Ural-43206 - the "younger brother" of the Soviet legend and a complete station wagon

Trucks of the Ural brand are a carefully preserved Soviet heritage. ZiL SUVs have not been produced for a long time, and the Ural Automobile Plant has not only survived, but is still alive. The company makes all-wheel drive trucks with high cross-country ability. They are suitable for both military and civilian applications.


The Ural-4320 is good for everyone, but it doesn’t have maneuverability, especially in urban conditions. Not only is it three-axle, but also the long hood gets in the way. However, in the Soviet Union, this was not particularly embarrassing. The truck went to the army, and the civil services used mainly GAZ and ZIL.


The situation changed radically after the collapse of the USSR. Military orders almost completely stopped, it was necessary to focus on the civilian market. So the Ural-43206 was “born” - a two-axle truck, which is distinguished by its universal purpose.

How did the

Considering the model, one should remember its progenitor. Accordingly, the history of Ural-43206 must begin with a three-axle version without a six in the index. The country needed a diesel four-wheel drive truck back in the late 60s. But since there were no problems with fuel at that time, the first Ural-4320 left the assembly line only in 1977.


The model turned out to be so successful that it is still being produced, periodically going through upgrades. As for the biaxial modification, it appeared only in 1993.

The main differences between Ural-43206:

✅ Upgraded fuel system. This has reduced fuel consumption
✅ To balance the weight distribution between the axles, it was necessary to increase the wheelbase
✅ The car received a more modern cabin

As for the last point, there were even cargo-and-passenger modifications, with two rows of seats. They also produced limited batches of trucks with Italian IVECO cabs.

For what

Ural-43206 turned out to be a multifunctional vehicle. At the same time, the manufacturer tried not only to maintain the level of patency, but also increased it. This was achieved by reducing the weight of the truck - now the Ural is able to move even through wetlands. Although, it’s not worth climbing into a full-fledged swamp - it’s still an SUV, not an amphibian.


The truck is capable of forcing water barriers up to 1,75 meters deep and moving through ditches up to 2 meters wide. By the way, in the second half of the 90s, early 2000s, Ural-43206 was delivered to the USA. When there was a severe flood in New Orleans, it was Russian trucks that proved themselves best during the evacuation of the population.

Appearance and cabin

The design of the Ural-43206 is uncomplicated, but inspires respect. Soviet trucks were definitely beautiful.

The cabin is all-metal. Inside there are three places - for the driver and two passengers. Like any truck, the Ural-43206 is a commercial vehicle. Therefore, it is most convenient for the driver in it - his separate seat has a number of adjustments. The passenger double sofa is rigidly fixed, so you have to adjust to the anatomical setting that the manufacturer intended.


There is a regular heater, powerful enough to feel comfortable even at -30 degrees outside.
As for the cargo platform, it is most often onboard. Although, under the order, anything can be installed on the chassis, including specific equipment, for example, drilling.

Technical features

The main motor for Ural-43206 is YaMZ-236. The six-cylinder power unit has a volume of 11,15 liters. Thanks to the turbine, it was possible to remove 230 hp from the engine. With. The motor is characterized by high traction at low and medium speeds. This is exactly what you need for off-road driving.

YaMZ-236 engines have long proven themselves to be simple, unpretentious in repair and maintenance. This power unit is picky about the quality of diesel fuel. But summer diesel fuel should not be poured in winter, especially since the car does not provide for heating the fuel line.

Ural-43206 is not a tractor, but its power reserve is impressive. The total volume of tanks is 360 liters. Considering that the fuel consumption is declared at the level of 24 liters per 100 km, after a full refueling, you can drive 1,5 thousand kilometers. Of course, provided the engine is running at medium speeds. The speed must not exceed 60 km/h.


When driving off-road, fuel consumption increases depending on the type of ground. But since there is a diesel power unit under the hood, it should not rise above 30 liters per 100 km.

Recall that all modern engines of the Yaroslavl Motor Plant are liquid-cooled. If you monitor the system, avoiding damage to the radiators and stopping the fan, the car will not overheat even in hot summers, at temperatures above +40 degrees.

Other technical features

Gearboxes are mechanical, as in three-axle models. The YaMZ-236U gearbox is equipped with synchronizers, there is a transfer case.

At the heart of an all-wheel drive car is a powerful frame. Although the Ural-43206 can carry up to 4 tons according to the performance characteristics, the safety margin of the car is much higher. This was done on purpose - the mentality of our drivers is such that they will definitely overload the car entrusted to them.


Suspensions with semi-elliptical springs and hydraulic shock absorbers, so that the stiffness varies depending on the weight. Of course, you need to be aware that this is not a passenger car, but passengers will not beat their heads on the cabin roof on bumps.

Versions

Ural-43206 universal car. The main model is onboard, there is an awning on arcs. These trucks are the most popular. Thanks to the 4x4 drive, the machine is able to work even next to timber trucks. Often Ural-43206 is purchased by public utilities and signalmen.

On the chassis of two-axle trucks, fire tank trucks are produced at the plant. There is a double cabin that can accommodate six people with the driver.


It is possible to order a "bare" chassis for special equipment. On order, a truck at the factory can receive:

• PTO. It allows you to "borrow" up to 40 liters. With. at the engine
• Winches
• Automatic tire inflation

By the way, you can adjust the pressure in the wheels without leaving the cab.

Problems

Ural-43206 has been produced since 1993, so Russian drivers have already learned its strengths and weaknesses. The truck is simple and reliable, but it also has drawbacks.

Those who often operate the Ural-43206 in the city and on the highway complain about weak brakes. Off-road they are enough, but in the active mode you have to adapt. The problem is solved by installing hydro-pneumatic type amplifiers.


Many people buy cars from military conservation. They are almost new, but could stand without moving for 10 years or more. Rubber pipes and seals definitely have to be changed before starting operation.

The cabin is comfortable, but you won’t be able to fully relax inside - there is no sleeping bag in it. Although, in this class, such options are rare. If you wish, you can independently install a third-party sleeping bag on the roof. That's just it will spoil the harmonious design of the car.

You can buy Ural-43206 from 680 thousand rubles. On the used market, this model rarely comes across, in single copies. For a new chassis, the official dealer asks for 3,2 million.