Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG U 2450 L
Year of Manufacture: 1992
Power: 214 hp
Engine Displacement: 5,958 cm3
Number of Cylinders/Valves: 6/2
Weight: 6,825 kg
Condition: drivable
Catalog Number: 5
Introduction
The designation Unimog (an abbreviation of the German Universal-Motor-Gerät, meaning universal motor device) refers to a range of German universal light trucks produced by Mercedes-Benz (now part of Daimler AG).
Development
In the completely shattered post-war German economy, Mercedes-Benz aircraft engine designer Albert Friedrich began developing a vehicle that combined the advantages of an off-road vehicle and an agricultural tractor, seeking a suitable manufacturer. The first prototype U1, completed by the end of 1947, was introduced in 1948, but the history of the vehicle, originally intended for farmers, began in 1949. At that time, by mutual agreement, the Böhringer brothers built the first functional U5 model in their small workshop in the town of Göppingen, powered by the OM636 diesel four-cylinder engine from the Mercedes-Benz 170D passenger car.
Technical Specifications
The vehicle’s construction was simple — a robust rectangular frame, solid driven axles, transmissions, transfer cases, and economical Mercedes diesel engines. It offers up to 24 gear ratios for both road and off-road driving. The driver does not need to worry; the basic gearbox can also be automated by simply selecting the driving mode. Using the so-called crawler gear, the Unimog moves very slowly but can tow a train.
The Unimog is produced in several model series. The lighter U200 to U500 series with Euro 6 OM934 engines producing 140 kW (190 hp) are intended for agriculture and road maintenance.
Wheelbases are 2.8 or 3.0 meters. For the heaviest operating conditions, rescue services, or the military, the U4000 and U5000 series with OM934LA 5,132 cm3 engines, 170 kW (231 hp), and 900 Nm/1400 rpm are used. These vehicles have a base wheelbase of 3,850 mm, a climbing ability of 110%, a wading depth of 1.2 m, and their top speed is limited to 89 km/h. Their capabilities are tested at the Öttigheim test polygon near Wörth, which features natural and artificial obstacles such as slopes with various inclinations (60, 80, and 100%), deep fords, transverse and longitudinal unevenness, stairs, and curbs. A special section tests the operation of axle and inter-axle differentials with locks.
Shortly after the Unimog series was renewed between 1985 and 1988, Daimler-Benz launched a new innovative drive in 1992. New light and medium-heavy series 408 (U 90) and 418 (U 110, U 140) replaced their predecessors. Their most noticeable feature was a completely redesigned cab with a front section set at a very steep angle to provide the driver with excellent forward visibility. Optionally, the hood featured an asymmetric cutout on the driver’s side, allowing the best possible view of attachments and mounted tools. The Unimog’s handling and driving characteristics were improved by a new frame and progressively acting coil springs.
The proven ladder frame with tubular crossmembers welded to the longitudinal beams was retained. This frame construction allowed extreme twisting while remaining remarkably stiff overall. Together with the suspension, it offered excellent wheel load distribution in off-road conditions. The progressively acting coil springs ensured consistent and optimally adjusted suspension quality, whether loaded or unloaded. Rear telescopic shock absorbers also operated with a load- and stroke-dependent characteristic, reducing damping on an empty vehicle.
The completely redesigned cab with a raised roof provided significantly more space than before, clearly arranged controls, and an attractive working environment. Special technical features of the new Mercedes-Benz Unimog included a tire pressure control system operable on the move, an anti-lock braking system, new engines from the light U 90 series, and “Servolock,” a unit for hydraulic locking of working equipment.
The new Unimog U 300, U 400, and U 500, available from 2000, are also adapted for municipal work. The vehicles combine an impressive appearance with a practical and attractively designed cab made of fibrous composite materials, and the driver’s workplace called VarioPilot, which can be moved from left to right and back within seconds.
Since 1993, the range has been completed by the Unimog U 2450 L 6×6, a three-axle all-wheel-drive unit. The people who developed the first Unimog more than 40 years ago surely would not have dared dream of such models — and when you compare engine power, it is clear: from the first Unimog to the new top model, power increased nearly tenfold.
