When to replace Air Bag Systems

Lately I have been trying to talk my guys into selling our current Air Bag system. The system (HURST) was purchased in the late 80's early 90's. (I believe already used) However the feed back I have been receiving is "if it aint broke don't fix it", "they are hardly used", etc etc. I have been looking to try and find something that basically says this system is out dated and needs to be replaced and the bags their selves have out lasted their self life, but to no avail. I know of better, simpler systems currently out there now that I know would be more beneficial to our department but I have been having trouble selling this to the department. Any suggestions, articles, or information that may help sway my department in seeing the light?

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Permalink Reply by FETC on July 27, 2013 at 1:16pm

Kimball, I would contact the manufacturer and get a defined clarification for that specific bag. Here is what I found on Paratech Bags

The information below should help in determining the expected, useful, safe service life of air lift bags produced by Paratech, Inc. and carrying the Maxiforce label.

You may also find this information useful in determining the approximate useful service life of other manufacturers air lift bags if the manufacture date can be determined or if you can determine the construction materials.

*    If a Paratech - Maxiforce Air Lift Bag is marked P-51 and 87 PSI "Max. Operating Pressure":
(or any other number following P), these air lift bags are constructed of Steel Reinforced Butyl Rubber and had an expected useful service life of 6 to 7 years. Paratech has not produced these bags since approximately 1986.

*    If a Paratech - Maxiforce Air Lift Bag is marked P-51 and 118 PSI Max. Operating Pressure: (or any other number following P), these air lift bags are constructed of Steel Reinforced Neoprene and had an expected useful service life of 6 to 8 years. Paratech has not produced these bags since late 1989.

*    If a Paratech - Maxiforce Air Lift Bag is marked K-17: (or any other number following K), these outsourced air lift bags were constructed of Kevlar Reinforced Neoprene and had an expected useful service life of 8 to 10 years. These bags have not been produced since approximately 1992.

*    If a Paratech - Maxiforce Air Lift Bag is marked KPI-32: (or any other number following KPI ) these air lift bags are constructed of Kevlar Reinforced Neoprene and have an expected useful service life of 10 to 12 years, if manufactured in the 1990's.

*    All Paratech - Maxiforce KPI air lift bags manufactured since 2000 are constructed of "BALLISTIC ARAMID FIBER REINFORCED NEOPRENE" and have a "15 YEAR" expected useful service life if properly maintained.

However, it is important to remember that use, care and storage environments over their service history may vary greatly and are not under the control of the manufacturer. As such, the result of these uncontrollable variables is the wide range of Years Of Service recommendations for all air lift bags.

On a positive note, improvements in materials and manufacturing techniques have resulted in a doubling of the expected useful, safe service life of all manufacturer's air lifting bags in less than 25 years! The next step is found in better handling and record keeping after the bags are delivered.

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Permalink Reply by kimball on July 29, 2013 at 3:51am

Thanks for the information! If I can find something like this for the Hurst Bags we have it would be perfect!

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Permalink Reply by FETC on July 29, 2013 at 9:02am

Kimball, I believe Hurst bags are actually "Vetter" and here is what I found on Vetter Bags by using the search engine.

When to replace Air Bag Systems

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