Extreme Unimog U 5000 6x6: Mog times six

D he idea of ​​adding a third axle to the Unimog, is not new. There have already been applications of this type for the U 5000 as well. New, however: Mercedes is now offering the extreme version of the off-roader ex works.

Unimog U 5000 6x6 with ten tonnes payload

The main aim of the conversion is to increase the payload. With the 6x6 it increases to 10 tons with a total weight of 17 tons. The wheelbase increases to 3,900 + 1,400 millimeters. The rest of the technology is taken over 1: 1 from the 4x4 base vehicle of the Unimog U 5000, which is welded in a frame extension for conversion. The Unimog U 5000 6x6 is powered by the proven OM 924 LA in-line diesel, which provides 218 hp and 810 Newton meters of torque.

Due to the extension, the off-road capability does not suffer, on the contrary: the approach angle and ramp angle remain the same as the 4x4 base vehicle, but the now three fully lockable axles increase traction considerably. The ground clearance also remains unchanged, the portal axles are standard parts - 480 millimeters of clearance under the differential is a house number. With the appropriate accessories, the factory-approved fording depth is a full 1.2 meters.

With tire inflation system on request

The coil-sprung portal axles are fitted with individual tires; a tire inflation system that can be operated from the cockpit is optionally available. In the standard version, eight forward and six reverse gears are available. If that's not enough, you can also order an additional terrain group for the transmission. The turning circle of 19.5 meters is surprisingly small for the 7.4 meter long Lulatsch.

The third axis and the extended frame not only offer a significant increase in payload, which, for example, can be used by construction companies, fire brigades with water tanks (extinguishing agent Tank volume now at 7,000 liters) or energy suppliers with special structures for laying lines and pipes. The longer frame means that considerably more generous structures are also possible. In a first application, Mercedes is showing the new Unimog U 5000 6x6 as a construction team transporter in the open pit.

Unimog U 5000 6x6 also in Euro 3 version

Even long-distance travelers are prudish. Because with the wheelbase extension with unchanged drastic slope angles, much more generous living structures can be realized than it isis possible on the standard U 5000 4x4. A variant that the expedition mobile specialist Unicat has already implemented on a U 5000 6x6: there was a Abetz-Wohnkabine , which the driver can load independently into an overseas container in order to then stow the base vehicle in a similar one. World travelers with an appropriately filled bank account will find this alternative to the large expedition trucks like a Zetros or MAN KAT interesting.

Just like the fact that Mercedes, in addition to the standard version of the OM 924, also offers an 'export version' according to the Euro 3 standard, which can cope with dubious diesel and does not have any susceptible filter technology on board .

In addition to the new U 5000 6x6 in the passenger transport version, in the second part of our photo show we will show you the 6x6 version of Unicat and a 4x4 travel mog based on U 5000 implemented by Bocklet.