ZIL-131: why the design of the Soviet truck was unique for its time

  • Feb 16, 2022
ZIL-131: why the design of the Soviet truck was unique for its time

The ZIL-131 truck at first glance is not much different from dozens of other similar vehicles. However, in fact, there were quite a lot of interesting little things in the design of this model, the existence of which most people would not even guess. Today we will talk about what is not visible to the naked eye.

A unique car of its kind. Photo: drive2.com.
A unique car of its kind. /Photo: drive2.com.
A unique car of its kind. /Photo: drive2.com.

The production of ZIL-131 trucks began back in 1966. Initially, the machine was created for the Armed Forces of the Soviet Union, but later found the widest application in the national economy. The first interesting feature of the ZIL-131 was the plug-in front axle. Today, such a thing will surprise few people, but for 1966 it was a real breakthrough. Even more interesting is that it was possible to switch the front axle using a special toggle switch located right in the cab. Electronics and pneumatics did everything on their own at the touch of a lever.

There is a gear lock. /Photo: 1000dosok.ru.
There is a gear lock. /Photo: 1000dosok.ru.
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The next interesting feature of the ZIL-131 was the presence of a lock for two gears: specifically the second and fourth. Such a system was not on every machine, but on most. The need for a transmission lock was to improve the safety of descending a truck down a steep incline. Also, the function was useful while driving on terrain with difficult terrain. The lock prevented arbitrary switching of the desired gear.

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There are two ignition locks. / Photo: m.fishki.net.
There are two ignition locks. / Photo: m.fishki.net.

Another interesting feature is an additional ignition switch. Yes, ZIL-131 had two of them at once! The second ignition switch was a backup PC331 system, designed in case the main electronic communicator started to fail. The PC331 could be activated directly from the cockpit. True, it was allowed to use it only in really emergency situations. The thing is that the principle of operation of the second ignition switch was based on an electromagnetic relay. The bottom line is that its use was by no means harmless to the engine.

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They are still producing. /Photo: valerasamosval.ru.
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In continuation of the topic, read about white letters on a green background: what do the signs on the trucks mean.
A source:
https://novate.ru/blogs/021121/61030/