Why did the MAZ-500ASH excavator never go into production?

Equipment with a bucket was often placed on a chassis trucks, so it is much more convenient to work on them and move over long distances, and the cross-country ability and maneuverability are at a height. That is why it was decided to add the E-5015A excavator to the MAZ-500SH. The updated version of the Minsk model was distinguished by a greater lifting capacity and was already used to install cranes, tanks and other equipment.

In 1977, work began, it was carried out at the Red Excavator plant. Like many other models of special equipment, experimental samples were sent for testing to the armed forces of the USSR. There they passed tests in off-road conditions and showed themselves not in the best way. Firstly, the model had mediocre cross-country ability, and secondly, the digging depth was insufficient for the needs of the engineering troops. As a result, they did not begin to eliminate the shortcomings, but a passable and powerful KrAZ was chosen as the chassis.

Thus ended the history of the excavator based on the MAZ-500, although it was ideal for the civilian sector. Walkability was not a big deal, and the digging depth was more than enough for utilities. If the development had not been tested by the army, most likely it would have gone into series. Watch the video from the BIBIP channel to learn more about this interesting technique.