MTZ-80/82 - the most popular wheeled tractor of the Soviet Union

One of the main manufacturers of wheeled tractors in the USSR was the Minsk plant. By the way, it still works. The most popular model of this enterprise is the MTZ-80 and its all-wheel drive modification with the index 82.


This agricultural machinery is still produced. Although the tractor has changed outwardly, the cab has become more comfortable, structurally it is still the same Soviet MTZ-80/82.


Of course, large agricultural enterprises rarely use these machines to work in the fields - they are low-powered. But for the distribution of feed and in small farms, it is indispensable. And for utilities, this technique is still relevant. MTZ-80 is characterized by low cost, efficiency and ease of repair.

History

Work on the new model at the MTZ design bureau started in 1966. Then the management of the plant received a Resolution of the Council of Ministers, stating that the country needs new wheeled tractors. Their power was supposed to be at least 75 hp. With.

The main model of the Minsk plant in the 60s was the MTZ-50. As the name implies, its power was supposed to be 50 hp. With. In fact, the model's engine developed 55 "horses", that is, 10% more than originally planned. But the index did not change.


Work began to boil and prototypes were soon ready. True, there was a hitch with the engine. Initially, the engineers wanted to create a tractor that was significantly more powerful than the previous model. Instead of the desired 75-80 liters according to the terms of reference. With. they offered a hundred "horses" at once.

The motors were as follows:

✅ SMD-14 from Kharkov "Hammer and Sickle"
✅ Vladimirsky D-160
✅ Minsk D-260

As a result, we decided that it would be advisable to use MMZ engines - they were made in the same city with tractors. This means that transport costs can be cut. Experimental models with these engines were sent to the Kuban and the Moscow region. There, experts had to test them and give their opinion.

It just seems that the increase in power for agricultural machinery is always preferable. It turned out that the future MTZ-80s are knocked out of their class. The new engine reduced the resource of all tractor units. Therefore, Minsk designers received a strict order not to engage in amateur performances and not to break out of 80 liters. With.


I had to take the old MTZ-50 engine and modify it, trying to increase power. To do this, the engine power system was redesigned, the crankshaft speed was accelerated and a new flywheel was installed. The power was raised to 80 hp. with., and fuel consumption unexpectedly for potential consumers decreased. Minimal, of course, but it's a fact.

In addition to work on the engine, the designers upgraded the gearbox and hydraulics. A gear reducer appeared for reduced speeds up to 1 km / h. The hodovka was strengthened - the tractor's carrying capacity increased from 1,5 to 2 tons due to this.

Cabin

At first glance, it seems that outwardly the MTZ-80 is almost no different from the previous model. In fact, the tractor cab was developed by a department specially created for this purpose. Of course, now the old MTZ-80s seem primitive and spartan, but for their time they were head and shoulders above the previous modifications.

Features of the new cabins:

✅ All-metal construction with reinforced frame
✅ The presence of rubber shock absorbers that reduce the level of vibrations
✅ Seat with adjustments and hydraulics
✅ Improved noise isolation

Tractor drivers claimed that it was no worse in the MTZ-80 cab than in a car. Of course, we are talking about a new tractor. After all, it is known that agricultural machinery has never been particularly protected. Although, some machinists watched the tractor as if it were their property. Technique paid for it with work without breakdowns.


In the 80s, a new, more spacious cabin with panoramic windows appeared on the MTZ-80. Among tractor drivers, she received the nickname "Aquarium". It is noteworthy that they developed it for the MTZ-100/142, which did not go into mass production.

Engine and main performance characteristics

Initially, the D-80 engine was installed on the MTZ-240. This is a simple atmospheric diesel four-cylinder unit with a volume of 4,75 liters and a power of 80 hp. With.


The most popular engine for the MTZ-80/82, which is installed on modern tractors, is the D-245. It is turbocharged and develops power from 90 to 136 hp. With. By the way, the motor is universal, it was massively supplied to Russia and installed on medium-duty trucks and buses.


All power units of the D-240 series have one working volume - 4,75 liters. Liquid-cooled motors, so the MTZ-80 had no problems with overheating in summer. Of course, provided that the system is in order.


Early MTZ-80s had a differential lock, activated by a special pedal. Modern tractors of this model received a standard electronic switch. The system is more convenient for the driver, but also structurally more complicated.

"Branded" model malfunctions

MTZ-80 is a reliable tractor. It is interesting that the cars of the Soviet years of production have a longer resource than modern modifications. This is due to the loss of production culture and the use of a number of Chinese components and components. Yes, Belarusian tractors are far from what they used to be - you need to come to terms with this.


The most common MTZ-80/82 problems are related to the inability to start the engine. As a rule, poor-quality fuel and a lazy tractor driver who neglects maintenance are to blame for this. First of all, the fuel pump fails. It happens that dirty diesel fuel clogs the filter elements. Blue smoke from the exhaust pipe hints that oil is entering the combustion chamber.

The gearbox is not always happy with the clarity of switching.

Interesting facts and reviews

Tractors MTZ-80 in Soviet times were delivered all over the world. They are still found in Africa, Latin America and even Australia. The Belarusian tractor has been tested at Lincoln University, located in Nebraska, USA. He got the highest marks there.


MTZ-80 has repeatedly won gold medals at agricultural exhibitions in Western Europe. 9 employees of the Minsk Tractor Plant received State Prizes of the BSSR for the development of a new model. They were personally congratulated by Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev.

Russian farmers still operate MTZ-80/82. Most of their tractors are still Soviet-made. They note that the technique has long and hopelessly become outdated, but at the same time it is still not inferior to modern models in its class.

Of course, foreign tractors are more powerful and more comfortable, but their price is ten times higher. And the maintenance of the MTZ-80 is much cheaper. Unfortunately, the quality of modern parts is inferior to Soviet ones, so the owners are trying to look for the latter.


Despite the years, even the first batches of MTZ-80 not only help with the housework, but also allow you to earn money in the countryside. This is facilitated by low fuel consumption, not exceeding 15 liters per hour.

D-240/243 are considered the most reliable engines. Despite their noise, they work for decades - the main thing is not to forget to service them periodically.

The cost of MTZ-80 on the used market starts from 300 thousand rubles. Of course, these are tractors without documents and in a deplorable state. But they are on the move and able to work - this is the legendary Soviet agricultural machinery.