Our History: 50+ Years in the Making
1969
Trackless Vehicles Limited was founded in 1969 by G. Wesley Cadman, father of current General Manager, Doug Cadman. The “Trackless” name came to be because at the time, our machine’s competition had tracks, and ours does not; therefore, the name Trackless Vehicles. Trackless originally manufactured a cab-less machine called the Lobo. The Lobo was designed for the mining industry and was used to transport workers and supplies around mines. When the decision was made to attach a snowplow and rear sander to the Lobo, the MT1 was born.
1969
Trackless Vehicles Limited was founded in 1969 by G. Wesley Cadman, father of current General Manager, Doug Cadman. The “Trackless” name came to be because at the time, our machine’s competition had tracks, and ours does not; therefore, the name Trackless Vehicles. Trackless originally manufactured a cab-less machine called the Lobo. The Lobo was designed for the mining industry and was used to transport workers and supplies around mines. When the decision was made to attach a snowplow and rear sander to the Lobo, the MT1 was born.
1973
The MT2 was launched in 1973, and boasted a cab at the request of Trackless consumers. “MT” stands for Municipal Tractor, as this tractor was now designed specifically for municipal and institutional use. The MT2 featured 4-wheel drive and a front PTO, leading to increased manoeuvrability, strength, visibility and ease of control. The machine was built to standard sidewalk width. Available attachments included the Snowblower, V-Plow, Pickup Sweeper and Mower. The MT2 was powered by a Continental F163 four-cylinder liquid-cooled gasoline engine, rated at 56.3HP @2200 RPM.
1978
The next generation of MT from Trackless Vehicles, the MT3, was released in 1978. The machine was powered by a Ford Industrial diesel engine rated at 79HP @2500 RPM, and featured Eaton hydrostatics. In total the machine had 7 available attachments, including the newly launched Flail Mower and Power Angle Sweeper.
1978
The next generation of MT from Trackless Vehicles, the MT3, was released in 1978. The machine was powered by a Ford Industrial diesel engine rated at 79HP @2500 RPM, and featured Eaton hydrostatics. In total the machine had 7 available attachments, including the newly launched Flail Mower and Power Angle Sweeper.
1985
The MT4 was released in 1985, and was designed to prioritize operator comfort and safety. The cab was lined with sound-absorbing material, and a tilt-lift steering wheel was added for convenience. The MT4 was powered by a Continental diesel 59HP engine at first; a turbo option was added later to bump engine power up to 77HP @2600 RPM to meet market demand. New attachments released to accompany the MT4 included new Rotary Mowers, a Spraying System, Under Guard Rail Mower, Sickle Bar Mower, Rear Sand Spreader and 3-Point Hitch with Rear PTO.
1988
Late 1988 saw the release of the long-awaited MT5. MT5’s produced early on featured a 76HP Cummins diesel engine and Eaton hydrostatics. That said, the MT5 went through a number of horse power changes over the years, featuring HP ratings of 79, 100 and finally a 110HP Cummins Tier 2. Two attachments were added to the lineup; the Cold Planer and the Boom Flail Mower. To date, the MT5 is Trackless Vehicles’ longest-produced MT.
1988
Late 1988 saw the release of the long-awaited MT5. MT5’s produced early on featured a 76HP Cummins diesel engine and Eaton hydrostatics. That said, the MT5 went through a number of horse power changes over the years, featuring HP ratings of 79, 100 and finally a 110HP Cummins Tier 2. Two attachments were added to the lineup; the Cold Planer and the Boom Flail Mower. To date, the MT5 is Trackless Vehicles’ longest-produced MT.
2002
Trackless Vehicles built a brand-new 100,000 square foot plant just down the road from our original location in June of 2002. The plant sits on 28 acres of land in Courtland, ON and is equipped with a 500HP Cummins generator to ensure no loss of production time during power outages.
2008
With the launch of the MT6 came a number of improvements. The introduction of a 115HP Cummins model QSB4.5 saw a nearly 50% decrease in fuel consumption when compared to the older MT5 model. A plethora of new attachments were released, including: Folding V-Plow, Double Trip Sidewalk Plow, Front Mount Spreader and Plow, Dump Body, Infrared Asphalt Heater and Generator, Front End Loader, Line and Stencil Painter and Aerator. Additionally, a variety of width options for the Snowblower attachment were added.
2008
With the launch of the MT6 came a number of improvements. The introduction of a 115HP Cummins model QSB4.5 saw a nearly 50% decrease in fuel consumption when compared to the older MT5 model. A plethora of new attachments were released, including: Folding V-Plow, Double Trip Sidewalk Plow, Front Mount Spreader and Plow, Dump Body, Infrared Asphalt Heater and Generator, Front End Loader, Line and Stencil Painter and Aerator. Additionally, a variety of width options for the Snowblower attachment were added.
2016
2016 saw the introduction of the current Trackless MT model, the MT7. This machine was originally built with a John Deere 4.5L, 275 cubic inch Tier 4 Final engine; in 2023, Trackless introduced a John Deere 4.5L Stage 5 engine. A number of new features were added with the MT7, including an improved joystick that incorporated an FNR thumb switch and an in-dash touch screen to display gauges, settings and diagnostics. A backup camera, A/C unit, and secondary hydraulic gear pump are all now standard features with the MT7. Additionally, Trackless introduced a few new attachments, including the Stump Grinder, 150-gallon Water Tank and the Spray Arm.
2019
In 2019, Trackless Vehicles celebrated our 50th anniversary! Each MT7 tractor released in 2019 featured the special edition 50th anniversary logo to mark the milestone.
2019
In 2019, Trackless Vehicles celebrated our 50th anniversary! Each MT7 tractor released in 2019 featured the special edition 50th anniversary logo to mark the milestone.
2020
In 2020, a 10,000 square foot addition was built for the robotic welding station. The robotic welder was purchased to help to keep up with production demands.
