The Kharkov Tractor Plant , which was founded during the birth of the Soviet Union, is a true legend of the Soviet, and now the Ukrainian engineering industry. This plant not only did not lose its competitiveness, but was completely modernized and now occupies one of the main places in European tractor construction. Since 1931, on the basis of it, a huge number of a variety of machines were produced, which subsequently became advanced. These samples are still used in agriculture today.
Model history
Now it’s worth going back to the past. November 25, 1983 Kharkov Tractor Plant produces the most famous and widely sought after tractor. These are tracked and wheeled T-150 models. Wheel modification was marked T-150K. And then, and now these machines are considered one of the most efficient and productive units on tracks.
By design, the T-150 tracked tractor, the world saw it 10 years after the release of its twin wheeled, which differed only in the chassis, suspension system and nuances in the transmission. It appeared due to the significantly increased need for agriculture in an efficient and reliable apparatus with improved patency characteristics, which had a less harmful effect on fertile soil. Farmers complained that past tractors heavily compacted the soil.
Specialists of the Soviet agricultural industry appreciated the technical characteristics of the T-150 tractor. Already in 1991, more than 50 enterprises in the engineering industry began to produce various attachments for these machines.
Tractor used even in Europe
For 40 years, and this is how much this tractor has been producing, a large number of various modifications have been produced. So, on the basis of this technique tracked vehicles were produced with a raised leading star and a reduced supporting area, and an experimental 2-link model, and vehicles on tracks made of rubber and metal.
In the same years, other models were released - these are the T-130 and T-170, but today only the T-150 (tracked, as well as its wheeled version) continues to be actively used. Today the car is completely updated and is produced not only for the domestic, but also for the European market.
Track Design Features
This machine is characterized in that the motor is installed in front. The rear of the power unit is rigidly connected to the gearbox. A tractor cabin equipped with a 315 liter fuel tank is mounted on the gearbox.
Among the features of this gearbox highlight the possibility of using it in four modes. The switching process (and for each of the modes there were 3 gears and a reverse gear) was carried out by means of hydraulic couplings. At the same time, switching took place without the need for a stop, under load and during the ride.
The tractor chassis is a supporting frame, which includes two longitudinal side members from channels. They are interconnected by front and intermediate bars. To control the tractor, the designers applied the steering system even for the tracked vehicle. In addition, the tracked model gave the operator the opportunity to use different gears for each of the tracks - the technical characteristics of the T-150 tractor allowed it to turn around, standing in one place.
Wheel modification: design features
The wheel unit is equipped with a frame, which consists of two parts. These two parts are pivotally connected. Among the features - the ability to rotate in horizontal planes. The front part of the frame is designed for mounting the engine, gearbox, cab and fuel tank. The second part is designed to install a hinged system and agricultural implements. Both the front and rear axles are leading, and the rear has shutdown functions.
Cabin
Engineers designed and manufactured an all-metal cab. It has a closed type. So that the operator is not affected by the environment, sealing is applied. The cabin is equipped with heating, ventilation, wipers, a canopy from the sun. To facilitate viewing, there is a rear-view mirror and a system for blowing the windshield in case of fogging.
Two soft chairs are installed inside, while the operator's seat is equipped with springs and has height adjustment. Of the comfort systems there is lighting, a thermos, a separate place for a first-aid kit, and also hooks in order to hang clothes.
Engine
Regardless of the modification, the technical characteristics of the T-150 tractor as a whole differ little. All cars have a diesel six-cylinder four-stroke SMD-60 with an additional boost system. Engine rated power - 150 l. from.
The development of these models of engines was carried out exclusively for these machines. Cylinders are placed V-shaped. The unit is equipped with a liquid cooling system. The startup process has its own characteristics.
The T-150 engine has a gasoline engine that serves as a starter. In addition, the tractor is equipped with a three-stage purification system for incoming air, which will then be fed into the power system. The structure of this system includes filters: inertial oil and two-stage. Also used cyclone (dry type). To facilitate starting the power unit at a temperature below zero degrees, a preheater is provided in the tractor device. Today, one cannot surprise anyone with the short strokes of the pistons and the direct injection system, and then everything was different. The release of these engines was considered a real victory.
Transmission and gearbox
The models are equipped with a mechanical transmission, which is equipped with hydraulic clutch couplings that carry out the shift. When developing the checkpoint, the main emphasis was placed on full unification. Main gears are in the form of planetary gears.
As for the caterpillar modification, here the gearbox is made in the form of a two-line system. Here it is possible to transmit movement to a separate track. On a wheeled modification, the torque from the gearbox is transmitted to the wheels through the transfer case. The wheel version is additionally equipped with a power take-off shaft, which is necessary for the work of attachments.
Depending on what task needed to be solved, the operator used all the wide possibilities of a two-line box. It allowed you to simply transport the tractor, use it as a tow truck, and start the machine’s operating mode. This transmission enabled the operator to perform various maneuvers.
In addition to all this, this gearbox is highly reliable. She also significantly reduced the total load, increased clearance to 300 cm. With her, the tractor became more maneuverable and agile.
Chassis T-150
The tracked tractor is driven by track chains. They are mounted on special carriages and support rollers. The caterpillar mover has coil springs. Also in the suspension are hydraulic shock absorbers. The undercarriage of the wheel modification is equipped with four wheels with wide rubber. This can significantly reduce the pressure on the ground. All tires are the same for all wheels.
T-150 then and now
For 40 years, the model has changed significantly. Today, these tractors are equipped with more powerful engines of Yaroslavl production. These are diesel YaMZ-236D. Their volume is 11.15 liters. Unit power - 180 l. from. at 2100 rpm. The motor design is traditionally V-shaped, it has not changed. We changed the start-up system - now it consists of one stage, and instead of a gasoline engine, an electric starter is used. There is no shortage with this engine, and any tractor parts can be purchased. The transmission system has also undergone minor changes, but at the same time its dual-threading has been preserved. Also, the kinematic turns remained unchanged.
The technical characteristics of the T-150 tractor are changing and adapting to the current situation. And the overall dimensions, despite all the changes, remained the same as they were when the car was released in 1983. So, the length of the unit is 5 m, the width is 1.88 m, the height is 2.68 cm. The weight is 7.95 tons in the old version and 8.15 tons in the modernized version. The size of the base for the tracked series is 1.8 m, and the track is 1.43 m.
Thanks to modernization, repair of the T-150 has been greatly simplified, modern spare parts for these machines are on sale. In a modern tractor, engineers managed to overcome one important drawback. Because of the short base, the car galloped and scoured. The increase in its length allowed to significantly reduce the pressure of the machine on the ground and make the movement smoother.
Big changes affected the cab, since in 1983 the engineers cared little for the operator to work comfortably. Today the cabin is closed, isolated from moisture and noise. Experts optimized the layout of the controls for convenient operation.
Market price
There are still old T-150s on the market. Their price can vary from 250 to 950 thousand rubles, depending on the state. To purchase a modern model, you will need from 1,800,000 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
The car has a high cross, fuel consumption is quite low. Driving a tractor is easy. But the kinematic rotation system is considered a minus T-150. Reviews note a small radius and a rare need for it. To increase the radius of such a turn, it is necessary to exert considerable effort, and because of this the operator gets tired. Also among the advantages is the fact that the plant produces not only tractors, but also spare parts for tractors. This makes their operation simple and inexpensive.
So, we found out what the technical characteristics of this technique are.