Where there is harsh terrain, steep gradients or extreme conditions, the Unimog is at home.
It's heritage was formed post World War 2 as a multi-function agricultural machine & road going vehicle, with identical tyres back and front the Unimog moved away from your typical farmer's tractor to a highway capable transporter.
It's ability is achieved by its design, portal gears allow the differential's to sit higher than the center of the wheels, which in turn allows for improved ground clearance. Its chassis unlike a standard rigid truck is designed to flex.
Below; Images of a Multi-Function Mercedes U500 I personally photographed on display at the Stuttgart Mercedes Museum.
This U500 SWB has some quiet impress specifications,
Width: 2,474 mm
Length: 5,410 mm
Height: 2,740 mm
Turning radius: 14.5 m
Empty weight: 4,300 kg
Gross weight: 11,800 kg
Cargo load: 7,500 kilograms
Tires: 365/85 R 20
Ground clearance: 476 mm
Approach: 44 degrees
Departure: 53 degrees
Climb: Max.45 degrees
Descent: Max.45 degrees
Engine: 4.8-litre straight 4 Turbocharged 160 kW
Max.speed 80 km/h
Thinking outside of the square, we all now know the Unimog for its agricultural and military aspect - but it has proven a gem for the tourism sector, from climbing the live volcano of Mt Etna Italy to traversing the Cape Canyons of Santa Catalina.
They are used as expedition vehicles in the Mining Industry, throughout the African Kalahari Manganese Basin to the Wilderness of the Australian Outback desert.
What an awesome toy to own, one I will surely blog about in the coming future.
IMAGES 1 + 2 Featured, The Truth about Cars [online] thetruthaboutcars.com, Available from: SOURCE [Accessed 13 August 2012]
Specifications courtesy of Wikipedia
Unimog. Wikipedia [online] Wikipedia.org, Available from: SOURCE [Accessed 13 August 2012].
