Freightliner LLC
Freightliner LLC is beginning deliveries to North America this month of the Unimog U500 for specialized vocational applications.

Sold and marketed under a distinct “Unimog” nameplate, the uniquely-designed German Class 6 and 7 work vehicle brings its unique history and multiple capabilities to the North American market, where it will be marketed for use in firefighting, utility service, municipal and highway services, construction and rail yard work, the company says. Sales and service will be available through selected Freightliner Trucks, Sterling, Western Star and American LaFrance dealers in the U.S. and Canada.

Built at the Mercedes-Benz truck plant in Wörth, Germany, it will be available in two GVWs – 26,000 and 33,000 pounds – and powered by the Mercedes-Benz MBE900 electronic six-cylinder diesel engine, available in 230 and 280 horsepower ratings. The Mercedes-Benz eight-speed transmission comes standard with the electro-pneumatic Telligent gearshift system. For heavier applications, an optional 16-speed deep reduction transmission is available.

Standard features include a 132-inch wheelbase and roomy cab. A 154-inch wheelbase is optional. The corrosion-free cab is made of lightweight carbon fiber composite and features an expansive windshield that provides excellent visibility even during the toughest jobs. The VarioPilot option allows a left-handed steering column to become a right-hand drive in less than two minutes. This feature is ideal for those jobs that require attention to both sides of a highway

Standard four-wheel drive and available axle and interaxle differential locks give the Unimog the ability to get to the most extreme job sites. Dual circuit anti-lock disc brakes are standard at all four wheels.

The versatility of the Unimog comes from its ability to accommodate numerous implements and to quickly and easily transform its function by switching implements. For example, the vehicle can be used for snow removal in winter, and with a swift change-out of implements, can be transformed to mow road embankments in the summer.

Relationships have been forged with key implement manufacturers from North America and Europe in order to offer customers specific implement choices, the company says.