Unimog

Unimog is an acronym for "Universal - Motor-Gerät ". It is a universal all-wheel drive light trucks and equipment rack especially for the agriculture and forestry, the military and for municipal tasks, but also for other tasks in rough terrain (eg as a drilling vehicle or in disaster relief ). He falls under the front seat of machine tractor with four wheel drive. The developed since 1945 vehicle was first built in 1949 at Boehringer machine tools in series. Since the takeover by Daimler -Benz in 1951 Unimog is a model designation of Mercedes -Benz. More than 50 years of Unimog was produced in Gaggenau, before the 2002 production switched to the Mercedes -Benz plant in Wörth am Rhein. The Unimog mark is protected.

History

1945-1951

The first drawings of Albert Frederick in 1945 showed a " motor-driven universal device for Agriculture". Characteristic of the vehicle was the combination of all-wheel drive and four equal sized wheels, which was intended with 25 hp as tractors, agricultural equipment, stationary engine and delivery vehicle for agriculture. Six speeds up to 50 km / h were scheduled PTO for agricultural equipment front, rear towing device, loading space in the middle. Thus, the concept of the Unimog stands to this day from conventional tractors.

On December 1, 1945 Albert Friedrich signed a production contract with the company Erhard & Sons in Schwäbisch Gmünd. On 1 January 1946, the company " all-purpose tractor " began. Engineers like Heinrich Roessler and Hans Zabel developed the car further. Soon the drawings showed a modified, very rational design: identical sheet metal body for the housing of the front and rear axle, wheel identical countershaft with brakes for front and rear axle, only four drive joints. The designers thought practical: A track width of 1,270 millimeters corresponded to two potato rows. Numerous features have made the new vehicle unique, among others, the comparatively high speed, with coil springs and shock-mounted axles, all-wheel drive with differential locks front and rear, frame construction comparable with trucks or cars, mounting options for equipment front, center, side and rear, running a PTO the front, middle and rear.

The first test vehicle with ZF four-speed gearbox and gasoline engine corresponded with its sloping front end, the cab with canopy and the cargo area behind the end of 1946 already largely the later production model. During this time, the name was: From the embossed by engineer Hans Zabel term " Universal Motor Device" is contracted " Unimog ". In the spring of 1947, the engineers ventured to the U 1 in the vicinity of Gmünd a first demonstration. The diesel engine controlled from 1947, the Daimler -Benz AG with the car for the 170 D newly developed OM 636 ( split valve covers, BM 636 912 ) to. Its production was initially not yet decided, but the team at Friedrich sat in a Mercedes -Benz. Four prototypes were built in Schwäbisch Gmünd, while the U 5 (now in the Museum of Agriculture at Hohenheim ) and U 6 were (now in the Unimog Museum in Gaggenau ) already assembled at the company Boehringer Machine Tools GmbH in Göppingen.

The Unimog production was relocated in 1949 to Boehringer. A total of 600 vehicles of the series 70200, 100 of the pre-series were built until January 1951 in Göppingen. As a trademark, was decorated with a stylized ox head with horns in the shape of a "U" the vehicle. Other features of the " Boehringer- Unimog " are six-hole rims, rivets under the dashboard, shortened drawbar, cylindrical outer hub, rounded trailer frame and missing beading in the front fender. As color was a dark pine green ( " Unimog green ").

1951

After the takeover of the Unimog from Boehringer by Daimler -Benz left on June 4, the first Unimog of the 2010 series from Gaggenau, the band - still with the sign of the ox head and without the Mercedes star. The compact, just three and a half meter long vehicle came as before with 25 hp. Also remained unchanged with the cab with folding top, the all-wheel drive and the chassis with its four equal sized wheels 6.5 × 20

1953

The previous U-series in 2010 was renamed the series U 401 and U 402 supplemented by the series (long wheelbase). At the same time the first time a closed cab ( " frog eye") was offered. Its production took over Westfalia. Now, the Unimog also received the Mercedes star.

1955

In May, the first Unimog S Series 404.1 left the assembly line in Gaggenau. In contrast to previous conceived as a tractor Unimog Unimog S a small, all-terrain truck was He had a long wheelbase (2900 mm) and was intended for military use. In the background stood among others, the Bundeswehr was founded in 1955, which was in course of time to bulk buyers of the Unimog S, which developed so that the Unimog bestseller. Buyers were also many other armies; so the first installment of the Unimog S went to the French army.

The Unimog S was wearing the typical oval radiator grille with bound round headlights of vehicles from Daimler -Benz from this period. The wheelbase has increased compared to the original Unimog around a meter only to 2670, then 2900 mm. In contrast to the original Unimog Unimog S had a gasoline engine from the passenger cars in the beginning He made 82 hp from 2.2 liters (engine M180, low compacted with a twin carburettor ), later it was alternatively 110 hp from 2.8 liters ( motor M130 higher compacted with two twin carburettors ). Over the years, also sold to civilian customers number increased. The Unimog 404S was the best selling Unimog Model: until 1980, 64,242 units were produced.

1956

Even the basic Unimog U 401/402 was developed in 1956 increased its engine power to 30 hp, the name changed in U 411 Moreover, was a second, longer wheelbase ( 400 mm) in the offer. A year later there was the Unimog optionally with a synchronized gearbox instead of the claw assembly used previously. 1959 was finally the synchronization of the standard equipment, again a first for agricultural tractors.

1957

The closed long-wheelbase variants received a new cab ( Westfalia DvF ). In May 1961, the 50,000 th Unimog in Gaggenau rolled off the assembly line. The engine output increased gradually to 32 and 34 hp. He stayed up in the seventies, the platform of the Unimog program. Above this range, the fanning in the sixties to well.

1963

The new 406 series was presented. The first model had a 65 hp six -cylinder diesel engine. In the period of construction the engine power was gradually increased up to 110 hp. The wheelbase of the U 406 was 2380 millimeters. For many, this series is the typical Unimog. The production of the deliverable also with tilting cab U 406 ran until 1988.

1966

The 100,000 th Unimog was built. In 1966, the company's Unimog program again together: For small Mercedes -Benz Unimog U 34 from the period now came the middle class 406 with the models U 65, later with increasing performance developed for U 80 and U 84 are the numbers respectively for the engine performance in hp. In parallel, Daimler- Benz introduced the 416 series with 2900 mm wheelbase, this according to the Unimog S. They initially consisted of the U 80, U 90 and U of about 100 grew in the years up to the strong U 125.

Between the original Unimog and the middle series, Daimler -Benz placed the light series 421 which was based on the 411 series, but with a different cab, as well as the U Series 403, which was based on the U 406, later supplemented by the series U 413. They differ by the wheelbase and the engines that were derived on the one hand from cars ( series 421 / U 40 with 2.2-liter displacement ), and on the other by the commercial vehicle originated ( series 403 / U 54 with 3.8 -liter displacement, the four- cylinder version of the direct- from series U406 ). These models also grew until it was replaced in 1977 continuously in their performance.

The closed cab of the class 421 is to be distinguished from the Series 406/416/403/413 barely, but it's not the same, but adapted to the smaller, nichtgekröpften chassis frame and the other engine. The open cab from the U421 is, however, a good bit narrower, similar to that of U411, U406, however, with the round look.

Because of the similarity both series families are often confused. Secure distinguishing feature is at 406/416 the position of the intake manifold in the direction of travel left, while it is positioned in the small series 421 in the direction right. Similarly, the platform of the U406 is visible wider than the cab of the U421 but narrower (with closed cab ) or approximately the same width ( convertible).

1972

In order to counter losses in the agricultural sector, the Daimler -Benz AG 1972, in addition to another vehicle, the MB Trac. The new tractor crossed the Unimog technology (four-wheel drive and a power transmission to four wheels of equal size ) with the appearance of a tractor. In contrast to conventional tractors driving pulpit, however, is located in center of the vehicle. The production of MBtrac ended in 1991.

1974-1977

With the U 120 Series 425 Advanced Daimler -Benz the program of train engines and machines by an additional heavy series. Striking is the new, angular cab with a large, forward to the bow hardly sloping bonnet. It opens into a vast black front. The appearance of this driver's cab remained unchanged in principle today in its basic features more than a quarter of a century. The 425 series began with 120 PS ( 125 hp shortly thereafter as U 125) permissible, 2810 mm wheelbase and nine tons total weight. For the Armed Forces began in 1975 the production of the series 435 as the successor of the Unimog S, characterized by a long wheelbase of 3250, 3700 or even 3850 mm. Something located below the 424 series was in 1976 in October 1974, the last U 411c with 34 hp left the band in Gaggenau. In total, over 39,000 series 411 ( U 411, U 411a, 411b U, U 411c ) were built.

During the same period Daimler -Benz sorted once again the type designations new: In the now classic round shape models Mercedes -Benz Unimog U ran 600 / L, U 800 / L, U 900 and U 1100 / L. The new, angular shape characterized the models U 1000, U 1300 / L, U 1500 and the flagship U 1700 / L with 124 kW ( 168 hp ) engine performance. The letter L meant that the rear frame overhang was longer, as opposed to shorter tractor frame. Vehicles with L-Frame always had the longer wheelbase, but also vehicles without the L in the name could have the long wheel base (eg, the U1700 Series 435). Later the term indicated on the U xx50 to ( approximately ) 50cm longer wheelbase back, but again there were exceptions ( most prominent example is the U 1300 L of the Bundeswehr, whose successor in the range U 437 U 1350 L then later called). Also, the sequel to the 1700 series U 435 was called as U437 U1750 then. This always leads to confusion, even among employees of Mercedes Benz.

Ran the Unimog with round cab as light series, so the new series shared with square cabin after their gross vehicle weight in a medium and heavy range, some with the same engines. Finally, still complemented the long-standing Unimog S, albeit with significantly decreasing number of items, the only petrol unchanged the program.

With the exception of the entry-level model U 600 / L and the Unimog S possessed at the time of the new type name already Unimog all disc brakes on all wheels. The extended model spectrum resulted in a new record: In 1977, the Unimog number 200,000 the work.

1982

The fourth Paris-Dakar rally ended with a spectacular Unimog success to an end. In the truck category, a team won on U 1700 L, with little distance to second place followed a U 1300 L.

1985-1988

From 1985 to 1988, Daimler -Benz renewed with the series 407, 417, 427 and 437 the entire series.

The Class 407 replaced the old series 421, 417 series replaced the 403/406/413/416 series. Main distinguishing feature of the two new types was the now modernized cab with larger and steeper windscreen and more headroom. When U417 also the headlights were moved from the grille to the bumper. Furthermore, the sound insulation has been improved for the driver. In the smaller U600 still made ​​the already known OM 616 for propulsion, and the already known engines from the OM 314 and OM 352 series also came in U417 initially used, later the OM 366

The Series 424 was replaced by the 427 series, while the series were 425 and 435 combined for the new series 437, in each case with the already known cab from the medium and heavy series. As engine came here now throughout the newer OM 366 in various designs used. Partial new wheelbases, dimensions, weights, landing gear and engine performances were under the sheet metal of the cab thus often completely new vehicles.

The program was after the complete overhaul greater than ever, ranged from the small and very handy U 600 with an output of 44 kW (60 hp) and 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight over countless variations according to recent expansions early nineties up to the U2400 and the three-axle U 2450L/6x6. Your machine picked displacement of six liters a power output of 177 kW (240 hp). The two-axle could weigh up to 14 tons.

A total of 789 vehicles of Class 407 and 2200 series vehicles 417 at the Gaggenau plant have been made ​​in the years 1988 to 1992.

1992

The new light and medium series 408 ( U 90 ) and 418 (U 110, U 140) broke the previous models 407 and 417 from. The focus was on a completely redesigned cab. Eye drops, especially the very oblique front fascia that gives a good overview forward. If necessary the engine received an asymmetrically located on the driver's side-view channel, it allows good overview of connections and attachments. A new framework and progressively acting coil springs improve the handling of the Unimog.

The completely re- arranged cab with a high roof indicated offered considerably more space than before, very simple controls and, not least, a friendly working environment. The technical highlights of the new Unimog included the operated while driving tire pressure control system, anti -skid system, new engines from the passenger car range for the U 90 of the easy series as well as " servo-lock ," a device for hydraulic docking of equipment. The new Unimog generation approaches and their applications, more than ever, an increasingly important area of customers to the local businesses.

1993

New to the program was from 1993, the Unimog U 2450 L 6 × 6, an all-wheel drive three-axle vehicle. The engine power was increased almost tenfold in the new top model compared to the first Unimog.

The Unimog club in Gaggenau is brought into being.

1994

Mercedes -Benz released the previously exclusive Unimog respectively most powerful SUV with the limited edition of twelve copies Funmog. For the Funmog luxury extras such as leather seats, carpets and the like were available, the sale price was 140,000 DM

1996

1996 Advanced Daimler -Benz offer an implement carrier for municipal operations, the UX 100 But big business was not the little brother of the Unimog: Due to the concentration on core competencies Daimler -Benz, gave the UX 100 soon to Hako from the on Vehicles of this type and size are specialized.

2000

The models U 300, U 400, and shortly thereafter the U 500 ( 405 series ) replaced the previous medium and heavy series. The new Unimog series are available in the wheelbase 3080 mm, 3600 mm ( U300, U400 ) and 3350 mm, 3900 mm ( U500 ). The total weight varied from 7.5 to 15.5 tons. This model changes the Unimog received a technological boost. Particularly striking is the cab made ​​of fiber composite materials. The deep-reaching front window allows a very good view of the front attachments.

Therefore, the hood fell from extremely short because the engine is a piece has slipped far back between the axles. Thus, the Unimog resumed an idea of its inventor Albert Friedrich, who had provided the motor in a first drawing in 1946 similar position.

In addition, the driver's seat leaves you with steering wheel, instruments and pedals in the new Unimog from the left to the right side and back switch ( " VarioPilot " ), an idea that dates back to 100 UX project. This proved especially for alternating use in municipal services than practical. For special applications, for example, to operate as a tractor, the Unimog with optional extras such as a torque converter clutch or a wired remote.

Both emphasize the design of the new Unimog as well those functions that it reinforces the direction of the series 408/418 strikes: He is still a good SUV, but the focus is now when used as a tool carrier. Other features of the new Unimog: permanent all-wheel drive, the electro-pneumatic circuit " Telligent ", the new power hydraulics "Vario Power" and new, powerful engines of 110 kW ( 150 hp) to 205 kW ( 280 hp ) to the emission standard Euro 3

In 2001, 50 years Unimog production at Mercedes -Benz Unimog has been celebrated with a big meeting.

2002

The Unimog production moved to more than 320,000 units produced from Gaggenau to Wörth am Rhein. The new series 437.4, which replaced the series 437.1, was presented. The Unimog program was therefore only of two series ( 405 and 437.4 ).

2006

As of June 2006, the UGN series with " BlueTec " technology was produced, with the emissions standards Euro 4 were met. This was associated with a new package of the vehicle and new model designations (old type 1, eg from 405 100 405 101 is ).

Opened the Unimog Museum in Gaggenau Also in June 2006. In the 3.5 -million-euro construction of the Unimog History is located.

At the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2006, the Unimog U 20 was presented, which came at the end of 2007 to the market. He has a total weight of 7.5 to 8.5 tons. The technology comes from the U 300, the cab corresponds to the Accelo series from Brazil. The wheelbase is shortened to 2,700 mm.

2013

Since August 2013, the current Unimog series in Wörth is produced. This series features a redesigned cabin and met with the engines of the type OM 934 and OM 936 Euro VI emission standard.

Technology

The Unimog is currently produced in two series: 405 and 437 The 405 series (U 300 to U 500) is designed as a tool carrier. Besides for device support relatively high cross-country mobility (permanent all-wheel drive, 100 % gradeability, high ground clearance by portal axles ) were (or have steering and pedals to move in 30 seconds from left to right) with the power hydraulic and change steering innovations developed for efficient use of vehicles contribute. Optionally, the 405 series is available with the OM 904 LA engines or OM 906 LA. The all-terrain series 437.4 (U 3000 to U 5000) used engines from the same engine series BR 900, namely OM 904 LA and OM 924 LA. However, the axle suspension (shear tube axes ) and the offset frame differ significantly from the series equipment rack and place in regard to off-road the tradition of the old series continues.

Characteristic of all Unimog build on a lead frame with an auxiliary loading area (or a special structure ), the portal axles ( the drive the wheels of the differential gear via the countershaft transmission in Achsportal wherein the axle tube and differential casing are well above the center of the wheels, and it achieved a very high ground clearance, this portal axles were fitted in the faster vehicles with planetary gears ) and the transmission with integral transfer case ( on request with additional reductions of working and crawler gears available ) for the switchable or permanent while driving -wheel drive.

All Unimog model series are equipped to meet the Euro 5 emissions standards with BlueTec technology from Mercedes -Benz. For the first time an exhaust aftertreatment in the Unimog was introduced: while the particulate limits can still be achieved through in-engine measures, an SCR catalyst is to achieve the NOx limit value used. This is converted to a reduction catalyst, the nitrogen oxides (NOx ) with ammonia (NH3) to form water ( H2O ) and nitrogen (N2). For operation of the catalyst, the injection of a reducing agent, for example, by means of a metering pump into the exhaust gas required ( AdBlue). With this new technology, the Unimog series are already equipped to fulfill future emission limits, and it is at the same time increase the power and efficiency of the engines. Since 2013 both Unimog model series are also offered as models that meet the Euro 6 emissions standard.

Areas of application

In addition to the traditional use in agriculture and forestry Unimogs are used THW and other agencies also in the military (type Unimog S with six-cylinder petrol engine ) and fire departments. Other typical applications of the Unimogs are the supply of mountain huts and in road maintenance and communities, especially in the Alpine countries. Also on the railways they are often used as road-rail vehicles, for example, for shunting.

The above-average all-terrain Unimog all types ( climbing ability up to 110 %, fording depth to 1.2 m, high ground clearance due to portal axles and verwindungsweicher frame) make the Unimog can create the ideal for expeditions and long-distance travel vehicle.

Related Topics

• A derived from the Unimog Tractor is the MB Trac.
• Based on the Unimog, the company offered InterTrac from Gevelsberg to the tracked vehicle UNITRAC.
• Special car in the police UR Condor 416 and TM -170 on the Unimog chassis.
• The ATF Dingo is an armored military vehicle ( inter alia, the Bundeswehr ) based on the Unimog.
• The Unimog 6 × 6 is used as a carrier in the prototype of the French artillery system CAESAR.
• Below the Unimog Mercedes -Benz offers a car or light truck on the G-model.
• Some Unimog models are classic dual -use goods.

Cars similar

• Pinzgauer ( Austria )
• Volvo C303 (Sweden)