Unimog 421/U 600
Built: 1979-1981 · Series: Other models
More machines from model year 1979
Not the right version? The data comes from vehicle registers holding many near-identical versions side by side. Photograph the data plate — we read make and type from it. Open the scanner e-mail address required
Unimog – other models: early 401, 402, 404, 411 and 421 ranges plus the S404/S1404, four- and six-cylinder engines from 1.7 to 2.4 litres
The Unimog, short for Universal-Motor-Gerät, was developed from 1946 by Boehringer in Göppingen and built on from 1951 by Daimler-Benz at the Gaggenau plant. This collective page gathers early ranges outside the named types: the 401 and 402 with diesel engines, the six-cylinder petrol 404 built from 1955, plus the 411, 421 and the special-purpose and export variants S404 and S1404. Characteristic of the Unimog are its portal axles giving high ground clearance, the engageable power take-offs at the front, rear and centre, and its suitability as an implement carrier for agricultural, forestry and municipal attachments.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The register lists 21 versions with four- and six-cylinder engines from 1,700 to 2,404 cm³, kerb weights from 1,780 to 3,370 kg, gross vehicle weights from 2,323 to 3,500 kg and widths from 1,620 to 2,150 mm; length is recorded at around 3,400 mm.
These early Unimog ranges served agriculture, forestry, the Bundeswehr and municipalities alike, establishing the Unimog's reputation as a versatile implement carrier that persists to this day. The S404 and S1404 variants, with reinforced chassis and higher payload, were additionally aimed at the military and at export markets demanding strong off-road ability.
Buying one of these classic Unimogs used, what matters is the condition and sealing of the portal axles, the function of the power take-offs and inter-axle differential locks, and corrosion on the chassis frame. On the 404's six-cylinder petrol engine, a compression check is worthwhile; on the diesel, check the injection pump; wear and attachment parts are available through the Mercedes-Benz parts network and specialist Unimog workshops.
Sources: Kennwerte der Modelle Unimog (weitere Modelle), Mercedes-Benz Trucks (Hersteller)
Technical data
Engine
| Cylinders | 4correct |
|---|
Dimensions and weights
| Width | 1,820 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 2,250 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 2,610 kgcorrect |
| Gross vehicle weight | 3,500 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Wheels | 4correct |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Unimog 421/U 600 weigh?
The unladen weight is 2,610 kg.
What is the gross vehicle weight of the Unimog 421/U 600?
3,500 kg.
What engine does the Unimog 421/U 600 have?
4 cylinders.
When was the Unimog 421/U 600 built?
Production years: 1979-1981.
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.
- 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 8 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.
The technical data on this page comes from official vehicle registration records (RDW/Traficom), not from the manufacturer.
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Other models in this series
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