winter 2011 - Thompson Tractor

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2401 Pinson Highway
Tarrant, AL 35217-2051
Permit No. 68
Wichita, KS
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THOMPSON
TRACTOR
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MILESTONE
REACHED ON
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REBUILDS
WINTER 2010-2011
INSIDE
Remembering Hall W. Thompson,
Founder of Thompson Tractor Co., Inc.
The following is a letter from Mike Thompson,
President, Thompson Tractor Company, Inc.:
As my Dad suffered from his stroke, I tried to
pay him tribute with the following two quotes to
The Birmingham News:
MIKE ROWE GOES TO VEGAS
page 3
IS YOUR PAVER READY FOR
SPRING?
page 5
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WINTER
TRUCK SPECIALS
page 6
“I would like others to remember that Dad had a
deep respect of people in every walk of life. He
loved the employees at Thompson Tractor and
was proud to know their names, their spouses’
names and those of their children. This was
quite an accomplishment in a company of 500
people. He respected the workmen who helped
at his home, the farm or Shoal Creek. He would
engage them to completely understand what,
why and how they were accomplishing their
work. Many times he would work side-by-side
with them. He loved the farmers and wildlife
specialists whom he met and actively sought their
knowledge. He became an accomplished turkey
hunter later in life by gathering information from
experts. He enjoyed woodwork and loved to
discuss best practices. He and his best friend,
John Harbert, would bake bread and had a long
period changing recipes and boasting who could
do the better loaf. He loved discussing politics
with everyone and had a huge circle of people
he agreed and disagreed with. He would always
express his views with true emotions. He had
true, honest and deep relationships with people
from all walks of life. His respect of them and
interaction with them led to my Dad’s loyalty
back to many people in his 87 years. For me, I
will always remember that every day he got up,
he interacted with many people and gave his full
effort to make the world a better place.”
“Of all my Dad’s accomplishments, the one he
was most proud of was convincing Lucille Ryals
to marry him in 1944 before he was sent off to
war in the Pacific with the Army Air Corp.”
I have thought a lot about Dad since his death
on October 27, 2010. He lived some 52 years
in Birmingham. The first 26 years were busy
at Thompson Tractor. The second 26 years he
stayed busy with all his other activities. What
my Dad liked most were projects. He was a
builder: first the company, second the farm,
third Shoal Creek and fourth professional golf
tournaments. Along the way he found time
to serve on major corporate and civic boards:
Vanderbilt University, AmSouth, BellSouth,
The Crippled Children’s Foundation, The
Eye Foundation Hospital, Protective Life and
Alabama By-Products.
He stayed active in politics. This year he urged
our Governor to build the 280 toll road and
Please see REMEMBERING HALL THOMPSON on page 2
Hall and Lucille (Lucy) Thompson
Unveiling of First Cat Vocational Truck
at CONEXPO in March 2011
®
The Only Truck Worthy of the Cat® Name
LIFT TRUCK CUSTOMER
APPRECIATION EVENT
page 7
Caterpillar will unveil the first model in its full
line of Cat® Vocational Trucks, the Cat CT660, at
CONEXPO on March 22, 2011.
The Class 8 trucks will be sold and serviced
exclusively through the Cat North American
Dealer network, with production beginning after
CONEXPO for customer delivery later in the
year.
GREAT DEALS ON USED
FORESTRY EQUIPMENT
page 8
Produced by:
To develop its first line of trucks, Caterpillar
leveraged its industry-leading technologies,
extensive knowledge of worksite and operator
environments gained from meeting the heavy
equipment needs of a wide range of industries,
and an unparalleled dedication to customer
support. The trucks will offer custom solutions
for a large variety of job applications — from
moving rock and hauling trash to logging and
pouring concrete.
Before Caterpillar engineers started designing,
the company asked vocational truck owners and
drivers what they wanted and needed from their
trucks. “Our design and manufacturing have
been focused squarely on making the customer
input we gathered a reality,” said George Taylor,
Director and General
Manager of the Cat
Global On-Highway
Department.
Taylor added, “We
coupled customer input
with our knowledge
learned from years of
experience working
closely with different
industries to meet
their heavy equipment
needs to identify the
ideal standard options
for various industry
applications.
As a result, we’re
proud we will deliver
a line of vocational trucks that our customers
want, knowing they are built for a wide variety
of jobs.” Caterpillar will offer the heavy-duty
Cat Vocational Day Cab Trucks with a full range
of popular engine ratings and torque capability
options. The specs are designed explicitly for
customers’ demanding applications and include
a Cat CT11 engine with ratings from 330 bhp to
390 bhp, a Cat CT13 with ratings from 410 bhp
to 475 bhp and, coming in 2012, a Cat CT15 with
ratings from 435 bhp to 550 bhp.
Because of its proven record for quality and
Please see CAT VOCATIONAL TRUCK on page 2
www.thompsontractor.com
2
WINTER 2010-2011
Thompson Tractor Co.
REMBERING HALL THOMPSON from page 1
The following is an excerpt from
Thompson Tractor’s 50th Anniversary
Book:
Hall Williams Thompson:
Building the Thompson Team
Hall Thompson, pictured in the late 1950’s
continued to urge our Senator Jeff
Sessions to eliminate the Federal
Estate Tax.
Dad enjoyed staying in touch with
Thompson Tractor and Caterpillar.
He was so proud of our success and
loved our ribbon cutting ceremonies
at our Tech Center and Shelby County.
He watched for news on Caterpillar
every day. He would read articles and
send me word to be sure I had seen the
news. His favorite and often asked
question of me was “who is minding
the store?” This was his gentle
reminder when he thought I needed to
be in my office. We often discussed
“the tractor business” on Saturday
mornings. If we missed Saturday, he
called a lot of Monday mornings.
Dad did a lot in his years. I believe
his obituary captured him best …”He
was a businessman, a scratch golfer,
a pilot, a philanthropist, a patriot, an
outdoorsman, a pioneer, a visionary,
and most importantly a loving
husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather and friend.”
In closing, Dad was the patriarch of our
family and my mentor for 55 years. He
was John Wayne tough and expressed
his opinions with conviction. He was
productive every day of his life and he
never quit. But he was a great father
with his attention, generosity and love
of his family. Tears streamed down
his cheeks when he learned his greatgranddaughter, Hallsey, was named
after him.
He was my teacher and my role model
and I learned a lot watching him. My
Dad was a giant to me, my hero and
my best friend. I love him and will
miss him forever. Words are simply
inadequate to express the appreciation
I have of our time together and of his
life.
We will carry on in his honor.
“It’s all about relationships and we
have developed thousands over these
last 50 years. I think that the reputation
that we’ve developed through these
relationships is something to be proud
of. My son, Mike, has continued that
fine reputation. And we’ve done our
time supporting worthy civic and
charitable organizations in the city and
state. But what I keep coming back
to is our relationships. Relationships
develop before sales are made.”
The first month that Thompson
Tractor Company was open for
business, it sold two machines. And
one was cancelled. From inauspicious
beginnings, clearly great things can
come. The young company lost
$40,000 in December of 1957, but
that was the last red-ink month in the
company’s history. For a 34-yearold Hall Thompson and his wife,
Lucy, those early days were scary but
exciting times.
After reluctantly accepting his
father’s suggestion to relocate from
Nashville to Birmingham to start
a new Caterpillar dealership, Hall
might be forgiven for a moment’s
doubt. After the magnitude of the
opportunity became clear, Hall was
all for the move. “I didn’t give it
any more thought,” he explains. “I
said, ‘Where’s my hat?’” His young
family of four children, Judy; Hall,
Jr; George; and Mike were uprooted
from Tennessee as were he and his
wife…all for the enormous challenge
of building up a new business made
up of three locations representing
the northern 39 counties in the
neighboring state of Alabama. Hall
is matter-of-fact about it. “It was a
difficult year, 1958, with revenue of
only $7.7 million. But during that year
we put together a team that would
ultimately become successful.”
One only has to look at the more than
30 Thompson Tractor locations today
and the more than 1500 employees
in three states (Alabama, Florida,
Georgia) to know that Hall’s last
statement is more than true. Yet
when Hall Thompson is asked the
key to his success, he is reluctant to
point to any one particular business
strategy or action he took as a leader,
preferring instead to reduce much of
his management to a simple, human
approach. “I made a project of
knowing everybody’s name,” he says,
unassumingly. And it worked. If you
ask employees now, they’ll tell you he
did more than just that. He knew every
spouse and child’s name, too. “It was
truly amazing,” exclaims Mary Ann
Sharp, a longtime employee. “If Hall
were ever to fall on hard times, there
would be hundreds of people there to
do whatever he needed because he
took such good care of us for all those
years.”
It was a time of legendary Birmingham
giants that walked the industrial earth,
men like John Harbert of Harbert
Construction
Company;
Harry
Brock, Jr. of Central Bank and Trust
Company; and John Hand of First
National Bank. In so many ways, they
were the men who built the modern
city and state we know today, and
perhaps none more literally so than
Hall, the man who sold the machines
that moved the rock and soil and laid
many a foundation for schools, office
buildings, homes and highways in
Alabama.
After getting past the first few lean
years, business quickly turned around
for the Thompson team. One of those
funny instances that tend to keep your
feet on the ground occurred when Hall
was going over a financial statement
with Kenny Ames…a statement that
reflected the substantial progress that
the company had made in revenues
and profits. Kenny turned to Hall
and said, “Partner, you’ve just got
to understand – any chimpanzee can
run a Caterpillar franchise.” Hall did
not realize that there was more truth
to that comeuppance than you might
imagine, for indeed, the Caterpillar
brand truly has a built-in advantage
for the sales rep who is face-to-face
with a prospective buyer. While
Thompson Tractor has always prided
itself on its service capabilities, the
most important thing in the equation
has always been the Caterpillar
product.
Hall remembers fondly a sale of
Caterpillar made to John Harbert
totaling $10 million for a major
project Harbert had with the Southern
Company to build the Vogtle Nuclear
Plant in Albany, Georgia. In today’s
times, this sale might not raise many
eyebrows, but back in those days, it
was something special. It came about
as a result of a relationship built with
John Harbert, Ed Dixon and other
members of that fine organization.
The Thompson team concentrated on
hiring people who had good character
and would follow the lead of the
Thompson leadership and the Rotary
Thompson Tractor
Announces the Launch of
its Facebook Fan Page!
Thompson
Tractor’s
new
Facebook fan page is proving
to be a great forum to keep
customers advised of special
offers, upcoming events and
new products and services. It
is also a forum to recognize
customers’ achievements, post
educational product videos,
supply links to interesting and useful information and
have group discussions.
To
become
a
fan,
visit
our
homepage
www.thompsontractor.com and click the Facebook link.
We invite you to post pictures of your Cat® machines at
work and share your experiences with us.
We look forward to seeing and hearing from you on
Facebook!
www.thompsontractor.com
motto, “Service Before Self.” When
the Eisenhower Highway Defense
Act of 1956 was passed, it meant
new opportunities for the company
in heavy construction. But to best
take advantage of these opportunities,
Thompson had to first help create
a climate where the local banking
industry understood that by helping
contractors purchase big-ticket items
like the D8 and the D9 tractors, they
would be helping themselves in the
long run. To this end, Hall came up
with the idea he called “Operation
Pay-Dirt” that gathered together
prominent officials in the banking,
contracting and other industries
involved in highway construction
in Alabama to help these people
understand the scope of the new
highway programs and financing
hurdles all faced in their work. The
daylong tour by these different men
brought about an understanding of
the opportunities and needs of the
industry. It was a novel idea that
achieved a huge success and made
the business climate of building roads
that much easier for all involved.
A good example of Hall’s leadership
within his own company can be
seen in his reaction to the Economic
Stabilization Act of 1970. In response
to intense inflation during that time
(the cost of living rose 15 percent
during President Nixon’s first two
years in office), the law allowed
Nixon to stabilize prices, rents,
wages and salaries. In practice, what
it meant for Thompson employees
was that until its expiration in 1974,
a wage freeze was in effect for all
employees at Thompson, from blue
collar to white collar
and everywhere in
between.
Though
there was certainly
no legal reason
requiring him to
do so, Hall thought
it only fair to
retroactively go back
and pay employees
for the raises they
would have earned
if the wage freeze
hadn’t
occurred
during those four
years.
in Opelika and Scottsboro sprang
up, a new two-story administration
building opened in Birmingham, and
the new construction of a customer
shop was completed. Additionally,
Thompson pioneered the development
of a Rapid Rebuild and Specialization
Area that would become the standard
for a national model used by many
Caterpillar dealers as they rebuilt
engines, hydraulics and transmissions.
Later when coal mining in Alabama
took off again, Thompson Tractor
was able to take advantage of the
changing business climate to prosper.
Even after Hall retired in 1983, the
able team he left in place to manage
the company – his children; Judy,
George and Mike, as well as longserving employees, Paul Chism and
Bill Mooney, were able to continue to
grow the family business. When the
Burford Equipment Company in south
Alabama and the Florida Panhandle
came open in 1987, the country was
still in recession and experiencing
high unemployment. Thompson was
not beyond feeling the effects of
this economic situation, yet here the
company was, adding 50 percent to
the size of its dealership and taking
on an additional new 182 employees
from the existing Burford team. It is a
testament to the achievements of the
Thompson team.
Still, listing achievements that
summarize a person’s entire career can
be difficult, yet first on any list would
be the plain fact that Hall Thompson
established one of the most successful
Caterpillar dealerships in the country.
He was a leader in convincing the
In the 1970s, Hall
oversaw a time of Thompson Tractor executives Hall Thompson, Walter Dickson
expansion for the and Paul Chism, pictured in the early 1960’s
company. Corporate
facilities were expanded when a new state and local banking industry that
building across the highway from highway construction, coal mining
the Birmingham store housed the and the contractors involved in both
Industrial Division, as well as sales, businesses not only deserved the
parts and service for lift truck and
Continued on page 7
industrial engines. Mini-branches
vocational truck from page 1
reliability that maximizes uptime,
the Cat CX31 torque converter style
automatic transmission, with three
standard locations for Rear Power Take
Off drive positions, will be a noteworthy
option for Cat Vocational Trucks.
Caterpillar also offers a complete line
of other OEM vocational transmission
options, including Eaton manual and
automated manual transmissions.
“These trucks are everything the Cat
brand represents in terms of quality,
durability, reliability and driver
ergonomics, so we’re looking forward
to seeing the reaction to the CT660 at
CONEXPO,” said Cat Vocational Truck
Product Manager Gary Blood, who is
responsible for product strategy, design
and introduction of the new trucks.
Product Support and Dealer
Readiness
According to Kyle Sims, Power Systems
Product Support Manager, customers can
count on exceptional product support,
as they do with all Cat equipment. That
means support in the field, as well as
from the 24/7 Cat On-Highway Call
Center and from Thompson Tractor.
Eberlin said, “Over the years,
Caterpillar and our dealers have
provided unsurpassed product support
to our customers who operate our truck
engines. We will continue to support the
1.6 million truck engines in operation
today and leverage this support with our
new vocational trucks.”
Strategy/Dealer Development Manager
Ed Cullen has been working closely
with Cat dealers as they’ve been gearing
up to support the new trucks with
bumper-to-bumper service. Cullen has
also been communicating truck options
and features and benefits to dealerships,
so they are well prepared to consult with
customers during the sales process.
Cullen said, “We’re sure owners, as
well as the drivers, will be thrilled when
we share details about the features and
benefits of the CT660 at our unveiling,
and they’ll be equally thrilled with our
full Cat truck line over the coming years,
because these are the trucks customers
told us they wanted.”
Building Relationships Since 1957
Thompson Tractor Co. WINTER 2010-2011
3
Thompson
Tractor Service
Training Calendar
for 2011
The Thompson Tractor Company is pleased to offer the following
course schedule for customers interested in improving their
mechanical knowledge, skills and abilities. Customized classes are
also available on a wide range of equipment and systems and can
be hosted at one of our training facilities or on site at your location.
For more details, please contact the Training Department at
(205) 849-4338.
26
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I was ready to relax and take some time off, so I considered all the places
I could go. Then I figured, why pick just one - when I could see it all, in Las
Vegas. You ready for a break? Meet me there!
Start Date
Course
Duration
Location
February 1, 2011
Electronic Technician
1 Day Course
Birmingham
February 10, 2011
Basic Hydraulics
2 Day Course
Birmingham
February 22, 2011
Electronic Technician
1 Day Course
Montgomery
March 17, 2011
Power Trains
2 Day Course
Birmingham
March 30, 2011
Basic Diesel Engines
3 Day Course
Birmingham
April 13, 2011
Basic Electricity
3 Day Course
Birmingham
April 19, 2011
Basic Diesel Engines
3 Day Course
Birmingham
May 3, 2011
Foundational Basic
Planned Maintenance
1 Day Course
Birmingham
May 25, 2011
Electronic Sensors &
Control Logic
2 Day Course
Birmingham
June 9, 2011
Powershift
Transmissions
2 Day Course
Birmingham
June 28, 2011
Electronic Technician
1 Day Course
Mobile
July 21, 2011
Power Trains
2 Day Course
Birmingham
August 2, 2011
Electronic Technician
1 Day Course
Birmingham
August 11, 2011
Basic Hydraulics
2 Day Course
Birmingham
October 7, 2011
Foundational Basic
Planned Maintenance
1 Day Course
Birmingham
November 17, 2011
Powershift
Transmissions
2 Day Course
Birmingham
December 6, 2011
Electronic Technician
1 Day Course
Birmingham
Just like Mike, we know you have many choices and little time when it comes
to choosing among your maintenance options. Let Thompson Tractor help
you focus on your core business, by partnering with us for your maintenance
needs. We can tailor programs to ensure the right fit for your equipment.
For details, visit http://mikerowe.catdealer.com/thompson-tractor.
25 Years of Cat Certified Rebuilds
Brings Multiple Lives to 5,000 Cat Machines
®
Caterpillar initiated the Cat® Certified
Rebuild (CCR) Program in 1985,
and in 2010, the 5,000th machine
was rebuilt under the program. In
2009 alone, Cat dealers worldwide
completed 500 total-machine rebuilds,
which, on average, cost each machine
owner 40 to 50 percent less than
buying a comparable new machine
— even though the process involves
disassembling the machine to the bare
frame, then rebuilding to like-new
specifications. The major structures
and components of a Cat machine are
designed to maintain their fundamental
integrity throughout a lifetime of
service, allowing the machine to be
rebuilt, economically, under the strict
guidelines of the CCR Program.
The long-term success of the CCR
Program prompted Caterpillar to
add the Certified Power Train (CPT)
Program in 2001. The concept of the
CPT Program is the same as that of the
CCR Program, but
CPT is limited to the
machine powertrain.
Most
customers
who opt for the
powertrain rebuild,
however,
usually
have additional work
performed on the
machine.
The extensive Cat
Certified
Rebuild
programs incorporate
the very latest Cat
technology and critical engineering
updates into each machine or
powertrain at a fraction of the cost of
buying new. Only trained dealer service
professionals and only Cat parts are
used to complete a certified rebuild.
The result is an array of proven options
for Cat customers when it comes time
to make the decision to repair, rebuild
or replace.
Building Relationships Since 1957
Attention to detail
Each CCR or CPT begins with a
thorough inspection and evaluation of
the machine and components. Testing
in the CCR process (evaluation, inprocess and final) involves more than
350 detailed checks, and the CPT
process involves more than 200 tests.
Based on evaluation testing, the Cat
dealer (certified by Caterpillar to
perform authorized rebuilds) then
develops a customized rebuild plan
for the machine, together with a cost
estimate.
The CCR process includes automatic
replacement of more than 7,000 parts
(including wiring harnesses), and
more than 3,000 parts are replaced
in a powertrain rebuild. Remaining
parts are measured against Caterpillar
strict reusability guidelines, and those
not measuring up are either replaced
with new or Cat Reman Parts, or
reconditioned to meet specifications.
Total-machine rebuild includes work
typically not part of an “overhaul.” The
CCR can include procedures such as
straightening and reinforcing frames;
replacing worn linkage pins and shaft
bearings; restoring hydraulic systems
to original levels of performance,
reliability and cleanliness (ISO 18/15);
and replacing electronic control
modules and software. Integrating
significant technical enhancements,
such as emissions control, is a critical
aspect of the rebuild process.
New paint and a new serial number
complete the CCR process. All
replacement parts carry a new parts
warranty, and the like-new condition
of the machine qualifies it for available
Extended Powertrain Coverage from
Cat Insurance.
More Certified Rebuild possibilities
Since 2005, the Certified Engine
Rebuild
(CER)
Program
has
allowed owners of Cat engines in
other manufacturers’ systems (i.e.,
locomotives, ships, generating plants
and pumping stations) to rebuild these
power plants to like-new specifications.
The primary focus of the CER Program
is 3500 and 3600 Series engines.
The Certified Hydraulic Rebuild
(CHR) Program, added in 2007,
allows economic rebuild of the
complete hydraulic system in certain
Cat hydraulic excavators. Then, to
complete the range of Cat Certified
Rebuild Programs, a Certified Machine
Component Rebuild (CMCR) Program
was initiated in 2008, allowing machine
users to have individual components,
such as engines and transmissions,
rebuilt to like-new specifications.
For more information about Cat
Rebuild Programs, contact your
Thompson Tractor sales representative.
A detailed list of machines qualifying
for the CCR and CPT Programs is
available by clicking on Machine
Cat Certified Rebuild (CCR) and Cat
Certified Power Train (CPT) under
Certified Rebuild Reference Materials
at the following Caterpillar website:
http://www.cat.com/parts/cat-certifiedrebuild.
www.thompsontractor.com
4
WINTER 2010-2011
Thompson Tractor Co.
Equipment Rental
is about to get a Whole
Lot Easier from the
Thompson Rental Store
locate
search
connect
select
quote
Regardless of where you are, go to
WWW.CATRENTALSTORE.COM and from that point on, all
the information you need is right at your fingertips.
Having access to the industry’s largest fleet of high-quality machines at the right price is what
it takes to keep a project on time and on budget. The new Cat® Rental Mobile Site takes the
ease of doing business to a whole new level. In addition to being able to browse equipment
and get a quick quote, you’ll also have the option to do a live chat or request a phone call from
your Thompson rental representative.
Stay tuned … you’ll be hearing
a lot more about this new mobile
capability soon.
Desktop
Ready
Laptop
Ready
iPad
Ready
SmartPhone
Ready
Birmingham
3317 Messer Airport Hwy.
Birmingham, AL 35222
(205) 326-0334
Huntsville
3600 Governors Drive
Huntsville, AL 35805
(256) 532-3001
Montgomery
2217 S. Forbes Rd.
Montgomery, AL 36110
(334) 262-1101
Panama City
4109 Cato Rd.
Panama City, FL 32404
(850) 873-6540
Shelby County
2070 Corporate Woods Dr.
Alabaster, AL 35007
(205) 664-9489
Dothan
118 Vulcan Way
Dothan, AL 36303
(334) 673-3300
Mobile
1950 East I-65 Service Rd. N.
Mobile, AL 36617
(251) 452-1180
Oxford/Anniston
2300 Hwy. 21 S.
Oxford, AL 36203
(256) 835-5737
Pensacola
2650 West Nine Mile Rd.
Pensacola, FL 32534
(850) 471-6710
Tuscaloosa
3550 Joe Mallisham Pky.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 247-3402
www.thompsontractor.com
Building Relationships Since 1957
Thompson Tractor Co. WINTER 2010-2011
5
Vertical-Lift 259B Series 3 — with Fully Suspended
Undercarriage — Is Powerful, Agile Addition to the
Cat Compact Track Loader Range
®
The new 259B3 is a high-performance,
highly maneuverable addition to the
Cat Compact Track Loader (CTL)
range. By combining its small-frame
CTL platform with the Cat C3.4T DIT
engine, high breakout forces and strong
auxiliary hydraulic performance,
Caterpillar designed the 259B3 as a
“power dense” machine capable of
taking on the toughest jobs in confined
spaces. With premium features such
as an independent, fully suspended
steel undercarriage, aggressive steel
embedded rubber tracks, powerful
hydraulics and refined operator’s
station, the 259B3 completes the CTL
line by providing a durable, versatile
machine that works productively in
poor soils and harsh environments.
At 35 percent tipping load, rated
operating capacity for the 259B3 is
2,065 pounds (937 kg), and 2,950
pounds (1,338 kg) at 50 percent tipping
load, increasing to 3,000 pounds (1,360
kg) with the optional counterweight.
Vertical-lift loader linkage gives the
new CTL 120 inches
(3,046 mm)
of lift height, in combination with
excellent reach, for easy truck loading
and precise material placement.
provide excellent torque for pushing,
digging and dozing, while providing
the speed for high productivity (up to
8.5 mph [13.6 km/h]).
Stage-3A emissions regulations. This
proven engine delivers ample speed
and torque in difficult applications,
and combined with the Cat anti-stall
system, the 259B3 can operate at partthrottle, reducing fuel consumption
and lowering sound levels.
Durable, easy-riding undercarriage
The 259B3 is the only machine in its
class with a standard, independent, fully
suspended undercarriage. Designed
and manufactured by Caterpillar,
the undercarriage uses four heavyduty torsion axles (concentric tubular
members buffered by an elastomeric
material).
These
Basic Specifications
extremely durable
Net Power Rating: hp (kW)
71 (53)
axles
move
independently
to
Operating Weight: lb (kg)*
8,934 (4,052)
isolate
the
machine
Rated Operating Capacity: lb (kg)** 2,950 (1,338)
chassis from the
Speed: mph (km/h)
5.9/8.5 (9.5/13.6)
undercarriage and
Auxiliary Hyd. Flow: gpm (L/min) 22 (83)
absorb much of the
shock from roughMain Relief Pressure: psi (kPa)
3,335 (23,000)
terrain
operation.
* with 12.6 in (320 mm) tracks
The
customer
** rated at 50% tipping load
realizes the benefits
Rated at 71 net horsepower (53 KW) of suspension in the form of smooth
the 259B3 is powered by the C3.4T travel, even at high speed, excellent
DIT engine, which complies with load retention, increased productivity,
U.S. EPA Tier-4 Interim and E.U. as well as extended machine and
undercarriage component life.
The undercarriage uses triple-flange
cast-iron rollers equipped with
Caterpillar’s exclusive Duo-Cone
seals. Large, heavy-duty idlers, front
and rear, provide a generous radius that
minimizes track bending — yielding
longer track life — and contributes to
a smooth ride. Front idlers incorporate
a recoil system similar to that used on
larger Cat Track-Type Tractors.
Two heavy-duty, two-speed hydraulic
motors power the 259B3’s planetary
final drives, which drive single-piece
steel sprockets. This powerful drive
system combines with aggressive, steelembedded rubber tracks that provide 59
inches (1,495 mm) of track-on-ground
to keep the 259B3 moving productively
in tough digging or dozing operations
and in poor underfoot conditions. The
259B3 can be equipped with either
12.6 inch (320 mm) tracks or 15.7 inch
(400 mm) tracks depending on the
customer’s requirements, which yield
a ground pressure, respectively, of 6.0
psi (41.2 kPa) and 5.0 psi (34.4 kPa).
The standard two-speed travel system
is a true ‘no compromise’ design.
Planetary reduction drive motors
High-performance hydraulics
Hydraulic pumps for the 259B3’s
implement system (boom and bucket)
and auxiliary system (for powering
work tools) are driven directly from the
engine, eliminating intermediate drive
belts to assure maximum efficiency,
performance and reliability. The robust
auxiliary system supplies oil flow up
to 22 gpm (83 L/min) at pressures to
3,335 psi (23,000 kPa)—generating a
calculated hydraulic-horsepower rating
of 42.8 (31.9 kW).
The 259B3 is equipped with Cat
ToughGuard XT™ hydraulic hoses,
for additional abrasion resistance, and
auxiliary lines (with heavy-duty, flatface quick couplers) are attached to the
lift arm. A universal worktool coupler
is standard equipment, and an optional
hydraulically-actuated coupler is
available.
A high-efficiency hydraulic oil
cooler, working with a hydraulicallydriven cooling fan, keeps the 259B3
working efficiently in high ambient
temperatures, even with continuous
work-tool operation. The optional
variable-speed, on-demand hydraulic
fan spins the fan only as fast as required
by the machine which improves fuelefficiency, reduces sound levels and
provides faster machine warm-up.
Operator comfort, convenience
and safety
Designed for optimal comfort,
convenience and safety, the 259B3’s
spacious operator’s compartment
features
low-effort,
pilot-control
joysticks — the right controlling lift and
tilt functions, and the left, direction and
speed. The joysticks provide precise
proportional control of auxiliaryhydraulic functions, and optional
deluxe joysticks expand the 259B3’s
capability with control over worktool
electrical functions. Both joystick
choices provide the convenience of
one-touch control of continuous or
intermittent auxiliary flow.
The standard open ROPS canopy (with
top and rear windows) can be fitted with
a cab door, side windows, suspension
seat, heater and air conditioning. With
both hand and foot throttles as standard
equipment, the 259B3 can be set for
constant-speed operation (trenching
or milling, for instance), or speed can
be varied (truck loading and load-andcarry). An anti-stall system is designed
to prevent engine stalling, even at partthrottle, by constantly balancing speed
and torque demands.
The redesigned dead-engine lower
valve further promotes safe operation
by providing an easier-to-use, more
positive means of lowering the lift
arms — allowing safe exit for the
operator — if the machine should run
out of fuel or the engine stall with the
lift arms raised.
Easy to service
The 259B3’s rear door swings open
to allow access to both sides of the
engine and all routine maintenance
points. An exclusive tilt-up cooling
package permits the radiator and oil
cooler to be quickly cleaned, and the
tilt-up cab provides access to all major
hydraulic components and lines. To
further assist the service technician,
all electrical wiring is color coded,
and a Cat S.O.S.™ sampling valve
assures regular, accurate monitoring of
hydraulic fluid.
2011 Winter Parts & Service Special
The 2010 paving season is winding down. At this time we would like to invite you to have us
inspect your Caterpillar asphalt paver. This free inspection and quotation on repairs will help
minimize your downtime in the 2011 season.
Get Your Machine Ready For
The Next Season
The following is included
in our WINTER SPECIAL:
• 20% discount on all program listed parts ordered under
the paver special from January 1, 2011 until April 30,
2011. Allow 2-4 weeks for delivery for program listed
parts and/or Thompson stock ordered parts.
• No minimum order required. Can be a mix of discount
program parts and other paver items for Caterpillar.
• Free inspection of your paver.
• No inbound freight on Paver Wear parts and any parts
ordered on Thompson stock orders. Emergency parts
orders will be charged freight.
We want to see you up and running for the 2011 paving
season. Call Brian Laughlin at 205-229-8946 for your free
inspection and quotation today. Or fax your request to
205-849-4394.
Ask about how our paving operations training can help
operators and supervisors at every level.
Building Relationships Since 1957
www.thompsontractor.com
6
WINTER 2010-2011
Thompson Tractor Co.
1-877-642-6002
www.thompsontrucksource.com
Your Complete Truck & Trailer Solutions Provider
WINTER SPECIALS
Prices good through March 31, 2011
Labor Rates for Shop Repairs
3-Axle Brake Job
As low as $450.00
Manual Clutch Replacement
$750.00 plus parts
Engine Oil Change
$100.00 plus parts
(brake shoe kits included)
(for most models)
(for most models)
D.O.T. Inspections
(Truck only – Trailers are additional)
$50.00
(does not include repairs)
Prices good through March 31, 2011
BU DRIVE TURBOS
Detroit 60 Series / S400 Turbo 098TC24136
P/N 171701................................... $659.99
Detroit 60 Series / K31 Turbo
P/N 172743....................................$749.99
Mack 4LE-292 Turbo
P/N 183386................................... $629.99
PERMATEX
Nitrile Disposable Gloves 100 ct
P/N 09184,09185,09186...........$8.99
Copper Anti-Seize
P/N 31163...........................$12.99
Thread Sealant
P/N 56521............................$7.99
LUCAS OIL
Complete Fuel Treatment
P/N 10013..................................................................$20.99
HD Oil Stabilizer
P/N 10002..................................................................$21.99
Extreme Cold Weather Fuel Treatment (1 QT)
P/N 10012 ...................................................................$6.99
Extreme Cold Weather Fuel Treatment (1/2 GAL)
P/N 10021..................................................................$11.99
50 WT Synthetic Transmission Fluid (5 GAL)
P/N 10147................................................................$169.99
SAF HOLLAND
Landing Gear
P/N LG4001-710000000 L/H......$199.99
P/N LG4001-720000000 R/H.....$299.99
5th Wheel Plates
P/N XA-17-A-L-P......................$899.99
P/N XA-351-A-L-P..................$1,199.99
Prices good through March 31, 2011
Tier 4 …
What Does This
Mean to You,
Your Business,
Your Environment?
Go to www.thompsontractor.com
and click on Tier 4 Are You Ready?
See how Caterpillar is addressing
this emissions requirement both
now and in the future.
www.thompsontractor.com
Building Relationships Since 1957
Thompson Tractor Co. WINTER 2010-2011
7
Birmingham Lift Truck Customer Appreciation Event
Lift Truck Customers from all across
Jefferson County turned out on October
14th for a customer appreciation lunch.
They enjoyed getting a chance to tour
the facility and took advantage of the
unique opportunity to take a closer
look at some of the new exciting
products just received into inventory.
The parts, rental and service areas
were accessible to the customers and
employees were on hand to suggest the
many solutions available to suit their
specific needs. This event provided a
crucial opportunity to spend time with
some of the key decision makers in the
area. Customer feedback was excellent
as both salesmen and product support
representatives reported obtaining
several leads from the event. Customers
were very enthusiastic and several
were already asking about a date for
next year. We would like to thank
the Birmingham Lift Truck Branch
employees for all the hard work they
put in preparing for this event.
Thompson Tractor Helps Train Military
Thompson Instructors Bruce Blakely
and Mike Schnellenberger conducted
a training class for the 833rd
United States Air Force Red Horse
Squadron in November. This unit is
currently located at Hurlburt Field
in Mary Esther, Florida. The classes
focused on several complex subject
areas including Electronic Sensors,
Control Logic, Caterpillar Electronic
Technician and 14M Series Motor
Graders. The training was conducted
on site at their state of the art training
and repair facility.
This group is a highly skilled
unit known as a Civil Engineering
REDHORSE
(Rapid
Engineer
Deployable Heavy Operational Repair
Squadron, Engineering). This means
they are trained and equipped to make
heavy equipment repairs, upgrade
airfields and facilities, and support
weapons systems deployment to the
areas where different operations are
being conducted. A look back into
the history of this squadron shows the
crucial role it has played on the world
scene. Many years ago in Southwest
Asia, teams termed PRIME BEEF filled
short term construction capabilities.
However, the Air Force needed more
stability and longer-term heavyequipment repair options. The response
was to organize two 400 man (12
officers and 388 airmen) Heavy Repair
Squadrons. These units, the 555th
(Triple Nickel) and the 554th (Penny
Short) Civil Engineering Squadrons
were then activated in October 1965.
After nine weeks of training at Cannon
Air Force Base in New Mexico, the
555th was deployed to Cam Ranh Bay
Air Base and the 554th to Phan Rang
Air Base in Vietnam. Upon arrival
in Vietnam, REDHORSE squadrons
repaired aluminum matting runways,
drilled wells to obtain potable water,
quarried and crushed stone for roads
and runways, repaired mortar damage
caused by enemy attacks,
constructed and upgraded
operational facilities and
housing, erected aircraft
revetments and installed
aircraft arresting barriers
and airfield lighting systems.
By 1967, six REDHORSE
squadrons had been trained,
organized and deployed
to Southeast Asia five to
South Vietnam and one to
Thailand. At the peak of
their activity, REDHORSE
total strength reached 2,400 military
and more than 6,000 (Vietnamese
and Thai) nationals. REDHORSE
squadrons also had combat capability
and were frequently called to upon to
man defensive positions. Materials
not used or unfit for use on base
projects were given to the local
population and volunteers frequently
worked with Vietnamese nationals to
complete various building projects.
REDHORSE helped to rebuild homes,
refugee camps, orphanages and local
schools to improve the quality of life
for Vietnamese civilians. Similar
opportunities exist today in regions all
over the world. This makes the training
these men receive crucial and the
effects are seen and felt worldwide.
Bruce and Mike enjoyed the opportunity
to meet and train some of America’s
finest young men. While at the base,
they were invited to participate in the
unit’s Thanksgiving Dinner complete
with all the trimmings. Bruce and
Mike conveyed how very grateful they
were that Thompson Tractor Company
appreciates the opportunity to provide
quality training to our military and
look forward to providing additional
training in the future.
REMBERING HALL THOMPSON from page 2
financial support of Alabama banks,
they would profit alongside them.
One need only look at the remarkable
strength and vitality of Alabama banks
in the upcoming decades to see the
truth in this. The progressive employee
profit sharing plan Hall established
for his employees not only was years
ahead of its time but has meant that
hundreds of retiring employees have
entered their golden years confident
and financially secure. Hall continues
to see the family business flourish with
son, Mike at the helm. It is a legacy to
make anyone proud.
Looking back and reflecting on the
past 50 years’ achievement is not an
opportunity everyone gets to enjoy.
After all, given the state of big
Building Relationships Since 1957
business in America today, there are
few employees, even in major national
corporations, who will stay at the
same company for 10, even 20 years.
Yet Hall’s famous comment, “We
don’t offer someone a job; we offer
him a career,” holds true at Thompson
Tractor. Look around the company and
one can spot dozens upon dozens of
employees that have spent the better
part of their entire careers working
with Hall, then his daughter,Judy, and
now son, Mike. Loyalty does pay.
Or, as Hall likes to say, “Our strength
comes through our people.”
The strength of both people and
purpose that Thompson Tractor enjoys
today is a tribute to the Thompson
team. Hall took great care to build a
team that could compete through good
times and bad. Because after all, it’s
not the easy times that define what
you and yours are really made of; it’s
the lean, hard, slow times that truly
show your character and how well you
compete, together.
www.thompsontractor.com
8
WINTER 2010-2011
Thompson Tractor Co.
USED FORESTRY EQUIPMENT
CATERPILLAR 525B
JOHN DEERE 843J
$90,950
TIMBERKING TK560
$72,000
STOCK # 610623, 4,883 HOURS,
EQUIPPED WITH ROPS CAB AND A/C,
FD22B DEERE HEAD, 28L-26 TIRES,
FRONT TIRES APPR. 80%, REAR TIRES
APPR. 20%
$32,500
STOCK # 3KZ01866, 6,896 HOURS
EQUIPPED WITH ROPS CAB AND A/C,
SCREENS, WIDE DECKING BLADE,
WINCH, CAT GRAPPLE, 30.5-32 TIRES
50% @ 6894 HOURS, RECONDITIONED
HEAD, NEW INJECTORS & REMAN
WATERPUMP @ 6870 HOURS, DUAL
FUNCTION BOOM
TIGERCAT 720B
$57,000
STOCK # 720-2460, 12,334 HOURS
EQUIPPED WITH ROPS CAB AND A/C,
SIDE SCREENS, D566 KOERING SAW
HEAD, 28L-26 TIRES APPR. 80%
PRENITCE 210E
STOCK # PR61117, 8,349 HOURS
EQUIPPED WITH ROPS CAB AND
A/C, FRONT SCREEN, 5055 GRAPPLE,
HG6600B HYDRAGATE DELIMBER,
MOUNTED ON RILEY TRAILER, 11-22.5
TIRES APPR. 5%
TIGERCAT H250B
STOCK # 210P54711, 11,382 HOURS
EQUIPPED WITH ROPS CABS AND A/C,
360 GRAPPLE, CTR 450 DELIMBER,
MOUNTED ON PITTS TRAILER, 11-22.5
TIRES APPR. 5%
MORBARK 30/36
$200,000
STOCK # 250T0544, 6,533 HOURS
EQUIPPED WITH ROPS HIGH RISE CAB
AND A/C, WARRATAH PROCESSING
HEAD MODEL HTH 622B, S/N 622380,
30” TRACK PADS
$26,700
$Call
STOCK # 466-1173, 1,307 HOURS
EQUIPPED WITH CHIPPER, LT235/85
R 16 TIRES APPR. 75%
Thompson Tractor Our Locations
Heavy Equipment, Lift Trucks and Power Systems
Albany
5730 Newton Road
Albany, GA 31701-7459
(229) 435-2247
Atlanta
5559 Old Dixie Road
Forest Park, GA 30297
(404) 361-8370
(800)799-5438
Macon
4380 Mead Road
Macon, GA 31206
(478) 785-1119
(800) 596-5438
Augusta
4031 Mike Padgett Highway
Augusta, GA 30906
(706) 792-9500
(800) 449-5438
Savannah
6006 Commerce Blvd.
Garden City, GA 31408
(912) 964-7156
Attalla/Gadsden
121 Gilberts Ferry Rd. S.E.
Attalla, AL 35954
(866) 811-7609
Decatur
6969 US Highway 31
Tanner, AL 35671
(800) 435-0922
Birmingham
2401 Pinson Highway
Birmingham, AL 35217
(800) 547-0760
Dothan
118 Vulcan Way
Dothan, AL 36303
(334) 671-1040
Crestview
2106 3rd Ave.
Crestview, FL 32539
(850) 682-6510
Huntsville
3600 Governors Drive
Huntsville, AL 35805
(256) 532-1776
Marianna
3742 U.S. Hwy. 90 W.
Marianna, FL 32446
(850) 526-2241
(850) 526-4607 Fax
Mobile
30950 State Hwy. 181
Spanish Fort, AL 36527
(800) 243-0665
Montgomery
10120 Hwy. 80 E.
Montgomery, AL 36117
(800) 521-9511
Tuscaloosa
3550 Joe Mallisham Pkwy.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 247-2800
ALABAMA
Store Locations
Rental Locations
Pensacola
2650 West Nine Mile Rd.
Pensacola, FL 32534
(850) 471-6700
Oxford/Anniston
2300 Hwy. 21 S.
Oxford, AL 36203
(800) 547-8897
Shelby County
2070 Corporate Woods Dr.
Alabaster, AL 35007
(205) 664-4833
Panama City
4109 Cato Rd.
Panama City, FL 32404
(850) 785-4007
Thomasville
2501 Joe Davis Industrial Blvd.
Thomasville, AL 36784
(334) 636-0420
Tuscumbia
1410 S. Hook St.
Tuscumbia, AL 35674
(256) 381-2771
Cat Rental Stores
1-800-RENT-CAT connects customers to
their nearest Cat Rental Store.
GEORGIA
FL
Opelika/Auburn
302 Fox Run Ave.
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 749-3359
Birmingham
3317 Messer Airport Hwy.
Birmingham, AL 35222
(205) 326-0334
Huntsville
3600 Governors Drive
Huntsville, AL 35805
(256) 532-3001
Montgomery
2217 S. Forbes Rd.
Montgomery, AL 36110
(334) 262-1101
Panama City
4109 Cato Rd.
Panama City, FL 32404
(850) 873-6540
Shelby County
2070 Corporate Woods Dr.
Alabaster, AL 35007
(205) 664-9489
Dothan
118 Vulcan Way
Dothan, AL 36303
(334) 673-3300
Mobile
1950 East I-65 Service Rd. N.
Mobile, AL 36617
(251) 452-1180
Oxford/Anniston
2300 Hwy. 21 S.
Oxford, AL 36203
(256) 835-5737
Pensacola
2650 West Nine Mile Rd.
Pensacola, FL 32534
(850) 471-6710
Tuscaloosa
3550 Joe Mallisham Pky.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 247-3402
Lift Truck Only Locations
Building Relationships Since 1957
www.thompsontractor.com