New Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 5000 6x6 with three axles - High payload, more areas of competence

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For over ten years, the Unimog U 5000 has been the professional vehicle in the extremely mobile off-road Unimog product range specialising in outstanding off-road mobility, torsional flexibility and outstanding traction. The third axle of the new 6x6 version has extended the possible range of operations for the Mercedes‑Benz off-road specialist even further. Its permissible gross vehicle weight of 17 tonnes and a payload of about 10 tonnes now make it capable of tackling additional work assignments, turning it into a versatile all-rounder for special operations, transporting heavy loads or vehicle bodies over especially difficult terrain where it makes the most of its off-road mobility. From the energy sector to fire services as well as for disaster intervention, the new three-axle Unimog is able to transport heavy equipment, cranes and fire-fighting bodies with tanks or construction and maintenance crews reliably to their destinations by road or in remote areas off the road.

Unimog quality and compact dimensions on three axles

For its technical layout, the new three-axle Unimog relies on time-tried components to ensure that the powerful heavyweight not only gets to any destination off the road, but that it enjoys a long lifespan while doing so. High traction and good manoeuvrability, together with its torsionally flexible frame, 6x6 drive with portal axles, engageable differential locks, coil springs, eight forward and six reverse gears, a turning circle of only 19.5 m, lower pressure on the ground due to evenly spread weight distribution on the three axles with their coarsely-profiled single tyres and the optional central tyre inflation system 'tirecontrol' make sure that the Unimog gets through without a hitch and without doing too much damage to the ground in areas way off the beaten track. Vehicle handling off-road is also considerably improved by the optional off-road group of gears with eight forward and eight reverse gears.

When empty, the U 5000 6x6 weighs exactly 7.24 tonnes. The curved frame of the three-axle vehicle with its welded tubular cross members has an overall length of 7400 mm. The wheelbase is 3900 + 1400 mm long and it is supplemented by the overhang at front and rear, each with a length of 1050 mm. The third driving axle is fitted by Unimog conversion partner Paul in Passau. The torque tube design providing great ground clearance of 480 mm as well as favourable angles of approach and departure of up to 50 degrees have been taken over 1:1 from the U 5000. This allows the full extent of the vehicle's off-road mobility to be retained as well as its great economic efficiency with long maintenance intervals of 1200 operating hours and economical fuel consumption.

Weightlifter over almost inaccessible terrain

In addition, its payload of 10 tonnes ensures that the U 5000 6x6 is a reliable, versatile and self-sufficient all-rounder, for instance for the construction and energy sectors. It is able to transport pipes and lines to the most remote regions. They are loaded and unloaded, for example, with a mounted crane. The laying of the pipes is also taken on by the work crew who ride in the same vehicle and who are also able to do maintenance work while they are there. The three-axle Unimog is also the perfect companion for working in open-cast mining as it can carry heavy equipment, materials and work crews safely through difficult terrain to their next work site.

Special operations during forest fires and disasters

When fighting forest fires, the tank capacity for the extinguishing agents carried on the vehicle can be increased up to 7000 litres. The often adverse conditions on the way to the source of the fire hardly have any effect on the all-steel cab. For disaster intervention, large water pumps and other heavy equipment can be carried through flooded regions safe and quickly to the emergency areas thanks to the optional fording capability of up to 1.2 m.

Safe, comfortable and environmentally friendly

The ergonomic design with the seat positioned in the low-vibration area behind the front axle, the 3-point mounting of the all-steel cab as well as the coil springs on all three axles all provide strain-free driving and working over long periods. As an alternative there are special bus bodies available which are capable of taking up to 30 people comfortably and safely to their destination.

The three-axle off-road professional is environmentally compatible even when travelling through sensitive regions or water and nature reserves. Thanks to BlueTec technology, the standard production series diesel engine OM 924 LA with a performance of 160 kW (218 hp) and maximum torque of 810 Nm comes up to the standards set for Euro V. For special operations and the export market, the engine is also available in a Euro III version.

Credits: Daimler AG

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