Talus MB-H
Description
The Talus MB-H was specifically designed for the RNLI, to launch and recover lifeboats from beaches.
The Talus MB-H launches and recovers lifeboats, up to 15 tonnes in weight, from beaches, in a safer and faster manner than previously available. It is capable of towing such lifeboats, on specially designed carriages, at speeds of up to 12.0 kph over varying beach conditions. It has the ability to work at full power in up to 2.44m of calm water, and can drive and winch simultaneously in order to recover the lifeboat. The driver has a waterproof, protective cockpit, and duplicated controls, to allow operation of the vehicle whilst facing in either direction.
The hydraulic control and drive system utilises a single 'joystick' controller for all transmission functions; this is protected by a 'dead man' pedal. The engine is a Caterpillar 3208 V8 diesel, a feature this machine has in common with some lifeboats. It has, in the event of mechanical failure, the ability to be 'battened down' and abandoned on the sea bed in up to 9.0m of water, without the ingress of sea water. Extensive corrosion protection is employed, to reduce maintenance whilst continuously working in the very hostile environment of sea water and beach conditions.
30 Talus MB-H machines are currently in service with the RNLI at locations around the coastline of the British Isle and Eire.
The Talus MB-H can perform a range of Hauling, Winching and Heavy Recovery operations either on Dry Land or in Flooded Areas in addition to its original Lifeboat/Beach applications.
Video
Basic Principles of Operation
Essentially, the Talus MB-H is a water-tight hull on tracks, with all the machinery and equipment fitted inside, protected from the harsh environment. The machine can tow the lifeboat and carriage across the beach and launch in sufficient depth of water to ensure a safe launching. Recovery takes place in shallow water, with the boat being winched back on to the carriage and returned across the beach to the boathouse.
Special Features
- Simplicity of operation – Single joystick control.
- Dual direction control – Driver's seat turns through 180°.
- Fast operation – Up to 12.0 kph fully laden.
- Safe operation – Driver fully protected from weather and sea.
- Batten down facility – Safe recovery of machine after total immersion.
- 0.46m ground clearance – For soft terrain working.
- Corrosion protection – Minimum maintenance of treated surfaces.
- Simple servicing – Designed for good access to all equipment.
- Road equipment - Detachable Rubber Track Pads.
Technical Specification
| Overall Length | 5.48 metres (18 ft. 0 in.) |
| Overall Width: | 2.44 metres (8 ft. 0 in.) |
| Overall Height: | 2.97 metres (9 ft. 9 in.) - Options to increase this are available if required |
| Ground Clearance: | 0.46 metres (1 ft. 6 in.) |
| Weight: | 18.400 Tonnes without Track Pads 19.000 Tonnes with Track Pads |
| Engine Type: | Caterpillar 3208 V8 Diesel |
| Engine Power: | 155 KW (210 BHP) |
| Maximum Rev: | 2800 rpm |
| Transmission: | Infinitely variable. Full hydrostatic system. Maximum pressure: 380 Bar (5,500 PSI) |
| Control: | Hydraulic servo system 0-38 Bar (0-550 PSI) |
| Brakes: | Hydrostatic and fail-safe multi-plate disc. |
| Maximum Speed: | 12 kph (7.5 mph) |
| Maximum Tractive Effort: | On Bare Grousers (firm ground) Dynamic - 16 Tonnes Static - 10 Tonnes |
| Winch Maximum Pull: | 15 Tonnes (18 Tonnes Max.) on Bare Drum |
