The Mercedes-Benz Unimog fast-tracked to Australia

This Unimog U400 road-rail vehicle provides fast and independent access to work sites in both comfort and with full weather protection and improves workplace safety by reducing unnecessary handling of equipment. As well as offering plenty of tractive power its function-specific design avoids railway track damage, a problem often associated with road-only vehicles.
The vehicle is fitted with an aerial work platform specifically designed for overhead rail line maintenance, a feature designed by LH Access. This U400 also has a hydrostatic drive which allows maintenance staff positioned in the aerial basket to move the vehicle forwards and backwards along railway lines.
Other technical highlights include:
• A work platform with a working height of ten metres and an outreach of 6.5 metres;
• A work platform that can rotate 360 degrees;
• Cut-slots in the basket for cable inspection;
• Mechanical slew-locking is fixed to allow operation adjacent to rail lines open to traffic;
• A boom system that can work through its full range on rail without the use of stabilisers.
Putting the U400 to work in his business was an easy decision for Sam Cavanagh, owner of Cavanagh Cranes and Transport.
“By adding the Unimog U400 to our fleet, we are able to provide the perfect solution for our clients.
“The versatility of the vehicle, which works efficiently on road and rail, sets us apart from our competitors,” he said.
For Grant Andrews, managing director of Unimog Sales Australia, the delivery was another opportunity to showcase Unimog’s effectiveness in challenging local applications.
“The Unimog is a vehicle in a league of its own, and I am delighted to be able to offer such a versatile and unique solution to the Australian market.
“Unimog is streets ahead when it comes to working in tough terrain; it’s widely regarded as the best solution when a tough and versatile vehicle is needed, especially when it has to operate both on- and off-road and, in this case, on railway tracks.
Andrews added, “Unimog sales are increasing as more clients demand greater versatility, efficiency, and reliability from their vehicles without increasing their whole-of-life costs; and this is where the Unimog comes into its own; the model range offers customers unique technical solutions specific to their needs.
“This road-rail Unimog is a great example. By having standard-fitment features such as power take-off systems and integrated vehicle hydraulics, customers avoid the need to retro-fit such features and therefore avoid the financial and reliability costs retro-fitment often brings.”

For more information contact tel: +61 (0)8 9797 0700 or visit: www.unimog.com.au