Brush Trucks

[clambert8302]

So here's another one for you guys.


We are also specing a brush truck. So what do you think about the rear axles? Single wheels vs dual wheels? Mostly looking for information as far as off road.

Thanks

[johnsb]

What kind of weight, terrain, and size are we looking at? Need more info.

[FF715MRFD]

DRW will give you a higher weight capacity than SRW. From MY experience, if its sole purpose is to go offroad and fight fires, i would go with SRW. We have both in our department and I've never seen our SRW truck get stuck while our DRW truck has been stuck numerous times while they were both operating in the same terrain and they are both very similarly equipped. But, like the previous poster said, we need a little more info. Just my .02 cents.

[SuperFire]

Single for truck beds up to 4000 #'s bed weight,Dual's for truck beds over 4000 #'s bed weight.

[ChiefKN]

Have to consider how much weight.. etc. As others have pointed out.

With that said, I mostly see duals run. Good news if you blow one of the duals on a rock, you can still drive enough to get out of the woods.

[rm1524]

We have had one DRW brush truck and you had better be paying attention to where you was at or you would be stuck. The SRW trucks could go places that the DWR would get stuck. I'm not talking about a mud holes but just soft ground in general. I think alot of it has to do with where you are located and the soil types for your area.

Two things to look at is what are your neighbor fire departments using and what are the farmers using to feed and chore with? In western Oklahoma you will see very few SRW trucks feeding cows and in NE Missouri you will see almost no DRW feeding cows. Once again it comes down to soil type.

[SuperFire]

DRW with 2x4 are hard surface only,4x4 any surface. SRW 2x4 or 4x4 most any surface.

[mikeyboy411]

I would definitely go with duals in the rear. I look at it this way, if it's close to the the road the "Pavement Princesses" can handle it, but I'm taking my Brush Engine into areas that normally may not have a vehicle being used there in mind. I have professionally seen many outside tires blown/cut/torn/etc and the vehicle was still able to keep going and help put the fire out or limp out of the area to the awaiting mechanic.

As far as all-wheel drive I would say pay the extra money, it's well worth it. Don't limit yourself because I have professionally said "I wish Chief would have opted for the all-wheel drive version" while digging a Unit out. Trust me, it sucks.

We took delivery of (2) BME Urban Interface Units and they work great for us. We upgraded the Pumps to 1,000 gpm so if needed we can use as a Reserve Engine. I took one on a large fire where Structure Protection was a HUGE concern and the Rig performed awesome. The short wheelbase came in real handy around the "McMansions" we were protecting.

[FFWALT]

Our department has two SRW and two DRW and it seems that the SRW can get around with less difficulty than the DRW. The current discussion in our department is Super Singles on the next grass rig. Trying to find the best of both worlds.

Singles don't have to cut another track so they get stuck less. Duals carry more weight. Like others have pointed out, you really need to evaluate your soil conditions and the weight you want to carry.

Make sure you have four wheel drive. Our policy is that when you transition from road to off road you engage the four wheel drive.

Additionally, if your apparatus is automatic with the "tow/haul" mode ensure that your operators are engaging it when they leave the pavement. That rig is hauling quite a bit of weight so this will save your transmission.

Just my thoughts,
Walt

[simpleguy68]

Have both, with one unit a F550 converted to super-singles. It will go places the other truck buries in, even though it weighs much more.

http://www.tarkingtonvfd.net/Equipment/55/2011Ford.htm

[STATION2]

We faced the same dilema a few months back when purchasing 2-pumpers and 1-booster. We opted to go with super singles for the reasons mentioned. Additionally we went with a low gear transmission to help ensure not getting stuck as well as a gasoline engine to further reduce weight along with an aluminum bed.

While the photo is a demo, ours will be very close in design (except cab and a half) and be ready in less than 2-weeks.

Be safe.