Real Life Transformer: 1989 Mercedes-Benz Unimog
The Unimog (UNIversal-MOtor-Gerät) is a multi-purpose medium duty truck built by Mercedes-Benz and exported around the planet for various heavy transportation needs. It might seem strange to find one offered on a US Gov’t surplus website listed as a Freightliner, until you remember that Freightliner Trucks is a Daimler AG subsidiary that sold the Unimog in the USA. Find this 1989 Mercedes-Benz Unimog (aka Freightliner FLU10344 High Mobility Material Handler) offered for starting bid of $9,000 in Ft Wainright, AK via govplanet. Tip from Charles.
My first thought when I saw this was: I’m pretty sure I saw this thing in Aliens, I wonder if it has a flamethrower option? Now, if you look at this and say, well great, but what do I do with it--just wait, and you’ll get it.
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| image from http://constructiontractors.tpub.com/TM-5-2420-224-34/0714670028.htm |
The above diagram is an image I found after a search for the term “High Mobility Material Handler” — and in case you are having a difficult time with the image loading, — it’s a giant mechanical scorpion. WHO DO I GIVE MY MONEY!!
Under the hood is a Mercedes-Benz diesel engine, although I’m not entirely sure which engine is in this thing, because it looks like an older 404 series cosmetically, but the 1989 model year would indicate otherwise. Suffice it to say, it’s a diesel, and dog slow –maybe a Unimogster can chime in the comments with specs.
See a cooler giant piece of awesome? tips@dailyturismo.com
They had a bunch of these up for auction at an army depot a few years ago. They were used by the US Army engineer outfits for all kinds of stuff. Great for digging artillery emplacements.
actually I (we) could use this thing at my yacht club to move boats and store cradles etc.Too bad it does not work! 🙂 we would not need it to move very fast, since it would never leave the yard. Thanks for posting the pic which explains its function very clearly. It will be a long drive from Alaska to the big lakes even if the engine/tranni were functional. Very intersting vehicle with lots of uses
"Who do I give my money to"! Hilarious! .Oh honey……forget renting a jackhammer to take up the patio,I've got something MUCH BETTER,,,come on out and see!
I would commute in this thing..wonder if it would fit in the tacobell drive-through?