As amazing as the latest Unimogs are, with their unique features, power and versatility, it’s hard to compete with the lure of a classic. On the South Cave Tractors Stand at GYS this year we had the MD’s 1974 Unimog U406 and it drew perhaps even more attention that even the latest U535 (at least for the older enthusiasts who might just remember this model, back in the day). It was a real star of the show.
For the younger visitors though, there is no substitute for a big modern Unimog with loads of horsepower and a dramatic paint job and there were plenty of those on display with four modern Unimog’s to choose from. A lot of choice for the Instagram generation and the cost conscious working farmer alike.
Two interesting new products were on display too; the new Verge planer (more details of which you will find below) and a new and innovative creation, commissioned by a new Unimog client, bringing together a demountable Schmidt Winter Gritter and a folding auger device by CanAgro of Germany, to create a fast-fill seed feeding system that keeps the field team working and leaves the Unimog to provide logistics support with it’s class leading speed and fuel economy.
Enthusiasm for the older Unimog models is well established, of course, and sometimes fans hark back to the good old mechanical systems of a bygone era. However, in 32 degree heat, with no aircon in the 406, that wasn’t the case for our Dave. Chosen as the calmest, the most capable and yes…the oldest of our colleagues on the stand that day, he was tasked with bringing back the classic Mog.
With two modern Unimog’s travelling in close, air conditioned company and with a line of cars stretching back to the showground, in the 406 temperatures and blood pressures soared. Every gear selection rewarded with a trapped finger or a clattered elbow as Dave negotiated the tricky high ratio box, eventually finding a combination of gears and levers that allowed a more respectable cruising speed.
The GYS seems to get bigger and bigger and next year will be no different as we hear they plan to release even more tickets. We’ll be there again in 2027 with an even bigger and better display and, who knows, maybe another classic or two.
A brand-new Unimog model for a brand-new customer. We were delighted to deliver the UK’s first Unimog U219 Low in July, the latest low-height variant of the Unimog range, to a Derbyshire based customer operating within the equestrian and agricultural sectors, delivering top quality fodder and even hiring bales for social and commercial events. You can find out more on their website, here: https://derbyshirestrawbalehire.co.uk/
For this application, the reduced loading height was the deciding factor. The lower chassis makes manual loading and unloading of hay bales quicker, easier and less physically demanding, helping improve efficiency when making deliveries to equestrian customers and moving stock around the yard.
To maximise the benefits of the low-height chassis, our engineering team designed and manufactured a bespoke low-profile auxiliary subframe and three-way tipping body specifically for the U219 Low (see details below in the Engineering & Fabrication section). The design preserves the vehicle’s reduced load bed height while retaining the versatility of the three-way tipping concept, making it adaptable to a variety of uses.
This compact U219 Low will also undertake a variety of everyday farmyard duties, including shunting trailers and general handling tasks, showcasing the versatility that makes the Unimog such a valuable all-round machine.
You can read more about the design and engineering behind our new low-profile subframe and tipping body in this month’s Engineering & Fabrication feature below.
As the UK’s only UnimogPartner, South Cave Tractors continues to expand its portfolio of Mercedes-Benz approved equipment. The latest addition to the UnimogPartner Portal is our Low Subframe and Body for the Unimog U219, designed and manufactured by our in-house fabrication team in East Yorkshire.
Developed specifically for the U219, this innovative low-level body configuration reduces the standard load bed height by 100mm. When combined with the factory Code C06 (U219 Low) option, the total reduction increases to 140mm, making loading and unloading easier while improving accessibility for operators.
The body features a fully welded steel subframe with lightweight aluminium drop sides to maximise payload without compromising strength. Integral 500kg-rated lashing rings are built into the floor, with additional rope hooks positioned around the body to provide flexible and secure load restraint options.
Retaining the original Mercedes-Benz tipping cylinder (Code H44) and tipping indicator (Code J49), the body offers full three-way tipping functionality. Customers can also specify a permanent headboard at the time of order, while body lengths can be tailored up to the maximum dimensions approved for the chosen Unimog model.
The Low Subframe and Body is approved for UK homologation and is fitted at South Cave Tractors prior to delivery.
You can find the full product details and view all of our approved equipment on the UnimogPartner Portal.
Meet the Unimog and RSF 900 Verge Milling Machine
Designed for verge maintenance, the RSF 900 removes overgrown verge soil and vegetation to restore proper road drainage and improve road safety!
Mounted at the front, operators have a clear view of the work at all times with 1metre of side shift control.
The milling blades loosen and shred vegetation and soil, while the discharge system throws material safely to the side or deposits it onto a conveyor for transportation.
Fully hydraulic controls allow operators to adjust the machine’s reach, angle and throwing distance without leaving the cab.
900mm planing width
Up to 2 km/h working speed (perfect with Unimog hydrostatic drive)
Watch this equipment in action. Follow the link in the Social Media section below to our You Tube channel
It could be time for a full Unimog brake service to ensure optimum operation and safety. Our parts and service team continues to support Unimog operators nationwide. From routine servicing to specialist repairs, we help keep vehicles working efficiently and safely.
Call 01430 424233 and ask for Unimog genuine parts. If you’ve never called us before then have your Unimog model and chassis number handy. There is a whole list of service items and accessories on our website at: https://southcavetractors.com/unimog-service-parts/
Only £450 plus VAT (retails at over £700.00)
The NOMAD POWER PRO 24 XL is a lithium-based power pack that combines 3 functions :
– Booster for 24 V vehicles (trucks, plants).
– Autonomous power supply for all kinds of electrical appliances.
– Emergency lamp.
Newsletter Special: £304.66 (+VAT & delivery)
The Unimog always feels at home off-road, where it is dusty and dirty. To ensure that this is also true for its crew, it can be taken care of. The Mercedes-Benz Trucks genuine cyclone filter reduces the amount of dirt entering the cabin filter during operations with high dust loads. Protects the climate control system during the current spell of hot dry and dusty conditions.
The Emergency Services Show at the NEC in Birmingham has become a key date in our exhibition calendar, and we’re looking forward to returning again this year.
If you’re attending the show, be sure to stop by Stand OS90—we look forward to seeing you there.
The week after ESS is time for APF in Warwickshire. It’s the biggest showcase in the UK for forestry, arboriculture, woodland management and grounds maintenance equipment of all kinds and it only comes around once every 2 years.
We are a big supplier of both new and used Unimog plus specialised and custom fabricated customer equipment. If you’re visiting the show we hope to see there.
South Cave Tractors Ltd,
Common Lane,
Newport,
Brough,
East Yorkshire.
HU15 2RD, UK.
tel. 01430 424233
email. info@southcavetractors.com
Registered in England & Wales. Reg No: 5668085
VAT No: 875 4480 88
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