The Unimog (a compact all-terrain utility truck) is a vehicle with multiple uses, thanks to its mechanics and layout that allow it to access locations far more difficult than a standard 4x4 truck, as well as to carry all kinds of tools useful across many different fields. Here we will focus specifically on the use of the Unimog for municipal maintenance. Today, many municipalities own a Unimog when their budget allows — and for good reason: you are about to discover that the versatility of this vehicle proves almost indispensable.
The Unimog, the ideal all-purpose machine for municipalities
Managing a town or village means facing many obstacles, such as those related to nature and bad weather: snow, overgrown grass, rockfalls, and also damage caused by residents that requires road maintenance and cleaning work.
On its own, the Unimog replaces several vehicles. Equipped with an implement carrier, it handles all municipal tasks single-handedly, where otherwise at least a tractor and a truck would be needed to do equivalent work. It also makes use of three mowers, as well as a snow plough blade and a spreader in the event of heavy snowfall, to clear the roads.
Another advantage of the Unimog: it can access all types of terrain. It proves useful in snow conditions but also on various construction sites and in the surrounding countryside. Furthermore, its mechanics impose no speed restrictions, and its fast travel speed is an advantage during road transport missions.
The various uses of the Unimog within municipalities
1) Snow ploughing and spreading operations
When winter arrives, municipalities must keep roads accessible. The Unimog is THE most suitable vehicle for this situation, well ahead of any other intervention vehicle. It offers many advantages in urban areas, such as easy manoeuvrability, good visibility, and a narrow width.
Thanks to its high front axle load capacity, it can support heavier and larger snow plough blades than other all-terrain trucks, and can also be fitted with 4 m3 salt spreaders, including those using brine. The occupants also benefit from a degree of comfort thanks to insulating composite materials, supplementary heating, and heated seats.
2) Maintenance work
The Unimog is useful for various maintenance tasks and is often far more effective than a tractor. Road and path maintenance, sign washing — nothing stops it. When equipment and technical teams need to be transported across difficult terrain (snow-covered, muddy, etc.), it gets through without difficulty. During brush-clearing or pruning work, the cuttings can be chipped by the vehicle’s shredder.
3) Mowing
When roads and ditches are overgrown with tall grass, the Unimog again proves to be the best solution, as it is more versatile than all other professional mowing vehicles. Whether clearing brush, cleaning out ditches, or mowing wasteland, the Unimog meets every expectation.
It offers several mowing configurations to cover all needs. The mower can be mounted at the front or the rear. It is even possible to operate three mowers simultaneously: one for the road verge, one mounted on the platform, and a third at the front for embankments.
4) Cleaning and watering
A town needs to be cleaned very frequently and its flower beds watered regularly. The Unimog is fitted with a high-pressure cleaning boom, extremely useful when roads are very dirty, as well as a front-mounted sweeper. Its tank can hold approximately 6,000 litres of water. The pump and washing pressure, while powerful, remain economical. Its many interchangeable tools allow it to carry out all tasks quickly.
Versatile and unbeatable
The Unimog is an excellent choice for the maintenance of towns and villages. It makes it possible to replace several vehicles with one, resulting in significant savings for municipalities. Moreover, it sometimes outperforms tractors, all-terrain trucks, or mowers. Versatile and efficient, it is a prime recruit for all types of municipality, particularly rural ones.
Photo credits: Mercedes-Benz AG