Driving Tips; Important Safety Notes - Mercedes-Benz Unimog Operating Instructions Manual

Driving with a high body centre of
gravity
To prevent an accident, observe the following
points:
the vehicle load has a negative effect on all
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of the vehicle's handling characteristics.
Critical conditions are reached sooner.
box-type bodies and high loads increase
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the vehicle's susceptibility to crosswinds.
good traction conditions, e.g. dry roads,
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could result in the vehicle tipping when it
reaches the cornering speed limit before
the rear axle slips away.
the vehicle's braking distance increases.
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fluid tanks, e.g. fire extinguishers or fertil-
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iser tanks, that are not empty or not com-
pletely full could have a negative effect on
the vehicle's handling characteristics.
the risk of tipping is increased if the vehicle
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is towed with the front axle raised.
avoid periodic vehicle movements at high
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speeds, e.g. a sequence of several steering
manoeuvres to the right and left.
bear in mind that there is an increased dan-
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ger of tipping when driving off-road.
adapt the vehicle speed to the topographic
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conditions. Driving off-road in less demand-
ing terrain increases your vehicle's likeli-
hood of rolling.
reduce speed in difficult off-road terrain,
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especially if your vehicle is turned in alter-
nating directions.
Mercedes-Benz does not take responsibility
for accidents resulting from driving that is not
appropriate for the conditions.
Driving mode

Important safety notes

G
WARNING
If you load the vehicle unevenly, driving char-
acteristics such as steering and braking
behaviour may be severely impaired. There is
a risk of an accident.
Load the vehicle evenly. Secure the load so
that it cannot slip.
! Do not exceed the permissible axle loads,
wheel loads (half of the axle load) and the
maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight.
The following parts of the vehicle may oth-
erwise be damaged:
wheels and tyres
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chassis
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suspension
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axles
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steering
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The vehicle's driving, braking and steering
characteristics vary with the type, weight and
centre of gravity of the load.
During the journey, check the warning and
indicator lamps on the instrument cluster.
Additional equipment
Sufficient steerability of the vehicle must be
guaranteed. The front axle load, with corre-
sponding attached equipment and bodies for
all vehicle loads, must be at least 33% of the
actual gross vehicle weight.
The rear axle load must always be at least 33%
of the actual gross vehicle weight.
Pay attention to the minimum rear axle load:
U 216 / U 218: 1,950 kg
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U 318: 2,200 kg
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U 423 / U 427 / U 430 / U 527 / U 530:
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2,350 kg
This ensures sufficient braking performance
and that directional stability is guaranteed
during a full brake application.
For reasons of safety, only equipment and
bodies that meet the currently valid body/
equipment mounting directive may be used. It
can be found on the Internet in the Mercedes-

Driving tips

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