Reynolds modifies CATs

Reynolds Boughton Engineering Division has modified three Caterpillar D4H LGP series III track type tractors for a heavy duty towing application at the Faslane submarine base in Scotland. Modifications included installing 12t of steel counterweight, effectively doubling the weight of each machine to 23t. Hydraulically actuated towing pintles were mounted front and rear, capable of withstanding the full drawbar pull of the tow tractors.

The tractor will pull or push the massive rail mounted submarine support cradles from the marshalling area onto the Synchrolift platform which is capable of lifting a Vanguard class submarine. The cradle sections each weigh up to 400t, therefore high tractive effort is essential as is the need for precise control when manoeuvering, inching and braking.

The Boughton-designed pintles are mounted on the end of the 3m-long counterweight which is suspended under the machine, and are raised and lowered hydraulically over a 0.5m travel distance and locked into position.

The side counterweights hook on to the track and if required can be removed along with the centre counterweights and towing pintles.

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