'BIG BERTHA' FMC M548 Soft Track Skidgen T1

BIG BERTHA is a former US Spec Ops non-armored, aluminum, amphibious assault unit. Bertha has been demilitarized and converted for firefighting and rehabilitation work. The water tank doubles as a Hydro-seeder for reclamation work.

Bertha carries a six-ton payload and seats up to four personnel abreast in a fully enclosed cab protected by a purpose-built ROPS system. Obadiah's selected this FMC-built platform for several reasons.

This Soft Track Skidgen can operate effectively in steep, soft terrain, wet, marshy areas, soft sand, and soils, and can move quickly on unimproved roads & highways.

It is built with aircraft-quality aluminum, giving it some of the strength of steel but at a much lighter weight. Bertha is also equipped with a 6V53 Detroit diesel rated at over 220 HP, and is capable of speeds in excess of 50 MPH.

We have made several modifications to make Bertha even better, including an overhead electric winch system that allows us to convert from a firefighting/hydro-seeding unit to a cargo/crew hauler very rapidly.

This flexibility allows us to transition quickly after the fire is out, or even during the fire, to a transport unit capable of moving cargo or firefighters safely in rugged remote areas.

Bertha is one of several units that allow us to diversify and be ready to serve, after the fire is out or even during the fire, to a transport unit capable of safely moving cargo or firefighters in rugged environments or in other types of disasters.

Whether it be hurricanes, Tornados, floods, or earthquakes, this unit has proven very useful. The rubber pads on the tracks prevent damage to the road surface and rolling over debris, and she travels through mud, snow, or water with equal ease.