GVA Trees Gets A Mercedes-Benz Unimog

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Halifax, Yorkshire-based GVA Trees is using its new Mercedes-Benz Unimog to support the management of habitats for declining wild bee populations.

The 4x4 truck is working on various contracts which entail maintaining grass verges along roads throughout the north of England, including the M6 motorway between Preston and Carlisle.

Supplied by Dealer South Cave Tractors, the U530 model is powered by a 7.7-litre six-cylinder engine which produces 220 kW (299 hp) and 1,200 Nm of torque.

Its fully synchronised, electro-pneumatic transmission has eight forward and six reverse gears - the optional working gear range provides another eight forward and eight reverse gears.

Permanent all-wheel drive, impressive ground clearance, and uprated portal axles which have differential locks and offer extreme levels of articulation, all contribute to the truck’s cross-country capability.

GVA also specified the optional Central Tyre Inflation (CTI) system. This unique technology enables the driver quickly and easily, and without leaving the cab, to lower tyre pressures, and has the additional benefit of minimising damage to particularly soft ground.

Managing Director Ian Whitaker said the Unimog’s unique combination of attributes made it the obvious choice for the job. “When you look at what we need this vehicle to do, there’s nothing else out there with the same range of abilities,” he explained.

“Attaching and powering the mower equipment is no problem, while the truck can easily tow a heavily laden trailer thanks to its gross train weight of 36 tonnes.

"Working along the verge is made easier by the Unimog’s VarioPilot system, which gives the driver a much better view of the verge and the mower arm. It certainly makes his life easier.

“The Unimog’s cruising speed of 56 mph means it can cover big distances between our base and working sites much quicker and easier than any agricultural tractor – it’s far more fuel-efficient too.

"The hydrostatic drive system, meanwhile, allows fine control of the truck and its attachments at mowing speed. No other vehicle could tick all of these boxes.”