Now Unimogs come in 6x6
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Mercedes-Benz's Unimog division will enter the 6x6 market next January with the introduction of the U24501, with selectable all-wheel drive. Provisional details include a "conventional" Unimog driveline. The Euro-2 chargecooled in-line six cylinder, six-litre engine produces 237hp (177kW) at 2,600rpm and 627Ibft (850Nm) of torque between 1,200rpm and 1,400rpm.
by John Kendall • Power is transmitted via a single dry-plate clutch to an eight-speed synchromesh gearbox with splitter and integrated transfer box. Six-wheel-drive is permanently engaged with cross-axle diff-locks on each axle and inter-axle diff-locks between each. All diff-locks can be engaged and disengaged on the move. Air-over-hydraulicoperated disc brakes are fitted all-round. Portal axles are used as in all Unimogs. The half shaft enters the hub at the top with a 2:1 reduction to the centre drive. The benefit is increased ground clearance, while the hub reduction gear helps to decrease stress in the halfshafts.
The design also allows the optional fitting of Mercedes central tyre inflation (CTI) system, which can help to minimise ground damage and, according to Mercedes, double traction. Using the vehicle's on-board compressed air system, air pipes can be fed along the axle tubes and coupled to a flexible pipe linking the tyre valve and coupling from the hub centre.
The CTI control panel is mounted in the headlining over the driver. The system allows high and low tyre pressures to be pre-set. At the flick of a switch, the driver can automatically select either pressure. Front and rear axles can be inflated and deflated independently or together. All operations can be carried out on the move.
Tyre pressures can be lowered when extra traction is needed off-road or when ground damage needs to be carefully controlled; eg over agricultural land.
A brief demonstration at the Bagshot off-road test track demonstrated how dropping tyre pressures will increase the ground contact area.
Mercedes also offers a less complicated alternative to CTI. RDS offers a individual suzytype connector for each wheel. The system also works off the on-board air compressor but must be manually connected. All tyres can be reflated simultaneously and the system cannot be used on the move.
The 2450L offers an approach angle of 51° and departure angle of 57°. The unladen chassis cab has a minimum ground clearance of 480mm and loading height of around 1.2m. Measuring around 7.2m long overall, the model offers a 10tonne payload, with front axle rated at 5.3 tonnes and the rear axles at six tonnes each.
Equipped with an unladen dropside body, a prototype 2450L made light work of the varied terrain and steep slopes at Bagshot.
The chassis could find a market with military buyers, operators on severe terrain or in small tanker operations where 4x4 chassis with high ground clearance provide insufficient stability.
A right-hand-drive chassis is not listed at present but has not been ruled out. Prices will start from around £72,000.