Unimog U20 R-4, 4250 cm³, 102 * 120 mm, direct injection diesel, turbocharger, charge air cooling, 610 Nm 1200-1600 rpm,115 kW (156 hp), 2250 rpm, Front engine, all-wheel drive, single-disc dry clutch, 8 forward, 6 reverse gears, optionally 8 working gears, electro-pneumatic shift and reversing shift, permanent all-wheel drive, longitudinal and transverse lock at the rear, optionally also at the front, portal axles f/r, coil springs, disc brakes, pneumatic-hydraulic, 4,93/2,7/2,15/2,72 m, 335/80 R 20 (11''), 145 liter, 8.500/5.100 kg, 89 km/h, from 2008

It's impossible to just list the individual Unimog series. We limit ourselves here to the smallest, the U 20 from the 405 series. This allows a certain comparison to the previous chapter. At probably 140,000 euros, it was an entry-level model, lighter and more manoeuvrable with a turning circle of only 12.8 m. With a permissible total weight of 7.5 tons, it could even be driven with the old German car driver's license. Almost 90 km/h were possible, an optional two-speed gearbox made from it one-fifth, 12 to 15 km/h.

The many reverse gears are probably needed when the U20 is used as a tractor for rail traffic. However, the track width has grown so much that not only track guidance as a rail vehicle is required for this purpose, but also track-reducing wheels.

In the meantime, the challenging terrain for a test drive with the Unimog was exhausted. Maybe that's why the museum in Gaggenau was created. On the country road, the Unimog behaves like an oversized SUV, although you have to realize that off-road, not even a Mercedes G-Class comes close to it.

Of course, the slight excess width is a problem. At least there is enough space for three people next to each other. Shifting is based on the Telligent system, a suitable gear search when the gear lever is tapped forwards or backwards. Stepping on the clutch pedal then completes the gear change. With Electronic Quick Reverse, a change of direction is even possible at up to 6 km/h.

Soon after its introduction, an increase in load to 9.3 tons was also possible. Despite an unladen weight of 5.3 tons, there should be enough payload for all possible attachments. They are not only attached to the front PTO shaft like a wood chipper, but can also be connected to the vehicle's own hydraulic system. In the videos below you can get an idea of the great variety.