TRAM

The US Marine Corps Systems Command has awarded a contract to the construction and forestry segment of Deere & Co for 300 tractor, rubber tyred, articulated steering, multi-purpose (TRAM) units, worth an estimated USD47 million.

Intended for combat and support functions, the units are based on the design for the firm's 624J wheel loaders.

Each TRAM unit can operate as a forklift with optional 72-inch (1.8-metre) forks and a maximum lifting capacity of 10,000lbs (4,500kg) at a 48-inch (1.2-metre) load centre. The extensively modified design allows a TRAM to operate as a four-in-one, multi-purpose bucket loader with a maximum capacity of 2.5 cubic yards (two cubic metres).

Deere would customise the equipment to meet Marine Corps requirements, David O'Keeffe, a product marketing manager with Deere, in Moline, Illinois, said. A parallel lift linkage system would facilitate use of the forks and, as needed, move parallel to the ground.

Systems Command, in Quantico, Virginia, awarded the contract on November 28. Manufacturing will occur at a Deere plant in Davenport, Iowa, with projected delivery of the initial eight TRAM units before the end of 2007. Beyond the 300 units, additional options, if exercised, could bring the program's value to nearly USD243 million.