TC24D Fire Rig (Class 7)

[RonMar]

I was wondering how you would keep the nose down
That was one reason why I was looking at a trailer because I want 250+ gallons.

I have heard of people down your way installing fixed systems on their homes. Small gas powered electric start pumps controlled by IR sensors. When the sensors detect the heat from the fire, the pump starts and pumps water from a cistern or pool up to roof sprinklers and wall sprinklers under the eaves of the roof. The gutters and drains all return the roof water, to be pumped again, to the cistern via a trash filter to seperate roof debris. The fancier versions have a second heat sensor that controls a electric valve that adds AFFF to the water and foams the roof and walls(more effective heat and spark barrier). You don't even have to be there(providing everything works right.

 

[LAGEORGE]

Bob, thank you very much for the kind comments. I too have learned much from our fellow discussion group members. And am always impress just how cleaver our “Think Tank” is.
The 3-point sprayer was commission by us and custom built by PBM in California. Even though the unit worked as a sprayer from the factory it lacked most of the features that would make it a capable Class 7 fire rig. I had to plumb it for suction, hydrant fill, and pump to tank, tank or hydrant to pump as well. Also the tank was set back about 7 inches more than necessary and the reel assembly was over a foot further back. I really think PBM should have considered those aspects but I am used to that kind of oversight in my business. Also the hose that came with the unit was not a fire type hose but a heavy 250-PSI rated ugly red rubber hose. It was among the first thing to go. Lots of work continues to be put into it and for our purposes it does serve us well. Water is very heavy and can be very difficult to get you hands on when you do not have a Hydrant so having more of a Forestry type approach to fire suppression will insure we get the most out of the water supply. Mainly using higher pressure at 14-24 GPM seems to really be the best balance between low Hydrant pressure and tank capacity.

The rig can weigh more than the 3 point can lift but once up in the air it holds it well. I have a few water sources to draw from when needed. One is the full flow water lines that I installed this past Spring into Summer. They range from 1 ½ inch down to ¾ inch but again they are full flow, no hose nipples for me, those are worthless. Also we have a pool in the Spring and Summer. We are able to draw from that source thanks to the pump being a Diaphragm type. It does a real good job of sucking /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif and really lets you pour on the water. Also as part of our “earthquake kit” We have acquired a 550-gallon fresh water tank (green in color) to serve as a backup water source in case disaster strikes. We will also use that tank to draw water from for fire suppression if needed. But mostly we hope to use all this capability for irrigation and wash downs. I never want to have to use it put out a fire. I am very happy just owning it and making it a project to improve on the design.

Hypro Pumps

LAGEORGE

 

[gabby]

Very nice rig, LAGeorge.

I built this 550 gallon spray wagon with a hydraulically powered 100 gpm pump. It's pure jackleg engineering to no specs at all but I've used it twice to fight fire. It has a hand line that's nothing but 3/4" garden hose but it sure beats hand tools for fighting fire.
gabby

 

[gabby]

Maybe the picture will show up this time!

 

[DocHeb]

Glad to see you stil have a TC24D. Didn't you end up getting a new machine after all the problems you had in the beginning?

Could you take your parts list and add where you obtained each of the parts?

 

[LAGEORGE]

Hello DocHeb,

HA HA on that parts list, you were poking fun at me, yes? Because I would not know where to start the list. I have ordered parts from across the country and have also found many second hand parts at the local fire department supplier. The local supplier is a good source but they mainly handle the municipal fire needs not the forestry type as my specifications call for.

I would also be a bit embarrassed to list some of the parts since they are not really meant for the applied use. Also the price tag I think might be steep and I really do not want to know. But maybe I can get one together when I finish it off one day.

Yes, I did another TC 24D but it has it's bugs but I have over 300 hours on the new one and is holding up to the extreme duty. Sure am eyeing that new TC 26 but that would be a hard sell to the wife. I am currently working on our extreme earthquake, flu, end of dayz whatever kit. So I will restrain myself when it comes to a new tractor. Plus I think my tractor has many more years of useful life until a replacement is needed.

LAGEORGE

 

[DocHeb]

How about just the hose reel, then?

 

[LAGEORGE]

DocHeb,

The basic Ag type stuff came from Kellogg Supply in Merced. They also provided the COX reel that included the Stainless Steel 1-inch 90-degree swivel

I have included a link to the COX reel site but the exact reel I own is not pictured. The reel I have is longer and holds 100 feet of 1 inch booster hose rated up to 800PSI
I have also attached a close up of just the fire attachment part of the rig.

George

PS: I will try to get the exact model tonight and post it.

COX Hose Reels

Kellogg's Supply
45 S State Hwy 59
Merced, CA 95340-6917
(209) 722-1501

 

[LAGEORGE]

As requested please find the “Builders Plate” for the COX reel. An interesting note is that the reels comes in blue. But not the current lighter New Holland blue but it’s close. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Model Number is: 1125-6-100-BXCX

LAGEORGE

 

[LAGEORGE]

Here is an additional picture of just the reel.