A 12.7-tonne (14-U.S.-ton) Mercedes-Benz Unimog U430 tipper truck is the newest addition to Ian and Rebecca Chick’s Lincolnshire Pig Company at Scredington, near Sleaford in North Kesteven. The new example of the legendary Unimog has a factory-built, three-way tipping body. The truck was provided and significantly modified by South Cave Tractors of Brough, East Yorkshire.
“The Unimog fits the bill perfectly,” says Ian. “There are so many jobs around the farm for which it can be used, from cutting, raking, and carting hay, to hedge trimming, fencing… I even use it to run a hydraulic pressure washer. The list is practically endless but this ‘Swiss Army knife’ of a vehicle can do it all.”
On The Road
The Chicks raise 2,000 pigs along with 340 Herdwick and other sheep on 100 acres not far from the farms of Rebecca’s relatives. They use the Unimog to haul pig manure and straw bedding in a 16-t (17.6-U.S.-t) trailer. The truck’s on-road performance was just as important to their purchasing decision as its storied off-road prowess.
“One regular run involves a 14-mile round trip which, once you factor in the tipping and loading, was taking me over an hour with the tractor,” Ian says. “Because the Unimog is so much quicker on the road I’m now able to complete the task in little more than half the time.
“The Unimog is significantly more fuel-efficient than the tractor, and there are safety benefits too,” Ian continues. “I no longer get cars coming up close behind then cutting in front of me after they’ve overtaken. Also, that regular route involves crossing a main A-road. The fact that the cab was towards the rear of the tractor meant that I had to edge out very slowly indeed. In the Unimog, by contrast, you sit at the front of the vehicle and visibility is excellent, so getting to the other side is a lot less stressful.”
Options & Modifications
The Chicks’ Unimog U430 has a 7.7-litre, Euro 6, in-line six-cylinder engine capable of producing 299 horsepower (220 kilowatts) and an optional EAS automated manual version of the standard transmission. The eight forward/six reverse gearbox lets Ian toggle between manual gear shifting and automatic mode by pressing a button. The Unimog also has the optional 24 forward/24 reverse working and crawler gear range.
Another option on the Chicks’ U430 is Mercedes’ Central Tyre Inflation system. CTI lets the driver partially deflate the tyres from inside the cab to improve traction and reduce the damage of driving on soft terrain. The manufacturer also added the optional Vario Pilot feature. Vario Pilot lets Ian swap the steering wheel to the kerb side of the Unimog to make verge cutting and hedge trimming easier. Other factory options in the pig farm’s U430 include an electrically heated windscreen and driver’s seat, along with forward and rearward cameras.
South Cave Tractors added aftermarket cameras to give the driver a 360-degree view. The dealer also designed, fabricated, and installed a tow hitch and lifting system. Using its external controls, Ian can make fine movements as he connects implements to the Unimog’s hydraulic lines. To support the new lifting and towing ability, South Cave Tractors made and fitted a heavier sub-frame under the factory body. The dealer finished off the modification with additional LED working lights.
The Unimog U430
Mercedes’ all-wheel-drive Unimog has single rear wheels and comes in gross weights of 7.5 to 16.5 t (8.3 to 18.2 U.S. t). Its two main forms are a UGE implement carrier and a UHE extreme off-roader.
The U430 has a 3,150-millimetre (124-inch) wheelbase; a 3,600-mm (141.7-in.)-long edition is also available. It comes with pneumatic disc brakes, a coil spring suspension, and portal axles. The vehicle’s top on-road speed is 55 mph (89 km/h).
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Source: Mercedes-Benz