[Newmog406]

Hello all

Im a fellow Mercedes HGV mechanic and was looking for my first tractor. I had forgotten about the Unimog as I'm in another industry now. From my experience they don't make Mercedes like they use to. When I saw videos and googled towing capacity Im upsessed with the 406 and her nice looks. Never knew they could take so much modern abuse of today and such a beautiful cab.

My wife and I bought a small farm in the outskirts of Upsalla Sweden 45 minutes from Stockholm. We have a lot of work on some trees, we need to make fencing, snow ploughing, lifting bales, moving manure, general farm use maybe even cut ,turn and bale hay. I was looking at tractors and then I thought why not do it in proper style and comfort.

My ideal 406 would be a two seater hard roof cab and most importantly must have the loader. If anyone knows of one for sale in Sweden Denmark Germany please let me know I would greatly appreciate. I have some of the following questions for you guys.

What is the main issues with the drive train assembly? What would be the major wear and tear of a 406 say 1980s onwards?
What is the brand and model of the front loader for the 406?
Is front and back PTO, hydraulic 3 point link standard?
Am I going to be regret maintaining a unimog over a normal conventional farm tractor? I remember doing a clutch on the Unimog U100 and it wasn't pritty.
What is your best advice for a first time buyer of the 406?

I appreciate your help from my fellow mogs

thanks

Paul

 

[MagMog]

Guuden,

here the first impressions of the market in Germany.

https://suchen.mobile.de/lkw/unimog-406.html

 

[John_k]

My 416 (OM352 engine) gearbox oil was going in the front axle. Bad lipseal in the gearbox output. This is quite normal and a bit hard to notice in the buying situation.

Oil bath airfilter had passed a lot of sand -> all valves junk = full head rebuild. There was oil and sand in the air pipes between intake manifold and airfilter (specially in the outer corners of the pipes). Replaced the oil bath filter with normal paper cartridge filter housing.

Bad injector nozzles. Exhaust was smelling unburnt diesel. All nozzles changed now, no wet diesel smell.

Loose king pin bearing on the right side. Can easily be checked after removing wheel.


Those are the biggest faults mine had when I bought it. All those I noted after paying my friend




I would buy rear wheel drive tractor for the tasks you mentioned.

 

[John_k]

Front loader: Schmidt FL-4 front end loader manual

 

[Brendon-KS]

Hello all

Im a fellow Mercedes HGV mechanic and was looking for my first tractor. I had forgotten about the Unimog as I'm in another industry now. From my experience they don't make Mercedes like they use to. When I saw videos and googled towing capacity Im upsessed with the 406 and her nice looks. Never knew they could take so much modern abuse of today and such a beautiful cab.

My wife and I bought a small farm in the outskirts of Upsalla Sweden 45 minutes from Stockholm. We have a lot of work on some trees, we need to make fencing, snow ploughing, lifting bales, moving manure, general farm use maybe even cut ,turn and bale hay. I was looking at tractors and then I thought why not do it in proper style and comfort.

My ideal 406 would be a two seater hard roof cab and most importantly must have the loader. If anyone knows of one for sale in Sweden Denmark Germany please let me know I would greatly appreciate. I have some of the following questions for you guys.

What is the main issues with the drive train assembly? What would be the major wear and tear of a 406 say 1980s onwards?
What is the brand and model of the front loader for the 406?
Is front and back PTO, hydraulic 3 point link standard?
Am I going to be regret maintaining a unimog over a normal conventional farm tractor? I remember doing a clutch on the Unimog U100 and it wasn't pritty.
What is your best advice for a first time buyer of the 406?

I appreciate your help from my fellow mogs

thanks

Paul

About a year ago I fulfilled a long-time desire by purchasing a Unimog with the primary uses being farm related. I've used my Case MB4/94 (406) for a number of jobs in the field, woods, and around the farm. Having years of tractor experience gives me a pretty good basis for comparison with how a Unimog functions as a farm tractor. The first thing to keep in mind is that the Unimog is a wonderful "jack of all trades" that can do just about anything but honestly probably isn't the BEST solution to many individual tasks. If all you need is a farm tractor then a 4WD tractor with equivalent power is superior in terms of visibility, turning radius, and tractive effort. In addition, many tractors have shift-on-the-go transmissions that the Unimog lacks. That said, if these limitations don't negatively affect you and you value the high transport speed, superior "roadability", and hauling capacity then a Unimog would be ideal. I've been very pleased with the way my Unimog has handled the tasks I've used it for and thoroughly enjoy it. If you desire a single machine to function as a tractor and truck then the Unimog has no equal even though in most cases a tractor makes a better tractor and a truck makes a better truck.

I've never run a loader on a Unimog but based on my experience with loader-equipped tractors I can't see that it would be an ideal use for the machine. In the videos I've watched the front suspension leads to a lot of swaying of the load and the system just looks clumsy compared to a tractor. Loader work often involves a lot of tight turning and maneuvering which isn't the Unimog's strong point.

Most everything on Unimogs was/is optional including hitches, PTOs, and the type of transmission. So, you'll need to do your homework to make sure a particular vehicle is equipped like you need since adding stuff later could be complicated and costly. For a 406 look for a 20-speed transmission (although realistically you'll probably only ever use 12 of the gears - the others are too slow to be practical for most uses), "live" PTO with double clutch, 540/1000 rpm PTO with at least a rear shaft. For the rear PTO you'll probably want a "centralizer" to get the shaft into the normal location. Finally, a rear 3-point hitch would be a useful attachment. (I wish my 406 had one!)

 

[MagMog]

the Unimog 419 would be perfect for you, but it is even rarer in Europa than in the USA

unimog 419 - Google Search

www.google.de

 

[tkv000]

I would argue that a AG spec 406 would be miles better than an flu419 for his application. A 419 has no desirable AG items outside of a loader and backhoe and forgoes any easy swapping of implements. it's pretty much a dedicated machine for what it is. A full AG 406 can be had with the very desirable tipper, 20spd, front and rear PTO, front mounting plate which can accommodate a variety of implements including a front power lift, snow plow, and hundreds of other front implements. The rear can be equipped with a rear 3 point hitch, 540/1000 PTO, PTO centralizer, forestry winches for removing dead fall, the works.

 

[Britbike2001]

I would concur having experienced Danoo's 419 and lived with my AG (home made 3ph) 406 and using it for AG and forestry work.

For running implements, the double clutch is a game changer. Do be aware that just because it has a 20spd tranny, it may not have a double clutch. A friend of mine has such a mog. Started out life as a dedicated snow blower with rear bed power source so the 20spd was only used for the drive train. Tranny doesn't have a PTO either (some what of a duh! comment since that's all the double clutch is for but just saying).

 

[Ragnian]

They did make them with hydrostat transmissions instead of the low and lower gears, though those might be mostly snow-blower trucks, anyway for running a loader and other farm implements that would be really fun...not sure about maintenance on that though.

Britbike uses his on his farm for all sorts of things and is a wealth of information on how to employ a 406...for what its worth the AG spec 406 has got to be the best way to go if you want a round cab. The 419 is a military truck and sort of made solder proof which is frankly going to be a real pain and a lot of work to get to what a 406AG is....much easier to start with a 406AG. I assume you are going to want front and rear PTO, hydraulics and three point lifts....a lot of work and custom fabrication to get a 419 to that, if even possible.

I bought a well put together U1200AG, since the truck was set up by MB to work as a tractor it is really good at it. (Also has high speed axels so a nice "truck" 105kph) Not as good/easy as say a hydrostatic all wheel drive tractor but perfectly functional, it has 2 more hydraulic circuits, separately air activated PTO clutch, way easier cab tipping and a handful of other improvements over my 416, but it is taller/slightly wider and does not have the wonderful round cab look. I like them both...I keep saying maybe I would sell my 416 Doka but that will be hard to do....

I have spend quite a few evenings in Upsalla wonderful place!!!

 

[Newmog406]

Guuden,

here the first impressions of the market in Germany.

https://suchen.mobile.de/lkw/unimog-406.html

thanks

 

[Newmog406]

About a year ago I fulfilled a long-time desire by purchasing a Unimog with the primary uses being farm related. I've used my Case MB4/94 (406) for a number of jobs in the field, woods, and around the farm. Having years of tractor experience gives me a pretty good basis for comparison with how a Unimog functions as a farm tractor. The first thing to keep in mind is that the Unimog is a wonderful "jack of all trades" that can do just about anything but honestly probably isn't the BEST solution to many individual tasks. If all you need is a farm tractor then a 4WD tractor with equivalent power is superior in terms of visibility, turning radius, and tractive effort. In addition, many tractors have shift-on-the-go transmissions that the Unimog lacks. That said, if these limitations don't negatively affect you and you value the high transport speed, superior "roadability", and hauling capacity then a Unimog would be ideal. I've been very pleased with the way my Unimog has handled the tasks I've used it for and thoroughly enjoy it. If you desire a single machine to function as a tractor and truck then the Unimog has no equal even though in most cases a tractor makes a better tractor and a truck makes a better truck.

I've never run a loader on a Unimog but based on my experience with loader-equipped tractors I can't see that it would be an ideal use for the machine. In the videos I've watched the front suspension leads to a lot of swaying of the load and the system just looks clumsy compared to a tractor. Loader work often involves a lot of tight turning and maneuvering which isn't the Unimog's strong point.

Most everything on Unimogs was/is optional including hitches, PTOs, and the type of transmission. So, you'll need to do your homework to make sure a particular vehicle is equipped like you need since adding stuff later could be complicated and costly. For a 406 look for a 20-speed transmission (although realistically you'll probably only ever use 12 of the gears - the others are too slow to be practical for most uses), "live" PTO with double clutch, 540/1000 rpm PTO with at least a rear shaft. For the rear PTO you'll probably want a "centralizer" to get the shaft into the normal location. Finally, a rear 3-point hitch would be a useful attachment. (I wish my 406 had one!)

Thanks for the advice 👍

 

[Newmog406]

the Unimog 419 would be perfect for you, but it is even rarer in Europa than in the USA

unimog 419 - Google Search

www.google.de

Thanks. It seems the 419 is very rare in Europe and it must be expensive too. What would 416 AG cost? There is something about 416 that looks cool about it

 

[Newmog406]

I see alot of 424s now on German websites. Another question for anyone or especially living in Germany about the 424s. Is it a good idea to buy the snow plow trucks that also spread SALT.... Looking at the photos I would image there is alot of rust on them underneath. Would It ever be right again, Im guessing it would need to be stripped and repainted? Unimog 424 / U 1000 ** Winterdienst / Kipper ** - 1981 for sale | Tradus

thanks in advance

 

[Ragnian]

So my German is not great....but I don't think that truck comes with 3 point lifts. As has been advised to many potential Unimog owners...it is best to find truck that is set-up very close to how you want it to be.

I learned this the very expensive way with my 416 Doka.

So with that said, if you can find either a 406AG or U1200AG with front/rear 3 point lifts, hydraulics and PTO would be where I would start. A truck like that would also likely have crawler gears which you may need for things like snow-blowing and tilling...there are other uses as well I am sure.

Some things are easier to add than others and maybe your don't need front and rear 3 point-lifts pto's hydraulics...but to add any of those things except the 3 point-lifts is likely to be a lot of work and money.

 

[Newmog406]

So my German is not great....but I don't think that truck comes with 3 point lifts. As has been advised to many potential Unimog owners...it is best to find truck that is set-up very close to how you want it to be.

I learned this the very expensive way with my 416 Doka.

So with that said, if you can find either a 406AG or U1200AG with front/rear 3 point lifts, hydraulics and PTO would be where I would start. A truck like that would also likely have crawler gears which you may need for things like snow-blowing and tilling...there are other uses as well I am sure.

Some things are easier to add than others and maybe your don't need front and rear 3 point-lifts pto's hydraulics...but to add any of those things except the 3 point-lifts is likely to be a lot of work and money.

Thanks for your advise and help. Yes I'm thinking if I have 3 point back linkage on rear that would be a winner. Snow plough could be easily added by an after market fitting or by me or some other way without the OEM linkage. I doubt I will need a blower so PTO is an option on front. Yes Crawlers would be a must I will look out for this.

I just saw an advert in my my new homeland of Sweden. Its a Unimog 1300 L 1980 and has 16 gears but dont see any linkage. It looks really worn out!! and would need alot of work but is very cheap.

Blocket - Sveriges största marknadsplats, bilar, bostäder, möbler m.m.

www.blocket.se

I dont mind making a project out of this and working on it I am a HGV mechanic by trade. Its even cheaper than the budget of a 406 this is a little over 7000 USD, but at the same time you get get a much better 406 condition than a ripped and bigger 1300. Adding a loader could also be done after market I have helped my family put a loader on conventional tractor in Ireland DIY. But I think my purchase will be in 2021 now as I havent got to move yet to Sweden yet. I will surely update this blog but would love to continue this conversation on agricultural U1300, 406 or anything else as i keep seeing more and more strange shape models its quite amazing there is so many applications . HECK IM BEGINING TO THINK any Unimog will do that would reasonably work at around 10000 USD LOL decissions decisiions. 😂😂

I appreciate all your comments and advise

Paul

 

[Ragnian]

There is nothing wrong with a 406, if you can get one set up how you like that would be the way to go.

Some things are not as easily retrofitted, for example my 416 Doka, as I understand it, would take a fair amount of custom driveshaft work to have a rear PTO even though I do have a front PTO. On the other hand a 406 with a front PTO...is likely to be more plug and play for a rear PTO...but the parts could be a few thousand dollars.

The best is to keep searching and when the right truck come along grab it...they are all so different.

Also one last bit of advise....go for a ride in a 406 and a 1200 or other SBU, go at highway speed if you intend to use the truck for that routinely.

Good luck in your search!

 

[kimosawboy]

I'm in the process of purchasing my third Mog and have been doing so for the last year and a half(ish).. I have a list of wants/needs that I'm shopping for and also a list of what I'm willing to do workwise... For me patients is a big thing as well as getting everything I can rather than buying /installing afterwords.
For you being in Sweden, everything is close (relativly speaking) so you have many different countries to choose from.
Make a list/bide your time/ and cross your fingers..
Good luck

 

[tmodler]

I love my U1300L. I may not answer these in order...

Regarding the loader: they are hard to do much with due to the truck has suspension and so the angle and height changes as you drive. Good for mulch and manure, someone told me. Smart guy.

Will you regret maintaining an old UNIMOG instead of a newer tractor? I dunno, but you will have to spend more upfront to get a machine that costs you >4x to operate/maintain compared to a late model tractor. (Don’t forget the downtime compared to having a dealer with a service department that can help..., that may or may not be an issue For your use)

I would assume any UNIMOG you looked at has been well used and would be a skeptic of anything short of documented service. Abuse is the expectation, and paint covers a lot of sins. Same as with any working machine, a new paint job could be a big STOP sign, unless there are good legit photos. Paint hides rust (more on that below).

The U406s that were used as airplane tugs had hydrostatics also, but I think they were all Doka cabines.


Run away from Salt Trucks, trucks used in salt, and all Other rust machines. UNIMOGs are made of rust, so when it starts leaking out of the magic plastic color layer, its all bad.

There are no standard 406 Configurations, unless there was a buyer who kept hitting themselves in the face with the same hammer like the US Armed forces did with the 419.

A tractor (pick your fav color) with a cab is going to make you a lot happier for working, esp in the winter.

Lastly, as for as the best advice for someone looking for a 406:

For many years it was:

Buy the best machine you can upfront. The parts cost a fortune, some things, like a 20 speed 406 cascade transmission are beyond the scope of any reasonable repair shop, and most major repairs take months due to parts ordering and reordering, oh and don’t forget NLA parts (No longer available).


But now I am not sure... maybe the most important? Maybe....these machines are getting older and the need for quality and honest dealers and support personnel is growing (at least for the average owner,) while these people are now retiring or otherwise being dead. I would make sure you have a plan you like for support as my #1.

I hope you buy a 406 and love it. I’ve always wanted a cabrio 416, but they are worse tractors!

The above is based on what I have seen and my own preferences for machines. Your Milage will likely vary, but hopefully this helps.

C.

P.S. Are emissions a consideration in Sweden? MOGSTINK is real.

 

[bwswede]

A point of clarification, the 406 Doka airplane tugs have torque converter transmissions. A hydrostatic transmission is a different animal.

 

[UGE]

Hi Paul,

Greetings from Uppsala county, we might be living very close to each other. Good to see that there are other unimoggers on this neighborhood. Have you bought your unimog already?

Blocket.se is propably the best source of unimogs in sweden, but supply is very limited on my experience.

There are some unimogs available in Finland also, but transport to sweden is more complicated.