. They note that they are definitely more reliable than KamAZ, MAZ and other dump trucks. It cannot be otherwise - this is a special career technique.


At the same time, Belarusian cars are worse than foreign ones both in terms of reliability and the level of comfort in the cab. Many complaints about the dust and noise protection. Complain that by the end of the shift, the head is buzzing from the roar of the engine, and dust creaks on the teeth.

The second serious minus is the fuel consumption, which is twice as high as declared in the performance characteristics. The manufacturer gives an average value of 60 liters on different engines, in fact, it is about 100.

BelAZ-7540 is in demand in the markets, so they are not going to refuse to release it. Now, when Russia is under economic sanctions, the Belarusian manufacturer has a chance to become a market monopoly. Although, Chinese brands are also counting on this, I must say, not unreasonably.