Unimog

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Image:Unimog yellow.jpg Image:RW1.jpg

The Unimog (from the German "UNIversal-MOtor-Gerät", meaning "universal motor machine/equipment") is a series of trucks from Daimler-Benz designed shortly after WWII, originally to be used as slow-moving tractors for Germany's turnip harvest.

They feature very high ground clearance — greater than the Humvee — made possible by portal gears that allow the axles and transmission to be higher than the tires' centers. Unimogs also feature a flexible frame that allows the tires a wide range of vertical movement to allow the truck to comfortably drive over extremely uneven terrain, even meter-high boulders.

Unimogs are equipped with front and rear tool mounting brackets and hydraulic connections to allow bucket loaders and hydraulic arms to be used. They have a power takeoff (PTO) connection to operate rotary equipment such as snow brooms, snow blowers, brush mowers, or stationary conveyor belts.

The Unimog model with the largest single design production run is the Unimog 404. The most common versions of this model was produced in troop carrier and radio box/signal truck variants for the German Army and other Western European armies. It was powered by a 2 liter waterproofed Mercedes-Benz petrol engine that produced as much as 80 horsepower (60 kW).

Most other Unimog models have a diesel powerplant varying from 80 horsepower (60 kW) to upwards of 280 horsepower (205 kW). New Unimogs can be purchased on all major continents. They are quite common in Western Europe.

Unimogs are uncommon in the US because of differing vehicle regulations and requirements from those in Germany. North American models are officially limited to the UGN series sold through Freightliner dealerships. Freightliner is a DaimlerChrysler subsidiary. The UGN series is specifically manufactured for the North American market and is significantly different mechanically from its European counterpart. The UGN faces stiff competition in North America by manufacturers whose truck or equipment lines perform the same duties as the Unimog. Some of them are Caterpillar, John Deere, AM General, Sterling Trucks (also a DaimlerChrysler subsidiary), and General Motors.

Unimog users

Unimogs have been used by many different militaries, including the German and Swiss armies. They are also used extensively by the South African National Defence Force and the New Zealand Army. The Unimogs are used as troop carriers, ambulances, and mobile command centers equipped with radios (radio boxes). The Mamba APC is an Armoured Personnel Carrier manufactured by BAE Systems in South Africa that is based upon the Unimog driveline.

Unimogs are used by Fire Departments and municipalities as utility vehicles. They can be used as material handlers, auxillary power providers (generators), and equipment carriers. Their ability to operate off-road makes it easier to access remote areas in emergency situations. They are commonly used in snow removal where other vehicles might not be able to operate. Most European Alpine towns and districts are equipped with one or more Unimog snow blowers to clear narrow mountain roads that have drifted closed.

In construction, Unimogs are used as equipment carriers and material handlers. They can be equipped with a backhoe, front loader, or other contracting equipment.

In agriculture, Unimogs are used to operate farm equipment. While most farm field implement operations are now performed by a tractor, unimogs are used to haul produce, machinery and animals. They are also used around the farmyard to run Chippers, grain augers, and conveyors.

History

This section contains information translated from the [German language Wikpedia page for Unimog]. Image:Shunting vehicle 01.JPG

1940s

Unimogs were developed in post-war Germany to be used as agricultural equipment. Albert Friedrich designed the first model and entered a production agreement with Erhard and Soehne in Swabian Gmuend (Schwäbisch Gmünd). It was designed with a mounting bracket in front and a hitch in the rear, with loading space in the center. Production began on January 1st, 1946. The original track width of 1,270 millimeters was equivalent to two potato rows.

A 25 hp (19 kW) Daimler Benz diesel engine became standard equipment in 1947. The original symbol for the Unimog was a pair of ox's horns in the shape of a letter U.

1950s

When Daimler Benz took over manufacture of the Unimog in 1951, the three pointed Mercedes star began to appear on the vehicle.

• In 1955, the first Unimog 404 S series were produced. The primary customer is the Federal West German army. The 404 was intended to be a mobile cross-country truck instead of an agricultural implement. The 404 S is the most popularly produced variant. 64,242 were produced between 1955 and 1980.

1960s

• The 406 series was produced beginning in 1963. It is equipped with a six cylinder diesel producing 110 hp (80 kW). The 406 is produced until 1988. The 416 with a longer wheelbase is also new for 1963.

• The 100,000th Unimog was built in 1966.

Pictures

Unimog 401 with closed cab, built 1953-1956	Unimog 401 with Snow blower (1955)	Unimog 406, model year 1971 "Two way vehicle" railroad shunter (known in North America as a highrailer)	Unimog of the German Army as a miltary ambulance
Unimog U 400 built around 2000 as a road/rail "two-way vehicle" rail car shunter	Stripped down Unimog "sanding" in the Texas Hill Country

Specifications

Unimog 404

• introduced: 1955
• discontinued: 1980
• width: 2130 mm (84 in)
• length: 4900 mm
• height: 2190 mm (86 in), cab height: 1600 mm (63 in)
• cargo bed: 3000 by 2000 mm (118 by 78 in), 2130 by 2080 mm (84 by 82 in) with double-cab
• wheelbase: 2900 mm (114 in)
• turning radius: 13 m (42.6 ft)
• empty weight: 2900 kg (6390 lb)
• gross weight: 4400 kg (9700 lb)
• tires: 10.5 x 20 (DOT)
• fuel: 2 x 60 litre (15.9 US gal)
• ground clearance: 400 mm (15.7 in)
• fording (w/o equipment): 800 mm (31.5 in)
• traverse angle
  • on a side slope: 42 degrees
  • approach: 45 degrees
  • departure: 46 degrees
• climb: 70% grade
• descent: 90% grade
• average fuel consumption (gasoline): 10–14 mpg (US) (24–17 L/100 km)
• engine: 2.2 litre straight 6 SOHC (Mercedes Benz M180) 80 HP (60 kW)
  • Shielded Distributor Ignition, 24 Volt Electrical System
  • 2 Barrel Zenith NDIX-32 Carbeurator
• transmission gearing
  • forward: 14.93/8.23/4.47/2.46/1.52/1.0
  • reverse: 20.12/11.09

Unimog U5000 BM436.430

(Short Wheel Base Single Cab)

• introduced: 2002
• discontinued: In Production
• width: 2474 mm
• track width: 1920 mm
• length: 5410 mm
• height: 2740 mm
• wheelbase: 2336 mm
• turning radius: 14.5 m
• empty weight: 4,300 kg
• gross weight: 11,800 kg
• tires: 365/85 R 20.5
• fuel: 145 litres
• ground clearance: 476 mm (varies with tyre)
• fording 800 mm (standard)
  • 1200 mm (optional equipment)
• traverse angle: not published
  • on a side slope: not published
  • approach: 44 degrees
  • departure: 53 degrees
• climb: not published
• descent: not published
• average fuel consumption (diesel): not published
• engine: 4.8 litre straight 4 Turbocharged OM924LA 218 HP (160 kW)
  • Electronic Speed governor
• transmission gearing
  • forward: 9.570/6.635/4.375/3.219/2.188/1.517/1.000/0.736
  • reverse: 14.569/10.101/6.660/4.900/3.330/2.309/1.522/1.120

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External links

• Mercedes-Benz International Website
• North America Unimogs
• Unimog 404 FAQ
• NorthWest MogFest Web Site

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