Mercedes-Benz Unimog at the 2018 Interforst show for the first time

By MEq July 21, 2018 14:06

In the outside area of the 13th Interforst show from 18-22 July 2018 in Munich, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks is for the first time represented with its own stand. On display are specific vehicle variants and innovative implements based on the universal implement carrier, the Mercedes-Benz Unimog.

Three highlight exhibits of the Unimog implement carrier series show the great bandwidth and flexibility of the Unimog in forestry applications. On display at the 2018 Interforst show are a Unimog U 529 with a two-axle tandem push-trailer by Fliegl and a Unimog U 530 with long wheelbase equipped with a front-mounted chipper by Schliesing Machinery GmbH; its cable winch and high-level bucket loader are by Fahrzeugbau Huber GmbH in Chemnitz. Also presented is a Unimog U 530 with a height-adjustable cab by Werner Forst- und Industrietechnik GmbH. This is for professional operation of the body-mounted crane and the towed chipper by Jenz Maschinen- und Fahrzeugbau with which this exhibit is equipped.

Fast, manoeuvrable, high in traction and environmentally friendly in forestry applications
As a universal, professional implement carrier with a high payload and towing capacity, the Unimog is available for use on 365 days of the year, and dependably takes care of a wide variety of applications related to forest management. Its compact dimensions make it particularly manoeuvrable – an important criterion when things get tight during the care and maintenance of forests, grassed areas and networks of paths. Thanks to its fast road speed of up to 80 km/h, the Unimog is always quick to get where it is needed. At the same time its outstanding off-road capabilities ensure good progress even on difficult terrain.

Also ready for municipal duties
The Unimog has four implement mounting spaces at the front and rear, between the axles and on the chassis, allowing installation of quickly demountable implements and superstructures. This means that the all-rounder can also take on other jobs whenever nothing needs doing in the forests. During this “forestry off-season” it can also be used for municipal tasks, e.g. mowing assignments in the summer or snow-clearance in winter service operations. Its high overall cost-effectiveness in year-round operation is in part due to the low fuel consumption and long maintenance intervals of 1400 operating hours.

Unimog U 529
A short wheelbase of 3350 mm combined with a large steering angle makes the Unimog highly manoeuvrable. Its high engine output of 210 kW (285 hp) allows it to tow high trailer loads at motorway-compatible speeds of up to 80 km/h. The U 529 − the 29 stands for around 290 hp − meets the “Tier4f” (LoF) European exhaust emission standard for agricultural and forestry vehicles. Thanks to its LoF-registration as a tractor unit/agricultural tractor or tractor unit//implement carrier, the U 529 can be put to completely flexible use. The heavy-duty Unimog models U 527, U 529 and U 530 are specially designed for large trailer loads and tongue weights. A new rear subframe allows a tongue weight of up to three tonnes. This enables the Unimog implement carrier to tow centre-axle trailers that tip the scales at up to 27 tonnes.

Unimog U 530 L with long long wheelbase (3900 mm)
This vehicle not only scores in the forestry sector, but can also be used in gardening and landscaping, waste disposal, for intermediate transport duties and to load bulk containers. Towing an additional trailer is possible without restrictions. Whether used for regular timber cutting, timber harvesting or road/path clearance applications, or whether the combination is used as a compact and efficient unit to carry out gardening/landscaping/construction work, all the components in this vehicle solution are optimally coordinated. With its all-wheel drive, power take-off and power hydraulics, the Unimog U 530 provides the perfect basis for the high-level bucket loader. The high-level bucket loader has a basic load capacity of 15 cubic metres, which can be increased to 55 cubic metres in combination with a trailer.

Unimog U 530 with Jenz HEM 583 Z height-adjustable cab
A high power output is required to operate mounted implements such as the Jenz chipper, which has a very high power requirement for its drum and feeder. This is provided by the rear power take-off of the most powerful Unimog engine variant: the 7.7-litre OM 936 engine of the Unimog U 530 delivers 220 kW (299 hp). The wheelbase of the Unimog is 3350 mm, ensuring great maneuverability when negotiating forested areas where access is often difficult. This advantage also comes into its own during slow maneuvering, when the chipper has to be positioned precisely in confined spaces.