Unimog Confusion

[AceRider]

Howdy,

I have some questions about a U500:

- I read a site recently which lists the various models and what they are good for. Problem is, there are triple digit "400" vehicles and quadruple digit "5000" vehicles, but no "500" noted.

- Is a 500 an implement vehicle/tractor or a decent expedition platform? Can it do highway speeds?

- Is a 2002 one that can use the lower quality sulpher diesel fuels?

I've read and tried to figure this out, but I can't. I seem to see a lot of 500 expedition vehicles, but seem to remember reading that this model is more tractor than truck, but I can't verify.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[grizzlyj]

Hiya

I believe this vid is of an Expo forum members U500 camper, who will be heading to Europe via China and Russia (I think) after currently Oz.

Some people think the best description of any Unimog from the last 40 years is a fast tractor, but USA versions like this one I think are faster than the 55mph Euro based ones normally are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-jzY3gDgIY


U3/4/500 and U3/4/5000 may well have more electronics than their immediate predecessors, and a lot more than a 30 year old, but mechanically very similar one. I don't know (but would like to) when the engines become high sulphur intolerant, Adblue etc.

U3/4/500s usually (always?) have a six pot engine, U3/4/5000 have a four pot but also a much twistier chassis for the "ultimate" offroad truck. A 500 is a heavier capacity 400.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Pre 2007 can use the lower quality sulphur diesel fuels.

I think the U500 is a lightweight Mog, but there are many more here that know more than I do.

 

[grizzlyj]

The U500 is the heaviest of that series, and heavier than the U5000.

I like this vid too, especially from about 3mins.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCPV5PQStl4

Benzworld has more Mog people, this thread is a start for your search perhaps?

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/unimog/1379556-unimog-u500-u5000.html

The 8th post pic is a little deceptive, as a U500 is 2956mm to the top of cab, 2740 for the U5000.

U500 Max. permissible loads (in tonnes up to)
Perm. GVW 16.0 Front 7.5 Rear 9.5

U5000 Max. permissible loads (in tonnes up to)
Perm. GVW 14,1 Front 6.2 Rear 8.5 only for fire fighting

Dims and info from the tech info pdf links from here;

http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/con...ew/models/u_3000_-_u_5000/technical_data.html

http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/con...view/models/u_300_-_u_500/technical_data.html

 

[charlieaarons]

The U500 has a higher top speed than the 5000. The frame is a bit less flexible
and it has conventional driveshafts, not a tubular axle support. It has a bit less
articulation. But a higher GVM and top speed. Great for a very long expedition on mutiple
continents.

Charlie
Ti-Tree, NT, Australia

 

[burquedoka]

If you are considering buying a newish UNIMOG, and live in the US, forget the 3/4/5000 series truck. They are (unfortunately) not US legal. The 3/4/500 series mogs really are more built as implement carriers, they do great as expo trucks, and will get you out into the sticks, but they are not intended to be as high mobility capable as the 3/4/5000 series (or older square cab mogs for that matter which are almost identical to the newer 3/4/5000 series trucks). The 3/4/500 series mogs are quite comfortable and have a decent cruising speed, for a street legal tractor.