Type Launch vehicle Width 2.260 m (89.0 in) Propulsion All Gear 4 wheel drive | Length 3.880 m (152.8 in) Height 2.950 in (0.0749 m) | |
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Manufacturer Clayton Engineering Limited | ||
Talus MB-764 is a four-wheel drive launch tractor which was specifically designed for the RNLI, to launch and recover inflatable inshore lifeboats from beach and shorebased launched lifeboat stations. The Tractor is produced by the British company of Clayton Engineering Limited who are based in Knighton, Powys.
Development
The MB-764 was the first launch tractor designed and developed in conjunction with the RNLI to launch the institutions smaller inshore inflatable lifeboat fleet. Clayton’s based the design of the MB-764 on tried and tested reliable County Commercial Cars conversions of a Ford tractor, which they marinised and modified to allow the tractor to wade safely to a depth of 1.5 m (59 in) in calm water. At the design and development stage the company presented two Prototype models. The first being the main take up by the RNLI. The second example was equipped with a propeller and fully amphibious. The first of these launch tractors went into service with the RNLI in 1975 and since then over 30 tractors have been operated by the Institute around the United Kingdom and Ireland. The basic design, operating and performance characteristics have not changed from the initial design concept vehicle, with the exception of the propelled wading capability.