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Happy birthday Unimog

Oct 10, 2016 Unimog, HeavyDuty


Unimog is celebrating its 70th birthday, having completed its first test drive on 9 October 1946, with chief designer Heinrich Rößler himself was at the wheel. 

One of the defining characteristics of the vehicle was that its engine and gearbox were positioned directly to the right of the middle line of the vehicle. This meant that the torque tubes - which protect the drive shafts - could be at right angles to the axles. As a result, only four drive joints were needed for the chassis. This was a brilliant design which, 70 years later, is still used for the Unimog of the highly mobile U 4023/U 5023 series.

By that first test drive, the definition of the "engine-driven multi-purpose machine" was finalised. It boasted:

  • top speed of 50 km/h (a tractor was only half as fast)
  • sprung and damped axles
  • all-wheel drive and differential locks at the front and rear
  • brakes on the front and rear axles
  • frame design similar to cars and trucks
  • two-seater cab with a closed cover and upholstered seats
  • auxiliary load area over the rear axle with 1.0 t load-bearing capacity
  • static weight distribution: 2/3 on the front axle, 1/3 on the rear axle
  • implements attachable on the front, middle, sides and rear
  • power take-off shafts at the front, middle and rear
  • power take-off for implements

The story of a truly remarkable vehicle

Change and technical progress have been constant companions in the course of the Unimog history. To date, there have been thirty different model series and almost 400 000 vehicles sold. No other commercial vehicle in the world can function as a tractor, towing vehicle, truck, fire-fighting and exploration vehicle, bus and working machine.

Happy birthday Unimog!



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