Primrose thirdaxle conversion for Unimog
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A SIX-wheeler version of the Mercedes-Benz Unimog is to be shortly made available in the UK following the development by Primrose Third Axle of a conversion kit.
Payload is increased by 3.86 tonnes (3.8 tons) and typical payload is now 6.1 tonnes (6 tons). The conversion has been developed in co-operation with Mercedes-Benz and market
ing will commence in Europe and South Africa.
The chassis is reinforced and extended and includes tubular cross-members and external pivots, on which an articulating beam on each side oscillates.
Dual-rate coil springs between the axles and the ends of the articulating beams form the suspension. The original 2.51 m (8ft 3in) dimension from cab to rear of frame is increased to 3.58m (11ft Bin), providing a nominal 1.2 re (4ft) increase in recommended body length from 2.75m (9ft) to 3.97m (13ft).
The third axle is not driven, but the cross-country performance is still good, according to Mercedes-Benz, relying as it does on the two
driving axles having differential locks. A panhard rod provides sideways location of each axle.
Two-leading shoe Girling brakes are fitted to the tailing axle and are hydraulically operated with power assistance.
The conversion kit will be available for Mercedes-Benz dealers to fit.