Frequently Asked Questions

Because of the Well-Known Drafting Capability of Vacuum Units, this is an area to investigate.

A Pumper or Pond Pumper with a "big" (1000 GPM+) Fire Pump has the same potential when it drafts. Standard SOP's, good training, and evaluations of static water sources, as well as proper selection and use of strainers is important in all scenarios. Placing the strainer in a debris-free area with sufficient water depth is required. Non-Floating Barrell Strainers can easily load sand, debris and rocks.

This is why Firovac has Designed and Patented a Floating Low-Flow Strainer with a Detachable Pan.

One Strainer can Effectively be used in ALL applications including a Solid Bottom Stream or Lake.

You do not have to do anything different, if you want to continue as you are now.

However, if you want to increase the water supply to the fire, then there are several simple things to be done!

By using a Drop Tank (Portable Water Tank), which is like having another truck in the system (only much less expensive), the water supply system can become more efficient and versatile!

1. At a Fill Site: Set a Drop Tank off to the side of a Pumper or Low Flow Hydrant and fill it when not filling Gravity Dump Tankers. Firovac can load from the Drop Tank through 6" hose instead of 2.5" or 3" hose. This will also reduce congestion or waiting in line to load. This will IMPROVE the EFFICIENCY of the Fill Site from 70% to 90%.

2. At a Dump Site: Set a Drop Tank at the Pumper (Instead of "Nursing" it).

        This Serves Two Purposes:

• To Provide a Water Reserve for the Pumper.
• To Allow the Tanker to Get More Water Quicker. (Parked Trucks DO NOT Move Water).

3. Think Outside the Box:

• Save Driving Time by Getting Water from Closer Static Sources Instead of Driving Extra Distances back to Town or to a Hydrant
• "Relay Dumping"

The Vacuum Pump and water valves are controlled by switches with indicators inside the cab. 

TO UNLOAD:

• Open the desired valve
• Put Pump on Pressure
• Bring PTO to desired rating, the pump has an over speed feature. PTO speed is controlled by engine RPM
• When Unloaded, Decrease the RPM's
• Put Pump in Neutral
• Close Valve

TO LOAD:

• Put Pump on Vacuum
• Connect Hose
• Open Valve
• Bring PTO to desired rating
• When Loaded, decrease the RPM's
• Put Pump in Neutral
• Close Valve
• Vent Hose to Remove Easil.

If the unit has a Fire Pump, it is controlled like any fire pump from outside the cab at a driver side pump panel.

Pump is PTO Driven, tank vent automatically opens when pump is engaged.

Yes! 

Firovac is specifically designed to fit into ANY present system. However, its water delivery rate will be no better than that system. 

It may have you sit in line with all other tankers giving personel time to stand and watch the loading process.

Firovac can enhance many present systems by running an extra line from a pressure load source (pump or hydrant) to a portable tank. Firovac can then load from there at 1000-1500 GPM. This utilizes all the pumper's water - ELIMINATING the usual "DOWN TIME".  This will also enhance a slow hydrant flow rate.

We primarily build Vacuum Apparatus.

Vacuum Apparatus can do ANYTHING a conventional apparatus can do, but, the Vacuum Apparatus can then go beyond in its performance to the next level of water supply.

The Following Units can be Built:

• Tankers
• Tankers with Portable Pumps or Transfer Pumps
• Tanker/Pumpers with Fire Pumps. 

Fire Pumps can range from 500-1250 GPM.

Water Tanks can range from 1000-4000 Gallons and are commonly constructed of polished aluminum with a reinforced 1/2" bottom.

Compartments rang from the Basic 2 Lower Compartments to Additional High Side Compartments.

All Firovac Units are Custom Built to meet your Department's Needs!

Some Other Features are Foam Systems and Bumper Turrets, along with many other options.

We have built Class A Conventional Pumpers and Vacuum Pumpers as well as Grass and Brush Fire Units.

Yes!

And when you say that our "trucks suck", we take that as a complement!

Like a primer pump, vacuum removes air from a system allowing water to be loaded.

YES! WE DO DEMONSTRATIONS!

If you or your department are interested in a Firovac Demonstration, Please Call 1-800-796-2588 Ext. 104 or Email Us at admin@firovac.com.

We can also send you more literature at your request!