Unimog 404 (1955-1980)
German 4x4 light utility truck (64,242 produced)
The standard light 4WD light Truck
The Unimog 404 (Unimog S or Unimog 404 S) was a vehicle designed and built by Mercedes-Benz in the Unimog plant in Gaggenau, from 1955 to 1980 (hence the name). The line started with the Unimog U82, then Unimog U110 which was a modernized version, and a grand total of 64,242 units for the three types Unimog 404, 404.0 and 404.1. The 404 was just the first bearer of the name, but also the vehicle with the highest production for all Unimogs combined.
The Unimog 401 was largely a prototype, but the the 404 met success as a small 1.5-tonne utilitarian and off-road truck whereas the first was really designed as a pure agricultural vehicle. In Germany in also became a military vehicle used extensively by the Bundeswehr, but also and firefighter truck, also widely used across Europe (its use continue to this day). On the military chaper, no less than 36,000 Unimog 404 were incorporated into the Bundeswehr. The vehicle was also widely exported, and due to its light, reliable 4x4 chassis, was reconfigured in many ways with various types of weaponry installed on its flatbed. Its most common battleground was across Africa for the last 60 years and it's certainly not over.
Development and production of the Unimog 404
The first Unimog 404 was created in 1953. Slightly smaller than the full production model, was given a track width of 1,600 mm (63 in), for a wheelbase of 2,670 mm (105 in). Two prototypes were also manufactured for the French army in 1954, and the latter were so pleased with them that the first 1,100 production models purchased right away by the French army. They wanted to use it as troop carrier and to get rid of the spare wheel on the bed for more seats. Daimler-Benz engineers then decided to create a downswept frame, a particular which became so cacteristic, so that the spare wheel could be mounted underneath the bed. This constructional feature incidentally also allowed more torsional flexing and improved its offroad capabilities. It became as a result later a key constructional feature for the Unimog. Despite its retirement in the 1980s, it was reconverted in France for civilian purposes (notably for forest firefighting).
Introduced in 1955, the Unimog 404.1 came with the 2,700 mm (106 in) wheelbase and Otto engine M 180 rated for 60 kW (80 hp, 82 PS).
In 1956, the 404.1 was ugraded to the 2,900 mm (114 in) wheelbase and same engine, but now both were sold under the name Unimog U82, the plant assuming full independence from Mercedes. Production of the U82 with the short wheelbase was stopped in 1971, the long wheelbase persisted until 1980.
From 1971, the company introduced the somewhat confusion Unimog 404.0, (marketed as Unimog U110), fitted with a new cab coming from the Unimog 406. The model 404.012 received the M 130 engine but met little success with just 1,791 produced. Just 81 Unimog 404 also were produced with the diesel engine OM 615 (rated for 44 kW or 59 hp/60 PS, only for the Portuguese market. The Unimog 404.0 also has the cab of the Unimog 406.
Design of the Unimog 404
Chassis & suspensions: The Unimog 404 was a small four-wheel off-road truck. It was designed to carry initially a payload of 1,500 kg (3,307 lb). Its chassis called for a ladder frame, with two portal axles fitted with reduction gears. The suspensions counted on coil springs with hydraulic shock absorbers, rear and front. The four wheels had tyres the same size to be interchangeable, all fitted with hydraulic ATE drum brakes.
Engine & performances
As a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the 404 was given a switchable all-wheel-drive, with additional differential locks for the manual gearbox. It was Daimler-Benz, six-speed, with two additional reverse gears. It was fitted with the Fichtel & Sachs K 16 Z single-disc-dry-clutch. The engine was a water-cooled straight-six cylinders, Otto engine of type M 180 II-U. This compact, yet powerful engine displaced 2,195 cc (134 cu in) on the 404.1. it was coupled with a Zenith 32 NDIX offroad-carburettor. The torque was transmitted to the fully synchronised manual gearbox.
Cab, flatbed and equipments
The 404 could be equipped with the standard fully closed two-door-cab, but also a two-door-cabriolet cab, with convertible top. The cabs differed as the 404.0 used the single windscreen Unimod 406 model. The 404.1 instead was given a divided windscreen and side windows in doors. Special purpose vehicles modified for fire fighting were given, in addition to special equipment and protective external framing, and extended four-door-cab to carry four firefighter and equipments.
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