Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 530 for flexible track maintenance at Zurich transport companies.
It's not every day that teams go to work on the track. However, if maintenance is due, the solution has to be right. This is precisely where the Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 530 vehicles operated by Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich (VBZ) show their worth. Something that would otherwise require a lot of planning, several vehicles and extra trailers can often be dealt with much more easily with the two-way all-rounder. Thanks to its modular concept, the Unimog U 530 can be quickly adapted to new tasks throughout Zurich's transport network.
When everyday operations need quick solutions.
Demands often change quickly within VBZ's network. Sometimes it’s taking material out on the track. Sometimes it's cleaning. Other times, it's winter service, overhead line construction or clearing after a job.
For days like these, you need a vehicle that can do more than just one job. You need a versatile system that can deal with a host of tasks. This is exactly what the Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 530 vehicles demonstrate in Zurich. In everyday life, it soon becomes apparent how significant the benefits are: a range of operations that used to require special-purpose vehicles can now be directly and easily dealt with.
The interchangeable modules make it possible to carry out a wide range of operations with just a few basic vehicles.
Michael Burger, Head of Plant Management at Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich
Made for road and rail.
Müller Technologie AG has equipped three Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 530 vehicles for track maintenance in Zurich. The company specialises in two-way vehicles and works closely with Daimler Truck. Müller Technologie AG has also been an official UnimogPartner since May 2024.
Even just as a basic vehicle, this powerhouse has everything that a tight operations schedule requires. With 220 kW (299 hp), a 6-cylinder engine, automated transmission and a permissible gross vehicle weight of 16.5 t, the vehicle combines power with endurance and high levels of flexibility in everyday use.
Its special properties become evident when it switches over to rail operations. The entire vehicle completely lifts up for applications within the VBZ network. The two-way Unimog covers track widths from 1,000 mm to 1,435 mm. On Zurich's tram network, it runs on a 1,000 mm track.
Especially in VBZ's dense network, the versatile all-rounder shows what it has to offer. It can even safely and reliably handle narrow track radii of 18.5 m. On the track, it reaches speeds of up to 40 km/h while it can go up to 89 km/h on the road, which is the legal limit. It thus links road and rail and shows its strengths whenever everyday operations throughout the network demand fast solutions. As a result, three multifunctional vehicles were assembled for Zurich’s transport companies, perfectly suited to everyday network operations.
One vehicle, many applications.
The Unimog U 530 demonstrates its great strength thanks to its versatility. It handles standardised 10-foot modules with a length of around 3.05 m and thus quickly adapts to VBZ requirements. Depending on the job at hand, it carries a platform with crane, cable reels for overhead line construction or a vacuum module to clean switches.
This is precisely where its value lies for Zurich’s transport companies. The interchangeable modules provide versatility within the network that is required in everyday operations. Consequently, just a few basic vehicles can cover a host of applications. This makes their application straight-forward, facilitates planning and improves capacity utilisation. As a result, the Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 530 is not just a vehicle with a single purpose, but a permanent part of a well-utilised fleet.
Even more versatility.
If there is a greater need for versatility on site, the vehicle can simply be extended. The two-way tandem trailer enhances VBZ's Unimog U 530 exactly where additional load capacity is required. With capacity for 10-ft and 20-ft modules, it takes the equipment to exactly where it is needed within the VBZ network. Consequently, more material and suitable equipment can be delivered directly to sites of use. The vehicles with trailer can also take care of waste disposal journeys by taking the motorway. The modules are powered by hydraulic drive modules. Equipped with radio remote controls in rail operations, the vehicles make processes even more straight-forward.
Made to keep up with the city's pace.
In everyday operations throughout Zurich, it’s not just the number of modules that counts. How seamlessly a vehicle fits into the city’s processes is also significant. This is where the Unimog demonstrates its compact design. It masters curbs and ledges thanks to plenty of ground clearance.
With the Unimog, we can tow heavier loads along our rail network, as well as deal with waste disposal by taking the motorway.
Michael Burger, Head of Plant Management at Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich
Zurich shows how versatility pays off in everyday operations. The three Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 530 vehicles bundle a multitude of applications in a powerful system and thus keep distances, effort and downtimes to a minimum. For VBZ, this is an absolute advantage in daily use – and a strong example of how flexible modern track maintenance can be today.
