Unimog power in the vineyard

"That was a real highlight back then. Unimog drivers were practically privileged. None of them got out to open the side panels. Others took care of that. An Unimog driver stayed seated back then." In the early 1970s, when the 406 series was released, the Bürgerspital struck again: the Unimog's 84 PS had by then become a serious support in day-to-day operations. "The Unimog is simply faster than a tractor." The four Unimogs purchased at that time still reliably perform their service today.

Günter Wohlfart personally witnessed every new arrival back then. "We use the Unimog today exclusively for transport purposes," Wohlfart explains. "Previously a winch was fitted in the inter-axle area. With it we ploughed between the vines on steep slopes. The Unimog proved its steadiness. A 60-atü pump for plant protection was mounted at the front. It gave us the power needed for the hand spray gun." Such special equipment is no longer in demand today, as ten vineyard tractors are far more efficient when working directly among the vines.

Even the latest addition from 2018, a Unimog U 218 with 180 hp, is indispensable for the winery. "With a conventional field tractor we couldn't drive the narrow paths at all. The Unimog, with its 2.20 metres overall width, is, however, perfectly suited to our logistical requirements in the vineyard," explains the head winemaker. The three-seat cab also eliminates the need for a second vehicle.

During the harvest it has to be quick: load after load of grapes must be brought to the press. Four plastic boxes of 400 kilograms each fit on the loading area. Several generations: the Bürgerspital winery has worked with the Unimog for decades. A 10.5-tonne trailer completes the rig.

At the winery there is also someone who knows the Unimog: workshop manager Thomas Weiß. He knows about it better than almost anyone else in the city. After all, he trained at the Unimog General Agency Herold in Würzburg and then spent 16 years working on Unimogs there. For several years now he has been bringing that experience to the winery.

Project implemented with Unimog partner: Herold GmbH & Co. KG

The 120 hectares of vineyards are cultivated by a 24-member team, and almost as many more work in sales and administration. The five Unimog have together covered 960,000 kilometres and logged 23,500 operating hours. The Weingut Bürgerspital zum Hl. Geist in Würzburg is one of the oldest in Europe; it was here that the Bocksbeutel, typical of Franconia, was bottled for the first time. With every bottle of wine sold, the foundation's social engagement has always been supported.