It A heavy tractor with a tank engine was required for towing high powered 152-305mm field guns, as well as the medium and heavy tanks which appeared in the Red Army in the 1930's. Development of the tractor started in 1935 Kharkov, and in 1937 a prototype was demonstrated in the Kremlin. The machine produced a strong impression and was approved. The tractor demonstrated excellent results, towing the largest artillery systems and all types of tanks, including the T-35 with ease. Late in 1939 the manufacturing of the "Voroshilovets" started, culminating in 1123 vehicles built. During the war the tractor was efficiently used at all fronts for heavy transport duty.