Unimog 421

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Unimog 421
2006 07 15 Worth 0144 (8584665235) (2).jpg
An Unimog 421 Cabrio
Overview
TypeTractor
Manufacturer Daimler-Benz
Also calledUnimog 431
Unimog U40
Unimog U45
Unimog U52
Unimog U60
Production1966–1989
AssemblyMercedes-Benz-Werk Gaggenau
Powertrain
Engine OM 636
OM 621
OM 615
OM 616
Transmission Manual gearbox, 2×4 gears
Chronology
PredecessorUnimog 411
Successor Unimog 407

The Unimog 421 is a vehicle of the Mercedes-Benz Unimog series, made by Daimler-Benz. In total, 18,995 [1] units of the Unimog 421 were built from 1966 to 1989 in the Mercedes-Benz Gaggenau plant. It is a medium-sized vehicle bigger than the traditional Unimog 411, but smaller than the Unimog 406. Introduction of new heavy models and Unimog 411 production ceasing in the mid-1970s changed the Unimog 421's role in the Unimog lineup; it became the predecessor of the light Unimog series and thus succeeded the Unimog 411.

Contents

Both short and long wheelbase versions, as well as "front half only" OEM part versions, were made. Technically, the Unimog 421 is based on the Unimog 406 and Unimog 411. The plane ladder frame and axles are Unimog 411 parts, and the engines used for the 421-series are also passenger car engines. Cab and gearbox are Unimog 406-related. The 421 closed cab version looks almost exactly like a 406-series cab, but the cabrio version is a bit more narrow and "squat". [2] A 406-series can be differentiated from a 421-series by the position of the air-intake: A 421-series has the air-intake on the right-hand side of the bonnet, and a 406-series on the left-hand side. [3]

In Argentina, a copy of the Unimog 421, the 431-series, was produced under licence. From 1969 to 1971, 601 cabrios and 152 closed cab units of the Unimog 431 were made. Daimler-Benz produced CKD-kits in Gaggenau, which were then shipped to Argentina for manufacture. The 431-series was fitted with a 44  kW (59  hp ; 60  PS ) engine, but has the short wheelbase – this combination was not available for the original 421-series. [4]

Engines

The 421-series was made with straight-four precombustion chamber Diesel engines. Prototypes included, four different engines were used, which are all passenger car engines. [5]

EngineDisplacementRated powerYears
OM 636 1.767  L (107.8  in3 )40  PS (29  kW ; 39  hp )1964–1965
(Prototypes only)
OM 621 1.988 L (121.3 in3)40 PS (29 kW; 39 hp)1966–1968
OM 615 2.197 L (134.1 in3)45 PS (33 kW; 44 hp)1968–1970
OM 616 2.404 L (146.7 in3)52 PS (38 kW; 51 hp)
60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp)
1970–1989

Types of the 421-series

In total 20 different types of the 421-series were made, out of which four were made as OEM parts for other manufacturers. [1]

Mercedes-Benz types

TypeModelCabWheelbaseRated powerNumber manufacturedNotes
421.122U40, U45Cabrio2,250 mm (88+58 in)29 kW (39 hp; 39 PS),
33 kW (44 hp; 45 PS)
2.647
421.123U40, U45Closed cab2,250 mm (88+58 in)29 kW (39 hp; 39 PS),
33 kW (44 hp; 45 PS)
3.215
421.124U52Cabrio2,250 mm (88+58 in)38 kW (51 hp; 52 PS)1.145
421.125U52Closed cab2,250 mm (88+58 in)38 kW (51 hp; 52 PS)1.995
421.126U60, U600LCabrio2,605 mm (102+12 in)44 kW (59 hp; 60 PS)4U 600 L: Crew cab
421.128U60, U600LCabrio2,605 mm (102+12 in)44 kW (59 hp; 60 PS)3.252U 600 L: Crew cab
421.129U60, U600LClosed cab2,605 mm (102+12 in)44 kW (59 hp; 60 PS)599U 600 L: Crew cab
421.130U40T, U45T, U55TCabrio29 kW (39 hp; 39 PS),
33 kW (44 hp; 45 PS),
40 kW (54 hp; 54 PS)
6OEM part
421.131U40T, U45T, U55TClosed cab29 kW (39 hp; 39 PS),
33 kW (44 hp; 45 PS),
40 kW (54 hp; 54 PS)
210OEM part
421.132U60T, U600TCabrio44 kW (59 hp; 60 PS)35OEM part
421.133U60T, U600TClosed cab44 kW (59 hp; 60 PS)372OEM part
421.140U52, U600Cabrio2,250 mm (88+58 in)38 kW (51 hp; 52 PS)1.805
421.141U52, U600Closed cab2,250 mm (88+58 in)38 kW (51 hp; 52 PS)3.368
421.162U60Cabrio2,605 mm (102+12 in)44 kW (59 hp; 60 PS)13
421.163U60Closed cab2,605 mm (102+12 in)44 kW (59 hp; 60 PS)25
421.310U421Cabrio2,250 mm (88+58 in)41 kW (55 hp; 56 PS)304

Types made for third party manufacturers

Several Unimog 421 types were custom-made as OEM parts for third party manufacturers. [1]

TypeThird party manufacturerModelEngine powerNumber manufactured
421.160HoesKnickschlepper
421.164Werner Forst- und IndustrietechnikUniknick UK52, UK6038 kW (51 hp; 52 PS),
44 kW (59 hp; 60 PS)
75
421.170Tractortecnic Unitrac UT4538 kW (51 hp; 52 PS)50
421.172TrenkleTremo38 kW (51 hp; 52 PS)250

Technical specifications

U 40U 45U 52U 60
Years1966–19711966–19711970–19881971–1988
Mass2,450 kg (5,400 lb)2,470 kg (5,450 lb)2,850 kg (6,280 lb)
Permissible maximum mass3,700 kg (8,200 lb)4,000 kg (8,800 lb)4,100 kg (9,000 lb)?
Length4,005 mm (157+1116 in)4,020 mm (158+14 in)
Width1,865 mm (73+716 in)1,825 mm (71+78 in)1,800 mm (70+78 in)
Height2,180 mm (85+1316 in)2,230 mm (87+1316 in)
Wheelbase 2,250 mm (88+916 in)2,605 mm (102+916 in)
Track width 1,360 mm (53+916 in)1,400 mm (55+18 in)
Bed length1,475 mm (58+116 in)1,750 mm (68+78 in)
Bed width1,500 mm (59+116 in)
Bed board wall height400 mm (15+34 in)
Tyres 10,5–18″ 6PR
Engine typeOM 621OM 615OM 616
Engine design Water-cooled straight-four Diesel engine
Fuel system Precombustion chamber injection
Displacement 1.988  L (121.3  cu in )2.197 L (134.1 cu in)2.404 L (146.7 cu in)
Bore × Stroke 87 mm × 83.6 mm (3.43 in × 3.29 in)87 mm × 92.4 mm (3.43 in × 3.64 in)91 mm × 92.4 mm (3.58 in × 3.64 in)
Rated power (DIN 70020)40 PS (29 kW; 39 hp)45 PS (33 kW; 44 hp)52 PS (38 kW; 51 hp)60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp)
Top speed54 km/h (34 mph)53 km/h (33 mph)67 km/h (42 mph)
Source [6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Daimler AG: Baureihe 421
  2. Unimog-Community: Unimog U 421 [1966 bis 1989]
  3. Carl-Heinz Vogler: Unimog 406 – Typengeschichte und Technik. GeraMond-Verlag, München. 2016. ISBN   978-3-86245-576-8. p. 113
  4. Carl-Heinz Vogler: Unimog 411 – Typengeschichte und Technik. GeraMond-Verlag, München. 2014. ISBN   978-3-86245-605-5. p. 22
  5. Carl-Heinz Vogler: Typenatlas Unimog. Alle Unimog-Klassiker seit 1946 bis 1993. GeraMond, München 2015, ISBN   978-3-86245-026-8. p. 89
  6. Peter Kautz: Mercedes-Benz Unimog 421