ZIL 5301 - truck for business

ZIL 5301 is, perhaps, the only commercial vehicle with a gross mass of 7 tons. It is produced in Russia at the Likhachev plant (abbreviated to ZIL) in Moscow. Medium-capacity ZiL almost completely replaced its gasoline analogue - GAZ 3307. Compared with the ZIL 5301 was much more economical and reliable.

In the development of the new ZIL , not only Russian but also foreign engineers from Mercedes-Benz were involved. The combination of harsh operating conditions, spaciousness and German practicality led to the creation of a completely new ZIL "Bychok".

The design of the car even for those years was not very modern. But in terms of technical characteristics he was not equal. It perfectly suited for urban, as well as inter-regional freight traffic. In addition, the price of such a miracle of technology was quite democratic.

ZiL has a spacious three-seater cabin, the details of which were borrowed from a more load-lifting car - ZIL 4331. Like the older brother, the ZIL 5301 has a folding hood (and it folds back with the wings and the rest of the lining). The hood itself is made of fiberglass.

It is possible to get into the cabin very simply, thanks to the step, located quite low from the ground. Also, the footrest has a special backlight so that the driver does not "miss" during the dark. All the footsteps and steps are made of stainless steel, and on top are covered with special corrugated tubercles, which do not allow the legs to slide.

The cabin itself in the ZIL 5301 "Bull", in contrast to other domestic medium-tonnage cars, quite spacious. All three people who fit in it can change places, even without leaving the car. The dashboard is quite simple, without any gadgets and bloat. Despite this, all the devices in it are quite functional and informative. In general, the interior of the car is rather modest: everywhere plastic and metal.

The main difference and rather the advantage of the instrument panel of ZIL "Bull" in front of his "brothers" is an analog speedometer with large numbers, in which the arrow does not jump when moving. All ZIL "Bychok" trucks are equipped with D-245 four-cylinder diesel engines (manufactured in Belarus). In Soviet times (however, as now) these engines are widely used in the production of agricultural tractors.

After starting the engine, a clear turbo diesel sound is heard in the passenger compartment, accompanied by a constant vibration. Many drivers produce noise isolation of the cabin, in order to avoid a strong rumble from the engine in the cabin. The driver's seat of the ZIL 5301 is sprung and adjustable; The steering column in it is installed practically vertically and is regulated on height and an angle of an inclination of a back.

It is worth noting that the rigidity of the driver's seat is also adjustable (depending on the weight of the driver). But the passenger seats are double, they are no longer regulated. Strangely enough, it's very convenient to sit in them. Under the passenger seats is a large tool box - an integral part in long trips.

All this and much more contributes to the maximum comfort of the driver, even with long-distance trips. ZIL 5301, the price of which corresponds to the quality, is excellent for domestic conditions.