Repair and service KrAZ in the eBook
The Kremenchuk Automobile Plant (KRAZ) was founded in 1945 as a factory producing axles for GAZ and ZiS. In 1959, the plant shifted to heavy truck production, beginning with the KRAZ‑222 model.
Since then, the KRAZ brand has become synonymous with reliable, powerful, and durable equipment designed for use in harsh road and climatic conditions.
History of KRAZ
During the Soviet era, KRAZ was the primary supplier of heavy trucks for the army, construction, oil and gas industries, and agriculture. Based on the classic "hooded chassis + rear or all-wheel drive" layout, models like KRAZ‑255, KRAZ‑260, and KRAZ‑256B were produced and widely used across the USSR, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
After 1991, the plant retained its production capacity and adapted to new market conditions.
In the 2000s, models were developed with cabs from Renault and MAN, powered by Cummins and YaMZ engines. KRAZ continued to produce chassis for dump trucks, tractors, crew vehicles, specialized equipment, and military vehicles.
Since 2014, the company has actively reoriented toward military production, manufacturing armored vehicles and off-roaders including the KRAZ‑Spartan, KRAZ‑Hulk, and KRAZ‑Fiona.
At its production peak, the plant manufactured up to 30,000 vehicles per year. Despite crises and war, KRAZ remains Ukraine's largest heavy truck manufacturer.
Technical Specifications of KRAZ Trucks
KRAZ trucks are known for simple yet durable construction, high maintainability, and excellent off-road capability. Below are general technical specifications for popular models:
- Drive types: 6×4, 6×6, 4×4. Enhanced mobility achieved through interaxle differentials, low-range gears, and winches.
- Engines: mainly YaMZ diesels (238, 236, 6565), Cummins (ISLe, ISM), Deutz, Ford Ecotorq. Power ranges from 240 to 400 hp.
- Transmission: manual, 5–9 speeds. Fitted with YaMZ‑236U, 238U, Fast Gear, Eaton transmissions. Includes transfer case.
- Payload capacity: 10 to 30 tons. Body variants include flatbeds, dump bodies, chassis for cranes, tankers, and crew vehicles.
- Cabins: metal, either hooded or cab-over-engine. Some models feature ergonomic cabins from European manufacturers.
- Chassis: ladder-frame design, built to handle tough environments (mud, sand, off-road, rocky terrain).
Popular models:
- KRAZ‑255B – military all-terrain vehicle with low-pressure tires; an icon of Soviet automotive engineering.
- KRAZ‑6322 – the standard 6×6 model widely used by the army and emergency services.
- KRAZ‑65055 – three-axle dump truck for mining and construction.
- KRAZ‑7140H6 – modern dump truck equipped with a Cummins ISM 385 engine and Fast Gear 12JSD180TA transmission.
- KRAZ‑Spartan – armored chassis based on the Ford F‑550 platform.
KRAZ Repair Manual
Detailed PDF manuals for all KRAZ models from the 1960s onward are available, covering operations, maintenance, and repairs. These documents are especially valuable for military units, utilities, and enterprises using KRAZ vehicles daily and requiring prompt service.
What the PDF manual includes:
- Complete technical specs of the vehicle and its components (engine, transmission, drivetrain, brake and pneumatic systems);
- Disassembly, repair, and assembly instructions with drawings and diagrams;
- Electrical and pneumatic schematics—for models with air brakes and pneumatic clutch systems;
- Diagnostic fault tables;
- Maintenance schedules and servicing regulations;
- Torque settings, tolerances, clearances, and break‑in parameters.
All sections are supplemented with explanations, illustrations, and safety recommendations.
Despite their reliability and simplicity, KRAZ vehicles still wear with heavy use. The KRAZ PDF repair manual helps quickly resolve issues such as:
- Ignition problems with YaMZ engines — check the fuel injection pump, replace filters, adjust the starter;
- Transmission oil leaks — replace gaskets, check seals, tighten flanges;
- Poor gear shifting — adjust linkage, check synchronizers and forks;
- Pneumatic system malfunctions — inspect air tanks, control valves, and leaks;
- Driveshaft and axle failures — replace U‑joints, adjust clearances, inspect differentials;
- Cabin corrosion and sealing issues — repair body panels, seals, latches;
With PDF documentation on hand, KRAZ repairs are feasible even far from service centers—making these trucks ideal for fieldwork, military use, and off-road environments.
