So it’s no wonder that the Slovenian fleet has already been home to several of these masterpieces. “This Unimog is already the fourth in our fleet”, says commander Osojnik. And Unimog not only means 100% commitment, but also 0% replacement: “Our previous Unimog is 30 years old and still going strong. So we haven't sold it. Instead we have given it to the volunteer fire brigade in [the coastal village of] Koper.”
100% control.
This Unimog U 5023 is the first vehicle of the new generation to arrive in Slovenia. Maribor Brigade's Unimog is a medium-sized fire-fighting vehicle for forest fires according to the Slovenian fire brigade classification GCGP 2, which was compiled under the trained eyes of the emergency services. The factory-fitted roof hatch allows firefighting even while driving.
The latest Unimog models come with the tried-and-tested all-wheel drive, differential lock and TireControl plus tyre pressure control. The transmission is automated but the driver has the option of intervening manually if necessary. For example, when driving in extreme off-road terrain, the clutch pedal can be folded out to allow the driver to control the vehicle safely even in difficult conditions. These are not uncommon on the banks of the Drava.
Even more unstoppable with a snow plough and cable winch.
During the Slovenian winter months, roads at high altitudes often have to be cleared before use. This makes a snow plough a useful extension for the Unimog U 5023. Bodybuilder Riko Ribnica installed the additional hydraulic system for the snow plough and fitted the plough itself.
A further extremely important piece of equipment for the new Unimog U 5023 is the hydraulically operated cable winch from Rotzler. It has a maximum tractive force of 50 kN and a 60-m steel cable, which provides support during rescue operations.
Three points, 4000 l.
Special engine, transmission and cab suspensions enable the Unimog chassis to be extremely torsion-resistant. The Rosenbauer body is also connected to the chassis without torsion via a double three-point mounting. At the heart of this body is a 4,000-litre water tank as well as equipment compartments with sufficient space for tools and firefighting equipment.
A centrifugal fire pump driven by the vehicle is installed in the rear of the vehicle and can be operated both from the cab and directly from the superstructure. There is a rapid intervention hose reel with a stable pressure hose on the left and right side of the superstructure.
Commander Primož Osojnik explains that the rapid intervention hose reel installed here is more effective than conventional fire hoses when extinguishing vegetation fires.
Fully utilised potential.
The Maribor brigade is not only delighted with the impressive off-road capability of the 170 kW (231 hp) Unimog and Daimler Truck's stringent safety standards, but also the excellent advice provided by the sales and service partner Autocommerce.
We are very pleased to cooperate with Autocommerce.
Primož Osojnik, Maribor Fire Brigade Commander
“We are very pleased to cooperate with Autocommerce because they help us greatly, not only to select the right vehicle but also to train firefighters and perform maintenance work”, says Commander Osojnik. Thanks to this close customer relationship, the men from Maribor can fully exploit the advantages of this unique off-road vehicle.
Calls from abroad are proof that the emergency services were able to incorporate all of their experience into the development of the vehicle. Colleagues want to know how the Maribor firefighters manage to master multiple challenges that are a burning issue for many other fire brigades with a single vehicle.
