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.

New Holland TC45
New Holland TC45 RNLI Launch Vehicle
Type	Launch vehicle
Manufacturer	New Holland
Length	3.180 m (125.2 in)[1]
Width	1.550 m (61.0 in)[1]
Height	2.410 in (0.0612 m)[1]
Weight	1,549 kg (3,415 lb)[1]
Propulsion	All Gear 4 wheel drive
Engine model	Shibaura 2.2L 4-cyl diesel[1]
Gross power	45 hp (34 kW)

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. The powerful small diesel engine gives out 45 hp (34 kW).^[1] The tractor is undersealed to resist a saline environment. The tractor is fitted with turf tyres, which function better on sand, as well as wooden and concrete slipways. The specification complies with DVLA legislation, allowing the tractor to be used on public highways.

Tractor fleet

Op.No.[a]	Reg No.	Station	In service[2]	Image	Current lifeboat payload	Comments
TA53 (TC45D)	EX52 WDT	Happisburgh Relief fleet Ilfracombe Swanage	2002–2009 2009–2011 2011–2014 2014–2017			[3]
TA56 (TC45D)	WA03 EZB	Horton and Port Eynon Happisburgh Relief fleet	2002–2009 2009–2022 2022–
TA57 (TC45D)	WA03 EZC	The Mumbles	2003–2014			[4]
TA58 (TC45D)	WA03 EYZ	Littlehampton Relief fleet Appledore	2003–2017 2017–2022 2022–		D-class (IB1) Eileen Mary George (D-729/BB)
TA59 (TC45D)	WA03 HBF	St Ives Penwith ASC St Ives Relief fleet	2003–2011 2011–2013 2013–2014 2014–2015
TA61 (TC45D)	NK53 DFJ	Anstruther Relief fleet	2003–2020 2000–2023
TA64 (TC45D)	04-WD-1859	Tramore Relief fleet Training	2004–2010 2010–2014 2014–2015
TA65 (TC45S)	NK54 EYT	Craster Relief fleet Bembridge	2005–2010 2010–2011 2011–2014
TA68 (TC45D)	WA04 VYM	Trearddur Bay	2005–2022
TA69 (TC45DA)	05-D-72167	Achill Island	2005–		Used to launch the boarding boat for the Trent-class Sam and Ada Moody (ON 1240)	[5]
TA70 (TC45D)	05-D-72163	Aran Islands Relief fleet Clogherhead Fenit	2006–2006 2006–2013 2013–2019 2019–		D-class (IB1) Lizzie (D-860)
TA71 (TC45D)	SN55 HNU	Aran Islands	2005–2023
TA72 (TC45D)	SN55 HNV	Sunderland Relief fleet Craster Relief fleet Port Talbot	2005–2009 2009–2010 2010–2013 2013–2015 2015–2016
TA73 (TC45D)	JJZ 9544	Newcastle Relief fleet Moelfre Relief fleet Port Talbot	2005–2012 2012–2013 2013–2014 2014–2016 2016–2023
TA74 (TC45DA)	EU56 HDO	Clacton-on-Sea	2006–		D-class (IB1) Damar's Pride (D-849)
TA81 (TC45DA)	EU57 RWX	Cromer Relief fleet Conwy	2008–2015 2015–2021 2021–		D-class (IB1) The May-Bob (D-765)
TA82 (TC45DA)	SF08 UAG	Ilfracombe Horton and Port Eynon Relief fleet Cromer Relief fleet	2008–2009 2009–2014 2014–2015 2015–2018 2018–

1. Op. No. is the RNLI's Operational Number of the tractor.

See also

• Fowler Challenger III launch tractor
• Talus MB-764 launch tractor
• Talus MB-H launch tractor
• Talus MB-4H launch tractor
• Talus Atlantic 85 DO-DO launch carriage