MMZ-30TD: will there be a replacement for the T-16?

Many probably remember how popular the “chassis” was in the USSR - the T-16 tractor and their modifications (Germany was the first to produce such equipment in 1953). This unpretentious and easy-to-maintain universal machine is still found in suburban areas. But T-16s have not been produced for a long time. It is clear that such a market niche could not be ignored by manufacturers. The logical continuation of the model was the SSH-2540, produced in Kharkov, as well as the VTZ-30Sh. The latter was first produced at the Vladimir Tractor Plant, later at the SAREKS enterprise (Saransk), where it received the name Agromash-30SSh.


However, in Ukraine and in the Russian Federation, the production of self-propelled chassis was suspended for a number of reasons. In Kharkov, the conveyor stopped due to the lack of diesel engines supplied by the Vladimir Tractor Plant. And it, in turn, closed in 2018. It is quite logical that "the flag was picked up" by Belarus. But only the production was opened not at all the well-known MTZ, but at the Minsk Motor Plant - MMZ.

The first tractors in Belarus were assembled from ready-made vehicle kits purchased from the Vladimir plant. However, this cannot be called a complete screwdriver assembly: the Minsk MMZ-30TD and the more powerful MMZ-40TD are equipped with three-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engines manufactured in Belarus MMZ-3LDT.1. Plus, the equipment includes a second-class rear linkage that allows you to attach virtually any equipment. The purchased car kits "Agormash-50SSh" also did not have hoods and a number of other elements that were "found" in Belarus. On new equipment, the power take-off shaft can be installed front and rear. While the Vladimir (Saransk) self-propelled chassis were equipped with air-cooled internal combustion engines, and the TSU was not so versatile.

How the Belarusian manufacturer positions MMZ-30TD

The chassis is designed for mechanization of work performed in agriculture (including animal husbandry and greenhouses), construction, and public services. The platform located in front of the tractor, designed for a ton of cargo, can be raised sideways or forward.


Some technical characteristics of MMZ-30TD:

✅ length, width and height - 4,19, 1,45 and 2,63 m
✅ body dimensions - 2,1x1,45x0,365 m
✅ wheelbase - 2,5 m
✅ clearance (agrotechnical clearance) - 45 cm
✅ speeds - from 5,39 to 30 km / h
✅ unladen chassis weight - 2,34 t

The four-stroke engine has a volume of 1,6 liters. The engine is turbocharged, additionally equipped with an intercooler - a supercharged cooling system.


The internal combustion engine, which the Minsk Motor Plant sells for 213 thousand 109 rubles, develops a capacity of 35 "horses" with a torque of up to 120 N * m. The engine works in conjunction with a manual transmission that provides six gears forward and the same number back.

Design and suspension features

The main difference from a conventional tractor is the rear location of the power unit. At the same time, there is a tubular frame in front, on which a metal body was originally placed. However, other equipment is allowed. Behind the engine there is a towing hitch that has been certified and designed for towing a trailer.


At the request of the customer, an optional pneumatic system, power take-off shafts in front and (and) behind, and other units can be mounted on the chassis. The list of possible towing equipment is impressive:

✅ double-furrow plow (permissible soil resistance 0,9 kg/cm
✅ cultivator
✅ disc or mesh harrow
✅ hiller
✅ cutters of any type
✅ potato planters and diggers
✅ mowers

In addition, the self-propelled chassis can be combined with a garden auger, a leaf and debris vacuum cleaner, a sprayer, a sand spreader and a snow blower.

Cabin

Its equipment, internal layout and ergonomics fully comply with the requirements of the EU standard 79/622. This means that it is possible to obtain an international certificate. The cab is based on a rigid frame that ensures the safety of the machine operator in emergency situations (for example, in the event of a rollover of equipment). The glazing is made in a panoramic way: a good overview guarantees control over the work of trailer equipment.


The gearbox shift handle is not located in the center, as was done before, but under the right hand, as in a car. Part of the switches and levers are placed on the side panels for convenience. Devices - classic "kruglyashi".
In terms of comfort, everything you need is provided. Ventilation works, in cold weather the heater is used. There is a hanger for work clothes, even a special place for a thermos, a radio tape recorder plus a tool box.

Technical comparison with VTZ-30SSh

A two-cylinder D120 engine was installed on a tractor from the bankrupt Vladimir Plant, but it had air cooling and a smaller, 30 hp engine. With. power. At the same time, the self-propelled chassis weighed 100 kg more - 2,44 tons.


The carrying capacity of the Vladimir chassis is the same, 1 ton, the maximum speed is less - 23,86 km / h. The ground clearance is lower - 38 cm (for the Minsk car - 45 cm).

MMZ-40TD

This is a more powerful version of the self-propelled chassis, the diesel 4-cylinder engine of which already develops 45 “horses” with a torque of up to 160 N * m. Among other distinctive features, it is worth highlighting the carrying capacity: up to one and a half tons can be transported on a dump platform-body.

Prospects for MMZ-30TD and 40TD

Certification of self-propelled chassis started in 2017 and was completed in February of the following year. During this time, the equipment was returned to the manufacturer twice to eliminate the detected “minuses”. The tests were carried out at the Research and Production Center of the Academy of Sciences in Zhdanovichi. It is worth noting: the list of requirements for certification includes twenty standards of Russia and Belarus.


In total, more than 20 modifications of the suspension and other components of the self-propelled chassis were carried out. In particular, it was necessary to install an additional counterweight on the front axle. The second disadvantage is insufficient torque when using the chassis for plowing. The designers decided to install a more powerful fuel pump, or another engine manufactured by the same MMZ - MMZ-4DTI.

Now the machine meets all the requirements of the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union and can be freely sold in its member states. The press service of MMZ stated that representatives of agricultural organizations and farmers from far abroad are showing interest in their new product.

Price

A self-propelled chassis (new) from the Vladimir Tractor Plant VTZ-30SSh was sold (perhaps even now) for 1 million 015 thousand rubles. But on the official website of the Minsk Motor Plant there is no data on the self-propelled chassis: only about the engines. Despite the fact that all certification documents have been received, the car was demonstrated at various exhibitions, there is no news about the new self-propelled chassis today. It is possible that the equipment did not go into mass production. Although the plant itself is in good financial condition and, for example, last year increased the export of its products (mainly engines) to Russia by 30%, outside the CIS countries by 16%. Perhaps you know something about the fate of the MMZ-30TD and 40TD projects?