Is a fire extinguisher worth it on a tractor

[Soundguy]

While many people seem to condemn FA and Kidde, isn't having a low grade FX better than having none at all?

any working extinguisher is better than none at all.


in my area, if you burn outside, you have to have buckets of water, buckets of sand or a fire extinguisher.

water hose actually don't count.. guess they figure power and go out or pressure drop when you need it.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Have probably seen those type...bit didn't pay attention at the time. I should have mentioned sooner that in every one of my workshops (basement, garage, garden shed, barns) I have a pair of 5 gallon buckets full of water with snap on lids stored in a handy area just inside the door. I empty them in the fall and refill in the spring. If a fire started in one of those shops and I was there, I think I would probably grab the water buckets first if I had a Class A fire start----or would that be a mistake?

Having a couple of water extinguishers around for that type of fire would be best. That aside, having the buckets of water handy is certainly better than having nothing at all.

I'm sure you know this already, but you need to remember it in the heat of the moment during an emergency: DO NOT DUMP WATER ON A CLASS B FIRE (GAS, OIL, GREASE, ETC...). IT WILL MAKE THE FIRE A LOT WORSE. :thumbsup:

 

[Branchchipper]

Realized my earlier reply was rather vague...

Here is what I settled on for "mobile extinguishers" at home:

Tractor: 3A-40BC, 5 lb dry powder; Amerex B402*, mounted low on ROPS

UTVs: 1A-10BC, 2.5 lb dry powder; Amerex B417*, various mounts depending on machine and payload

* American made, refillable and repairable (no plastic where it counts)


We also carry a shovel and 5 gallon water hand pump setup (similar to Indian back-pack pump can) in the "workhorse" UTV when things get dry (July-Sept, normally)

I have experience with most of the wildfire hand tools, but, if you're only going to carry one, a pointed shovel with a long wooden handle is still the universal "don't get caught empty-handed" tool.

 

[JDgreen227]

Advised to me by Kyle:

"Do not dump water on a Class B fire in the HEAT of the moment...."

CTF, do you realize the pun here...I sure do....:laughing: Good one...! :thumbsup:

 

[ericher69]

http://fireservicepro.com/docs/NFPA-10-Standard-Portable-Fire-Extinguishers-1998.pdf

Pages 7-9 will explain what types and ratings of extinguishers. Much more useful info if you are so inclined to read!

You must remember a few things about extinguishers.

1. The ratings are those fires that a non-professional would be expected to extinguish with the said extinguisher

2. They are meant to be used on "static" fires meaning; if a hydraulic line bursts and is feeding the fire you are out of luck

3. Better to have one than not (even a cheap one)

4. Maintain yearly (for peace of mind)

5. Tap with a rubber mallet weekly (should not be an issue on newer extinguishers; mostly affected commercial use external pressurized CO2.
The outlet for the powder was a 90 degree elbow at the bottom. Powder would pack in the elbow and cause issues.

 

[Todd727]

I guess it is better to have one and not find out than to have one and wish I had it but...

Any fireman have opinions?

As others mentioned, dry chemical ABC. Probably in the 5lb-6lb range.

Just picked up a few extinguishers. An Amerex A-B-C 5lb extinguisher was $60 from the local extinguisher company. Seems like the cheapest insurance I
could've bought. The 20lb extinguisher for the shop was $140.

Thanks for bringing this topic up and thanks for the discussion.

 

[pacerron]

This thread which has pictures of the burned tractor may be some motivation.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/247095-l39-electrical-fire-bad-but.html

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Advised to me by Kyle:

"Do not dump water on a Class B fire in the HEAT of the moment...."

CTF, do you realize the pun here...I sure do....:laughing: Good one...! :thumbsup:

Yeah. :laughing:

 

[boggen]

have had a few fires go across the fields, (no actual crop in them) but the stubble / bottom of the plants after crops were removed. i have gotten in habit of now making sure i have a "push broom" handy. to "smoother the fire"

i do not rake or push stuff over the small flames / coals. but place push broom straight down and smoother it and pick back up and move on.

 

[Don87]

My tractor is covered for full replaement value under my insurance, but having a large fire extinguisher to put a potential field fire out would be a plus.