Unimog is a farm tractor says court
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• Unimog's range of small trucks have been recategorised as agricultural tractors for tax purposes in Ireland, following a diesel-use court case in West Cork.
Farmer DJ Courtney was prosecuted for on-road use of agricultural diesel in his 5-tonne Unimog. Courtney claimed the multi-use vehicle was a farm tractor.
The judge agreed and dismissed the case. Now the Irish Revenue Commissioners have agreed to reclassify the vehicles.
To qualify as agricultural, the vehicle must have a short wheelbase, three-point linkage for the swing arms of a plough, and a power take-off facility.
Six models of Unimog now qualify: the 1,000, 1,200, 1,400,
1,600, 1,800, and 2,100. The Unimog's road speed of 80km/h compares with a farm tractor speed of 401un/h.
It may now use green diesel on-road if travelling for agricultural reasons.
Green diesel costs just 22p a litre, compared to 55p for white. Road tax will be £47, down from £245. And insurance may reduce to £460 from 1800 on a £20,000 valuation.
Unimog has booked a stand at September's Ploughing Championships to display the latest model.
El Clamping has been introduced in Dublin; but delivery vehicles will be treated leniently in the introductory phase. Unclamping will cost £65; and tow-away charges will be £100.