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Mercedes-Benz UK has launched the fully approved agricultural specification for its Unimog implement carrier range, the U300, U400 and U500.
The Unimog range now has a range of additional built-in safety factors for off-road operations, along with a pick-up hitch, rear linkage and options for front and rear Power Take-Off: all developed and manufactured by Mercedes-Benz Unimog in the UK.
Mark Hopkins, Director of Unimog in the UK, said the new agricultural specification Unimog has undergone and passed the rigorous Silsoe Testing standards. A special steel frame has also been designed, manufactured and fitted to his specifications so that the cab area now meets OECD Code 4.
“Financial pressures on farmers are growing and we are now able to offer a fully approved agricultural vehicle capable of normal road speeds as well as working on land with proven fuel efficiency. Evidence from trials has shown fuel consumption to be far in excess of any other fast tractor,” Mark says.
“Health and safety was the prime motivator. Even with the renowned rigidity and durability of the Unimog range, it was important that we were able to offer a vehicle to the agricultural industry designed for its purpose. The rollover protection frame is wrapped around the existing, modern, single mould cab. This not only allows the cab to tilt, but it also provides more areas for attaching equipment as well as retaining the inherent comfort of the cab.
“Our target market is the agricultural contracting industry. We have recognised the trend for farmers to combine haulage activities with their agricultural expertise, and we now have the ideal vehicle for their business,” Mark adds.
The new Agricultural Specification Unimogs U300, U400 and U500 incorporate a range of optional benefits previously unavailable on Unimogs. These include VarioPilot – the ability to switch driving position from right to left or left to right to suit conditions in less than a minute – and a new auto-shift gear box.
The U400 and U500 are also available with Central Tyre Inflation, a system developed by Mercedes-Benz to deflate or inflate all the tyres from within the cab. This allows the Unimog to spread its load by widening the ‘footprint’ off-road and then re-inflate for driving on roads.
Emissions and noise levels have been checked to ensure that the Mercedes-Benz Euro 3 diesel engines are as environmentally friendly as possible. The U300’s four-cylinder engine produces up to 180bhp; with the six-cylinder U400 and U500 producing up to 231bhp and 279bhp respectively. The agricultural specification also has up to 24 forward and 22 reverse gears.
“This may be directed towards the agricultural industry, but it is still a Unimog with all the benefits that involves,” Mark Hopkins adds. “We are now able to offer a modern, comfortable, easy to drive and operate vehicle that has the ability to work as hard for agricultural contractors as it has already proven in a wide range of other industries.” |
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