Utb/universal U-453 DT
Built: 1988–2004 · Series: 500
More machines from model year 1988
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UTB Universal 500 – the Romanian farm tractors of the 1970s: U-453 DT to U-553 DT, 33 to 41 kW from three- and four-cylinder engines
The UTB Universal 500 range bundles the models U-453 to U-553 of the Romanian maker Tractorul Braşov from the 1970s, sold under the export brand Universal, or UTB. The number in the type designation gives the power class roughly, DT and DTC mark the four-wheel-drive versions.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The register lists here 5 versions with 33.1 to 40.5 kW from three- to four-cylinders of 2,399 to 3,118 cc, unladen weights from 1,920 to 3,125 kg, lengths from 2,959 to 3,770 mm, widths from 1,570 to 1,839 mm and heights from 1,520 to 2,500 mm, torque from 132 to 174 Nm at a rated speed of 2,400 rpm.
The 500 range was, in the 1970s, one of the medium power classes in the UTB programme and, like the other Universal tractors, was exported in large numbers to Western Europe too, where it found buyers as an affordable alternative to Western brands. Unlike the more varied range of other UTB models, the 500 series formed a self-contained medium power class for medium-sized farms in Romania and its export markets.
On the 500 range, what counts is the condition and compression of the three- or four-cylinder diesel, the condition of the four-wheel-drive clutch on the DT and DTC models, the tightness of the hydraulics, and rust on bodywork and cab; parts are partly still available through Eastern European dealers.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: UTB Universal 500
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | dieselcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 45 hp (33.1 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 2,400 rpmcorrect |
| Torque | 132 Nmcorrect |
| Speed at max. torque | 1,300 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 3correct |
| Displacement | 2,399 cm³correct |
| Bore | 95 mmcorrect |
| Stroke | 110 mmcorrect |
| Compression ratio | 17correct |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 3,585 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,788 mmcorrect |
| Height | 2,400 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 2,130 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 230 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 2,900 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | four-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 12 V/3 Rcorrect |
| Front tyres | 7.50-20 AScorrect |
| Rear tyres | 14.9-28 AScorrect |
| Top speed | 25 km/hcorrect |
Origin and approval
| Construction | unit construction (no separate frame)correct |
|---|
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 11.4 kW/t (33 kW / 2.9 t)
Power class: Universal (40–100 hp)
Stronger than 29% of the tractors in the register — out of 15,663 models with a stated power figure.
Calculated from the documented figures above — not a rating.
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the Utb/universal U-453 DT have?
The Utb/universal U-453 DT delivers 45 hp.
How much does the Utb/universal U-453 DT weigh?
The unladen weight is 2,900 kg.
What engine does the Utb/universal U-453 DT have?
3 cylinders, 2,399 cm³ displacement, Diesel.
How fast does the Utb/universal U-453 DT go?
Top speed is 25 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Utb/universal U-453 DT?
3,585 mm × 1,788 mm × 2,400 mm.
When was the Utb/universal U-453 DT built?
Production years: 1988–2004.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Check front and rear tyre sizes: mismatched pairs strain the drivetrain.
- Shift the gearbox cold and warm — jumps only show up at temperature.
- Load the hydraulics and watch for sag.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 24 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
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Other models in this series
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Tractor in 3D section
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