See the light on the rough
Page 16
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
I:( ('1.1
by John Kendall
• Mercedes-Benz has launched the UlOOL 4x4 chassis, the promised little brother to the U1401. 4x4 7.5-tonner introduced just over a year ago (CM 26 Aug-1 Sept 1993). It takes the "Unimog-derived" theme a stage further, by simplifying the driveline with a van engine and gearbox.
Power conies from the fivecylinder 2.9-litre indirect-injection diesel used in the Ti van range. Instead of the more complex Unimog gearbox and transfer case used in the 1J140L, the UlOOL uses the five-speed gearbox from the Ti and a simpler transfer case. This is the same as the transfer box fitted to the 12 814DA 4x4 van and chassiscab, launched at the Scottish IRTE Show this year (CM 15-21 Sept).
Beyond the transfer case, the drivetrain is pure Unimog. Fourwheel drive can be selected on the move and is split 50/50 front and rear. There are diff-locks on both axles which can also be engaged at any time. The portal axles have hub drives, to reduce axle wind-up, and torque tubs.
Suspension also shows the Unimog heritage with coil springs and telescopic dampers all round. The UlOOL shares its braking with the bigger U140L. Disc brakes all round are operated by an air-over-hydraulic dualline system. For parking the brake uses spring actuators on the rear wheels.
Chassis and cab are also common to the U14011. except that the wheelbase is shortened to 3.22m, enabling the UlOOL to accommodate a 3.0in-long body. Mercedes claims a body/payload allowance of 2.9 tonnes. Our test vehicle was fitted with Tipmaster tipping body, subframe and electro-hydraulic tipping gear.
The two-seater cab will have the option of a dual passenger seat. The bonnet pivots along its rear edge, giving access to all routine service items. Access can be improved by removing the bonnet—a single handed operation. For major work the cab can be tilted but it takes a few minutes to release the security catches which guard against accidental tilting on tough off-road operations. Driving Impressions Looks are not what the UlOOL is about, It's safe to assume that the "U" stands for ugly. Under the skin, however, the Merc is practical to its wheel nuts. Unladen, with the 10.5 R 20 tyres fitted to our test vehicle, it offers 400mm of ground clearance with approach and departure angles of 47° and 46°. A roof-high air intake will keep the engine functioning even with water lapping at the doors.
Climb into the cab and it could easily be the U140L interior—the obvious difference is in the fuss-free transmission selector levers. The transfer-box lever selects high and low ratios, while a dash-mounted knob selects four-wheel drive and the differential locks.
The engine's five-cylinder throb will be familiar to 310D/410D van drivers. While the engine lacks the stumppulling torque of the U140L's charge-cooled four-litre engine, the low range gears should make sure that it will keep going on the steepest inclines.
Even though our test vehicle was unladen, our attempts to bring it to a halt in Bagshot's mud and waist-deep water were brushed aside, The combination of high ground clearance and instant diff locking made sure that short, sharp banks, steep slopes, soft mud and 30° plus tilts were all taken in its stride.
Mercedes is targeting water and electricity companies, river authorities, light construction, agricultural and forestry users: one of the first orders for the allterrain itlerc has come from a local authority parks division. It is unlikely that any of these users will seriously stretch the UlOOL's off-road capabilities.
Competition in this sector is hardly a pushover. In the fourtonne sector there's the very capable lveco Ford TurboDaily 40.10W and VW LT 4x4. At around six tonnes GVW the Renault Messenger 4x4 offers slightly more payload. Even so, the Merc's Unimog running gear is likely to give it the edge off road, while at around £26,000 (ex-VAT) it is priced to shake them off in the showrooms too.