(an article by David Holden, Editor of Emergency Services Times)
The Mercedes–Benz Unimog may be unfamiliar to many readers or, if familiar to some, you may have misconceptions regarding the vehicle’s suitability for fire and rescue operations. In fact, the Unimog’s suitability is twofold – firstly, its excellent off- road manoeuvrability while maintaining high levels of travelling and operating comfort mean it can get to a fire or through flood water quickly and comfortably; and secondly, its flexibility means it can be quickly adapted to best serve the array of incidents faced by today’s fire and rescue services.
A ‘do everything’ vehicle
The Unimog has its roots in post World War II Germany’s demands for an agricultural tractor. The original idea arose from Albert Friedrich, Director of Aviation Motor Development at Daimler Benz, who envisioned a ‘do everything’ vehicle, with the first vehicles having a capacity for multiple PTOs, crawler gears and all manner of attachments. Today the concept is pretty much unchanged – the Unimog is purpose built for extreme terrain yet individually tailored for every application.
The Unimog ranges servicing the fire and rescue service are the ever flexible U300/U400/U500, and the highly mobile U3000/U4000/U5000.
The Unimog U300, U400 or U500 is a compact and professional off-road capable implement carrier, with four body and implement attachment areas and a high payload mechanical front PTO. Attachments include cranes, winches and snow ploughs plus, of course, fire fighting capabilities such as water and / or foam storage and pumps.
The cab offers up to three people optimum freedom of movement while the short bonnet and a high seat position, deep windscreen and side windows give the driver a fantastic view of all traffic and working areas. The 360° view is completed by the rear panorama window which offers an excellent perspective of the tipper / dropside body.
The Unimog U3000/U4000/U5000 range owes its unique manoeuvrability to its flexible ladder frame with tubular members, which guarantees excellent rigidity on the roads and superb flexibility off-road. These vehicles combine the traditional Unimog qualities, such as sturdiness, robustness, durability, reliability and the all-wheel drive concept, with the most modern engine and transmission technology, and ergonomics, as well as innovative working and operating comfort.