The Unimog Snow Plough Championship demonstrates precision in municipal winter service.

How much finesse does it take to clear snow effectively? Quite a lot, as demonstrated by over 30 drivers from ten federal states at the fourth German Snow Plough Championship in Marktredwitz. The competition for municipal winter road maintenance required a great deal of precision – and two Unimog implement carriers provided the right technology.

Just like in a real-life situation.

The competition reveals who has a firm hold on the Unimog. Precise shunting, sharp edges, tight turning manoeuvres: the course demands full skill. This includes slalom with a plough, lifting objects with millimetre precision and stopping at a traffic light. Municipal service crews from all over the country took part to show what is possible when human and machine form a team.

The basis: a Mercedes-Benz Unimog implement carrier with a snow plough. The competition takes place on a set course that replicates typical operating situations. Kerbs, narrow passages, obstacles – every move counts here. And every centimetre.

Both a Unimog U 427 and a Unimog U 530 took on the challenge. The vehicles were provided by KLMV GmbH. The municipal and construction machinery company from Oberkotzau also introduced all drivers to the UNI-TOUCH® operating system, which contributed to the smooth running of the event.

Thinking ahead.

The snow plough championship requires a great deal of concentration. The clock is ticking, and even the smallest mistake can cost points. Every contact results in a penalty. Drivers who drive too briskly risk knocking down obstacles. Drivers who are too cautious end up wasting time. Only those who combine both approaches will score the most points at the finish line.

The drivers behind the wheel are people who often ensure safety on the roads in their everyday work. They know their Unimog implement carriers inside out. And in the competition, they impressively demonstrate how they translate their routine into precision. This year's victory went to Michael Wilhelmi and Lukas Kniesner from Oberweyern in Hesse.

Technology meets team spirit.

It is not only the competition that makes the championship special. The day is also characterised by a spirit of community. Workshops, fleet managers and drivers engage in conversation. They exchange tips, share experiences – and sometimes a few tricks.

The focus is on exchanging technical knowledge. How can implements be adjusted more effectively? How can you drive more efficiently? How do you keep people and machines in shape over time? The snow plough championship provides the perfect opportunity to discuss these issues.