4x4 GROUP TEST 11 The Unimog is part truck, part
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agricultural tractor. With more options available than most operators can imagine this was the most serious no-compromise offroader in the bunch. We were not disappointed by its abilities. Giant off-road tyres and Mercedes' own tyre inflation/deflation system boosts the Uniniog's height to such an extent that getting aboard is a major exercise. But once aboard the driver is seated in a well-laidout functional cab which is more comfortable than its outer appearance suggests.
Excellent gear control means that the eight-speed box has the gate of a four-speed. When the going got really tough this allowed enviable certainty in selecting ratios so the driver's left hand was quickly back on the wheel, where a firm grip could become very necessary very quickly
The Unimog was so capable of climbing over any obstacle that we, and our judges, placed it in a category of its own. We found it quiet and comfortable, even under extreme conditions. For most off-road work it romped along hardly noticing the surroundings: the driver just sat there as all that power went to work.
When the going got tougher the ride became soft and rather bouncy at times. The dropside body and its load made the Unimog roll appreciably on tight turns but stability was never in question, Steep inclines up or downhill were no problem, especially with those tyres. The vehicle's ability to deflate and inflate individual The Unimog's power plant is particularly compact.
axle tyres at will add greatly to the off-road ability in soft, sticky conditions.