Amkodor 5300: Belarusian “Kirovets” - at the wrong time, in the wrong place?

The equipment was first presented to the general public back in 2017 at the Belagro exhibition, and immediately aroused interest for several reasons. Tractors of similar power and dimensions had not been produced in the country before, even by the Minsk Plant. The second point is the manufacturer. This is a private company “Amkodor”, which specializes in the production of loaders, and this is the first time agricultural equipment of this type has been presented by the organization.


The start of development became known only in mid-2016. To create such a machine in such a short time, with virtually no experience, is an achievement! It’s worth taking a closer look at what kind of tractor this is.

Amkodor 5300

The equipment belongs to the fifth traction class and has an articulated (broken) frame. The tractor is designed for cultivating large sown areas using trailed wide-cut implements.


Also suitable for transporting goods. The operating weight of the first copy was 16 tons: the vehicle is capable of towing trailers weighing up to 40 tons.

Engine

A power unit specially made for it was initially installed on the tractor. This is a turbocharged diesel engine D-262S2-158, produced by MMZ - Minsk Motor Plant. The engine, with a volume of eight liters, develops a power of 330 “horses” at 2100 rpm.


The engine was equipped with Common Rail fuel equipment, controlled electronically from Bosch. The latter allows the operator to monitor the current state of the engine through the monitor and carry out its diagnostics.

Other technical features

Thanks to the broken frame, the car received the best weight distribution. Agricultural and other implements can be hitched both at the rear and at the front.


For this purpose, independent power take-off shafts are provided, rotating at a fixed speed of 1000 rpm. The hydraulics are operated by a powerful pump with a capacity of 200 l/min. Tires – tubeless, “our own”, from the Belshina company, 710/70R42 (optional wheels can be dual). Ground clearance – 52,2 cm.


Other features include a hydromechanical transmission of the Powershift type, which allows you to avoid interruption of the power flow when changing gears. By the way: at maximum it reaches 35 km/h (in the modern version - 41,68 km/h). The tractor has 16 forward and 4 reverse gears.

Competition issues

Considering that the creator of the technology is a private company, the sales market is of utmost importance. But where to sell the giant? For Belarusian farmers, the machine is of no interest: it will have nowhere to turn around. Exports to countries with large acreage remain. If it’s the USA or Canada, then everything there is tightly staked out by John Deere: it’s unlikely that someone else’s equipment will just be allowed into the American market.


As for Russia and Kazakhstan, the leader here is “Kirovets” from St. Petersburg. Even if we assume that the price of the Belarusian machine will be the same as that of the K-700, Russian farmers are much more “prettier” than products from the Russian Federation. It's all about subsidies: when purchasing domestic equipment, the state compensates farmers for 20% of its cost. Plus 10% is added to the local budget. As a result, the car costs almost a third less. And this is not to mention the service.


However, a modification of the 5300 model – the Amkodor 5500AG tractor is available for order on the official website. True, the cost is not reported. However, the company offers to lease the car. The machine may well compete with similar Russian and foreign equipment: it all depends on the manufacturer’s pricing policy and the desires of buyers.