Mercedes-Benz Unimog-Zetros Driving demo
- 5 years ago
Available in 4x4 and 6x6 configurations, it is Mercedes’ offering to those who are looking to go places that big trucks shouldn’t go, including military, fire fighting and remote access applications. It’s a long way from its flagship Actros highway truck, but the jobs the Zetros is intended for, and the terrain it’s designed to cover, would likely stop most highway trucks in their tracks.
In saying that, what lies beneath the Zetros is also available under an Actros cab, but the Zetros has a few tricks up its sleeve. There are a few places the Zetros will go that a 6x6 Actros won’t, including the belly of a Hercules military plane. In fact, that was one of the design criteria, and is the reason for the oddly shaped roofline that angles down at either side. While the vast majority of buyers will never test this for themselves, those that buy in big numbers will likely take this into consideration.
The Zetros is a fine example of a manufacturer pulling together readily available parts to make a specialised machine. It is powered by the same OM 926 LA 7.2-litre in-line six-cylinder engine that can be found under the Axor cab, and the dash panels from the Axor and Atego range are used inside the cab. While the cab itself is specific to the Zetros, the doors are taken from the Unimog parts list. What this means for the buyer is that parts are readily available, and any Mercedes truck dealership can offer servicing and support.
In saying that, what lies beneath the Zetros is also available under an Actros cab, but the Zetros has a few tricks up its sleeve. There are a few places the Zetros will go that a 6x6 Actros won’t, including the belly of a Hercules military plane. In fact, that was one of the design criteria, and is the reason for the oddly shaped roofline that angles down at either side. While the vast majority of buyers will never test this for themselves, those that buy in big numbers will likely take this into consideration.
The Zetros is a fine example of a manufacturer pulling together readily available parts to make a specialised machine. It is powered by the same OM 926 LA 7.2-litre in-line six-cylinder engine that can be found under the Axor cab, and the dash panels from the Axor and Atego range are used inside the cab. While the cab itself is specific to the Zetros, the doors are taken from the Unimog parts list. What this means for the buyer is that parts are readily available, and any Mercedes truck dealership can offer servicing and support.