MEDFORD, Ore. (Oct. 31, 2026) — A Medford-manufactured tracked vehicle designed to transport passengers and equipment across snow-covered terrain has been named Oregon’s Coolest Thing Made in Oregon for 2026.
Tucker Sno-Cat’s Model 1600 Over-Snow Vehicle received the top honor in the Oregon Business & Industry (OBI) organization’s fourth annual contest, beating out Tillamook’s sharp cheddar cheese in the final round of public voting.
The winner was announced at the conclusion of OBI’s Vision Oregon Event. The Model 1600 succeeds Bullseye Glass’ art glass, which won the 2025 competition.
Manufactured in Medford, the Model 1600 is designed to operate in snow-covered and challenging terrain. According to the company, the vehicle can be configured for a variety of applications, including passenger transportation, utility work and exploration.
The company’s published specifications for a five- to six-passenger Model 1600 configuration include a 173-horsepower Cummins diesel engine, an Allison 2500 automatic transmission and a 50-gallon fuel tank, with an optional 100-gallon capacity.
The vehicle features an insulated passenger cab with a 36,000-BTU heater, front bucket seats and a rear bench seat. Its track system is available in all-rubber or steel configurations, with track widths ranging from 26 to 38 inches.
The five- to six-passenger configuration measures approximately 28 feet, 8 inches long and 9 feet, 7 inches tall. It also has a maximum deck load capacity of 3,000 pounds. Tucker offers additional equipment and customization options for different operating needs.
The contest’s broader description of the Model 1600 highlights configurations capable of carrying as many as 15 passengers.
“I’d like to congratulate Tucker Sno-Cat on a well-deserved win and thank the rest of this year’s 16 finalists for participating,” said OBI President and CEO Angela Wilhelms. “These products are manufactured in almost every part of the state, from Ashland to Boardman. And they represent the incredible diversity of Oregon’s manufacturing sector. Oregon continues to make important – and incredibly cool – things.”
This year’s competition began in May, when Oregonians nominated products manufactured throughout the state. A panel selected 16 finalists, with public voting beginning in September through a bracket-style competition that progressively narrowed the field.
Bullseye Glass, last year’s winner, also manufactured the award presented to this year’s winner.
The 2026 finalists represented a wide range of Oregon industries and communities, including food production, transportation, technology, manufacturing and outdoor recreation. Products from Ashland, Roseburg, Boardman, Tillamook, Bend, Eugene and several other Oregon communities were represented in the competition.
October is National Manufacturing Month. OBI marked the occasion with its fifth annual Manufacturing and Innovation Roadshow, which included visits to four Portland-area manufacturers and Portland International Airport.
Nominations for the fifth annual Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest are expected to open in spring 2027.
Discover more from Medford Alert News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
