New market for smaller Unimog
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by Bill Godwin • As predicted by Commercial Motor Mercedes-Benz' Unimog arm has extended its offroad line-up to include a "compact class" tool and implement carrier.
The UX-100 is the smallest Unirnog yet, measuring 1.6m wide and just over 4m long. It is distinguished by a new fixed cab, made by Dornier of corrosion-resistant fibrereinforced plastics: use of carbon fibre has cut the weight of the cab to half that of a conventional steel model.
Drivers benefit from low-height entry and a novel "Vario Pilot" system which allows the steering wheel console and foot controls to be swung to either near or offside when running with special attachments.
This is made possible by a two-pedal layout controlling the infinitely-variable hydrostatic drive system which comprises a hydraulic pump and a hydrostatic motor flanged to the transfer case.Front and rear axles are driven from this box; front-axle drive can be disengaged.
Two selectable speed ranges give a working speed from 0-30km/h with a road speed of up to 65km/h. Rated at 3,500kg GVW (up to 4,500kg in winter service), the UX 100 has an unladen weight of 2,200kg.
Engine options are straight from Mercedes' Sprinter range: they include the four-cylinder, 2.3-litre 0M601 rated at 72hp (54kW) and the fivecylinder, 2.9-litre chargecooled 0M602 rated at 121hp (90kW). Rear brakes are drums with front discs.
Almost 50 specialist companies in the municipal, airport and winter service equipment sectors have already developed tools and attachments for the Mini Mog which has a basic price in Germany of DM73,800 (just over L32,000).
The new model is already attracting interest from potential users in other areas: its compact dimensions make it suitable as a support unit for site work where access is restricted. Its suitability as a road/rail unit for track maintenance or recovery purposes has already been rewarded by orders from a number of railway networks, including those in South Africa and Japan.
The new UX-100 is expected to lift Unimog from its depressed state, largely due to reduced demand from the defence sector.