Spotlight

Thompson Machinery and Caterpillar help State of Tennessee replace "Fireplow" Track Type Tractors

December 20, 2005

Thompson Machinery and Caterpillar played a major role in helping the State of Tennessee update their existing "fireplow" equipment in 2005. Thompson supplied 112 state of the art track type tractors to be deployed across 74 counties for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry.

Thompson Machinery and Caterpillar modified the existing tractor design to meet the special firefighting specifications and capabilities required by the State of Tennessee. Specifications that were not done at the factory such as extra attachments, fabrication, and other special protective features were done at Thompson Machinery, including:

• Fabrication of tool boxes, protective guards for hydraulic cylinders and pre-cleaner
• Protective caging
• Protective guard coverings for exhaust stacks and hoses
• Reinforced stump guards
• Installation of lifting rings, glass protectors, and fire extinguishers

Thompson Machinery worked hand in hand with the State of Tennessee to fabricate and modify the tractor to enhance the capabilities for the fire-fighting environment and to protect Tennessee's forestry landscape and firefighters. The 5-month delivery schedule required the utilization and team efforts of the Sales, Parts, Service and Machine and Fabrication Departments at Thompson Machinery.

This order of 112 units from Caterpillar is the largest single order of small track type tractors for Caterpillar’s Forestry Group. Below are some photos of the tractors' unique features. Thompson Machinery was proud to be part of this enormous project for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry and Caterpillar.

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