Mercedes Benz Unimog U 406
Built: 1963–1989 · Series: U 406
More machines from model year 1963
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Mercedes-Benz U 406: the Unimog U 406 was a six-cylinder implement carrier built from 1963 to 1989 with a 4,580 cm³ engine, 65 hp (48 kW), a top speed of 80 km/h and a weight of 2,650 kg
The Unimog established itself from the 1950s as Mercedes-Benz's off-road universal implement carrier for agriculture, forestry and municipal service. The U 406 remained in the range from 1963 to 1989, making it one of the longest-running series in this vehicle family.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The six-cylinder engine displaces 4,580 cm³ and produces 65 hp, or 48 kW, driving the U 406 to a top speed of 80 km/h. On a 2,380 mm wheelbase the Unimog weighs 2,650 kg, measuring 4,000 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width and 2,250 mm in height, a weight that, relative to its size, reflects the heavy portal-axle construction.
The portal axles give the U 406 high ground clearance and axle articulation off-road, while power take-offs and hydraulic couplings front and rear allow a wide range of attachments to be fitted. Over 26 years of production, the U 406 saw equal use in agriculture, forestry and municipal service. Its power take-off runs at the standardised speeds of 540 or 1,000 rpm, and the mounting space front and rear allows a quick switch between attachments for different tasks.
When buying a used example, check the condition and oil level of the portal axle gearboxes, rust on the ladder frame and wings, the tightness of the hydraulic system, and wear on the power take-off couplings. Thanks to the long production run and an active enthusiast scene, spare parts for the U 406 are relatively easy to find.
Sources: SpecCodex-Register: Kennwerte des Modells Unimog U 406, Mercedes-Benz
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | dieselcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 65 hp (48 kW)correct |
| Cylinders | 6correct |
| Displacement | 4,580 cm³correct |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 4,000 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 2,000 mmcorrect |
| Height | 2,250 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 2,380 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 2,650 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | four-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | Synchrongetriebecorrect |
| Front tyres | 10.5 -20/8correct |
| Rear tyres | 10.5 -20/8correct |
| Top speed | 80 km/hcorrect |
Origin and approval
| Units built | ca. 37.000correct |
|---|
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 18.1 kW/t (48 kW / 2.6 t)
Power class: Universal (40–100 hp)
Stronger than 45% of the tractors in the register — out of 15,663 models with a stated power figure.
Calculated from the documented figures above — not a rating.
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the Mercedes Benz Unimog U 406 have?
The Mercedes Benz Unimog U 406 delivers 65 hp.
How much does the Mercedes Benz Unimog U 406 weigh?
The unladen weight is 2,650 kg.
What engine does the Mercedes Benz Unimog U 406 have?
6 cylinders, 4,580 cm³ displacement, Diesel.
How fast does the Mercedes Benz Unimog U 406 go?
Top speed is 80 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Mercedes Benz Unimog U 406?
4,000 mm × 2,000 mm × 2,250 mm.
When was the Mercedes Benz Unimog U 406 built?
Production years: 1963–1989.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Check front and rear tyre sizes: mismatched pairs strain the drivetrain.
- Shift the gearbox cold and warm — jumps only show up at temperature.
- Load the hydraulics and watch for sag.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 16 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
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Sources: Wikibooks Traktorenlexikon (CC BY-SA 4.0) (retrieved August 2026) · How we check the data
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
