Technical characteristics of the T-150 tractor, advantages and disadvantages
Founded at the time of the birth of the Soviet Union, the Kharkov Tractor Plant is a real legend of the Soviet, and now - the Ukrainian machine-building 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, a huge number of various machines have been produced on the basis of it, which later became advanced. These samples are still used in agriculture today.
Model history
Now it's worth going back in time. On November 25, 1983, the Kharkov Tractor Plant produces the most famous and widely demanded tractor. These are tracked and wheeled T-150 models. The wheeled modification was marked T-150K. Both then and now, these machines are considered one of the most efficient and productive units on tracks.
By design, the T-150 tractor is caterpillar, the world saw it 10 years after the release of its wheeled twin, which differed only in the structure of the chassis, suspension system and nuances in the transmission. It appeared due to the significantly growing need for agriculture in an effective and reliable apparatus with improved cross-country characteristics, which had a less harmful effect on fertile soil. Farmers have complained that past tractors have compacted the soil hard.
Experts of the Soviet agricultural industry appreciated the technical characteristics of the T-150 tractor. Already in 1991, more than 50 enterprises in the machine-building industry began to produce various attachments for these machines.
A tractor that is used even in Europe
For 40 years, and this is how much this tractor has been produced, a large number of different modifications have been produced. So, on the basis of this technique, tracked vehicles with a raised leading sprocket and a reduced support area were produced, and an experimental 2-link model, and vehicles on rubber and metal tracks.
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 has been completely updated and is being produced not only for the domestic, but also for the European market.
Design features of the tracked solution
This machine differs in that the motor is mounted at the front. The rear of the power unit is rigidly connected to the gearbox. The tractor cab is mounted on the gearbox, equipped with a 315 liter fuel tank.
Among the features of this gearbox, the possibility of using it in four modes is distinguished. The switching process (and for each of the modes there were 3 gears and reverse) was carried out by means of hydraulic couplings. At the same time, switching took place without the need for stopping, under load and while driving.
The tractor chassis is a supporting frame, which includes two longitudinal spars from channels. They are interconnected by front and intermediate beams. 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 made it possible to turn while standing in one place.
Wheel modification: design features
The wheeled unit is equipped with a frame that consists of two parts. These two parts are connected by means of a swivel joint. Among the features is the ability to turn in horizontal planes. The front part of the frame is designed for mounting the engine, gearbox, cab and fuel tank. The second part is intended for the installation of the attachment system and agricultural implements. Both the front and rear axles are driving, and the rear has shutdown functions.
Cabin
Engineers designed and manufactured an all-metal cab. It is of a closed type. To prevent the operator from being exposed to the environment, a seal is applied. The cabin is equipped with heating and ventilation systems, windscreen wipers, and a sun shade. For an easier view, there is a rear-view mirror and a system for blowing the windshield in case of fogging.
Inside there are two soft chairs, while the operator's seat is equipped with springs and has height adjustment. From the comfort systems there are lighting, a thermos, a separate place for a first-aid kit, as well as hooks for hanging clothes.
Engine
Regardless of the modification, the technical characteristics of the T-150 tractor as a whole differ little. All machines are equipped with a diesel six-cylinder four-stroke SMD-60 with an additional pressurization system. engine - 150 hp with.
The development of these models of motors was carried out exclusively for these machines. The cylinders are arranged in a V-shape. The unit is equipped with a liquid cooling system. The launch 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 system for cleaning the incoming air, which will then be fed to the power system. This system includes filters: inertial oil and two-stage. Also used cyclonic (dry type). To facilitate starting the power unit at temperatures below zero degrees, a pre-heater is provided in the tractor device. Today, no one can be surprised by short piston strokes and direct injection, but then everything was different. The release of these motors was considered a real victory.
Transmission and gearbox
Models are equipped with a mechanical transmission, which is equipped with hydraulic clutches for shifting. When developing the checkpoint, the main emphasis was placed on complete unification. The main gears are in the form of planetary gearboxes.
As for the tracked modification, here the gearbox is made in the form of a two-flow system. Here it is possible to transfer movement to a separate track. On the wheel version, 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 operation of the attachment.
Depending on what task needed to be solved, the operator used all the wide possibilities of the two-way box. It made it possible to simply transport the tractor, use it as a towing vehicle, and start the operating mode of the machine. enabled the operator to perform various maneuvers.
In addition to all this, this gearbox is highly reliable. It also significantly reduced the overall load, increased the ground clearance to 300 cm. With it, the tractor became more maneuverable and agile.
Undercarriage T-150
The tracked tractor is driven by the track chains. They are mounted on special carriages and support rollers. In there are coil springs. Also, the suspension uses hydraulic shock absorbers. wheel modification is equipped with four wheels with wide tires. This allows the ground pressure to be significantly reduced. 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 Yaroslavl-made engines. These are diesel YMZ-236D. Their volume is 11.15 liters. Unit power - 180 hp. with. at 2100 rpm. The design of the motor is traditionally V-shaped, it has not changed. The starting system was changed - now it consists of one stage, and an electric starter is used instead of a gasoline engine. There is no longer a shortage with this engine, and any spare parts for tractors can be purchased. The transmission system has also undergone minor changes, but at the same time its dual-flow has been preserved. Also, the kinematic turns remained unchanged.
The technical characteristics of the T-150 tractor are changing and adapting to the modern situation. And despite all the changes, they remained the same as they were at the time of the release of the car 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 base size for the tracked series is 1.8 m, and the track is 1.43 m.
Thanks to the modernization, the repair of the T-150 has been greatly simplified, and modern spare parts for these machines are on sale. In a modern tractor, engineers have managed to overcome one important drawback. Due to the short base, the car galloped and prowled. The increase in its length made it possible to significantly reduce the pressure of the machine on the ground and make the movement smoother.
Big changes were made to the cab, as in 1983 engineers cared little about the comfort of the operator. Today the cabin is closed, insulated from moisture and noise. Experts have optimized the layout of the controls to the maximum 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 machine has a high cross-country ability, fuel consumption is quite low. The tractor is easy to operate. But the kinematic rotation system is considered a minus of the T-150. Reviews note a small radius and a rare need for it. To increase the radius of such a turn requires considerable effort, and this causes the operator to fatigue. 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 technical characteristics this technique has.