ZIM-350 - what was the first ATV in the USSR

The ZIM 350 ATV is a true classic, developed back in the USSR. It was the first SUV in the CIS countries. The car was intended for off-road driving, cultivating fields and transporting goods.

The first modification of the ZIM ATV, created in 1980, is in great demand among antique dealers and collectors. The model was produced in small quantities, sometimes only 200 pieces. The production has now been completely discontinued. The last ATV ZIM 350 rolled off the assembly line in 1999. This miracle of Soviet technology was manufactured at the Kharkov Motorcycle Plant.

The prototype for creating an all-terrain vehicle was the L-300 model, the state order for which was received back in 1930. This vehicle became the joint brainchild of the Kharkov and Izhevsk plants. Although the model was planned to be used during military operations, it was practically not suitable for them. Therefore, the L-300 all-terrain vehicle was considered an experimental model of civil transport.

The ZIM 350 machine became the first ATV manufactured in the USSR. The domestic all-terrain vehicle was developed according to a single standard, so it has the same spare parts as on motorcycles of that period. The model is almost identical to the IZH “Jupiter” apparatus, iconic for that time.

Competitors ZIM 350

Almost no modern model now competes with the legend of the Soviet automobile industry. However, the domestically produced ATV Lynx TMZ 6.903 has similar characteristics. Its price is 52 thousand rubles. This is a durable and durable ATV, which has become a worthy replacement for the ZIM 350.

In fact, the Soviet apparatus is of no interest to lovers of extreme sports and outdoor activities. But for antique dealers ZIM is a welcome guest. Collectors are ready to pick up the equipment for a significant amount. The price depends on the condition of the car and starts from 50 thousand rubles.

The first Soviet ATV

Back in 1924, the Kharkov Locomotive Plant (KhPZ) began production of engineer Mamin’s three-wheeled microtractors “Karlik”. This walk-behind tractor from the beginning of the 20th century had a 12 horsepower engine and a single forward gear. It reached speeds of up to 4 km/h and was controlled by an operator walking behind the unit.

At the end of the 20th century, at the Kharkov Transport Engineering Plant named after V. A. Malyshev - the former KhPZ - the history of motorcycle production in Kharkov was continued. This enterprise mastered the production of the ZIM-350 ATV.

This was the first Soviet all-terrain vehicle. It was manufactured in Kharkov from the early 1980s of the last century almost until the very end of the 20th century.

The ATV was equipped with a gasoline engine from an IZH Jupiter-5 motorcycle with a forced air cooling system and electronic ignition. The ZIM-350 was started with a foot kick starter, just like the IZH motorcycle, even though it had a battery installed. An engine capacity of 350 cubic centimeters and a power of 50 horsepower allowed a two-seater all-terrain vehicle with a manual transmission to reach a maximum speed on the road of up to 80 kilometers per hour. For confident off-road driving, the Kharkov all-terrain vehicle was equipped with a transmission with four high and four low gears. It had forward and reverse gears, as well as reverse and differential locking. The wheels were installed with different diameters - the rear wheel was larger, the front wheel, respectively, smaller. The ZIM-350 also inherited from IZH not only the motor, but also the optics.

The ZIM-350 all-terrain vehicle was equipped with two luggage racks and a towbar, with which it could pull a car trailer. Also, the Soviet ATV had the ability to install a frame for stretching a tarpaulin awning, that is, it could be equipped with a cabin. It was possible to use the ZIM 350 as a mini tractor. It was possible to buy attached agricultural and municipal equipment for it. Having excellent off-road capability, the ZIM 350 ATV is still not forgotten by fans of all-terrain vehicles; moreover, quite a lot of them are sold on the Internet to this day, although not new, but used. According to numerous reviews from owners, the ATV was ideal for fishing or hunting trips, and its power is quite enough not only to overcome rough terrain, but also to perform various work in agriculture.

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The latest modification of the all-terrain vehicle was produced under the name ZIM-800D. The description indicated that it was intended for travel in off-road conditions, snowy, swampy, rocky terrain on roads with various surfaces, alone and with a passenger, for transporting cargo and towing a trailer. The main technical characteristics of the ZIM-800D were similar to the ZIM-350M.

Pros and cons of ZIM 350

The ATV can move on almost any surface (dirt, snow, sand, small slopes, shallow rivers, etc.). This is a universal model that was designed for difficult working conditions and was used for transporting people, including off-road.

Another area of ​​use of ZIM 350 was agriculture. An ATV could easily replace a small tractor. At the same time, he was not afraid of unfavorable environmental conditions, cold winters and temperature changes. Thanks to the presence of a rigid frame, it was possible to fix attachments on the ZIM. The additional ballast made the ATV more stable.

The disadvantage of ZIM 350 is its great rarity. You can hardly find it on sale. At the same time, those units of ATVs of this model that are still on the move were operated in difficult conditions. Therefore, they cannot boast of reliability or a presentable appearance.

Appearance

Well, in general, if we are talking about Soviet technology, then we can forget about such quality as appearance. And, true, ZIM-350 absolutely does not meet the high standards of beauty and fashion. Its shapes inevitably resemble scraps of scrap metal, haphazardly welded together. A look from the front can reveal the following picture: a lonely round headlight, pushed forward on thin hinges; the steering wheel is placed vertically in the steering hole, like on a tractor; below you can see the trunk-basket (it feels like it was removed from the bicycle); the wings of the ATV are incredibly huge, stretching all the way to the ground. An unpleasant picture.

A glance from behind will reveal old wounds: the “T” shaped seat sits firmly on the frame; the engine peeks out from the sides; Still the same problem with huge wings, and still the same problem with luggage baskets. In general, the ZIM-350 is not intended to show off. A real hard worker knows his job and is not afraid to get dirty.

Specifications

The domestic ATV ZIM 350 is perfect for working in the field, in the garden, and for traveling on bad roads. The load capacity of the model is 500 kg. ZIM 350 has a four-stroke IZH Jupiter-5 engine, thanks to which it reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h. The ATV reaches its maximum speed in 10 seconds.

The model is equipped with:

• 50 HP engine. s., volume 350 cm³.
• Forced air cooling.
• Manual transmission (8 gears).
• Differential locking and reverse.
• Hydraulic brakes.
• Flexible front suspension and rigid rear.
• Fuel tank capacity 15 liters. AI 80/92 gasoline is used.

The machine is not the lightest, the weight of the ATV is 320 kg. Economy is also not the car’s strong point; the device consumes 6 liters per 100 km. Considering the engine power (350 cc) this is quite a lot.

ZIM 350 is not intended for racing and outdoor activities. But for performing household tasks, transporting passengers or cargo, the model is ideal.

The appearance of the ATV - what has changed

Due to the fact that the development of the ATV was carried out back in Soviet times, there is practically nothing to say about the external appearance of the product. At first glance at the presented model, it becomes clear that the designers clearly did not care about appearance. It seems that the designer simply threw metal scraps onto the moving parts and somehow welded them together so that they would not fall off.

The front view also does not inspire optimism - there is only one “eye” of the headlight, mounted on hinges. Vertically mounted steering wheel. A little lower, under the headlight, experts installed a small trunk that looks like a basket from a supermarket. The simply huge wings that reach right down to the ground deserve special attention. A strange and surreal picture that evokes pride, misunderstanding and nostalgia at the same time.

Looking at the product from the back, the old defects will immediately become noticeable: the seat is made in the shape of the letter “T”, from the sides you can see the ribs, components and connections of the engine, luggage baskets and again the same wings, the dimensions of which are simply “killing”. In general, if we talk about appearance, it’s unlikely to show off in front of girls. But it is worth noting the work qualities of “ZIMA”, which will not make you doubt them.

A few final words about the ZIM 350 ATV

The ZIM 350 ATV, the technical characteristics of which are absolutely identical to the IZH Jupiter-5 motorcycle, is a workhorse designed to solve the tasks assigned to it. This Soviet model is ideal for use in high mountains, tundra, steppes and taiga. “Winter” will be an excellent assistant in the household, hunting and fishing, and will help you get to places where you can’t even go with an SUV.

Among the technical characteristics of the model are the following:

• The presence of two cylinders;
• Two-stroke engine;
• Engine capacity 340 cm³.

As for ignition, most manufactured units have a starter installed. Although, on some you can also find electronic launch systems. If we talk about domestic models in general, they are unfairly forgotten and practically unknown to anyone. But despite this fact, they are undoubtedly worthy representatives of the ATV family and deserve close attention and study.

It is difficult to talk about the cost of such a model - in some cases they can be bought for 3 thousand rubles, and in some regions they are sold for 50 thousand rubles.

Owner reviews

Undoubtedly, the ZIM 350 ATV has a lot of advantages. But there are also certain shortcomings. Therefore, reviews from owners of this equipment are mixed. Among the positive statements, the following can be noted.

ZIM 350 is a workhorse. The model was created for driving on the tundra, taiga or steppe. An ATV will help you get to places where even an SUV cannot reach.

The owners also appreciated the starter ignition system. Although some modifications (for example, ZIM 350-1) have an electrical system installed. At the same time, the cost of such equipment today is acceptable. Prices may vary significantly in some regions. You can buy a “killed” ZIM 350 ATV for 3 thousand rubles. More “fresh” devices cost 50 thousand rubles.

The ZIM 350 also has plenty of disadvantages:

• Primitive and angular appearance of the model. It’s as if the designer simply threw sheets of metal onto the frame and moving parts. The appearance of this device really leaves much to be desired.
• Design. At the front there is only one headlight on hinges. Under the headlight there is a trunk that looks like a supermarket basket.
• Huge wings. The components practically reach the ground.
• Vertical landing of the steering wheel. It's quite inconvenient to drive and looks weird.
• "T" shaped seat. This is one of the factors that worsens the comfort of driving a car.
• Weak motor protection. On the sides of the device there are open engine components, connections, mechanisms, etc. This not only spoils the design, but also reduces the protection of the motor.

If you neglect the design and take into account only the technical characteristics, the model will be quite suitable for work, fishing and hunting.

Brief historical summary

The first modification of the ZIM 350 rolled off the assembly line back in 1991, at the Kharkov Malyshev Tank Plant. Popularly, the first and very rare modification received the nickname “Winter,” which already characterized the model as ideal for Russian realities.

Due to the fact that the batches were produced in limited editions (sometimes only 200 pieces), consumer demand was not fully satisfied. It is worth noting the fact that these models were constantly used in extreme conditions, which is why only a few have survived to this day.

Repair and tuning

Since the ZIM 350 ATV is made by analogy with Soviet-era motorcycles, finding suitable parts, components and mechanisms for it will not be difficult. The presence in the system of the same engine as that of Jupiter-5 speaks for itself. This device also inherited optics from IZH. Almost all parts can be found on the open market.

ZIM 350 is also of interest due to tuning. Many craftsmen like to rework Soviet technology in a modern way. One of the popular approaches to modification is to install a motor with a combined winding from Slovyanka. This upgrade allows you to increase the speed of the ATV to 100 km/h.

For its time, the ZIM 350 ATV was a serious breakthrough in the field of Soviet mechanical engineering. Nowadays this rare model can be used only for work or leisure.

How the production of motorcycles began

ZIM-350 was assembled at the Kharkov Motorcycle Plant. Unfortunately, the latter was mentioned extremely rarely. It is known that in 1930 an order was received from the State Planning Committee: to develop a motorcycle for use by the Red Army soldiers. By the way, it must be maneuverable, fast and comfortable, and also be suitable for all types of road surfaces. The order was not given by chance, because in those years there was a resonance in the world about rumors of Hitler’s attack on the Soviet Union.

By that time, Soyuz motorcycles and some versions of IZH had already been produced. The Kharkov and Izhevsk plants were united, and thanks to engineers from the two republics, an experimental model L-300 was created.

At the beginning of the war, engineers assumed that motorcycles would play a huge role on the front lines. But civilian equipment was not adapted for military conditions. The M-72 was created for this purpose.