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The Mercedes-Benz Unimog and heavy-duty trucks are renowned for their abilities to cope with extreme loads and unusual terrain. The qualities of these trucks have been put to good use by offering them as platforms for firefighting and emergency vehicles, especially in remote locations or on terrain that would have a city emergency unit bogged down in seconds.

Many variants of the Unimog "as an all-terrain special-purpose chassis for emergency vehicles" have been in use for decades in over 100 countries, Mercedes says.

The vehicle manufacturer recently staged an exposition in Germany to show how its all-wheel drive Zetros and Econic models can be converted to become special-purpose vehicles.

The event was also a chance to show off the new, lightweight Unimog U20, the first model with a forward-control cab. Its short wheelbase of only 2.7 metres makes it an extremely manoeuvrable in off-road situations, especially in areas with steep, narrow roads such as mountain regions.

"The first Unimog U 20 is already operational as a fire tender in Croatia," Mercedes says.

Zetros

Also on display was the Zetros, which can haul heavy loads and still retain outstanding off-road handlind solid on-road performance. It even comes with a fully automatic transmission if required. It has a wading depth of 80cm, making very useful in flooded areas.

Mercedes was keen to show off its new feature – an overhead power take-off that allows manufacturers of fire tenders to easily drive a centrifugal fire pump. The idea behind this is to make it ideal for use as a forest fire tender.

Econic

The Econic is marketed as a special-purpose chassis for vehicles with a hydraulic platform, like turntable ladders or telescopic mast platforms.

The air suspension on variants of this truck, which have a high centre of gravity because of their hydraulic platforms, provides excellent handling and keeps the vehicle stable. Steerable rear axles are available as an option to make it even more manoeuvrable.

Practical experience

The event was not just a collection of display units. Those attending were allowed on to the Unimog and Zetros proving ground near the town of Rastatt.

Says Mercedes: "They were duly impressed with the outstanding climbing ability of these vehicles, as well as their safe downhill performance using only the engine brake. Fording ability was demonstrated in a water trench, and exiting from this also showed their excellent axle articulation."

Stay alert on local roads. The Zetros or Econic will not be coming to South Africa, but the Unimog U 5 000 model has been recently introduced as part of the range. Your next offroad rescue could come courtesy of a Mercedes special.

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