• Luke Finney from Leicestershire wishes he’d bought a Unimog much sooner
• Up to 36 tonnes gross combination weight
• Warranty extension to five years

Stuttgart / Leicestershire – Luke Finney from Leicestershire owns several horses and, since recently also a Mercedes-Benz Unimog workhorse. “If I’d known the Unimog was this good I would have bought one years ago. Having experienced the vehicle’s amazing range of abilities, I can’t understand why anyone in my line of work would choose anything else,” says the convinced Briton.

Fourteen years ago, the versatile entrepreneur started running his stables and providing agricultural services. With the newly purchased Unimog U 530, he predominantly carries out excavation operations and building contracts for farmyards, rural companies and private customers.

“The Unimog is a fantastic and versatile workhorse,” enthuses the proud new owner. “It can tow any equipment I need to move around, while its own load bed with dropsides is ideal for carrying tools and other gear.” Specially for transporting machinery, he has a three-axle low-loader which is suitable to transport machines like a compact digger for excavation work. He also uses a tipper trailer for transporting soil.

Up to 36 tonnes gross combination weight

The gross combination weight of the U 530 is as much as 36 tonnes, thus making this the strongest horse in the Unimog stables. The model is powered by a 7.7-litre six-cylinder engine which produces 220 kW (299 hp) and 1200 Nm of torque. Power transmission to the wheels is through a 16-speed electro-pneumatic transmission. Permanent all-wheel drive, portal axles with differential locks and extreme axial twist help ensure great off-roading characteristics.

Besides its off-roading capabilities, a further decisive factor in opting for the Unimog was the ability to drive on roads at speeds up to 89 kilometres per hour, “whereby the vehicle is much more fuel-efficient than an agricultural tractor,” explains Luke Finney.

The vehicle is equipped with a range of optional equipment including the tirecontrol tyre pressure control system. This enables the driver to quickly and easily reduce the tyre pressure during the journey and serves to minimise damage to the soft ground beneath the tyres. Meanwhile, VarioPilot allows the steering wheel and instrument binnacle to be slid from one side of the cab to the other in minutes: a great advantage, for example, when mowing roadside verges.

Warranty extension to five years

The vehicle is also equipped with front and rear electrical and hydraulic connectors, a front mounting plate, roof-mounted rotating beacons and main beam lights, as well as a number of cameras. A five-year package with extended warranty protects against unpleasant surprises.

Luke Finney employs four full-time operatives. Since establishing his business in 2006 he has focused on providing a top-quality service for high-end customers – and his choice of tools and vehicles for the job reflects this.