Type Launch vehicle Length 3.180 m (125.2 in) Height 2.410 in (0.0612 m) | Manufacturer New Holland Width 1.550 m (61.0 in) Weight 1,549 kg (3,415 lb) | |
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The New Holland TC45 is a four-wheel drive compact launch tractor which has been adapted to suite the launch and recover requirements for some of the RNLI inflatable inshore lifeboats from beach and shorebased launched lifeboat stations The Tractor is produced in the Basildon Tractor Plant of the Fiat owned New Holland.
Specification
The RNLI engineering department in Poole worked in close liaison with the tractor company to give the institute’s the best possible options for a small launch tractor for many of it smaller stations which operate D-class inflatable lifeboats. This model features an excellent turning radius of 76°, a necessary requirement on the tight location of some of the RNLI’s smaller stations. The powerful small diesel engine gives out a respectable 45 hp (34 kW). The tractor is also undersealed to resist the saline atmosphere the tractor works in. The tractor is also fitted with turf tyres rather than the conventionally fitted agricultural tractor tyres as these work better in the sand and also grip well on the wooden and concrete slipways that many of these tractors have to negotiate. The tractors specification also complies with all the current DVLA legislation allowing the tractor to be used on the road network when necessary.