DT-20 tractor - This is the real heritage of national science. Despite the short period of its release, this unit has become popular both among agricultural enterprises and among ordinary citizens. Power, unpretentiousness in leaving and ability to work even in the most severe weather conditions made this tractor a real symbol of its time, without which not a single agricultural work for many decades. However, in our time, not many people know what exactly the history of agricultural engineering began with and what is behind the modern high-tech innovations. That is why we dive into this issue in more detail, and also determine what the mark on the DT-20 tractor left after all.
Alive to our times
DT-20 tractor - It is an agricultural wheel unit, which is designed for a variety of field work. Over 12 years of production of this machine was created several modifications that have revolutionized the tractor. According to official data, the tractor last rolled off the assembly line back in 1969. However, this did not affect its popularity among farmers in the expanses of the whole USSR. 
For all the time of release about 250 thousand copies were created, some of which were imported to France and Holland, but most of the cars left to conquer the vastness of the motherland.
Did you know? Such a unit as a tractor was invented in 1825 by an Englishman named Keely. The first copy had a low-power steam engine, but could easily move and handle all types of soil.
The tractor was actively used in forest, mountain robots and on the fields for decades, as its reliability was not in doubt among any of the skeptics. That is why it is found in modern times.
DT-20 is actively used to this day in some farms and, despite its old age, copes well with many tasks, and sometimes even gets into free sale with a price of about $ 1500 US. 
However, most often this property of technology can be found as a museum exhibit. DT-20 is exhibited in Saratov, on display at Sokolovskaya Hill, in the Museum of Bread of the city of Bulgar (Tatarstan), in the Cheboksary Museum of the History of the Tractor, and even as one of the main attractions of the Belarusian town of Deep.
Did you know? The first tractors were used by the military as a traction force for transporting heavy weapons. For agricultural purposes, these machines were first used only in 1850.
The history of the tractor DT-20
DT-20 was the next step in the development of tractor construction of the 50s of the twentieth century. The machine replaced such widespread models from the Kharkov Tractor Plant as the XTZ-7 and DT-14. HTZ-7 was one of the first units that were released on the territory of the USSR. 
The development of the tractor and its active introduction into all spheres of life in the postwar period gave a powerful impetus to the development of many industries. It is not surprising that the high demand for such machines led to the fact that after 5 years in 1955, Kharkov engineers released an updated model, called DT-14.
Despite the fact that the DT-14 was concentrated on a large number of innovations of the then engineering industry, the tractor still did not differ in improved technical characteristics. Despite the good cross-country ability, the tractor caused a number of problems for the drivers, since it needed gasoline to start it, although the unit itself worked exclusively on diesel fuel.
We recommend that you read how to choose a mini-tractor for work on the backyard plot, about the features of mini-tractors: Uralets-220 and Belarus-132n, and also learn how to make a mini tractor from a motoblock and a mini-tractor with breaking frame.
The elimination of this error in later modifications did not solve the problem, so the Kharkov engineers returned for a painstaking robot.
In 1958, the first batch of DT-20 tractors came out, and until the end of 1969 the production of machines did not stop.
The novelty was created on the basis of DT-14; however, it had a number of progressive innovations.. This contributed to the fact that the tractor became not only more reliable and convenient in operation, but also represented a practically universal unit for any field work.
For the entire existence of the model, Kharkov designers have released the following modifications:
- DT-20-C1: the technological characteristics of the model were selected in such a way as to create the ideal assistant for plowing between the rows of different cultures;
- DT-20-C2: machine for general agricultural work, it was also used as a tractor for short distances;
- DT-20-C3: The export model of the tractor, unlike its predecessors, in C3 was drastically modified electrical part and installed wide wings. In addition, the designers supplied the model with feet, additional lights and fixtures for the license plate;
- DT-20-C4: almost identical to the C3 model, its main difference is the re-equipment of the control under the left-hand traffic;
- DT-20-C5: The car was produced by special order for France and Holland. Its main difference from the previous export models was the special arrangement of side lights according to the norms of the legislation of these countries. In addition, the unit has been improved engine cooling system through the installation of an electric fan.
It is worth mentioning the specialized machines created on the basis of DT-20, but with a modified chassis. These are the so-called models:- DT-20V: tracked unit, designed to work in grape plantations with a row spacing of at least 1.5 m;
- DT-20K: machine specializing in row spacing of tall stem cultures. The tractor had a wheeled chassis, but with a wider clearance and gauge than the base models;
- DT-20U: a miniature wheeled tractor, designed for tilling more narrowed spacing, as well as servicing equipment for farms.
Did you know? The tracked tractor first appeared in 1903 thanks to the efforts of American engineer and entrepreneur Benjamin Holt.
The appearance and ability of the tractor
The DT-20 tractor is a small-sized agricultural machinery, which was actively used for working in gardens and fields, as well as a tractor for various needs in forestry, municipal and construction work. Despite its low power, the designers managed to create a fairly maneuverable and easy-to-control unit, and the unpretentious diesel engine gave a special vitality to the car.
The tractor has a traditional appearance for this type of equipment. Its rear wheels considerably exceed the diameter of the front wheels, which makes it possible to use it on any types of fertile soils. The wheels are protected from above by wings from dirt, which, depending on the type of modification, are attached to the brake hoses or via transition brackets. 
There is practically no frame for DT-20, the engine, gearbox and rear axle are a single integral structure to which all other mechanical components are attached. There is no roof on the tractor either, however, in some modifications there are special mounts for installing an awning cover.
Familiarize yourself with the tractors: MT3-892, MT3-1221, Kirovets K-700, Kirovets K-9000, T-170, MT3-80, MT3 320, MT3 82 and T-30, which can also be used for different types of work.
Regardless of the type of modifications in the DT-20 tractor, you can change the position of the final gear and the length of the axles. Such manipulations make it possible to set the optimal length of the ground clearance and longitudinal base. The gearbox of the car has a reverse, it contributes to the movement of the unit with the same speed as the rear and front.
Such revolutionary decisions regarding the previous models are associated with the attempts of designers to create a universal tractor for working with all kinds of agricultural devices in the processing of low-growing and tall crops.
Did you know? The idea to create a tractor without a frame as a single monolith from the engine, gearbox and rear axle belongs to the legendary Henry Ford. Thus, the automaker reduced the cost of the design of the car and made it available to most farmers.
Specifications
The main technical features of the tractor DT-20
| Specifications | Indicators |
| engine's type | Diesel |
| Ground pressure | 0.046 kg / cm2 |
| Pull force on hook | 0.125-0.72 t |
| Initial speed at 1600 rpm | 5.03 km / h |
| Maximum travel speed at 1600 rpm | 15.6 km / h |
| Maximum speed at 1800 rpm | 17.65 km / h |
| Extra gear at 900 rpm | 0.87 km / h |
| Initial engine power | 13.2 kW |
| Initial speed | 1600 rpm |
| Maximum speed | 1800 rpm |
| Number of engine cylinders | 1 PC. |
| Bore | 12.5 cm |
| Piston stroke | 14 cm |
| Maximum tank capacity | 45 l |
| Specific fuel consumption | 200 g / hp at one o'clock |
| Track type | adjustable |
| Front gauge dimensions | 1.1-1.4 m |
| Maximum length of the longitudinal base | 1.63-1.775 m |
| Minimum length of the longitudinal base | 1,423-1,837 m |
| Maximum clearance | 0.515 m |
| Minimum clearance | 0,308 m |
| Total weight | 1.56 t |
| Overall width with a gauge of 1.1 m | 1.31 m |
| Maximum height in the hood area | 1.231 m |
| The minimum height in the hood area | 1,438 m |
| Maximum length (with canopy) | 2,818-3,038 m |
Video: review of the tractor DT-20
Dimensions and weight
The DT-20 tractor has rather tiny sizes. The nominal dimensions of the machine are 2818 mm x 1300 mm x 1231 mm, maximum 3038 mm x 1300 mm x 1438 mm. At the same time, the complete absence of the frame has greatly facilitated its weight, since it does not exceed more than 15,600 kg.
Important! The design of the DT-20 tractor does not provide for mounting brackets for ballast weights that are necessary for coupling pneumatics to the ground. This defect is partially eliminated due to the filling of pneumatics with water.
Engine
The tractor has a four-stroke engine consisting of one cylinder. The type of cooling is circulating, tap water is used as a cooling substance. An electric starter is provided for starting the engine. 
The motor has a unique mechanism that reduces vibration. It consists of two parallel shaft crankshaft, balanced counterweight. The fuel pump is simple, single-section.
Transmission
Transmission at DT-20 simple, mechanical. Between the engine and gearbox is a friction clutch, consisting of a single disk. While the tractor is running, it does not close. A control stick helps control this clutch.
The transmission has 4 gears, as well as the possibility of reverse. The maximum speed does not exceed 15.7 km / h, but with an increase in engine speed to 1800 per minute, the speed increases to 17.65 km / h.
Important! With constant engine operation at high speeds, its weariness grows many times, therefore, the engine should be accelerated by no more than 80% of the maximum power.
Running gear
Chassis DT-20 consists of the following parts:
- wheels and front axle;
- rear axle and wheels;
- vertical steering column;
- worm gear steering with double roller;
- brake system.
Attachment Equipment
As an auxiliary field equipment for DT-20, any units that have a trailer mechanism can be used, which can be controlled using a hydraulic system. The most frequently used among them are the following:
- LNV-1,5 pickup;
- PAV-000 transporter;
- ONK-B sprayer;
- Osh-50 duster;
- scraper ABH-0.5;
- Platform for loading PVF-0.5.
Important! It is not recommended to acquire modern equipment for working with a DT-20 tractor, since often such devices are not technically compatible with the unit.
Modern analogues
The unit has left an indelible mark on the history of the tractor industry. He became a truly iconic agricultural machinery of his time, which is why the success of Kharkov engineers was noted by many designers. The following progressive analogues were created on the basis of the unit:
- T-25: development of the Vladimir Motor-Tractor Plant, manufactured from 1972 to 1973;
- T-25A: the machine of the Vladimir Motor Tractor Plant, first rolled off the assembly line in 1973 and is manufactured to this day;
- MTZ-50: The unit, manufactured by the Minsk Tractor Plant from 1962 to 1985;
- MTZ-80: tractor from the Minsk Tractor Plant, produced from 1974 to the present day;
- T-40: a tractor designed by the Lipetsk Tractor Plant, produced from 1962 to 1995;
- LTZ-55: the property of the engineers of the Lipetsk Tractor Plant; a tractor has been manufactured from 1995 to the present day;
- Agromash 30TK: one of the most recent innovations from the Vladimir Motor Tractor Plant, which came off the assembly line in the last decade.
User reviews of the tractor DT-20
At first I will post here such pictures. If anyone has an interest in something more, I can still take a picture, tell.
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DT-20 is the real property of domestic science and technology. In just a few years, this unit managed to conquer the hearts of agricultural workers and for a long time became the ideal of powerful, reliable and proven technology. That is why in the subsequent time, many designers used the successful project of Kharkov engineers to improve the quality and unpretentious machinery for field and garden work.
