Primrose thirdaxle conversion for Unimog
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A SIX-wheeler version of the Mercedes-Benz Unimog is to be shortly made available in the UK following the development by Primrose Third Axle of a conversion kit.
Payload is increased by 3.86 tonnes (3.8 tons) and typical payload is now 6.1 tonnes (6 tons). The conversion has been developed in co-operation with Mercedes-Benz and market
ing will commence in Europe and South Africa, The chassis is reinforced and extended and includes tubular cross-members and external pivots, on which an articulating beam on each side oscillates.
Dual-rate coil springs between the axles and the ends of the articulating beams form the suspension. The original 2.51m (8ft 3in) dimension from cab to rear of frame is increased to 3.58m (lift 8in), providing a nominal 1.2m (4ft) increase in recommended body length from 2.75m (9ft) to 3.97m (13ft).
The third axle is not driven, but the cross-country performance is still good, according to Mercedes-Benz, relying as it does on the two driving axles having differential locks. A panhard rod provides sideways location of each axle.
Two-leading shoe Girling brakes are fitted to the tailing axle and are hydraulically operated with power assistance.
The conversion kit will be available for Mercedes-Benz dealers to fit.