With all the changes to the new Unimogs – straight and stiff chassis, truck-type gearbox and no mechanical rear pto – it appeared Mercedes- Benz had taken the ‘uni’ out of the Mog. Although still versatile, its multi-purpose roles seem more aimed at utilities and muncipal work than agriculture. Can such a shift be true, asks Mick Roberts
Oh no! What have they done? After all these years has Mercedes-Benz (or more correctly Daimler Chrysler) abandoned the 50 year-old high speed tractor’s farming roots in favour of the more lucrative mass markets outside agriculture? At first glance the new U400 looks far too much like a big off-road truck for many Mog fans’ comfort.
But don’t despair, the U400 still has an important agricultural role; it’s just that it looks more like a truck than it did before. Mercedes-Benz UK insists the new Mog is just as agriculturally able as its predecessors but, also having on-road trucks in its stable, it was inevitable that some of that truck technology would find its way on to the Unimog.
The firm is, however, putting more emphasis on the Unimog’s top work roles, such as spraying and fertilising, than on draft work. And, let’s face it, few people ever bought a Mog primarily for its ploughing ability. Of course, there’s also the full suspension and air brakes.
These allow it to legally travel at 40mph on the road, with a gross train weight of 24t (registered as an agricultural vehicle). And if it’s taxed as an HGV, top speed rises to 56mph (provided operators comply with all the other HGV restrictions). While its role may stay the same, the U400 is very different to previous Mogs; it is new from the axles up. The main new items include:
Straight chassis
Permanent 4WD
Truck-type gearbox with EPS gearchange
Engines to Euro 3 emmisions standards
Dramatically different cab made from composite materials
Mechanical front pto, hydraulic rear pto.
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