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Horsepower for tanker?
I'm new here and I'm not sure if this is the correct place to post this question so if its not, let me know. My question is: how much HP is needed for a tanker with 3500 gallons? Our dept. is looking into custom building one and we're getting all kinds of HP numbers thrown at us. Anywhere from 200-500+ is what we're getting. We have some hills, curves, and major hwys. to deal with so overkill is ok, just want to make sure we get enough. Thanks.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jeff Betz on
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I'm not an apparatus genius, but I would think at least 350 or more, just going by trucks I've seen. The transmission and gearing also comes into play. The best folks to know would be the manufacturers. They do this all the time and could tell you the good and bad set-ups. Just be sure to go with competent company reps because some folks might tell you anything you want to hear, or simply guess.
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Permalink Reply by Oldman on
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I wouldn't go any less than 350hp. Depending on the transmission, and differential gearing, this might be a little light. We are currently writing specs on a 4000 gal. tanker, but are opting for 425hp with a little lower gearing plus minor transmission programming changes. By doing this, we know we will have the power if we need it, but will keep the apparatus speed down for safety. An under powered engine will have to work harder and will usually result premature replacement. I agree with Jeff that you need to talk to apparatus builders for their take. In addition, if you are specifying a particular transmission (ie. Eaton, Fuller, Allison, etc.), check with that manufacturer or shop for their recommendations. In my opinion, it is better to have the extra hp and not use it, than to not have enough and risk blowing an engine trying to get it.
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Permalink Reply by Engineer k7 on
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My Dept. bought a 2005 Freightliner M2 chassis it carries 3000 gals. it has a 350 Cat. with 6spd. allison tranny, that setup moves that 3000 gals. no problem.
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Permalink Reply by Arthur T. Kline on
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My dept. just received a Freightliner M2 chassis with 1800 gallons on it. It is an E-One Tradition series tanker. It has what it has for a decent base price, and if you start changing things, it gets much pricier. It came with a Cummins 300HP engine, and an Allison Auto. We have a long steep hill in town, and it struggles by the time you get to the top, usually 20 - 25 mph. I wished we had an option for a 400 hp motor. Don't get me wrong, it goes beautifully otherwise, but for long hills, it lags. One town near us bought a chassis spec'd for dump truck work, large engine, low gears, and gave the chassis to a local apparatus dealer to build on. I think it carries 3000 gal., and it hauls quite well on their hilly terrain.
Just remember, the more power there is, the faster your members are likely to drive and accidents may occur!!
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Permalink Reply by T.j. on
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We have just started specing out a new engine. With 1000 gal. tank the manufacturer has recommended a 400hp motor for our terrain. Our terrain has some major hills and a major highway. As everyone else has said, the trans plays a just as important role. We have a 1991 4guys 3000gal tanker that has a 425hp motor, this seems to be ok for our area. Everyone is worried the bigger the motor the faster people are going to go, that is not always the case. Our tanker has the biggest motor but is also governed the slowest.
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Permalink Reply by mck306john on
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what are you talking about that you would go for a f450 or f550 mini pumper.... the max water your going to get on a mini is 500 gallons... not what they are looking for
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Permalink Reply by Will2745 on
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forget the 200 hp...unless you want to crawl up the hills..300 hp cummins or like at minimum..and make sure the tranny is geared right..
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Permalink Reply by brock griffin on
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for the most part its all in the tranny and rear end but i wouldnt go less then 300 hp cuase i know my international dump truck only has 93 horsepower when it came off the line but my uncle used to use it to hual his skidder, dozer and other varios logging equiptment but a nice choice i would have to say is a detroit 60 series deisel (atleast 400 HP) with a allison automatic or a eaton fuller 10 speed if you want a standard
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Permalink Reply by Don Zimmerman on
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Detroit Allison or Cummins 350 to 400 hp. For the record on the west coast tankers have wings with 500-12000 gallons. HAHA wildland fire humor. Zimm
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Something to think about. Engine size is going to depend on the chassis manufacturer. If you are purchasing a new conventional chassis, the hood/grill style limits the radiator size by some manufacturers. Couple that with the new EPA equipment required and there is a huge increase in heat buildup, meaning you will be limited to around 350 hp. Any bigger, and there is a problem with overheating. If you are looking at a custom chassis, you have a few more choices. We were advised of this when writing the specs for a new tender. Definitely check with what ever manufacturer you are looking to go with.
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