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UTV grants and info
I am working to try to secure funding for a UTV for our department, to be used county-wide, for wilderness rescue, (usually involving an ATV accident in the woods), and fighting brush fires. I have researched a lot on the internet, and talked to several vendors. But what I really want is feedback from those who use them daily.
First, what BRAND of UTV seems to work best for everyone? Our application will mostly involve very hilly terrain and woods, although in most cases there should at least be a 4-wheeler trail leading to the incident. Therefore, an enclosed cab and ROP are critical, as well as probably a winch.
I have heard from a few departments in other counties near here, that the John Deere Gator is not the best for this area, especially the six wheel. Apparently it likes to "push" in wet, muddy or snowy conditions.
The two that I seem to have the most interest in are the Kabota and the Bobcat. This is due to three things...1. the longer wheel base, 2. the load capacity, and 3. the drive system. Obviously we will be getting a 4-WD.
Any other thoughts pro or con on the brand?
Secondly, what seems to be the best brand of "medbed" to install, (although "medbed" itself is actually a brand). I have seen everything from one that mounts parallel to the UTV, to those that mount crossways (I don't like the idea of it sticking out on both sides), to one that mounts on top of a tank (for firefighting).
My first thought is that I like the one that mounts parallel, with a seat for an EMT or medic and a reverse seat in front for airway control. Again...thoughts?
Lastly, we want a brush tank (75 gal?), with small pump and 1" hose to use for fighting those hard to reach fires. We imagine having it set up on sawhorses, and if we get the fire, we spend 4 minutes removing the "medbed" and back under the tank to mount it. Yes, it takes a few minutes, but normally in a brush fire, you have some time to spare. (We want the "medbed" available for immediate response.)
I welcome any thoughts and ideas, but what I REALLY want are responses from departments who use UTV's now, to give me their history, what they did or what they would do different.
Thanks!
Barry
First, what BRAND of UTV seems to work best for everyone? Our application will mostly involve very hilly terrain and woods, although in most cases there should at least be a 4-wheeler trail leading to the incident. Therefore, an enclosed cab and ROP are critical, as well as probably a winch.
I have heard from a few departments in other counties near here, that the John Deere Gator is not the best for this area, especially the six wheel. Apparently it likes to "push" in wet, muddy or snowy conditions.
The two that I seem to have the most interest in are the Kabota and the Bobcat. This is due to three things...1. the longer wheel base, 2. the load capacity, and 3. the drive system. Obviously we will be getting a 4-WD.
Any other thoughts pro or con on the brand?
Secondly, what seems to be the best brand of "medbed" to install, (although "medbed" itself is actually a brand). I have seen everything from one that mounts parallel to the UTV, to those that mount crossways (I don't like the idea of it sticking out on both sides), to one that mounts on top of a tank (for firefighting).
My first thought is that I like the one that mounts parallel, with a seat for an EMT or medic and a reverse seat in front for airway control. Again...thoughts?
Lastly, we want a brush tank (75 gal?), with small pump and 1" hose to use for fighting those hard to reach fires. We imagine having it set up on sawhorses, and if we get the fire, we spend 4 minutes removing the "medbed" and back under the tank to mount it. Yes, it takes a few minutes, but normally in a brush fire, you have some time to spare. (We want the "medbed" available for immediate response.)
I welcome any thoughts and ideas, but what I REALLY want are responses from departments who use UTV's now, to give me their history, what they did or what they would do different.
Thanks!
Barry
Add a Comment
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Comment by Gordon "Gopher" Runer on March 18, 2009 at 2:39am
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We have a Polaris Ranger 6X6. We don't have a medical bed for it or a tank but have used it for controlled burns and the annual air show. The only problem is that it is hard to turn on pavement. We have a trailer that it can go on if we need to haul it long distances because it is not much fun on the road. The best thing to do is to go and drive all that you can. If they will let you take them through their paces off road and try to do what you are expecting them to do in the field. I do know that the Gators are wider than most and do not have a very high top speed. Just make sure to do plenty of research before making any decisions. Hope this helps.
Gopher
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Comment by Kevin Benton on March 17, 2009 at 1:58pm
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IN MY DEPT WE HAVE A 4WHEEL GATOR AND AN ATV! I UNDERSTAND YOUR PROBLEM, BUT IF YOU ONLY HAVE AN ATV TRAIL I THINK THE UTV MAY BE TO WIDE! FOR USE IN FIRE FIGHTING AND EMS THEY ARE PERFECT FOR HARD TO REACH AREAS, BUT STILL THE UTV'S ARE WIDE. ON THE EMS SIDE WE HAVE A "TRAILER" THAT IS BUILT TO BE TOWED BEHIND WHICH HAS A SEAT AT THE HEAD, THAT WILL BE THE BACK, AND YOU STRAP A STOKES BASKET TO IT. THIS IS GOOD FOR TIGHT PLACES, ITS JUST LONG! WITH THE HARD TO REACH FIRES IT HAS TO BE A UTV WE ENDED UP WITH A GATOR BECAUSE IT WAS A GRANT AND THEY HAVE A CONTRACT WITH THE STATE. BUT DEFFINENTLY GO WITH THE BEST SUSPENSION BECAUSE OF THE WEIGHT.
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