Monument «Glory To Rural Workers»
In 2004, on the grounds of the Timiryazev Academy, in front of the building of the Faculty of Processes and Machines in Agribusiness, a monument titled “Glory to the Rural Workers” was erected. Its centerpiece is a SKhTZ 15/30 tractor manufactured in 1934. The restoration of this rare machine was carried out by students R.I. Rukosuyev, D.A. Antonov, A.V. Anuryev, A.D. Zhdanov, as well as staff members of the Tractors and Automobiles Department – K.G. Sveshnikov, A.N. Simonenko, and V.R. Lekhter. This tractor became a true symbol of its era. In 1930, the first Soviet mass‑production machine entered the country’s fields, manufactured at specialized plants in Stalingrad and Kharkov. The American International 15/30 was taken as a basis, but its design was heavily modified because Western technology could not withstand the harsh Soviet realities. Organizing production was no easy task: there was an acute shortage of qualified engineers and workers, and before that, tractors had only been assembled in small batches at multi‑purpose factories. The creation of the first tractor giants was a breakthrough – by the mid‑1930s, imported machines had almost completely disappeared, making way for domestic ones. The SKhTZ 15/30 was distinguished by its simple and reliable construction. It was easily recognized by its huge iron wheels with spike‑like lugs – they prevented slipping on soft soil, although driving on paved roads was nearly impossible. The tractor’s engine ran on gasoline, delivering 23 horsepower, but more often a kerosene version producing 31 hp was used – this was needed for heavy labor. Weighing almost three tons, the machine plowed, pulled trailers, and powered stationary threshers. The working conditions for the tractor driver were Spartan: no cab, no protection from wind or dust. A hard metal seat, heavy steering wheel, and control levers – and not a single gauge: the mechanic had to rely solely on hearing and experience. For more than twenty years, these “steel horses” remained the main force on collective and state farms. By the early 1940s, they had become morally obsolete, and newer models were being prepared to replace them, but the war disrupted all plans. Production had to be urgently resumed – the reliable tractor was needed at the front and in the rear. Manufacturing continued even after the Victory, until 1950 (similar machines were assembled at one of Moscow’s repair plants). Today, the SKhTZ 15/30 is a museum exhibit, reminding us of the beginning of a great journey. The few surviving specimens are carefully preserved.
Address: Moscow, Listvennichnaya al., 7
Памятник «Трактор СХТЗ 15/30»