Unimog is the German acronym for Universal Motorized Unit. Developed in Berlin by Daimler-Benz in 1942, they were used primarily for agriculture and military use until 1968 when expanded-range Mogs with a 65-hp direct-injection engine became available to the civilian market.
The most popular models in North America are the 90-horsepower 404 model from the 1960s, and the newer 1974-and-up 406. By 1974, 150 hp was available and the 404 was phased out six years later.
Mogs are so versatile, they are used in more than 150 countries around the world with such diverse applications as firefighting, disaster aid, agricultural, transport, and even as switch locomotives. Thanks to their incredibly low gear ratios they are capable of moving up to 1,000 metric tons.
Newer-model Unimogs come equipped with Mercedes-Benz transmissions featuring electronic-pneumatic Telligent gearshift (EPS) and pneumatically selectable four-wheel drive which offers eight forward and six reverse gears.
A synchromesh reversing gear EQR (Electronic Quick Reverse) allows it to easily change direction quickly and to rock the vehicle free in difficult terrain. All four wheels are equipped with pneumatic/hydraulic dual-circuit disc brakes with 4-channel ABS, disengagable in rough footing. The torsionally flexible ladder frame consists of two U-shaped side members with welded tubular cross members, giving unhampered flexibility.
Portal axles front and rear are standard, with differential locks, geared hubs, control arms, torque tubes, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers and stabilizers. Engine, transmission, platform and body are three-point-mounted and can therefore follow every movement of the vehicle. A gear reduction box in addition to the already low gears provides a final gear ratio of 4,000:1.
Some research on the net revealed that Mogs have a pretty avid fan base, with various forums extolling their virtues as off-road machines. Mog owners meet for off-road rallies, and swap parts and advice on maintenance and modifications.
Some hobbyists and Mog aficionados swap up to bigger and more conventional gasoline Mercedes engines – which proves that hobbyists and modders come in all forms.
To find out more about these unusual trucks, visit: www.rockymountainmoggers.com, www.teamunimog.com and www.eurotruck-importers.com.
The most popular models in North America are the 90-horsepower 404 model from the 1960s, and the newer 1974-and-up 406. By 1974, 150 hp was available and the 404 was phased out six years later.
Mogs are so versatile, they are used in more than 150 countries around the world with such diverse applications as firefighting, disaster aid, agricultural, transport, and even as switch locomotives. Thanks to their incredibly low gear ratios they are capable of moving up to 1,000 metric tons.
 |
| Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com |
Newer-model Unimogs come equipped with Mercedes-Benz transmissions featuring electronic-pneumatic Telligent gearshift (EPS) and pneumatically selectable four-wheel drive which offers eight forward and six reverse gears.
A synchromesh reversing gear EQR (Electronic Quick Reverse) allows it to easily change direction quickly and to rock the vehicle free in difficult terrain. All four wheels are equipped with pneumatic/hydraulic dual-circuit disc brakes with 4-channel ABS, disengagable in rough footing. The torsionally flexible ladder frame consists of two U-shaped side members with welded tubular cross members, giving unhampered flexibility.
Portal axles front and rear are standard, with differential locks, geared hubs, control arms, torque tubes, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers and stabilizers. Engine, transmission, platform and body are three-point-mounted and can therefore follow every movement of the vehicle. A gear reduction box in addition to the already low gears provides a final gear ratio of 4,000:1.
Some research on the net revealed that Mogs have a pretty avid fan base, with various forums extolling their virtues as off-road machines. Mog owners meet for off-road rallies, and swap parts and advice on maintenance and modifications.
Some hobbyists and Mog aficionados swap up to bigger and more conventional gasoline Mercedes engines – which proves that hobbyists and modders come in all forms.
To find out more about these unusual trucks, visit: www.rockymountainmoggers.com, www.teamunimog.com and www.eurotruck-importers.com.