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New medium tankers on tour

Posted by Jason Leigh CFA Member

Friday, 06 July 2012

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Two of CFA’s new medium sized tankers are making their way around the state for members to see and operate.

The 2012 model is built on a Hino 1322 4x4 crew chassis with seating for five, and the pumping and engine power of a larger, heavy tanker.

It’s smaller, lighter, more manoeuvrable and more versatile than ever before. An improved power to weight ratio gives it the power of a 3.4C cab chassis but only pulling the weight of a medium tanker.

Although the outside of the new truck looks virtually the same as the recent 2.4C tanker it replaces, there are a lot of internal changes and upgrades that improve the vehicle’s durability and effectiveness.

The tanker features a two-staged pump powered by a 22kW diesel engine. The pump puts out 900 litres of water a minute at 700kPa pressure – double the output of the last model and on a par with a large tanker.

An ultra-high pressure pump can spray low levels of water at high pressure − ideal for blacking out and even cleaning the truck.

The high pressure pump feeds two 60-metre lightweight hoses that are half an inch in diameter, each equipped with a trigger style handheld nozzle fitted with an aspirator that allows air to enter and create aspirated foam to avoid embers being sprayed around. The tankers have Class A foam capacity.

Input from district mechanical officers (DMOs) during the design and prototype stage has made the new model a lot easier to maintain, from small improvements such as the low current LED lights fitted throughout the vehicle to the new 'CAN bus’ electrical control system that allows them to easily fix faults from their computer.

The monitor on the bull bar is controlled by an electrically-operated joystick in the cabin, which is a lot more robust than the previous cable-operated system. The new electric system increases the flow by 250 litres a minute and is a more reliable and commercially available product.

The introduction of an electrically-operated three-way pneumatic valve will make it a lot easier to switch between tank supply and hard suction. Switching between water sources is now as easy as flicking a switch and a lot easier than the old hand wheel gears that created maintenance issues.

All fibreglass parts have been replaced with aluminium or plastic to make the truck a lot more recyclable and environmentally sustainable. The new water tank is made from polyethylene, which is easier for DMOs to maintain and can be sourced in a few days rather than months.

While the cabin deck access hatch is no longer included in the design, a crew protection drop-down awning is now provided for the deck area.

The vehicle is fitted with a rear-view reversing camera and comes with stowage area for an esky – holding 24 bottles of water.

The $25 million project is due to be completed by June next year and will see 74 new tankers distributed to rural stations across the state, built by Victorian manufacturers SEM Fire and Rescue at Ballarat and Bell Environmental at Sunshine.

Two medium sized tankers will be touring the state for feedback and the below locations have been tentatively booked. Contact your district office for confirmation.

If you've seen the tanker and have feedback to offer please visit: www.surveymonkey.com/s/mediumtanker

Monday 09/07/2012 (District 7)

Torquay FS: 1200 - 1400
Wallington FS: 1500 - 1700
Lethbridge FS: 1800 - 2000

Tuesday 10/07/2012 (District 7)

Geelong DMO W/S: 0900 - 1200
Winchelsea FS: 1400 - 1600
Rokewood FS: 1800 - 2000

Wednesday 11/07/2012 (District 6)

Barwon Downs FS: 1000 - 1200
Cobden FS: 1430 - 1630
Colac FS: 1530 - 2000

Thursday 12/07/2012

(District 13)

District 13 DMO office: 1400-1445
Warburton FS: 1530-1730
Lilydale FS: 1815-2015

(District 6)

Lismore FS: 1000 - 1200
Duverney FS: 1400 - 1600

Friday 13/07/2012

(District 14)

South Morang FS: 1400-2000

(District 15)

Bacchus Marsh FS: 1200 - 1330
Wendouree FS (for Ballarat DMO, Ballarat Group and D15HQ): 1500 - 1800

Saturday 14/07/2012 (District 8)

Moorooduc FS: 1000 -1130
Tooradin FS: 1300-1430

Sunday 15/07/2012 (District 14)

Sunbury FS: 1000-1300
Melton FS: 1300-1600

Monday 16/07/2012

(District 10)

Morwell FS: 1000 -1200
Traralgon FS: 1300-1500
Yarram FS: 1600-2000

(District 15)

Mt Warrenheip FS: 1200 - 1330
Daylesford FS: 1800 - 1930

Tuesday 17/07/2012

(District 10)

Gippsland FTG: 1000-1300
Heyfield FS: 1400-1500
Maffra FS: 1530-1700

(District 5)

Wangoom FS: 1100- 1300
Toolong FS: 1400 - 1600
Hawkesdale FS: 1800 - 2000

Wednesday 18/07/2012

(District 11)

Swifts Creek FS: 1000-1200
Omeo FS: 1300-1600

(District 5)

Strathkellar FS: 0900 - 1100
Dunkeld FS: 1130 - 1300
Balmoral FS: 1400 - 1600

Thursday 19/07/2012

(District 11)

Kalimna West FS: 1000-1200
Bairnsdale DMO office: 1300-1500

(District 4)

Casterton FS: 1000 - 1300
Dartmoor FS: 1430 - 1730

Friday 20/07/2012

(District 9)

Toora FS: 1000-1200
Leongatha South FS: 1300-1500
Mirboo North FS: 1600-1800

(District 4)

Heywood FS: 0930 - 1200
Portland FS: 1300 - 1600

Saturday 21/07/2012 (District 9)

Trafalgar FS: 0900-1030
Warragul FS: 1100-1330
Monday 23/07/2012

(District 12)

Acheron FS: 1000-1130
Murrindindi FS: 1230-1400
Seymour FS: 1500-1630
Kilmore FS: 1730-2000

(District 2)

Maryborough FS: 1000 - 1300
Castlemaine FS: 1400 - 1600
Woodend FS: 1800 - 2030

Tuesday 24/07/2012

(District 22)

Nagambie FS: 1000-1200
Shepparton FS: 1300-1500
Wunghnu FS: 1600-1730
Strathmerton FS: 1830-2000

(District 2)

Heathcote FS: 1000 - 1300
Kangaroo Flat DMO: 1400 - 1500
Bendigo FS: 1530 - 1730
Maiden Gully FS: 1900 - 2030

Wednesday 25/07/2012

(District 23)

Benalla FS: 1000-1100
Wangaratta FS: 1200-1400
Wangaratta DMO office: 1500-1600
Wangaratta FS: 1700-1900

(District 20)

Corop FS: 1000 - 1230
Tennyson FS: 1400 - 1630
Sand Hill Lake FS: 1800 - 2000

Thursday 26/07/2012

(District 24)

Browns Plains FS: 1000-1200
Stanley FS: 1400-1600
Kiewa FS: 1730-2000

(District 20)

Yando FS: 1000 - 1230
Woosang FS: 1400 - 1600
Rheola FS: 1800 - 2000

Friday 27/07/2012 (District 23 & 24)

D24 HQ Wodonga office: 0800-1000
Mansfield FS: 1200-1400

Monday 30/07/2012 (District 16)

Lexton FS: 1000 - 1100
Ararat FS: 1145 - 1330
Moyston FS: 1400 - 1500
Stawell FS: 1545 - 1700
Marnoo FS: 1745 - 1845
Tuesday 31/07/2012 (District 17)
Horsham FS: 0900 - 1030
Natimuk FS: 1100 - 1200
Goroke FS: 1230 - 1345
Edenhope FS: 1430 - 1530
Douglas FS: 1630 - 1730
Jung FS: 2000 - 2100

Wednesday 01/08/2012 (District 17)

Dimboola FS: 1000 - 1115
Nhill FS: 1200 - 1330
Kaniva FS: 1400 - 1515
Jeparit FS: 1600-1700
Warracknabeal FS: 1745 - 1900

Thursday 02/08/2012 (District 18)

Mildura FS: 1200 - 1600
Irymple FS: 2000 - 2100

Friday 03/08/2012 (District 18)

Swan Hill DMO W/S: 1130 – 1400.

Saturday 04/08/2012 (District 8)

Pakenham: 1030 – 1200.
Cranbourne: 1330 - 1500.

Sunday 05/08/2012 (District 8)

Sassafras: 0900 – 1100.
Ferntree Gully FS: 1130 - 1330.

Location:

General

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Vehicles / Equipment / Buildings

More in this category:

Mildura fire station - take a tour | Callawadda gets new fire station

Last modified on Thursday, 06 September 2012 15:49

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Comments (10) Add Comment

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...
written by Chris Corr, July 09, 2012

Looks good - thanks.

Has the very low vehicle power on start-up until engine warm (part of the emissions control measures) of the slightly older 2.4C's been resolved with this model? The older recent 2.4Cs are terrible in this respect.

Reason for teh DAH not being included in these vehicles?

Also I would suggest the high pressure reels be moved inboard to the centre and beacons be installed ontop of those or where the reels currently are on the prototypes. The high pressure reels are a sure thing to be wacked on leaning trees in off-road and operational conditions despite best endeavours.

Thanks. (From a member of a brigade operating a current 2.4C).

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written by Thomas Meadows, July 09, 2012

Had a look over the appliance today. Very impressive appliance, Monitor on the front is Brilliant!, but a few concerns. Does not carry much 38mm Hose. Why cant the passenger side high pressure gun be replaced with a live reel as per the current 2.4C's?. i can see the benefits in the high pressure reel, but i just cant see the need for two. Its current stowed location is a bit hard for "height restricted" people to grab. Its a pity that a new truck will see crews having to bowl out or peel hose off a dead reel for a car fire / bin fire etc. Control for the lights/siren is a little confusing, why cant we just have 3 switches, and a siren rocker switch. Also it is mounted flush on the top of the centre console, requiring you to look over the top of the panel to see which button/s to press. Apart from those few items, a nice vehicle. Thanks to Neville Britton for the Demo.

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written by Peter Cass, July 10, 2012

A lot of people are probably not aware of the potential of high pressure water systems for firefighting. My research on the net has provided a lot of information on its advantages, especially the reports done by the USAF. I believe that it offers significant potential for future firefighting practices. Congratulations CFA of what looks like an excellent vehicle in all respects. I'd love my brigade to have one. In the meantime I'm looking forward to checking it out when it's in my district.

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written by doug steley, July 10, 2012

Looks interesting

I hope we can see it in the metal soon

...
written by Brian Scown, July 11, 2012

Hi Peter Cass,

You are correct in advising that there are many advantages to High Pressure water operation, but with every advantage there are disadvantages. One of the biggest disadvantages with this appliance is that there are two High Pressure reels. It appears that there is not the ability to run a live reel out for the rapid exposure protection or fire knock down.

These appliances will be going to brigades as either their primary response appliance or primary tanker and as a result are instantly at a disadvantage when responding to firecalls in comparison to their neighbouring brigade which may be running an earlier D or C tanker. Currently, if your brigade is operating with a retrofitted crew spray D or C tanker you are in a better position.

In saying this, there appears to be many advantages to the appliance and will serve a brigade well... I personally would want to hold out until the next run of these appliances comes out of the manufacture with a retro fit, replacing one HP for a LR.

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written by Michael Brennan, July 15, 2012

With availability of the twin cab, is the provision of the rear deck worth the space?
Are we not moving away from firemen standing unsrestained in the back of a moving vehicle?

A pity that a dual rear axle is not an option to assist with more reliable access to housefires in our boggy winters which is a greater need and good compared to combating wildfires in my view.

I'd trade the cost of deckspace and pulldown protection for a dual rear axle.
I understand this involves drivers needing a heavy rigid licence, but given the size of vehicles (not large) perhaps there is room for CFA CEO and Chairman to lobby transport minister for a dispensation?

Mickjoebill

...
written by Jason Leigh, July 16, 2012

Hi all,

I’ve run these comments by Operations Manager Gary Weir, who is in charge of this project. He’s provided the following response.

“Thanks everyone for your feedback, which will all be considered in the review for the production version. An online survey has been set up to capture feedback in the one place and we’d appreciate if you could contribute: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/mediumtanker

To follow up on some of the specific questions:

Slow start up
Modern trucks have slightly reduced power until warmed up, in order to meet environmental standards. CFA is further investigating this issue with vehicle manufacturers and VicRoads and will continue to find ways to improve performance.

Deck Access Hatch
The model of truck this medium tanker is built on has a slightly different cab design whereby it’s far more difficult to install the deck access hatch. A crew protection awning is now included in place of the deck access hatch. Burnover tests have shown it to provide excellent protection for crews, equal to that afforded by the cabin.

Placement of high pressure reels
Thanks for this comment – we’ll refer it on to the engineers as part of our evaluation process.

Amount of 38mm hose
We’re reviewing the amount of 38mm lay-flat hose that the tanker carries as part of the feedback process, with the intent of designing it to carry more.

Including a live reel
With regards to the live reel – there’s been a divergence with our membership on the need to have a live hose reel. This issue is being considered within the feedback we’re getting from the road tour.

Feedback on lights/sirens
This is a good point. This feedback will be forwarded for consideration in the review for the production version.

Thanks again and please make sure to contribute any further feedback through https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/mediumtanker "

Hope this helps,

Jason

...
written by Dave Tangey, July 17, 2012

Hi Jason,
I have found that surveymonkey is not working correctly.
When you tick one "Good" box for example it will not allow you to check another good, that is it will uncheck previous checks.

FF Dave Tangey Bayswater 0428301695

...
written by Jason Leigh, July 17, 2012

Hi Dave,

Thanks a lot for picking that one up. All fixed now.

Thanks again,

Jason

...
written by Brett Hume, July 22, 2012

This tanker seems to be a great improvement on previous models.

I have submitted comments to the survey forum but would like to raise the issue of how necessary/effective is the front mounted monitor other than for the 'wow' factor?

Having had experience with front sprays (Magnun type) deck monitors and crew attack systems I cannot seem to find any justification for the monitor on this type of tanker.

I base this in the following;

1. The monitor seems oriented for grass type fires,
2. It uses a LOT of water to start up, aim and to stop.
3. It adds weight and cost for little increased capability.
4. The tanker only has 1700lts of 'usable' water (2350 - 650 for crew protection)so water control/conservation becomes a very significant issue for operability and sustained capability.
5. A well trained deck crew, IMO can extinguish significant areas of fire both on the ground, to the sides and above where the monitor is quite restricted to the view from the front seat.
6. The additional weight of the monitor and installation could be better utilized by increasing the on board water capacity. This could equate to an additional 120-150lts.

Just my thoughts and I would be interested in others opinions.

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