INSIDE THE APPARATUS INDUSTRY
1 Impressive Little Apparatus: Although small in size, EJ Metal’s new Assault Force 70 FRRTV packs a firefighting punch
Story & Photos by Bob Vaccaro

If you’re like me—an apparatus junkie—you’re always hunting for a new fire truck that’s both neat and can get the job done. One of these unique vehicles came across my desk the other day. Well, it didn’t literally come across my desk; I received an e-mail and product brochure from my editor about it. Of course, I immediately told my wife that I wanted one for Christmas. I can’t print her response here; however, I thought I’d share this unique apparatus with my readers.

E.J. Metals, a company that hails from Hortonville, Wis., manufactures wildland and brush vehicles, tankers, quick-attack trucks and other specialty vehicles. The company’s new Assault Force 70 FRRTV (Fire Rescue Rough Terrain Vehicle) is especially cool. It features a hydraulically driven, high-pressure firefighting system that provides 6 gpm of water/foam discharge at 1,500 psi, for 12 minutes of discharge time. It also features a 70-gallon water tank, a 5-gallon Class A foam cell, pump-and-roll capabilities, and an exclusive triple-discharge nozzle that allows firefighters to attack brush and wildland fires with a variety of water/foam streams.

The vehicle is built on a Kubota RTV900, powered by a 21.6-hp diesel engine, and it has a maximum off road speed of 25 mph. Its 4 x 4 capability makes it a great asset for off-road firefighting in the urban interface, as well as in industrial settings, beach communities, malls, condo complexes, etc. Additional fire, EMS and rescue body options are available, too.

The Assault Force 70’s firefighting and rescue capability is somewhat unique in that it has a hydraulic utility system that provides for pump-and-roll capability, and it has a hydraulic hose and reel that can be used to power chainsaws and cutting tools. Its 1,500-psi high-pressure pump is connected to 150 feet of high-pressure hose for firefighting. The entire firefighting system is installed as a module and can be taken off with the removal of two hoses and four pins.

After looking at this unique little truck, I can honestly say that I’m impressed with its engineering and design. It’s simple to work, can operate in a wide variety of situations and has a powerful firefighting punch. Bottom line: This little vehicle is worth looking into if you’re in the market for a specialized vehicle that can do more with less—a key in today’s economy.

Bob Vaccaro has more than 30 years of fire-service experience. He is a former chief of the Deer Park (N.Y.) Fire Department. Vaccaro has also worked for the Insurance Services Office, The New York Fire Patrol and several major commercial insurance companies as a senior loss-control consultant. Vaccaro is a life member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

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