Wertheim Adds New Unimog U 327 with UNI-TOUCH Operating System to Boost Municipal Efficiency
The municipal building yard in Wertheim has taken a significant step forward in operational efficiency and driver comfort by introducing a brand-new Unimog U 327 into its fleet. This latest addition is equipped with the innovative UNI-TOUCH operating system, a technology upgrade that enhances usability, improves control precision, and streamlines the handling of multiple attachments.
The UNI-TOUCH system brings a range of modern features directly into the driver’s cab, including a rotatable and tiltable 10.5-inch touchscreen, an optional ergonomic joystick that can be mounted in the folding armrests of either the driver’s or passenger’s seat, and newly designed control panels. These upgrades make operating attachments more intuitive, reduce the learning curve for new drivers, and increase overall productivity. Developed specifically for municipalities and other sectors where versatility is key, UNI-TOUCH allows operators to handle diverse daily tasks with greater ease and precision.
Enhanced Control for Multiple Municipal Tasks
With UNI-TOUCH, municipal teams can efficiently tackle a wide range of assignments, from green space maintenance and street cleaning to winter snow and ice removal. The core of the system is the central touchscreen, which allows rapid access to essential functions and can be positioned between the seats for easy operation from either side of the cab.
The joystick system represents another leap forward in flexibility. Operators can choose to install it in either armrest, enabling right-hand control of attachments regardless of who is in the driver’s seat. This feature is particularly beneficial in tasks requiring precise and continuous manipulation of implements, such as controlling a snow plow or positioning a loading crane.
Personalized and Automated Operations
One of the standout features of UNI-TOUCH is its customization capability. Operators can assign specific functions to individual buttons and save step-by-step task sequences. This means that a series of operations — such as lowering a plow blade, switching on the beacon light, and activating hydraulics — can be triggered automatically with a single command.
This automation not only speeds up the start of work but also ensures consistency in operations, especially when multiple drivers are involved. Less experienced operators can easily recall and execute processes saved by more seasoned colleagues. Furthermore, profiles can be switched within seconds, allowing the Unimog to adapt instantly to different attachments or seasonal requirements.
Standard Feature Across the Unimog Implement Carrier Range
Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks first showcased UNI-TOUCH at Agritechnica 2023. Now, it is installed as standard across the entire Unimog implement carrier range — from the compact U 219 (also available in a “Low” version) to the powerful U 535, delivering up to 354 horsepower.
For Wertheim, the chosen model is the U 327, a compact yet highly capable workhorse that balances maneuverability with performance. Its smaller size makes it ideal for navigating narrow residential streets while still handling heavy-duty municipal tasks.
Serving Wertheim Year-Round
In the warmer months, the new Unimog U 327 will primarily support playground construction and maintenance. With 60 playgrounds scattered across the city, the vehicle’s versatility is key. Equipped with a Jotha interchangeable container system, it can quickly shift from carrying building materials to transporting bulky goods or machinery.
Come winter, the U 327 transitions into snow and ice management mode. Fitted with an Aebi Schmidt snow plow at the front and a Bucher wet salt spreader at the rear, the Unimog becomes a vital asset for keeping roads clear. UNI-TOUCH simplifies these operations — for instance, at the touch of a button, the system can activate all necessary functions for plowing and spreading while the cab warms to the preset temperature, ensuring driver comfort from the start.
At the end of a shift, another single command can reverse the setup: deactivating the hydraulics, stopping the spreader, raising the plow blade, and turning off warning lights, leaving the vehicle ready for its next assignment.
A Strategic Upgrade for the Fleet
The arrival of the U 327 marks the replacement of an older Unimog U 300, which had accumulated over 6,600 operating hours. It joins two larger models — the Unimog U 400 and Unimog U 430 — already in service. While the bigger Unimogs handle large-scale assignments, the U 327’s compact design ensures it can take on jobs in tight urban spaces without sacrificing performance.
With UNI-TOUCH, Wertheim’s municipal team gains not only a technologically advanced machine but also a more efficient, user-friendly, and adaptable tool for maintaining the city year-round. By streamlining controls, personalizing workflows, and enhancing driver comfort, the U 327 is set to play a central role in keeping Wertheim’s streets, playgrounds, and public spaces safe and well-maintained for years to come.
