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Andrew R Gate Opener
Joined: 28 Jul 2011 Odometer: 7 Location: Mtubatuba, South Africa
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Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 8:24 am Post subject: Using a 70's 416 for daily farmwork
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Hi, I'm a sugar-cane farmer in South Africa, and am considering buying a reconditioned Unimog 416 to use as a general farm runabout. I have no doubt that it is more than capable, but I am concerned about general reliability of a 30+ year old vehicle, as I don't mind spending some time & money getting it up to spec, but do not want to be fixing it week in & week out. Any thoughts & comments?
Andrew
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dxmedia Mud Obsessed
Joined: 10 Dec 2008 Odometer: 2185
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Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 11:15 am Post subject:
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Mogs can be high maintenance. Pay top dollar for something in good condition rather than one to fix up. But there are plenty of people doing exactly what you are planning on. You'll find a lot more people on benzworld with the 4*6 range of mogs, mostly 404's over here.
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unimogler Winch Assistant
Joined: 17 Mar 2008 Odometer: 93
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Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2011 3:15 pm Post subject:
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hi, the main problems i had with mine were axle related, as there are more oil seals on a portal axle to leak oil out and water in, gear boxes can be a bit clonky and the cascade gearbox is a bit fiddley on the gear selection, i suppose body rust wont be a problem in your plesant climate! be aware also that a standard 416 only has about 84kw of power so getting over about 50kmh takes a flat road and not to much of a trailer. however some 416/406 engines can be turbode. Fred
__________________________________ why worry about tomorow,after all today is only the tomorow you were worried about yesterday. |
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Andrew R Gate Opener
Joined: 28 Jul 2011 Odometer: 7 Location: Mtubatuba, South Africa
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Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 5:05 pm Post subject:
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Thanks for the replies: as with all things, you get what you pay for (mostly); the mog I have my eye on is a completed project, no deck/bin but that may be an advantage as I can make up something to suit. Speed is not a big deal, in fact slow is better, longest trip will be 15-20km (9-12mi), mostly 2-3km. Rust is a problem here, sugarcane likes water (rain), sunshine & high humidity (80-95% in summer), but you're right, we definitely don't salt our roads for ice... to minimise rust risk I will source a vehicle from inland where it is cooler & drier, and steel things last forever.
Andrew
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