Unimog Blue Tec 6

The new Unimog is here. The first vehicles of the Unimog BlueTec 6 generation with Euro VI engines and other key innovations launched this spring have now been delivered. The international specialist press has the opportunity to try out the new Unimog range and become familiar with different implement combinations at the testing ground in Münsingen.

Cleaner, more efficient and more powerful — these are the features of the new generation of Unimog implement carriers. The visual impact of the ultra-modern panoramic driver’s cab symbolises its advanced technology and introduces major innovations to both the exterior and the interior. This “technological masterpiece” has received much attention in professional circles: It has succeeded in accommodating the major assemblies in the compact Unimog chassis developed to comply with the European Euro VI emissions standard. In addition to the new BlueEfficiency Power engines that make the Unimog even more environmentally compatible and up to 3 percent more fuel-efficient, the driver’s workplace, operating performance and overall economy have evolved substantially. The new hydraulic systems add to the Unimog’s efficiency levels. Power and operating effectiveness have again been increased significantly. The world premiere of the synergetic drive system: EasyDrive handles the switch-over from hydrostatic to mechanical transmission when driving. The new intuitive operating concept offers significant advances for the driver in many areas. The range of Unimog implement carriers now has eight models: The U 216 and U 218 models are the new compact entry-level models and the successors to the U 20. They are complemented by the U 318, U 423, U 427, U 430, U 527 and U 530 models.

The new hydraulic system operates smoothly and with precision – and boasts a 30 percent increase in hydraulic output. Attached implements can now be controlled more sensitively than ever before. The hydraulic system operates fully proportional and also allows two concurrent control movements using the joystick. Multifunction buttons on the steering wheel and display can be used to restrict output volumes, for example. The hydraulic system operates in two circuits, with circuit I providing 200 bar system pressure for a 32 l/min hydraulic oil flow. In combination with circuit II, an additional 55 l/min can be supplied at up to 240 bar. Another feature of the implement drives has also been improved. The front PTO shaft now boasts an output of up to 160 kW (previously 150 kW).

The VarioPower hydraulic system is a high-performance implement drive for the Unimog and an excellent alternative to the standard working hydraulic system. Hydraulic performance has again become significantly more efficient: Two circuits, each with 125 litres of hydraulic flow and 280 bar pressure, up to a maximum output of 58 kW per circuit – designed for driving permanent consumers in particular. This development can replace detachable pumps from the PTO shaft or diesel engines as used in mounted sweepers. This saves fuel, space and weight. Weight can also be saved on the chassis frame of the Unimog if hydraulic power is not required: It is easy to change and can simply be removed from its installation point in order to increase the payload. The system is operated via steering wheel buttons and data can be read from the display in the new instrument cluster. This hydraulic power is available for the Unimog from U 318.

Two completely redeveloped BlueEfficiency Power engines for the Unimog comply with the Euro VI emissions standard and provide increased efficiency, especially when driving implement devices, where even more power is provided. Three four-cylinder and two six-cylinder models of the OM 934 and OM 936 engine range are available, delivering outputs of 115 kW (156 hp) to 220 kW (299 hp) and engine displacements of 5.1 litres and 7.7 litres respectively, whereby the 299 hp version represents the highest output in Unimog history. The ultra-modern engines combine lower fuel consumption – savings of up to 3 percent – with the highest exhaust emission purity. Diesel particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions are up to 90 percent lower than those of Euro V engines. The new engines impress with more power and torque across the entire operating range. The electro-pneumatic transmission with eight forward and six reverse gears has been further developed. As before, the synchronised quick-reversing system EQR makes it easy to change directions quickly – an important detail when operating implements.

Outstanding road-holding, precision steering response, and the use of ABS add extra security to the application areas of the Unimog all year round. The Unimog is a showcase for the outstanding expertise of Mercedes-Benz, the leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, which is permanently developing active and passive safety to protect the driver and other road users. The low-vibration cockpit, three-point safety belt, headrest and high cab comfort of the Unimog make a significant contribution to road safety. Optimum axle load distribution and equal-sized wheels have an additional positive benefit on vehicle handling. The Unimog panorama driver cabin sets its own benchmark: The distinctive panorama windscreen, deep-set side windows and a short front section deliver an optimum field of vision across the driving and working areas. The new front camera system supports the driver by providing a direct view of the area immediately in front of the vehicle and facilitating the coupling of the implements. New headlamps with daytime driving lamps improve visibility and perceptibility. And, last but not least, the Unimog’s off-road capabilities: Portal axles, high ground clearance, locking differentials, single tires, the ability to “rock free” on difficult terrain (Electronic Quick Reverse) make this vehicle unique.

No less than seven different Unimog vehicles will be available at the driving demonstration for international specialist journalists in Münsingen. These are as follows (vehicle numbers will be displayed on each test Unimog):

Unimog U 318 (vehicle 2), 130 kW (177 hp), perm. GVW 11 t, turning circle 13.7 m, equipped with front camera monitor system

Unimog U 423 (vehicle 3), 170 kW (231 hp), perm. GVW 13.8 t, short wheelbase, turning circle 13.7 m, EasyDrive

Unimog U 318 (vehicle 4), 130 kW (177 hp), perm. GVW 11 t, turning circle 13.7 m, mowing door and swivel seat

Unimog U 423 (vehicle 5), 170 kW (231 hp), perm. GVW 13.8 t, short wheelbase, turning circle 13.7 m, EasyDrive, transferable steering

Unimog U 423 (vehicle 6), 170 kW (231 hp), perm. GVW 13.8 t, short wheelbase, turning circle 13.7 m, EasyDrive

Unimog U 427 (vehicle 7), six-cylinder engine, 200 kW (272 hp), short wheelbase, turning circle 14.3 m, EasyDrive

Unimog U 218 (vehicle 8), 130 kW (177 hp), perm. GVW 10.0 t, turning circle 12.6 m

Four additional Unimog implement carriers will be presented, including a Unimog U 423 with hook-loader and demountable tipper, a Unimog U 423 featuring agricultural equipment, and a Unimog U 423 with crane and cable winch. Another vehicle will be on display from the new series of Unimog vehicles capable of handling the roughest terrain, a Unimog U 5023 with 170 kW (230 hp).