There can be only one.

Huge wheels roll across a field near Banff in Scotland, about 45 miles north of Aberdeen. Despite their considerable size, they glide smoothly over the cultivated ground and carry a midsummer-night-blue Unimog U 530 evenly across the field. Thanks to the largest permitted agricultural tyres, Michelin 495/70 R24, the all-rounder has maximum traction. At the same time the sensitive arable soil is spared by the low tyre pressure — CTI technology (Central Tyre Inflation) makes it possible.

The Unimog U 530 in a special metallic paint finish belongs to Brian Greig. The farmer places high demands on his equipment; it must be suitable for many different tasks. The Greig family grows oats, winter wheat and spring barley for malting on 980 hectares at Milbethill Farm in Banff. Brian Greig also works as a fence builder and has a snow-clearing contract with his municipality. This diverse work places high demands on him and his team. Fortunately, the Unimog is up to the task.

Brian Greig bought his blue Mercedes-Benz Special Truck in the autumn. And because so much depended on the performance of his new commercial vehicle, he didn't really want to make the decision lightly — in the end, however, he did.

Lloyd Ltd, the Unimog general agent in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, over a five-hour drive south of Milbethill Farm, provided the farmer with comprehensive advice. Simon Holmes, the dealer's Unimog specialist, had arranged a week-long test drive with a Unimog U 430. "I need a truck that can carry out a wide range of tasks under often difficult conditions and cover many miles without blowing the budget. The demonstration vehicle impressed us from the start," remembers Brian Greig. "The Unimog was not only faster, but also used 45 litres less fuel a day than our tractor for exactly the same task."

For comparison, Brian Greig put the new Unimog up against his old tractor: "The job consisted of transporting manure from neighbouring farms, which were up to six miles away, and piling it into heaps. We ran both vehicles back and forth for a few days. After the first day I didn't even bother to continue comparing the Unimog's diesel consumption – it was so much more pleasant to drive. Very stable and with an excellent all-round view from the cab. I was already fully convinced."

The Unimog outperforms the tractor not only in terms of fuel consumption, comfort and manoeuvrability. With a cruising speed of 90 km/h on the road it is also faster and more economical. It also offers excellent off-road capability and versatility. A three-year warranty on a new purchase is included. It's no wonder, then, that Brian Greig is so satisfied with the Unimog.

The original demonstration vehicle from Lloyd Ltd. was a Unimog U 430. Permanent all-wheel drive, impressive ground clearance thanks to portal axles, and differential locks were fitted from the factory. But Brian Greig wanted even more power. He therefore chose a Unimog U 530 with a 7.7-l six-cylinder engine, 220 kW (299 PS) and 1,200 Nm of torque. The Unimog U 530 also supports a higher gross vehicle weight of 13.5 t – perfectly suited for all tasks on and around Milbethill Farm.

The Greigs' fencing company operates under the name WLB Contracts. The Unimog is also up to this particular job. The front linkage and DIN plate, together with the engine-driven PTO, enable the operation of attachments such as a fence post driver, a forklift and a wide range of agricultural implements.

Most jobs are carried out close to the farm, but the work regularly takes the company's three- and four-person teams to more distant areas. It's good that the Unimog does not have to hide when it comes to speed. And for long-distance trips, a fuel tank with a 250 l capacity is available.

In autumn, when Brian Greig sows the winter wheat, it gets dark earlier. So that work can continue, the Unimog is equipped with a lighting package with Bi-Xenon headlights and additional LED units on the roof and at the sides of the cabin.

After its delivery in autumn, the Unimog was put straight to use bringing in the harvest. With a front mower mounted on the mechanical power take-off, it was a routine task for the all-rounder.

However, special tasks require special attachments: the Unimog U 530 from Lloyd Ltd was delivered with a special implement for grain harvesting. It has a reverse function that can blow the chaff out of the wheat that has been drawn in. Such special equipment, precisely tailored to the wishes of Unimog customers, makes the difference. In the far north of Scotland the Unimog thus separates the wheat from the chaff — and that in a figurative sense as well.