- New high-mobility Unimog model range U 4000 and U 5000 for fire-fighting, disaster aid, the energy sector and transport
- High-mobility, torsionally flexible vehicle with state-of-the-art engineering for extreme-terrain operation
The new high-mobility Unimog U 4000 and U 5000 model range has been developed for difficult all-terrain operations in areas where roads and tracks are few and far between. Production of the Unimog range is at the Mercedes-Benz truck facility in Wörth.
“In many ways, the most legendary offroad vehicle of all time never really left South Africa. We are pleased to now introduce the latest models the U 4000 and U 5000,” says Kobus van Zyl, Vice President, Commercial Vehicles, Mercedes-Benz South Africa.
“The Unimog (an acronym for the German “UNIversal-Motor-Gerät” – Gerät being the German word for ‘machine’ or ‘device’) is probably most familiar to many South Africans as the overlander of choice, carrying groups of foreign tourists on safari through southern Africa. And there’s good reason why it stands out as the vehicle of choice. The Unimog has acquired almost a mystical status over the decades, and is often spotted in remote areas, where nothing other than wild mountain goats may venture,” adds Van Zyl.
With its superior off-road capabilities, the new Uni¬mog model range is the natural choice for extreme-terrain operation. Its principal applications will be in fire-fighting – particularly in forested areas – in disaster aid, as a chassis for expedition vehicles and for carrying out service, maintenance work at out-of-the-way locations, public services and municipal contractors, in the construc¬tion and energy industries and in intra-plant transport.
The new high-mobility Unimog U 4000 and U 5000 range combines the tradi-tional Unimog virtues such as soundness, robustness, long life, reliability and the almost legendary four-wheel-drive concept with state-of-the-art en¬gine and transmission technology and excellent ergonomics.
The outstanding operational reliability of the Unimog results in superior overall cost-effectiveness, with reduced maintenance costs and a high resale va¬lue.
The torsionally flexible ladder frame of the new high-mobility Unimog models, consisting of two U-shaped side members with welded tubular cross-members, gives unimpeded flexing ability. Portal axles front and rear are standard, with differential locks, geared hubs, control arms, torque tubes, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers and stabilisers. The all-steel cab is also available as a crew-cab. Like the engine, transmis¬sion, platform and body, it is three-point-mounted and therefore follows every movement of the vehicle.
The new Unimog model range U 4000 to U 5000 is designed for permissible gross vehicle weights of up to 12.5 t (14.1 t for fire-fighting vehicles). It is powered by low-emission Euro 3 engines with output ratings from 110 kW (150 hp) to 160 kW (218 hp). The most powerful engine is a newly de¬veloped Mercedes-Benz OM 924 LA, which has been created by enlarging the displacement of the OM 904 LA four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. This 4.8 litre unit develops its rated output of 160 kW (218 hp) at just 2200 rpm. Peak torque of 810 Nm is available at just 1200 rpm.
The Mercedes-Benz transmission with electronic-pneumatic Telligent gear¬shift (EPS) and pneumatically selectable four-wheel drive offers eight forward and six reverse gears. Optionally, an additional working/off-road range can also be fitted.
The pre-selectable synchromesh reversing gear EQR (“Elec¬tronic Quick Reverse”) makes it easier to change direction quickly and to “rock” the vehicle free in difficult terrain. Also optionally available is a sin¬gle-circuit hydraulic system for implement operation. The new Uni¬mog mo¬dels are equipped as standard with a pneumatic/hydraulic dual-circuit brake system with disc brakes on all four wheels and 4-channel ABS which can be disengaged in off-road terrain.
The Unimog U 4000 and U 5000 will be available locally on a made-to-order basis as of the first quarter 2009.
