The first serial automatic transmission for the Kirovets appeared in Russia

At the Agrosalon exhibition held in 2022, the plant from St. Petersburg presented two machines - K-742M and K-525. However, specialists were interested not so much in the new models as in one of their main components - the automatic transmission, developed for Kirovets by the transmission competence center (a special department of the enterprise opened several years ago).


And then at the end of January of this year it became known: PTZ began large-scale production of the unit, designated T5-A. The box will be installed on equipment developing up to 300 “horses”. The gearbox is already used on the K-525; this year it is planned to begin production of the more powerful model K-530T, which will also be equipped with the described mechanism.

What are the advantages of the Russian “machine gun”

The development goal was achieved - the overall productivity of the agricultural machine increased by 10%, and fuel consumption dropped to 8%, which depends on the type of operations performed.

About modes

Now the driver has two ranges instead of the previous four, which simplifies control. Sixteen forward gears were converted into a pair of rows. Each of them covers all movement speeds: from operations in the field to movement in transport mode. This reduces tractor driver fatigue. Pulling off with a massive trailer or plowing in the field has become easier. Another advantage is that the load on mechanical components is reduced: the Kirovets will begin to move at the lowest speed, gradually moving to higher speeds.

The operator can choose one of two control methods (it is called “COMMAND POST”). For example, if you activate “Cruise”, you only need to set the required speed, and the system itself will select the best gear ratio and engine crankshaft speed. The second algorithm, “Automatic,” is convenient for hauling or when performing relatively light field work. Here the system itself “decides” how best to operate the diesel engine and what gear is required.


As a result of the above innovations, the number of buttons has decreased, and the speed of movement has reached 50 km/h, instead of the previous 36. Everything else regarding the transmission has not changed, and for those who previously worked on Kirovets, everything will remain “in place.” During testing, ten tractors with T-5A worked for 3 thousand hours each in different regions of the Russian Federation. The new automatic transmission did not raise any complaints.

Design features of the “automatic machine”

In factory documents it has the index 428-17.00.000-2, and is classified as a mechanical unit that can be controlled manually or automatically. Switching is carried out without interrupting the power flow in each of the eight “sub-bands”. The equipment will only need to stop if it switches to transport mode or when changing direction.


The first range provides movement at a speed of 3,9-14,6 km/h, the second – 12,2-50 km/h. “KOMANDOPOST” collects and displays data on the state of the device on the monitor. There is a sound warning and diagnostics, and if an emergency occurs, the machine stops.


The friction clutches that carry out the switching are controlled by electrohydraulics: there are no intermediate pneumatic cylinders. The gearbox retains the traditional design, which involves the use of constantly meshed spur gears. From one of them to the other, torque flows directly: axial load is eliminated. As a result, the bearings and crankcase function more freely in this direction. This guarantees an increase in the service life of the gearbox and an increase in its reliability.

T-5A is the first “automatic” for heavy Kirovets tractors, produced in series. Funds from the Federal Investment Fund of the Russian Federation (a billion rubles), Natspromleasing (1,2 billion in Russian currency) and the plant itself - 1,7 billion rubles were invested in the development of the design and the purchase of equipment.