The question of the exact overall dimensions of a multi-purpose light armored tractor (MTLB) often arises not only among collectors of military equipment, but also among engineers planning logistics, or enthusiasts converting this vehicle for civilian needs. Understanding what MTLB width by tracks, is fundamental for calculating the maneuverability of equipment in snow cover, swampy areas or when transporting a machine on a trawl. It is the width of the supporting surface of the tracks that determines the specific pressure on the ground, which is a key factor in the survival of the vehicle in off-road conditions.
In this article we will analyze in detail all aspects of the geometry of the chassis of this legendary car. We'll look at the difference between the design width of the track and the overall width of the vehicle, and analyze how these parameters affect performance. It is important to understand that even minor changes in the width of the tracks can radically change the behavior of the equipment on difficult terrain.
Design features of the MTLB chassis
Chassis MTLB is a classic tracked design with rear-mounted drive wheels. The basis of the propulsion system is made up of rubber-coated track rollers, which ensure smooth running and uniform distribution of mass along the length of the caterpillar track. Track width here is a strictly fixed parameter set by the designers to ensure an optimal balance between cross-country ability and transport restrictions when transported by rail.
The caterpillar is assembled from forged steel tracks connected by pins. Each track has a specific shape of lugs that provide traction to the surface. It's important to note that shoe width (supporting surface) is not always equal to the total width of the track due to the presence of flanges and guide elements. It is the supporting part that contacts the ground, creating the necessary area to reduce pressure.
⚠️ Attention: When operating the machine on asphalt roads, excessive lug width can lead to destruction of the road surface and rapid wear of the rubber roller shoes. Use asphalt shoes or limit your driving time on hard surfaces.
To accurately understand the geometry, it is necessary to take into account that the caterpillar track goes around the road wheels, forming a closed loop. Machine track, that is, the distance between the centers of the left and right track tracks, also plays an important role in determining stability on lateral slopes. The suspension design allows the rollers to move independently in a vertical plane, which maintains constant track contact with uneven terrain.
Technical detail
Why doesn't the track fly off?: The MTLB track is held in place by idler wheels at the front and drive wheels at the rear, as well as the shape of the tracks themselves, which have internal ridges that engage the road wheels. The tension is regulated by a mechanical tensioner.
Exact dimensions: track width and full width
Moving on to specific numbers, one should clearly distinguish between the width of the track itself and the overall width of the entire vehicle. MTLB width by tracks, if we talk specifically about the width of one track, is 350 millimeters. This size is the standard for the basic modification and provides a specific ground pressure in the range of 0.27–0.29 kg/cm², depending on the load and snow conditions.
However, if you are interested in what the overall (overall) width of the MTLB is, then the numbers here will be different. The full width of the hull with the tracks on is 2850 millimeters. It is this parameter that is critically important when planning to transport a tractor on a railway platform or when driving through narrow hangar gates and forest roads. Exceeding the size of 2.85 meters may require special permission or escort on public roads.
When ordering a trawl for transporting MTLB, always specify the full width of 2850 mm, and not just the width of the track. The platform must be at least 40-50 cm wider than the machine on each side for safe fixation with chains.
It is also worth mentioning that there are modifications with widened tracks designed to work in deep snow or swampy areas. In such cases track width can be increased to 450 mm or even 500 mm, which proportionally increases the overall width of the machine. Such changes require recalculation of the loads on the transmission and chassis.
The influence of track width on cross-country ability
Parameter specific ground pressure directly depends on the support area that the tracks form. The wider the track, the larger the contact area with the surface and the less the machine sinks into soft snow, peat or sand. For MTLB with a track width of 350 mm, this indicator allows you to confidently move where 6x6 wheeled vehicles would already get stuck on bridges.
However, increasing the width also has a downside. Wider tracks create more resistance when turning, increase stress on the final drives, and require a more powerful engine to maintain the same speed. In addition, track width affects the vehicle’s ability to pass between trees in the forest or along narrow forest roads.
- 🌲 Narrow tracks (350 mm) are better suited for driving on forest roads and hard soils, where maneuverability is important.
- ❄️ Wide tracks (450+ mm) are indispensable for working in deep snow, swamps and loose sand.
- ⚙️ Increasing the width requires checking the condition of the transmission, as the load on the nodes increases.
For engineers This is a complex change in the dynamics of the machine. Traction and dynamic characteristics may worsen if the engine and transmission are not properly tuned. Therefore, when upgrading the chassis, always carry out preliminary load calculations.
Comparison with analogues and competitors
To objectively assess the characteristics of the MTLB, it is useful to compare its parameters with other tracked vehicles of a similar class. For example, the famous American tractor M113 has tracks about 305 mm (12 inches) wide, making it slightly less capable in snow but more compact. Soviet GT-SM, on the contrary, was often equipped with wider tracks for arctic conditions.
Below is a table showing the comparative characteristics of track width and overall dimensions for a number of tracked vehicles:
| Vehicle model | Track width (mm) | Full Width (mm) | Specific pressure (kg/cm²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTLB (basic) | 350 | 2850 | 0,27 |
| MTLBu (with extenders) | 450 | 3150 | 0,20 |
| BMP-2 | 350 | 3070 | 0,65 |
| GT-SM | 420 | 2850 | 0,19 |
| M113A1 | 305 | 2680 | 0,55 |
As can be seen from the table, MTLB occupies a unique niche, combining a relatively narrow body (compared to infantry fighting vehicles) with sufficient track width for high maneuverability. This makes it a versatile tool. However, for extreme swamp conditions, specialized machines with an even wider supporting surface are sometimes chosen.
Track Maintenance and Wear
The operation of a caterpillar propulsion system requires constant monitoring of the condition of the tracks and fingers. Over time caterpillar pitch may increase due to wear in the track holes and pins, which leads to the track jumping off or damage to the drive wheel rims. Regular tension checks are a must before every ride.
Shoe (grouser) wear also affects machine efficiency. If the lug height is reduced by more than 50%, traction properties drop sharply, especially on ice or compacted snow. In such cases, it is recommended to surfacing of tracks or replacing worn elements.
☑️ Daily inspection of the chassis
⚠️ Attention: Operating the machine with over-tightened tracks leads to accelerated wear of the track roller bearings and increased fuel consumption. Insufficient tension threatens to cause the track to fly off when turning.
Replacing track pins often requires special equipment or powerful hydraulic presses because the joints are very tight. In the field, the heating method is sometimes used, but this requires care not to change the structure of the metal and reduce strength characteristics track
Legal aspects and transportation
When using MTLB on public roads, its dimensions must be taken into account. The width of 2.85 meters formally exceeds the standard restrictions for movement without special permission in many regions. Although in rural areas and on forest roads people often turn a blind eye to this, driving onto a federal highway requires registration special permission for the transportation of oversized cargo if the vehicle is transported on a trawl, or compliance with special traffic rules if it is under its own power.
In addition, tracked vehicles are prohibited from driving on asphalt concrete surfaces for distances of more than 5-10 km (depending on local traffic regulations and the type of tracks) if this leads to the destruction of the road. The presence of rubber shoes on rollers partially solves the problem, but does not completely relieve responsibility for the condition of the road surface.
Basic Law: The movement of tracked vehicles on paved roads is permitted only in exceptional cases and for short distances, provided that this does not cause damage to the road.
When planning your route, always check the status of the roads and the presence of restrictions on axle load and dimensions. Fines for overload and violation of the rules for transporting oversized cargo can be significant, so it is better to prepare all documents in advance.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to install tracks from other equipment on MTLB?
Theoretically, it is possible to install tracks from other vehicles of a similar class (for example, from GT-SM or specialized snow and swamp-going vehicles), but this will require serious modification of the drive and guide wheels, as well as changes in the track pitch. Without modifying the chassis, installation of incompatible tracks is impossible.
How to correctly measure the wear of the MTLB track?
The measurement is made with a caliper or ruler. The height of the lug is measured at its highest point and compared with the nominal value. The distance between the inner ends of the tracks (pitch) is also measured - if it has increased by more than 3-4% of the nominal value, it is recommended to sort out or replace the track.
Does the width of the tracks affect the maximum speed of the MTLB?
The width of the track itself has little effect on the maximum speed on hard surfaces, but increases rolling resistance on soft soils. The condition of the engine and transmission has a major influence on speed, but installation of extremely wide tracks may require changes in gear ratios to maintain traction.
Do track pins need to be lubricated?
In standard MTLB tracks, the fingers do not have channels for lubrication; they operate under metal-to-metal friction (or metal-to-rubber bushings). Lubricant is usually not used as it is washed away by dirt. However, there are modifications with Teflon bushings or lubrication channels that require maintenance according to the instructions.