FAT TRUCK® Dealer Leads New Innovation in Remote Equipment Deployment

Share

 

Zeal Motor Inc., the manufacturer of the renowned FAT TRUCK®, is highlighting a new innovation developed by one of its dealers, Sudbury-based RufDiamond, in partnership with Cambrian College. The two organizations have developed a deployable lifting platform for the FAT TRUCK® that is now supporting wildfire response efforts in Northwestern Ontario.

The platform allows a FAT TRUCK® to carry a payload of up to 2,200 pounds into locations with no road access, lift the platform off the vehicle, drive out from underneath, and lower the load to the ground — solving a persistent challenge in remote deployment: unloading cargo without cranes or other lifting equipment on site.

The technology has moved quickly from concept to active field use. As of a July 2026 press conference at Cambrian College, the unit was confirmed for deployment to the wildfire crisis in Northwestern Ontario.

“Without Cambrian, this would be factored under a plausible option — potential, maybe one day,” said Daryl Adams, president of RufDiamond, of the platform’s development.

The project recently received $150,000 in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), supporting further use of advanced materials and structural optimization to make the lifting system lighter and more energy-efficient. The same funding will also support a custom drag-behind toboggan for transporting supplies across Arctic terrain. Including RufDiamond’s own cash and in-kind contributions, the total value of the two-year project is $227,500.

FAT TRUCK® vehicles are used across mining, defence, pipeline, hydro, and emergency response applications in terrain inaccessible to conventional vehicles.

For more information, visit: https://www.sudbury.com/local-news/cambrian-modified-fat-truck-to-help-fight-northern-ontario-wildfires-12578131

Read full article

Articles that might interest you

Learn more

FAT TRUCK® All-Terrain Hauler Goes Everywhere

Fat Trucks from Zeal Motor go where nothing else can. With 5-ft. by 24-in. tires, they float in water, and with only 3 to 4 psi, they also float over most obstacles. Add spikes, and they chew their way across ice. They carry people, cargo and specialized equipment like cranes, water tanks, material spreaders or firefighting equipment.

Learn more

Amphibious vehicles available to save lives during floods in Punta Gorda and beyond

The trucks have big wheels that can make it through high water. The vehicles also float. Supertrak, right next to the Punta Gorda Airport, volunteered their time and FAT Trucks to first responders during Hurricane Helene. "It was a shock, obviously, to know that we were going to help our local residents out," Michael Stanek of Supertrak said. "It was a great honor to go out and actually rescue and see people in distress."

Learn more

The FAT TRUCK® Ice Odyssey: Experience the Columbia Icefield Like Never Before

The Columbia Icefield in the Canadian Rockies is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in North America, and now, thanks to the FAT TRUCK®, it's more accessible than ever. The FAT TRUCK® amphibious glacier tour vehicle is at the heart of the Ice Odyssey, a premium experience offered by Pursuit's Banff Jasper Collection that takes guests deep into terrain no ordinary vehicle could ever reach. Guests climb aboard the FAT TRUCK, a remarkable all-terrain vehicle designed to conquer rugged terrain effortlessly — for a personalized adventure shared with a small group of fellow explorers. As they traverse the stunning Athabasca Glacier, guides share the story of the icefield, from its ancient glacial formation to its recent role as a NASA testing ground. Banff Jasper Collection With a maximum of 10 guests per vehicle, the smaller group size means less impact on the glacier and a more intimate experience compared to larger tour vehicles. It's the kind of up-close encounter with nature that leaves a lasting impression. Banff Jasper Collection We are thrilled to see the FAT TRUCK delivering unforgettable experiences in one of Canada's most iconic landscapes.

Learn more

FAT TRUCK® Supports Flood Relief Efforts in Swan River, Manitoba

When floodwaters hit the communities of Swan River and Minitonas, Manitoba, the FAT TRUCK® was there when it mattered most. The Manitoba RCMP Search and Rescue team deployed the FAT TRUCK® as part of their flood relief operations, working alongside partners to assist those impacted and help keep everyone safe. The images speak for themselves — navigating washed-out terrain and flooded areas that would stop any conventional vehicle in its tracks, the FAT TRUCK® proved once again why it is the go-to amphibious utility vehicle for flood rescue and emergency response. We are thrilled to see the FAT TRUCK® serving on the front lines and helping protect communities across Canada.

Learn more

National Grid Relies on the FAT TRUCK® to Power Critical Infrastructure Upgrades

National Grid has turned to the FAT TRUCK®, a purpose-built amphibious utility vehicle for power grid maintenance, to support major upgrades at the Rotterdam Substation in New York, one of the largest and oldest stations in the National Grid system. With crews working in areas where a wheeled vehicle would sink instantly due to wet and soft ground conditions, the FAT TRUCK proved to be the right tool for the job, carrying up to eight people and powering through terrain with up to three feet of water. CBS6 Albany Before using the FAT TRUCK, crews sometimes had to wait for mats to be laid down just to safely reach a structure. Now, the vehicle glides over rough terrain without leaving deep ruts, reducing environmental impact and saving valuable time on the job site. CBS6 Albany The story was covered exclusively by CBS6 (WRGB Albany), highlighting how purpose-built amphibious technology is helping utility providers modernize critical infrastructure while keeping crews safe and operations on schedule. We are proud to see the FAT TRUCK making a difference in the field.

Learn more

Zeal Motor Inc. Proudly Supports Hurricane Relief Efforts

Zeal Motor, the leading OEM manufacturer of the FAT TRUCK® off-road industrial vehicles, proudly stands with the citizens of the States affected by the recent hurricanes. We extend our deepest sympathies to the communities impacted by these disasters, and we are honored by the dedication and innovation shown by our team and partners in support of relief efforts.