SA Firefighter
Equipment => All Equipment discussion => Topic started by: bittenyakka on October 27, 2006, 10:52:51 PM
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In our brigade we only have rather old brass 38 & 64 branches. I was wondering what model and brand most other brigades use that are less thatn 2 or so years old.
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We use Proteks for our sidelines. Not sure of the model but it goes from 19L to about 150L. They are small, lightweight and easy to use.
For the 38mm and 64mm hose we use an Akron nozzle which im not sure of the model again but goes from something like 175L to 450L?
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We have an Akron for our 64 / 38 mm line.....
Pip
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We have a nice range of Akrons, TFT's, both auto and not, as well as the older twist style 25mm branch, and a couple of large old brass 38/64mm. In fact I think we might even have every type of branch in service over the past years.
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We only have Akron on sidelines. everything else is old brass which you twist to switch on. this limits the members hwo are trained in CFB.
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We only have Akron on sidelines. everything else is old brass which you twist to switch on. this limits the members hwo are trained in CFB.
Why do you still have these? Are you unable to order new ones in?
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We use Protek 360, 362, 366, Brass ones have been put on the shelf in the shed.
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Well it has been sugested many times but it never seems to happen.
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I am shocked to hear there are still TB25's in service. They are heavy on water not very easy to use and just plain old.........Surely a shut off branch is both affordable and much safer. A fog is easy to achieve and much faster than with the old brass stuff. I want maximum protection fast if I need it.
Protecs are made by Akron and a very good branch. Akrons are ofcourse the rolls royce and can't be beaten in my opinion.
Please beg your equipment officer to get rid of the brass, It's good to keep them as spares on the truck, because you can't break them but don't use them for day to day ops.....
My 2 cents :-)
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How many have handles on their branches?
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If you are asking about the ones we have only sidelines. the others are Brass about 40 cm long and have a twist on off.
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How many have handles on their branches?
We removed the handle off our large Akron branch, so it is better utilised for compartment fire fighting.....I can't remember the last time we had to use it for any fire.....!
Pip
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We have all the handles removed on our 25mm rubber, and also on our akrons. It is better ergonomics and easier to do Compartment tricks with. I think they reccommend that you remove the handles?
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I have seen some brigades jsut hack the handles off,they did not know you could remove the screws or better still buy them without the handles....
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We use Akron's and when you dial up 50 l/pm for mopup with 2000 litres of water,it will last over 1 1/2 hours, not bad when you have to conserve water.
Anyone with TB15 and TB25 needs to get their equipment officers up to speed on some real gear :evil:
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Now that would be nice if we all had the same gear but if only we all had the same money to buy things.....
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NOWA have a very good special on 25mm TFT branches this month at $550, check the back page of the Volunteer if you want more details.
Get rid of those thirsty TB25's and get some decent branches, your members will thank you for it.
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JEEEZ.... back in the darker dark ages...
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I have mixed feelings about the handles. They are great for rural jobs in goat country, yet they can be a bit large and clumsy feeling for internal work. They shouldnt make a huge difference for gas cooling techniques as long as you take the time to set the branch correctly.
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Brigades remove the handles to better compartment techniques, but how many actually regulally train in the techniques? - (Be realistic, as i'm assuming it wouldn't be all that often).. So taking the handles off would probably make little difference - I see more benifits with them staying on - & With regular training CFB techniques can be just as easily managed with the handles.
Back to the branches.. - The Brass should be removed, they are old, outdated, and in all honestly you would be safer and alot better equipped with instantaneous on/off branches which easy pattern change. -Even cheapies would better suit.
I prefer Akrons, but have had no problems with TFT's, and recently trialling Protek #366's. - I prefer the ability to control flow rate manually.
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So how many brigades get them serviced??? we used to send ours to a guy at greenhill.....
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We removed the handle off our large Akron branch, so it is better utilised for compartment fire fighting.....I can't remember the last time we had to use it for any fire.....!
Pip
We have our handle on still and we find it is better for compartment techniques that way as you can use the handle as a stop. Like you setup the branch to the 3D pattern then rest the handle against the wrist. Then when you go between the three spots 3D, Paint & Pencil you can always find your way back to 3D by twisting back till the handle is against your wrist again. Works well anyway.
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I think the whole taking handles off for compartment is just someone thinking they were important, they should be left on as they are for general purpose use not just compartment.
You may still have to use your 64mm branches for grassies or set up a ground monitor etc so its better to leave them on.
I wouldn't use those cheapy TFT's as they are just that cheapies.
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Nothing wrong with TFT'S....
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Interesting to know...never knew they needed servicing. Would quite a few down here that probaly have never been serviced.
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Cam,they have parts inside that need to be replaced and with the hard water here in SA they should be done ever couple of years.
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Will have to check up on that and see if they do get serviced. If not better get it organised.
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We service our own, tighten check for leaks put in new O rings etc.
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Well let me try and respond without upsetting everyone.
Tillerman is correct, taking handles off is just someone's opinion being forced upon everyone, have a look at the movie files on the Akron website and you'll see why they have the handle.
The guy from Greenhill moved to Qld.
And yes they should be serviced, there are two types of service. A field service kit is available for the Akron ($80 approx) and a major service kit (should be done by a tech).
Oh and for the record, the No1 selling branch in SA....TB25, how is that you may ask? Well contrary to previous statements, they are in fact easier to use, service and maintain, and also contrary to many peoples thoughts, there are more than two fire services in SA. The industrial fire sector is huge, think mines, gas plants, aviation etc and the amounts of equipment they require for people of different levels of training is huge. Hence the reason they go for the TB25 for all their basic fire needs, only their firies get the more tricked up gear.
Have I offended anyone? Maybe i'm not trying hard enough :-)
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no you have not offended anyone rather pointed out a few facts no problem there,shame that guy moved to QLD as he was cheap and did a great job.there is nothing wrong with TB25 loads still out there in the private and public sector.
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The extra length in the TB25 makes it good for holding on 64mm hose. But for any tight bendy work im not so sure.
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TB25's are popular for a reason, that is user friendliness for lower skill people. Weapon of choice for skilled firies would still be Akron 1720. Others do the job but fall to bits earlier (hence cheaper), Harder to service, or the ability to service, Rob user of water in order to operate etc...shall I go on...Akron for this little black duck, cost is nothing when its my life behind it. And yes what are brigades (supposedly skilled firefighters) doing with smooth bore branches and TB25's still on their appliances anyway, someone should be shot! 8-)
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TB25's are popular for a reason, that is user friendliness for lower skill people. Weapon of choice for skilled firies would still be Akron 1720. Others do the job but fall to bits earlier (hence cheaper), Harder to service, or the ability to service, Rob user of water in order to operate etc...shall I go on...Akron for this little black duck, cost is nothing when its my life behind it. And yes what are brigades (supposedly skilled firefighters) doing with smooth bore branches and TB25's still on their appliances anyway, someone should be shot! 8-)
But gongy CFS build appliances to a budget..TB25's were the BEST remember...but we saw the light and changed as soon as we got them :-D