Post by bothwellbuyer on Aug 20, 2020 16:05:27 GMT
Does all the stuff still work. They're a bit before my time, but the old man tells me they were designed as a self propelled pump, rather than a fire engine, to pump water to cities after a russian air strike during the cold war.
Your old man is spot on. Its a self propelled pump, and one of the best still around. They had enough of them made to pump water the length of the UK !! I think around 3,000 ?? Now around 300-400 left. Quite a few were exported on disposal by the government. Its not the fastest machine - 60mph tops. However it likes going straight on at roundabouts. And heaven help anyone who cuts in front!! No power steering, and the brakes are drums front and back. The bodywork is timber with aluminium panels, and several guys were killed when trying to race to a fire during the strikes as they try to roll over on sharp corners...the tank of water has no baffles.
I bought it as a fire precaution for our waste wood activity as the shredder chomped through tons of wood a day and the government in their wisdon decided we should have some sort of fire prevention equipment. As it pumps water at a massive rate, it seemed like a good cheap option.
Unless one has the right insurance then one cannot rush around putting fires out. Of course when you look at the history of the fire brigade, it was the insurance companies who wanted fire and salvage corps created to minimise their risks.
As a fire pump, the hose reel on the side is low flow/pressure so not so good. However the larger hoses fitted on the rear of the pump are more impressive. As far as I know, the pump etc all work....and hoping to test things later this year. Its 4 wheel drive with a low/high ratio 4 gear box and a transfer box for 4 wheel or 2 wheel drive, and of course the power take-off.
Currently, there are a few for sale £1500 - £5000 and 1 sold for £14k last year at Bonhams I'm told.
