The research is devoted to developing a mathematical model describing the dynamics of a dual-mass machine unit with a cardan gear, taking into account the catalogue data of an induction motor. A reference simulation model of a machine unit of sequential structure driven by a given induction motor is obtained. The simulated machine unit consists of a reducer and two rotating masses with a cardan gear with a given torsional stiffness between them. The differential equations of motion of the machine unit were calculated. A mathematical description of mechanical characteristics on the basis of Klos formulae has been developed and the influence of machine unit parameters on its performance in start-up, steady-state and emergency modes of operation has been studied. The analysis of arising oscillations and dynamic loads is carried out and the results of numerical implementation of the obtained results are presented.