RNLI New Holland TC45 launch tractor


The New Holland TC45 is a four-wheel drive compact tractor, adapted to suit the launch and recovery requirements for some of the RNLI's inflatable inshore lifeboats from beach and shore-based lifeboat stations.

Specification

The RNLI engineering department in Poole worked with the tractor company New Holland to design a small launch tractor for stations which operate D-class inflatable lifeboats. This model features a turning radius of 76°, a requirement on the tight location of some of the RNLI’s smaller stations. The powerful small diesel engine gives out. The tractor is also undersealed to resist a saline environment. The tractor is also fitted with turf tyres rather than the conventionally fitted agricultural tractor tyres as these work better on sand and grip well on the wooden and concrete slipways that many of these tractors have to negotiate. The specification also complies with DVLA legislation, allowing the tractor to be used on public highways.

Tractor fleet

Op. No.In serviceStationReg No.ImageCurrent lifeboat payload
TA 53EX 52 WDT The Deborah Brown II
TA 56
TA 57WA 03 EZC Peterborough Beer Festival II
TA 58D-class Spirit of Juniper
TA 59….53 HBFD-class Colin Bramley Parker
TA 61NK53 OFGD-class The Rotary Centenary Queen
TA 6905 0 721 67Used to launch the boarding boat for the Sam and Ada Moody
TA 76D-class Arthur Bate II
TA 87D-class Connie Dains
TA 110SF10 FDAD-class Enfys