| Csepel D-344 | |
| Manufacturer: | Csepel Autógyár |
| Type: | Lorry |
| Production: | 1961–1975 |
| Assembly: | Hungary |
| Class: | 3 t lorry |
| Body Style: | Long-bonnet lorry |
| Layout: | Front engine, all-wheel-drive |
| Platform: | Csepel D-344 |
| Related: | Csepel D-346 |
| Engine: | Csepel D-414H (Diesel, 5.5 dm3, 70 kW) |
| Transmission: | Manual five-speed gearbox |
| Propulsion: | Tyres |
| Wheelbase: | 3750 mm |
| Length: | 6716 mm |
| Width: | 2498 mm |
| Height: | 2775 mm |
| Weight: | 5700 kg |
| Predecessor: | None |
| Successor: | None |
| Sp: | uk |
The Csepel D-344 is a medium size, 3-tonne, 4×4 off-road lorry, made by Hungarian manufacturer Csepel Autógyár, from 1961 to 1975. It was first presented to the public on the Leipzig Trade Fair in early 1963.[1] The Hungarian People's Army purchased huge quantities of the D-344, and eventually used it as their standard lorry. It proved to be robust and reliable.[2]
The Csepel D-344 uses a welded ladder frame, and has two permanently driven, leaf-sprung live axles. The front axle has single wheels, whereas the rear axle has twin wheels. All wheels are of the size 9.00–20.00 in. In its standard configuration, the D-344 has a ground clearance of 270 mm and a fording depth of 800 mm. The D-344 has a pneumatic braking system with drum brakes on all wheels. The ramp angle is 35° on the front axle, and 25° on the rear axle; the maximum gradeability is 44%.
The Csepel D-344 is powered by a Csepel D-414H naturally aspirated, 5.5-litre, precombustion chamber injected, straight four-cylinder diesel engine. It produces a maximum torque of 330NaN0 at 1500/min, and has a rated power output of 950NaN0 at 2300/min. Its minimum fuel consumption is rated 1900NaN0 at 2000/min. (All figures according to DIN 70020).[3]
The torque is transmitted from the engine to the manual five-speed gearbox with a single-disc dry clutch. The transfer gearbox that sends torque to both the front and rear axles also includes the differential for the front axle. Therefore, the D-344 has two drive shafts that send the torque from the transfer gearbox to the front axle, one for each wheel. This design was chosen to allow for a lower engine mounting point and thus a lower centre of gravity. The transfer gearbox has a differential lock in order to increase the D-344's off-road capabilities.[4]
With its mass of 5700 kg (DIN 70030; includes 215 litres of fuel and a 75 kg driver), the Csepel D-344 can reach a top speed of 82 km/h. The fuel consumption is rated 28.7 L/100 km. The standard payload is 3000 kg; in addition to that, the D-344 can pull trailers with a mass of up to 2000 kg. Military versions of the D-344 were equipped with a front winch.[5]
The Csepel D-344 was built in several different types:[6]