multifunctional powerhouse - Mercedes Benz

12 AGROLOGISTICS• UNIMOG 2 • 2010
Tanker body, flat-bed tipper, tractor rig: The versatility of the U 500 was a key factor
in the Wolfs’ decision to buy it.
among other reasons, because it is not subject to road tolls and
because of its 15 tonne load capacity. Son Martin cites “economy
and reliability” as the main reasons for the acquisition. Particularly
under the cost pressures faced by farmers at present, Martin Wolf’s
appraisal highlights an aspect which must not be underestimated: “Its
fuel consumption is much better than that of earlier models – 32 litres
per 100 kilometres on average, which is around five litres less.”
Economical and reliable in continuous use
He likes sitting behind the wheel of the Unimog: “It’s a terrific
vehicle, particularly with regard to all-round visibility, and also ride
comfort.” As the Wolfs were undertaking more and more transports
– including on the motorway – the safety aspect was another key
factor. Sigrid and Martin Wolf recall: “In earlier times it was dangerous
on the motorway, towing the big cattle trailer and carrying the
pigs. You were constantly afraid that the big trucks would run into
the back of you. With the U 500 it’s easy to keep up with the truck
traffic.”
The U 500 frequently gets the Wolfs noticed. “It is a striking
design. Something a bit different”, says Gerhard Wolf with a grin.
Martin Wolf loading up – a short break for the Unimog. But in Börslingen it is rarely
stood still.
Many people simply cannot imagine Unimog and agricultural transports
being mentioned in the same breath. Martin can only smile.
He knows better. That afternoon he will be off again, fetching whey.
Around one the following morning father Gerhard will be off driving
pigs to the slaughterhouse in Schwäbisch Hall. Another plus point
for the Unimog is its robustness: “The roads are sometimes quite
bad, especially in Winter. And I am on a tight schedule: I have to be
at the slaughterhouse between half past two and half past three,
whatever the weather. In fact, there have been times in the past
when I got through with the Unimog but none of the other trucks
did.” In such situations, Wolf is much helped by the all-wheel drive
and the short wheelbase of the Unimog. Those benefits enable him
to drive safely in difficult road conditions, and to manoeuvre easily
around roads narrowed by snowfall.
Unimog driving as relaxation
The night trips are usually handled by Gerhard Wolf himself. “It’s a
kind of relaxation for him,” says Sigrid Wolf with a laugh. “Well, it
certainly doesn’t bother me,” the farmer himself comments. Martin
Wolf sums it up: “He has the three-pointed star in his heart.” r
The Wolfs also use
their U 500 to collect grain
from the fields.