We had an argument with representatives of the factory regarding the cab aerodynamic properties. It seems to us that the front creates tough resistance to the air counter flow. Our opponents rejoined that the vehicle aerodynamic properties are of secondary importance for vehicles operated on construction sites, in quarries and on heavy roads. Taking into account our experience of associating with operators of the equipment we can say that this is a wrong opinion. Or, rather, erroneous one. For construction companies working in Moscow or Petersburg the issue of fuel and lubricants consumption is secondary. For them what counts is what they call the “cubes”, i.e. volumes of the cargo hauled. But for managers of trucking companies working in permafrost conditions and out in the Polar Circle, the expenditure of fuel and lubricants is extremely important.

 

 

These companies count every gram of fuel and oil, as during — 40…-60°C frosts automobile engines rev day and night. That is why any ways of saving the expendables are welcomed, including the right cab aerodynamics. The lesser is resistance to the head wind the lower is consumption of oil and lubricants, even in winter time at speeds of 40 - 50 kmph. Therefore, the issue of streamlining the YAROVIT Gloros cab is very topical.

Getting in the cab is easy and comfortable owing to the wide doorway and opening angle, conveniently placed assist handles and well-arranged stairs. The diver’s workstation, in our opinion, is not quite comfortable. Firstly, whatever are the adjusted positions of the driver seat and the steering column, the gas pedal stays too high. Accordingly, it is hard to constantly keep the leg in an awkward position, and the braking pedal is located considerably lower than is the throttle pedal. Moreover, the distance between those is 10 mm narrower than is requiredstandard, i.e. 40 mm instead of 50 mm. Statistics show that for trucks in the category similar to YAROVIT Gloros the most convenient gas pedal arrangement is floor pedal with a foot pillow. In addition, there are some critical remarks regarding ergonomics (See Table). On the whole, the cab is spacious, comfortable and provides good observation. The dashboard is made of non-traumatic materials. The gauges are arranged in good combinations. The steering wheel does not obstruct the gauges allowing for good control. The wheel itself looked nice - exactly the right diameter and ring thickness.

 

As for the acceleration characteristics and fuel consumption, the (as some of us felt) 408 hp DEUTZ BF GM 1015C CODE 300G/21104L01 diesel engine is definitely not sufficient for the gross weight of 46 tons. The feelings were confirmed by corresponding tests. For comparison, one can cite the following examples. Model MZKT-651518х4 dump truck in the city mode of operation “eats up” 63.0 l/100 km of fuel, the dump truck Scania P114CB 8x4 HZ380— 53.4 l/100 km, and YAROVIT Gloros— 81.5 l. One should take into consideration that the MZKT and Scania dump trucks are of 8x4 wheel formula, whereas YAROVIT Gloros is an 8x8. It is also necessary to remember the fuel consumption error and the low dynamics of force on the front driving axles. Nonetheless, our testers and representative of the Petersburg factory agreed that more powerful engines should be installed on all-wheel-drive dump trucks, of approximately 450 - 480 hp. Whereas the 408 hp power trains are suitable for 6x6 or 6x4 wheel formula trucks featuring considerably lesser gross weights. Especially, since the CJSC “YAROVIT Motors” project recognizes and stipulates for this segment.

 

YAROVIT Gloros uses an original dual steering system which ensures full control of the vehicle in case of failure of some of the steering parts (pumps, valves, etc.), depressurization of one of the hydraulic circuits of the system, engine going dead during movement or when the truck is towed with its engine killed.

 

The steering system of the truck made in Petersburg uses dual steering mechanisms manufactured by German ZF Lenksysteme which makes it possible to drive the heavy cargo vehicle just as easy as a car. This is proved by the data of field tests. Thus, the force applied to turn the steering wheel right – left with the vehicle parked stands at 6.8 and 6.5 units correspondingly, while the standard norms allow for 25.0 units maximum. Naturally, other criteria of force applied on the steering are also lower than the admissible norms, such as for movement at 10 kmph turning within the radius of 12 m with the steering in full functioning order, driving with the steering booster “gone bust” when driving at the same speed and entering a 20-m radius turn.

The YAROVIT Gloros displayed excellent ease of driving and stability in the conditions of limited maximum driving speed ensuring the required safety level, i.e. at up to 60 kmph. Unfortunately, the vehicle from Petersburg is not fit for extreme driving, as its speed during such tests as “turn” and “lane switching” is 3.5% and 3.0% is lower than required by norms. However, the “lane switching” test did not result in the vehicle lateral oscillations owing to the two antiroll bars installed on the front and rear axles.

 

As for other examinations, the all-wheel-drive YAROVIT Gloros passed them without a hitch. The modulator-equipped ABS functions perfectly. There are no complaints as to the noise level, and the vehicle fords a half-meter water obstacle with total ease.

The truck behaves well on dirt roads – on firm soil as well as on loose soil. On loose soil, owing to the comprehensive system of locking devices, the truck loaded to the gross weight of 46 tons was passing just like a true wheeled off-roadster, even though the wheels were “shod” in regular road tires.

 

Notwithstanding all the shortcomings and deviations from the norms, small ones to be sure, such a vehicle as the all-wheel-drive YAROVIT Gloros dumper will be much in demand with the customers. The shortcomings can be eliminated, and CJSC “YAROVIT Motors” experts work to debug the truck. Our editors’ group of testers is in constant contact with the company specialists and assists by submitting suggestions and expertise. It is not possible to give up using imported equipment. Yet, the emergence of the domestically designed and manufactured truck of YAROVIT Gloroscategory is a big event for Russia’s motor industries.