The Ural 4320 series entered production in 1978 as a further development of the earlier similar-in-appearance petrol-engined Ural 375D series, an example of which was fitted with a diesel engine for trials in 1973.

Early 4320-series production models were fitted with a YaMZ-740.10-20 diesel engine produced at the Kama Motor Vehicle Plant.

The 4320 series continues to evolve and at present some 150 variants that include 4x4 chassis are available. Many models are offered for commercial applications.

The current military range of 6 x 6 chassis includes five models with a standard dropside cargo body and four chassis-cab models. All are powered by

either a YaMZ-236 V-6 or YaMZ-238 V-8 diesel engine developing 180hp or 230hp (V-6) or 240hp (V-8). They are coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox and two-speed transfer box. Chassis-cab payloads range from six to 12 tonnes.

The current military range of Ural 4x4 chassis is based on the 43206 base model. These are powered by a YaMZ-236 V-6 diesel engine developing 180hp, coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox and two-speed transfer box. Chassis-cab payload is 5.5 tonnes.

The 4320-series trucks are based on conventional C-section chassis fitted with beam axles with leaf springs. A number of features are incorporated into what is essentially a low-maintenance design engineered to cope with the harsh operating conditions experienced in the former Soviet Union.

Ural also manufactures the Ural-5320 series of 8 x 8 trucks. These are fitted with a forward control tilt-cab manufactured by IVECO-Uralaz JV.

Motive power is provided by a YaMZ 238B V-8 diesel engine developing 3OOhp, coupled to an eight-speed manual gearbox and two-speed transfer box.

Ural has produced 4320 (43208) and 5320 (53203)-series trucks with armoured cabs, although in the first substantial contract of its type, the Russian Army ordered 60 4320-series trucks fitted with an armour package supplied by the Muromteplovoz plant.

Status: Ural trucks are offered for export. While details are seldom announced, recent known sates include those to Greece and Uruguay, the latter receiving 36 4320-31 s during 2001.