MAZ-503 - the legend of the Soviet car industry

Technique of Soviet production even now surprises many with its reliability, power and durability. Among the most interesting representatives of the automobile industry of the USSR, it is worthwhile to single out MAZ-503.

Launched in the light in 1965 at the Minsk plant, it is still used to transport soil, rock and other heavy materials.

Ancestor

The new model of large-sized equipment was developed on the basis of the modern and progressive for those times truck MAZ-500. It was a dump truck with an 11.2-liter diesel engine rated at 180 horsepower. For transportation of goods the standard model was equipped with wooden boards.

The maximum lifting capacity was 7.5 thousand kg. Modifications of the model MAZ-500 differed in different types of sides:

• MAZ-500V in its design had a metal platform, which had a positive impact on transportation capabilities;
• MAZ-500G had an elongated body that allowed transporting materials of great length.

Later, these two main modifications were replaced by new representatives of heavy equipment - MAZ-503 (dumper), MAZ-504 (truck tractors) and MAZ-509, intended for transportation of wood materials. Let's consider the first option in more detail.

MAZ-503: description of the model

Soviet scientists did not invent something completely new, so the truck in the first years of production almost did not differ from its "father." Significant innovations were introduced in the design in 1970.

It is from those very days when the base of the car is riveted from stamped parts a solid frame. The running gear of the truck is supported by 4 semi-elliptic springs arranged longitudinally in the frame. This, in combination with hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers, endowed the MAZ-503 dump truck with load capacity and good cross-country ability.

The car was comfortable for long trips. The cabin was an all-metal welded construction of a bonnet layout. It was equipped with a berth and in addition to the driver was able to accommodate two more passengers. The power steering assisted steering the car.

For cargo transportation the model was equipped with a universal metal welded platform, in which the tailgate automatically opened and closed on hinges. The hydraulic drive tipped the platform, and a specially built-in valve shook it to ensure complete unloading.

Specifications

Thanks to its design the MAZ-503 car has impressive technical characteristics:

• The maximum load-carrying capacity is 8 tons;
• Curb weight - 7520 kg;
• The maximum speed is 75 km / h;
• Fuel consumption - 22 liters per 100 km;
• The maximum twisting moment - 1503 turns / minute;
• Dimensions - 5785х2500х2650 mm;
• Turn radius - 15 m;
• Clearance (ground clearance) - 29.5 cm.

Because of the relatively large size and turning radius, you can not call the car maneuverable. It is used mainly in quarries of open type, at large construction sites and industrial enterprises.

Engine and transmission

The MAZ-503 dump truck is obliged by its permeability and load-carrying capacity to the powerful diesel engine YaMZ-236. The power plant has in its composition 6 cylinders, located in the V-shaped order. The working volume is 11.15 liters, which is why the maximum power is at the level of 180 horsepower.

Cooling system is liquid, with forced circulation of antifreeze and thermostatic device. The last device was designed to create an optimal temperature regime regardless of the weather conditions.

A special feature of the plant can be called a complex fuel purification system. Before entering the combustion chamber, the diesel was subjected to coarse and fine cleaning. To this end, two filters have been built in the fuel supply system - an element for cotton roving for primary processing and a filter made of wood flour on pulverbakelite binder.

This simultaneously increased the longevity of the unit and allowed the use of low-quality fuel. A similar system was used in the engine oil system of a mixed type.

The transmission of the MAZ-503 is represented by a mechanical 5-speed gearbox with synchronizers at all speeds except the first. Double-plate clutch dry type with clutches has proved itself from the positive side.

In modern world

In the market of large-sized equipment you will not meet this representative of dump trucks any more. They were relevant and in demand until the 1980s, but were later replaced by more progressive trucks built on the basis of MAZ-5335.

But surviving to this day, copies of the Soviet issue can be actively used at medium construction sites, in agriculture and in some industrial areas. And every year their number is getting smaller.

Soon MAZ-503 (photo of which can be seen in this article) will become only a memory. Those who are interested in the Soviet automotive industry can find a large-scale (1:43) model of the Kostroma plant.