Firefighting & disaster relief
Bernese flash
On average the Bern professional fire service responds to incidents six and a half times a day. But only rarely are these about extinguishing fires: the majority are so-called assistance operations, such as rescuing people and animals or dealing with storm and lightning damage. That's where the new all-terrain Unimog U 427 for the crew comes in.
Unimog U 427 with crane and cable winch as a pioneer vehicle at the Bern professional fire brigade.
Unimog and the Bern professional fire service: a long-standing team.
The fire-red Mercedes‑Benz Unimog U 427 replaces a reliable Unimog at the Bern professional fire brigade that was put into service back in 1982. Franz Märki, captain and head of communications, is also looking forward to "at least 30 years together" with the newcomer to the vehicle fleet. "With the compact and off‑road pioneer vehicle we have a lot planned, as our fleet's youngest is precisely tailored to the most diverse needs," he explains.
As part of its base's duties, the 2.20 m wide Unimog U 427 will increasingly be used throughout the wider canton. Platoon leader Christian Siegenthaler clarifies: "Whenever the path or lane is narrow or the ground uneven, even hilly. Thanks to its characteristics, our pioneer vehicle is versatile." By that he means, for example, clearing fallen timber in all weather, operations after water pollution when constructing an oil containment boom, as well as vehicle recoveries, flood responses and large-animal rescues. The Unimog U 427 is also ideally suited as a towing vehicle thanks to a possible trailer load of 20 t.
The crew is convinced.
"It's impressive what the Unimog can do," said Christian Siegenthaler. His team-mate Thomas Berger, a member of the fire brigade's procurement group, adds: "With its all-wheel drive and automated 8-speed manual transmission, its 272 hp engine output and 3.7 t payload it is perfectly equipped. It is ideal for tricky fine manoeuvres and should also be able to take a lot."
The equipment of the Unimog U 427 leaves nothing to be desired: rearview camera, clear‑view cab, mechanical‑hydraulic cab‑tilt device, panoramic windscreen made of heat‑insulating laminated glass, permanent all‑wheel drive with lockable longitudinal differential, OM 936 engine (Euro VI, 200 kW, 1,100 Nm), High Performance Engine Brake, bi‑halogen headlights, six‑chamber tail light with rear fog light, marker lights and much more.
Especially practical for firefighters: there is space in the Unimog's rear compartment for additional equipment. Among other things, protective clothing, chainsaws, tools, life jackets, lamps and securing equipment can be stowed there.
Powerful extras: crane and winch.
The Unimog implement carrier gains real added value from the bespoke attachments and bodywork. The configuration of the new Bernese Unimog was developed in close cooperation between the fire department’s procurement team, the local Mercedes‑Benz partner Merbag AG and the bodybuilder specialist Feumotech.
When it comes to the crane, the firefighting experts opted for a Palfinger PK 7001-EH-B with a maximum lifting capacity of 3,150 kg and a reach of up to 9.2 m. The single-drum cable winch KA-195-LS from Kyburz is installed behind the cab to save space, rather than at the front. It has a maximum pulling force of 5.5 t with a 12-mm wire rope 100 m long. It can pull in up to two meters per second, which saves valuable time in critical operations — for example when deploying an oil boom in fast-flowing waters. The crane and winch can be conveniently operated by remote control.
Franz Märki is enthusiastic about the versatility and agility of the new Unimog: "That's an impressive achievement. Overall, the Unimog doesn't just contain a lot of technology, but above all the very latest technology."
Discover more stories:
This might also interest you:
Red buffalo in action
Universal, indispensable, Unimog
Firefighting operation in the tightest of spaces
Open to challenges
Special vehicles for your industry