Tests carried out by the German Agricultural Society (DLG) recently revealed that the Mercedes Benz Unimog uses 40 per cent less fuel than a tractor (including fast tractors), enough to offset the purchase price of the vehicle.

Mark Hopkins, MD of Mercedes-Benz Unimog UK, is not surprised by these results at all. ‘In the UK, we were already aware of these fuel savings, but this is the first time this we have been able to obtain these facts from an independent pan-European body.’

Haulage capability was part of the tests, and the Unimog came out on top, because these vehicles don’t have to operate under an agricultural licence, and can therefore carry out road maintenance work. Whereas tractors are only allowed to enter a small stretch of road in between fields, the Unimog is licensed for any road and can move at a much higher speed, benefiting the user with its haulage and off road capabilities combined in one vehicle.

The Unimog was tested against several agricultural tractors, and a trailer load of 21 tonnes was attached. The haulage Unimog used 18.89 litres per hour on level ground, whereas the average consumption of the tractors was 32.07 litres per hour, while travelling at a speed of 50 kph.

The 40% fuel savings that have been calculated would result in a reduction of 13 litres per hour, compared to tractors driving at the same speed. On the basis of 10,000 operating hours over the estimated service life of the vehicle this has been extrapolated to a cost saving of Euros 195,000 (13 litres per hour x 10,000 hours x Euros 1.50 per litre of diesel). Even if the Unimog is working for just half that time the savings on fuel alone – at current exchange rates – is about £80,000.

According to Hopkins fuel economy isn’t the only advantage of the Unimog. ‘A Unimog can do all the jobs that a haulage tractor can, while it can move at high speed on any road. Another feature, that you cannot find on a tractor is the front engine driven PTO, which enables the powering of mowers, blades, pumps and other equipment,’ he continues.

In addition, the Unimog is very well suited to different types of seasonal activities; the machine can be turned from a gritter, into a mower or a sign washer within the space of three to four hours and due to its impressive wading dept of 1,2 metres, it is also an excellent machine during flood response. Other extreme weather conditions, such as the snow we have seen this winter, are no match for this vehicle either, as the tyre pressure can be adapted to the type of terrain with one press of a button, increasing traction and accelerative force.

Hopkins concludes that Health and Safety is extremely important. ‘We know that Local Authorities have used tractors for grass cutting in the past, and operators had to go on sick leave because of back problems caused by this work. In the Unimog this would never occur, as the whole cab is of ergonomic design, including the seating and controls. This means that an LA can provide a proper working environment, where people can happily work out their shift.’