MAZ-537
Overview
MAZ-537G
MAZ-537G in Hungarian service with ChMZAP-9990 semi-trailer seen in 2010.
Source: VargaA -
© CC BY-SA 4.0
B.L. Shaposhnik
Soviet Union - KZKT (1965/66 - 1989)
Description
Introduction
The MAZ-537 is an early Cold War era heavy equipment transporter of Soviet origin. It was developed to support the ever increasing fleet of T-55 and T-62 main battle tanks. MAZ-537 was also used with specialized trailers for missile systems and as a ballast truck for oversized load transport and airfield duties. After 3 years of production at MAZ the production shifted to the KZKT facility which produced it until 1989. The MAZ name was retained for all tractor trucks.
Design
The MAZ-537 is a further development of the MAZ-535 that was introduced two years earlier and replaced it on the production line. The chassis and wheelbase have been extended by 0.3 m. The main difference is that the D-12A-525 engine is used, which is more powerful and provides better traction via the three stage transmission. The engine is located behind the cabin. The tractor trucks feature independent torsion bar suspension for the wheels that steer and leaf springs for the rear axles. The 5th wheel connector is located directly above the rear axles. Often a large winch is mounted behind the engine compartment, which allows for towing disabled vehicles onto the flatbed semi-trailer.
Cargo capacity
The MAZ-537 tractor trucks are mostly used in conjunction with the ChMZAP-5247 series of semi-trailers. These were developed in 1962 especially for use with the MAZ-537 and have a 50 t load capacity. This a allows for a single T-55, T-62 or T-72 main battle tank to be transported, or two BMP-1 mechanized infantry fighting vehicles. Later on the ChMZAP-9990 three axle trailer was also introduced for use with the MAZ-537. Combined maximum semi-trailer weight is 65 t. Alternatively a 25 t full trailer can be towed.
Mobility
The MAZ-537 is powered by the D-12A-525 diesel engine. The design is akin to engines used in Soviet tanks. This V12 diesel engine produced 525 hp and a maximum torque of 2.200 Nm. The maximum road speed is 55 km/h. Off road capability is quite good due to the 8x8 drive configuration and large heavy duty tires.
Users
The MAZ-537 was adopted in quantity in the Soviet Union and exported to various states with close ties to the USSR. The MAZ-537 was produced in far greater numbers than the earlier MAZ-535 that was never exported. The MAZ-537G tractor truck is by far the most common model. The ballast trucks and specialized tractor trucks are actually quite rare. Although production ceased around 1989, the MAZ-537 still remains in use today, mostly in mixed fleets with newer trucks.
Variants
List of MAZ-537 tractor truck variants
Other MAZ-537 variants
This article describes the tractor truck variants of the MAZ-537. The MAZ-537A ballast truck and KET-T recovery vehicle are featured separately.
MAZ-537G
Right side close-up of MAZ-537G tractor truck in Hungarian service. Note the box that houses the winch mounted behind the engine.
Source: VargaA -
© CC BY-SA 4.0
Details
Media
MAZ-537
MAZ-537 series tractor truck with ChMZAP-5247 series of semi-trailer.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
MAZ-537G
MAZ-537G tractor truck seen on the move.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
MAZ-537G
MAZ-537G in Russian service on public display in 2021.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
MAZ-537G
MAZ-537G in Russian service on public display in 2021.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
MAZ-537G
Rear view of MAZ-537G in Russian service on public display in 2021.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
MAZ-537G
Rear view of MAZ-537G in Russian service on public display in 2021.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
MAZ-537G
Aerial view of MAZ-537G in Serbian service with semi-trailer with M-84 main battle tank. Photographed in 2014.
Source: Srđan Popović
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
MAZ-537G
Aerial view of MAZ-537G in Serbian service with semi-trailer with M-84 main battle tank. Photographed in 2014.
Source: Srđan Popović
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
MAZ-537G
Russian military MAZ-537G with ChMZAP-9990 semi-trailer seen on public display in 2015.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
Related articles
MAZ-7410
Tractor truck based on the MAZ-543 series of 8x8 vehicles. It was designed as a more modern and more capable alternative to the MAZ-537G. However, the MAZ-7410 never fully replaced the production of the MAZ-537G, nor did it replace those in service due to the economic decline of the Soviet Union in the 1980's.
KZKT-537L
The KZKT-537L and older MAZ-537A are ballast truck variants of the MAZ-537 family of vehicles.