Watmough Forestry, a provider of arboreal and hedge-cutting services in Leicestershire, received the Unimog from Mercedes-Benz dealer Arthur Ibbett.
A U535 variant, the vehicle employs a Euro VI Step E 7.7-litre in-line six-cylinder engine that produces 260 kW (354 hp) and maximum torque of 1,380 Nm. It is paired with the Opti-drive automated manual transmission purpose-designed by Daimler Truck engineers to manage the increased outputs from the Unimog engine, which was introduced in 2021.
An optional alternative to the standard-fit manual gearbox, the Opti-drive system offers improved gear change co-ordination and clutch control to produce quicker shifts.
All Unimogs have 4x4 chassis with single rear wheels, while gross weights vary from 7.5 to 16.5 tonnes – Watmough’s Forestry’s new vehicle is rated at 12.7 tonnes GVW.
The U535 is equipped with a front PTO (power take-off) and a hydraulics package, and arrived with a three-way tipping body, onto which EH Hutton Coachbuilders, also of Melton Mowbray, mounted a ‘chip box’ body with side-hinged rear doors.
The Unimog also has a lockable, front-mounted toolbox, while Arthur Ibbett fitted the agricultural hydraulic pickup hitch that allows it to tow a wood chipper or a second chip box trailer.
Adam Watmough said: “We spend a lot of time off road, of course, where the Unimog is in its element. But it’s also a lot more economical than a conventional tractor when we’re on the road. Our agricultural licence means that provided I’m satisfied they’re competent to do so, any of the guys can drive it as long as we stay off the motorway.”