The ZT 320 series was meant to be an upgrade of the existing ZT 300 series, and therefore, many at the time not obsolete ZT 300 components, like the axles, frame, and steering system, were carried over to the ZT 320 series. The main parts that were supposed to receive an upgrade were, amongst other things, the three-point linkage, powertrain, driver's cab, and to fulfill contemporary regulations, the braking system. Compared to the ZT 300 series, the ZT 320 was also designed to be much more versatile. With its upgraded braking system, it can pull trailers with a mass of up to 30,000 kg, and its enhanced gearbox allows a very low speed of only 1.4 km/h. The production was simplified by reducing the number of models to two: The ZT 320 is the rear-wheel drive only model, whereas the ZT 323 also has front-wheel drive. Special purpose models were not part of the ZT 320 series.
Technical description
The ZT 320 series is a wheeled, two-axle tractor based upon the half frame design principle. Like any mid 20th century standard tractor, the ZT 320 series has an unsprung, rear beam axle that is directly flange-mounted to the gearbox. The rear axle is also directly connected to an additional ladder frame without any spring elements or shock absorbers in between. This ladder frame, the so-called half-frame, offers high torsional stiffness, and supports the engine as well as the driver's cab. In front, it connects to the front axle, which is either a pivoted but otherwise unsprung rigid dead or live axle. The rear axle differential, as well as the central differential, and the front axle differential are lockable; the differential locks are operated pneumatically. The ZT 320 series has 18.4/15−34 rear tyres and either a single circuit or dual circuit braking system with drum brakes. A hydraulically operated DK 80dual clutch transmits the torque from the engine to the gearbox. Like its predecessor, the ZT 320 series has a powershift gearbox with three ranges, but the number of gears was upgraded from three to four. Powershifting is activated pneumatically, and can be operated with a switch on the dashboard. In total, the gearbox has 12 forward, and 8 reverse gears. At input torque greater than 250 N·m, the ZT 320's gearbox can reach an efficiency of more than 90 %. The tractor's rear PTO shaft can be switched and has two settings: 540 min−1,, and 1000 min−1,. It also comes with a safety system that prevents transmitting too much power to farm implements. The ZT 320 model was available with an additional front PTO as a factory option. A standard IFA 4 VD 14,5/12-1 SRWdiesel engine, which was also used in the ZT 300 series, powers the ZT 320 series tractors. The 4 VD 14,5/12-1 SRW is a naturally aspirated, straight-four, water-cooled, diesel engine, that features MAN M-System wall-guided direct injection. It displaces 6.56 dm3 and is rated 73.5 kW at 1800 min−1. To reduce fuel consumption compared to the ZT 300 version, it received inlet ports with enhanced sickle-shaped chamfers, an optimised camshaft, and new fuel injectors. These measures resulted in a 2.9 % reduction in fuel consumption, as well as better exhaust gas behaviour, and enhanced engine-torque increase. A reduction in engine noise was achieved by finning the valve covers, and making the cylinder-head cover of cast iron. The driver's cab is mounted on the half-frame using special rubber shock-and-vibration absorbers. The interior is designed ergonomically, with an air-sprung driver's seat, well-placed levers and switches, and an adjustable steering column. Despite having a huge window area of 4.6 m2, the cab includes a roll cage. A ventilation system with slightly increased cabin pressure prevents dust from entering the driver's cab. Sound-deadening measures were used to keep the sound pressure level inside the cab below 85 dB.
