If you live on a farm or work in rural areas, where fires are more common, it is important to have a portable fire pump in your arsenal. This type of high pressure fire fighting water pump can help keep your livestock, crops and buildings safe from a devastating wildfire while you wait for the professionals to arrive.
These fire fighting water pumps are powered by either a gasoline or diesel engine and built into a compact, easy to transport roll cage. They are ideal for remote locations where there is no mains electricity, and can be used for both firefighting and general water transfer.
They have a rotatable discharge valve that rotates 180 degrees to switch between suction and discharge, as well as an electric start and rotary vane primer. They can be powered by a standard generator, or they can also be hooked up to a hydrant or hose reel for permanent installation. They are ideally suited for both domestic and farm use, but can also be used to fight forest fires, grassland fires or building fires.
There are two important factors when choosing a portable fire pump: the pressure it can generate (measured in PSI or pounds per square inch) and how much water it can move (measured in GPM or gallons per minute). Higher pressure pumps can be used with fewer hoses to achieve better results, but lower pressure pumps require more hoses for similar results.
Another key factor is the type of nozzle you will need, which depends on your terrain and fire fighting needs. For example, for a grassland fire you will need a fan nozzle that can spray up to 50 feet away. On the other hand, for a building fire you will need a directional nozzle that can be pointed at specific areas of the structure.
You will need to ensure that your fire fighting water pump is ready for action by conducting a number of checks daily, weekly and monthly. This includes a visual inspection, a power reading check and checking the motor’s temperature. It is also a good idea to check the coupling and bearings regularly for looseness or wear.
If you notice any vibrations when using your fire fighting water pump, this is a sign that the foundation bolts have become loose and need tightening. It is also important to check the discharge pressure often to make sure that it is within the normal range. If it is not, this could indicate that the sea chest filter has become clogged and is not transferring water efficiently from the pump to the hoses. To maintain the efficiency of your marine fire pump, you should also replace the discharge hose once every couple of years. This will improve the life of your hoses and reduce the risk of damage.