The Minsk Tractor Works (MTZ) has developed the prototype of what is claimed as the world’s most powerful conventional rigid tractor; the Belarus 542hp Titan 5425.
Under the hood is a 13.5-litre Chinese Weichai diesel common rail WP14T, a Stage IIIa six-pot turbocharged block that develops 2450Nm of torque at 1500rpm. Mated to an 18×6 speed hydromechanical box with electro-hydraulic control, the result is said to provide uninterrupted gear changing up to the top speed of 40km/hr, and the 900-litre fuel tank is said to be sufficient for 10 hours of operation.
The engine, hydraulics and tyres (Trelleborg) are outsourced, but more than 80% of the parts used to make the 5425 are of Belarusian origin. These include the frame, powertrain, cab, electronics and precision farming systems.
The tinted glass cab is mechanically suspended, while the seat has pneumatic suspension. There is a multifunction armrest, joystick control, automatic climate control, four-speaker multimedia system, sun visor and LED lighting, plus, a folding passenger seat and cup holders.
Four pairs of hydraulic spools are standard at the front and rear, with the option of up to eight spools at the rear. Hydraulic flow is 315lit/min. The rear Cat IV linkage can lift 17t (front linkage 5.5t). There are two rear pto speeds (1000 and 1400rpm).
The 19.2t 5425 is not the first 500hp tractor from the Minsk Tractor Works, which showed the prototype of the Belarus 5022 (500hp) back in 2019. The plan was to offer it with either a Stage V six-pot Cat C18 (18.1-litre) engine for Europe or a Stage IIIa motor for non-emission markets.
The new beast from the east was previewed at the recent Belagro 2025 at the Minsk International Exhibition Centre.
Subsequent events, including the imposed sanctions and limited access to Western components, put the brakes on the project. There was talk of the company developing its own high-HP engines, but it was finally decided to cooperate with Weichai.
The 4wd 5425 prototype is still in tests, and there is no information as to when it could go on sale and how much it will cost. Longer term, it remains to be seen if MTZ has any plans to offer the Titan 5425 with a Stage V engine for Western markets.
It is rumoured that more powerful Titans are on the way, and it is hinted that the range could ultimately exceed 600hp. Speaking at the preview of the 5425, MTZ CEO Sergei Avramenko commented that the 542hp tractor is the first model in the new Titan series of super-powerful tractors. Pictures: MTZ
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