REC News
Radiant Heat Blocking
Curtains for Crawler Tractor Plow Units. Many agencies are looking into operator protection systems for heavy equipment use on the fireline. This report demonstrates one method for short term blocking of radiant heat. The system is for blocking radiant heat from flareups along the fireline and is quick to deploy and quick to restore..
Military M939 Series 6x6 Truck Evaluation. The newest 6x6 model available through the Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) and the Fire Fighter Property (FFP) programs is the 900 series. This packet added to Project 63 explains the difference between this and previous models and discusses the potential for using the 900 series as a wildland engine. Utility Terrain Vehicle Specifications. This report contains specifications for many of the currently available models of utility terrain vehicles (UTV's). It is intended to help agencies select the UTV that best fits their needs. Hardwood Line Construction: Blown Air vs. Compressed Air. This report researches the option of using compressed air to produce a fire break in hardwood leaf litter fuel type. It compares the effectiveness using compressed air to what is commonly used in many areas, the backpack leaf blower. Adding a 12 Volt Alternator to the Cummins Engine. In conjunction with the State of South Dakota, REC has added part G-1 to Project 63. Part G-1 supplies information on how to add a 12 volt alternator to the Cummins engine found in many FEPP 5 ton chassis. Easy Access Brake Fluid Reservoir for Military 6x6's. Newsnote 17 provides information on installing a remote brake fluid reservoir for FEPP 6x6's. This allows much easier checking and refilling of the brake fluid, eliminating the need to remove floor panels for access. Commercial Filter Equivalents for Military 6x6's. REC has identified commercially available filter that will work on your FEPP 6x6's. Newsnote 16 documents the manufacturers, their part numbers, and any peculiarities about using a substitute filter. Are you using these trucks for towing or other heavy work? Newsnote 15 provides information on things you should consider about automatic transmissions, the detrimental affects of heavy work, and how to increase the cooling capacity to help alleviate the problem. Preventive Maintenance for FEPP 6x6 Suspension Torque Rods. Newsnote 14 supplies information on inspection of the rubber bushed ball joints in the torque rods. This document provides information on these components that may keep a minor problem from becoming a major failure and repair problem. Project 65 has just been released. This web-based report contains information about transport units used by various wildland fire fighting agencies across the country. If you are looking for transport equipment, you may find the information you need. Another agency may already be using something similar and their experiences may be valuable to your decision-making process. This report is expected to be updated and expanded continually. We would like to include your units. If your agency transports wildfire fighting equipment, please share your specifications and experience with others. Use the links and information in the report introduction to submit your equipment data for incorporation into this report. Portable Tank for Grapple Skidders. Now available on the web site, the report includes information and drawings on how to construct a 325 gallon water handling system. The system can be picked up and carried using the grapple of a skidder. Portable units like this on a logging site, can reduce the chance of a little fire becoming a large one by shortening the suppression response time. Can This Stuff Help You? Frequent questions asked of REC.
If you can't find it here ask us. Email: info@roscommonequipmentcenter.org TD News Link Added. The US Forest Service has two Technology and Development Centers that do great work. Many of the projects relate directly to wildfire control. Others are of interest to our colleagues in forestry, land management and recreation. Click on "USFS T&D" in the left menu to access their web site. Backpack Blower Recall. Backpack-style leaf blowers are used in several areas of the country to remove leaf litter during fireline construction. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and five blower manufacturers have announced a recall of some products because their tanks may leak fuel. Visit the CPSC website for a listing of manufacturers, model numbers, and contact information. REC Project 17 highlights the fire control uses and safety considerations of power blowers. Recent and Popular REC Projects and Products Flatbed - M1008 CUCV Project Complete. REC has published its latest report detailing full conversion plans for the M1008 CUCV (GM 5/4-ton pickup). The REC design removes the cargo box, replacing it with a steel flatbed. A slip-on style tank and pump unit will be added. The flatbed is a good compromise for off-road work in the woods. It lends durability because there is no cargo box to ding. It allows for more cargo volume and shorter sides for easier reach. Much of this information will be transferable to other pickup-style fire units of similar weight rating . The details include the flatbed design, purchasing specifications for the polypropylene water tank, and photos of one possible layout for a pump and plumbing system. HMMWV 12-volt Alternator Add-on System Publication Available.
Our 6x6 Center. A dozen publications to help you turn a military 6x6 into a functioning wildfire unit. Click here.
6x6 Back Alarm Switch System. Need to add a backup alarm switch to a military 6x6? Here is a simple system that works with 2.5 or 5-ton models with manual transmissions. Link to Newsnote #13. |
