TUCKER SNO-CAT
“There are so many different configurations of snow density and
temperature range and steepness of grade, it was extremely
important to have this vehicle be adaptable to all of those
conditions.”
– John Meilicke, Tucker Sno-Cat
One of the Model 1100’s best features is its versatility. It can
work in any kind of snow conditions, from light and fluffy to
heavy, wet stuff. That was an important consideration during
the design phase, Meilicke says.
“If it wasn’t suited for all conditions, it wouldn’t be a very
marketable machine,” he said. “Because of the broad range
of the territory we sell into, whether it’s the Midwest or East
Coast or Canada or the Western U.S., there are so many different
configurations of snow density and temperature range
and steepness of grade, it was extremely important to have
this vehicle be adaptable to all of those conditions.”
Tucker rolled out the Model 1100 in April 2017 following
nearly two years of development. To date, feedback from
customers has been overwhelmingly positive, according to
Meilicke.
“As far as performance goes, the feedback we’ve received
has all been positive. People feel like it will leave as good of
a trail as any Model 2000,” he said.
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Such positive feedback has Tucker company officials feeling
optimistic about the Model 1100’s chances for success.
So optimistic, in fact, the company is considering building
stock units to have on-hand to meet anticipated demand.
Normally, it doesn’t begin building individual units until
purchase orders have been received.
The Model 1100 won’t be the last new product customers
are likely to see from Tucker. Meilicke acknowledges the
company does have some new over-snow vehicles in development
now but says it’s far too early in the process to share
any details.
This past year was a big year for Tucker Sno-Cat in more
ways than one. Not only did it celebrate the launch of a
successful new product, but it also celebrated its 75th anniversary.
The company was founded in 1942 by Emmitt Tucker, who
grew up near Trail, Ore. As a boy, he used to walk to school
through deep snow and began to formulate ideas on how
to better move people and machines over it. By his 20s, he
had already developed several machines that enjoyed some
mixed success, but he still wasn’t satisfied with the results.
That led him to develop a completely different system that
eventually became the modern-day Sno-Cat.
The Model 2000 remains the company’s most popular offering.
It comes in both 173 and 300 horsepower versions
that can handle everything from snow grooming to mountain
top access and search and rescue missions. A close
second would be the Tucker Sno-Cat Model 2000Xtra Lite, a
lighter and smaller version of the 2000 and a popular choice
with utilities and cell phone companies.
Tucker remains a family-owned business to this day.
Maralee Tucker Sullivan is the company’s CEO, while her
sons manage much of the firm’s day-to-day operations.
While much about the company has changed over the past
75 years, its approach to business remains much the same
as the day Emmitt Tucker founded it.
“I think for the family, there’s a lot of pride that goes into
the product,” said Meilicke. “I think it’s just a passion for the
product. That’s what it boils down to. It’s the fact they love
the product so much they’re willing to do whatever it takes
to keep that business successful. And they listen to their
employees and take recommendations from them. I think
them having an open mind and being able to do what they
do has helped the company.”
24 January 2018 | snowopsmag.com
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