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I need some input.
I need some input from anyone willing to give it. How many of you are using hydraulic extrication tools that are preconnected to the hoses and the pump stays on the truck? That being the case does the weight of the unit matter much? Another question is, would a heavier unit with increased flow allowing for faster moving tools be an improvement, or would this cause a problem?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Engineco913 on
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Our special hazards is a pull up door away from being operational for hydraulic extrication tools. Our pump is built in with hose reels at the top of the compartment and out spreaders and currers are hooked up on a pull out drawer. We have our rams all hung on another pull out shelf (not connected) All together we have 4 working tools just from our special hazards. Our lead engine has cutters and spreaders and is just a quick start away from operational also. Having them preconnected is a time saver. The weight rarely means much, however the capacity and limits of the pump does mean a lot.
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Permalink Reply by FETC on
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Pre-connected hoses to a Hurst o-ring cutter and a second combi-tool. They are preconnected to (2) 100' reels that are connected to an electric power unit that is mounted in the compartment. This unit is designed for all tools unless the vehicle is down over an embankment and out of reach of the pre-connects.
We have another portable gas powered unit that we carry to the scene along with an extra set of hydraulic hoses. This obviously takes a bit more time to assemble but there is no other option, as if you add onto the pre-connected hoses you drastically reduce the woking pressure due to distance and friction loss in our case.
Your second question is BEST for the tool manufacturer. They will tell you how to match a power unit to the tool for the right working PSI. When you read about high powered PSI units, they are usually for specific tools and not the lower working PSI tools, so I would ask before you mix and match power units/tools...
Note: A " left purposely nameless" Rescue Tool Company just suffered a catastrophic failure from a spreader tool with possibly excessive hydraulic working pressures, and the spreader cases exploded. I am looking forward to hearing about the investigation on that incident.
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Permalink Reply by BillySFCVFD on
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Our pump and tools are all separate and can be hand carried as far as needed. In our rural area, truck access can be far from the MVA vehicle. TCSS
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Permalink Reply by Joe Haynes on
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FETC
First off: Thanks for your input.
My question however does not deal with pressure. What I am asking is would faster moving tools be better or worse. The unit in question would move the tools faster when not under a load. There would not be a change in the working pressure.
I heard about the tool that failed. Without knowing all the facts, my first thought when I read the story was...It sounds like only one hose was connected to the tool and the relief (for one reason or another) failed.
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Engineco913
Thanks for your input. You said "The weight rarely means much, however the capacity and limits of the pump does mean a lot." The weight issue is my main question. The view I have is more and more rescue squads are going to tools that are connected to hoses that are connected to pumps that stay with the truck.
Thanks again
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