Unimogs have been manufactured for over 75 years. They range from 30HP to over 300HP and can have an incredible variety of equipment fitted from the factory and subsequently by specialist companies and owners.
Which model suits you best will depend on intended use, budget and your own expectations of a used vehicle.
Consequently it’s not possible to provide detailed buying advice for all models and all applications.
However please contact us direct to discuss your ideas and we will help you to identify the most suitable models whilst avoiding some of the pitfalls which inexperienced buyers can fall into.
General Points
The flexible chassis which allows excellent off road performance and the portal axles which give good ground clearance whilst maintaining a low centre of gravity are cornerstones of Unimog design.
All Unimogs are four wheel drive and have differential locks which can be engaged whilst driving and can be used throughout the speed range.
- Buy the best condition Unimog that you can afford.
- The year, kms or hours are much less important than the history of the Unimog and the maintenance it has had.
- Decide on the features & equipment which you MUST have against those which are desirable. Whilst it is possible to add equipment to a basic Unimog the costs mount up. Make sure that the Unimog ticks as many boxes as possible.
- Remember that some items such as front 3 point linkages are suitable for DIY fitting so can be bought some months or years after the initial Unimog purchase thereby spreading the cost.
- Beware the “ebay bargain”! If buying a Unimog outside Atkinson Vos you should budget some money to carry out repairs & renovation.
- If it looks cheap then there is probably a reason for it being so!
Here at Atkinson Vos we deal principally with three Unimog model ranges:
U900/1100 (406,416,417,419) 1963-1992
SBU U1000-U2450 (424, 425, 427, 437) 1976-2004.
UHN U3000-5000 (437) 2001-2018
UGN U300-500 (405) 2001-2015
U900/1100
Agricultural versions with PTOs and three point linkages command a price premium.
Double cab versions are rare and are much more desirable and expensive than single cab versions.
Pros
Lots of character
- Highly manouverable vehicle.
- Practical enough to use regularly
- 45mph cruising speed with standard axle ratio.
- Lots of upgrade options available.
- Excellent parts availability.
- Values are increasing.
Cons
- Gearbox is less robust than later models and can be expensive to repair.
- Cabs suffer from rust and are more complicated to repair than later models.
- Limited supply of vehicles in good condition.
- Restoration of a vehicle in poor condition can be expensive.
- Only 2 seats in single cab.
- Left hand drive only.
SBU models
These are the most common Unimog models. They combine practicality with the iconic Unimog looks.
Agricultural versions with PTOs and three point linkages command a price premium.
Double cab (DOKA) versions are rare and are much more desirable and expensive than single cab versions.
Pros
- Great value for money.
- Good supply of vehicles in a broad range of price and specification.
- Practical enough to use regularly
- 55mph+ cruising speed with standard axle ratio.
- Lots of upgrade options available.
- 100% parts availability including many used & reconditioned parts.
- 3 seats in single cab, 7 seats in double cab (DOKA)
- Right or left hand drive available.
- Minimal depreciation.
Cons
- Less character than older models.
- Restoration or repair of a vehicle in poor condition can be expensive.
- Adding agricultural equipment to a basic vehicle is expensive.
UHN models (U3000-5000)
These vehicles offer great value for money compared to SBU Unimogs.
Pros
- Good supply of vehicles.
- Ideal for camper conversions & general industrial use
- Practical enough to use regularly
- 56mph cruising speed.
- 100% parts availability including used and reconditioned parts.
- Mostly right hand drive available.
- Low depreciation.
- More refined than older models.
Cons
- Electronics make them less DIY friendly and less suitable for use in isolated areas where a workshop is not easily accessible.
- Large size makes these models less suitable for some jobs
- Left hand drive conversions are expensive.
UGN models U300-500
These vehicles are becoming more available on the used market and depending on your intended use can offer great value for money. However agricultural versions are very rare & usually very expensive.
Pros
- Good supply of vehicles.
- Perfect for heavy towing
- Practical enough to use regularly
- 56mph cruising speed.
- Fibre-composite cab construction so no rust problems on cab.
- 100% parts availability including used and reconditioned parts.
- Right or left hand drive available.
- Low depreciation.
- More suited to front mount equipment.
- CANbus technology for control of implements & equipment.
Cons
- Less character than older models.
- Electronics make them less DIY friendly and less suitable for use in isolated areas where a workshop is not easily accessible.
- Large size makes these models less suitable for some jobs
- Adding additional equipment to a basic Unimog is expensive.
- Little interchangeability of parts and equipment/implements with older models.
