Extrication Equipment - Fresno Fire Department

TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT MANUAL
306 RESCUE EQUIPMENT
306.001 EXTRICATION EQUIPMENT
EFFECTIVE: OCTOBER 2007
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Extreme caution should be exercised during all extrication operations. Extrication
equipment is capable of inflicting serious injuries.
Minimum protection should be accomplished by wearing a full set of protective gear
(coat, pants, gloves, safety shoes, helmet, and ear protection). Please note that the
face shield may not provide adequate protection during all extrication operations.
The equipment shall be inspected for obvious broken or missing parts and damaged
hoses before each use, after each use, and at the start of each shift.
Keep clear of all moving parts.
When pulling, keep clear from the direct lines of the chains.
When lifting, always use cribbing to shore and stabilize the object being lifted.
Never use the hydraulic cutter or the hydraulic ram as a lever.
When removing a tool from the Hurst multi-tool manifold block, be sure the other
tools are not in use and the dump valve is in the “DUMP” position before
disconnecting the tool.
The hydraulic spreader and the hydraulic ram should never be stored under
pressure. Close the spreader arms and the rams to within 1/2-inch of completely
closed.
The hydraulic cutter should be stored with the cutter blades overlapped one inch to
two inches for protection from unnecessary damage.
When storing tool, compensate for possible pressure buildup from thermal
expansion of hydraulic fluid by connecting the two short hoses on the tool,
completing the circuit. Move trigger in both directions to equalize the pressure on
both sides of the piston.
Be sure to follow all maintenance procedures.
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ROUTINE MAINTENANCE FOR HYDRAULIC HOSES
After each use, hoses should be wiped clean with a light cleaning solvent. Inspect
hose for damage to the rubber jacket. Damage that exposes the wire braided core
subjects the wire to corrosion and may weaken the hose. Heavily damaged hoses
should be replaced.
Routine Maintenance for Couplings
Couplings should be kept clean of dirt and contaminants. Couplings may be most
easily cleaned by immersing in or scrubbing with a standard cleaning solvent.
Couplings should then be lubricated with a non-water based lubricant such as
WD-40. The rubber dust caps, which are provided with the tools, should also be
cleaned periodically. Be aware while the couplings are clean, the dust caps will
accumulate dirt during use. Do not cover a clean coupling with a dirty dust cap.
Routine Maintenance for Chains
Chains should be kept clean and wiped with a rag containing a small amount of light
oil to prevent rusting. Care should be taken to ensure damage does not occur to the
threads of the U-bolt. Chains are for rescue purposes only.
Routine Maintenance for Cap Screws
Periodically check the socket-head cap screws on the tools, which mount the control
valve to the valve manifold and the valve manifold to the cylinder cap. These screws
are installed securely at the factory but occasionally will loosen due to excessive
vibration.
Periodically inspect and tighten all hydraulic fittings. Check the hydraulic fluid level
through the sight gauge on the front of the power unit. It is not necessary for the
fluid to completely fill the sight-gauge window. Overfilling the reservoir will result in
excessive leakage. Hydraulic fluid may be obtained from the Shop.
Annual servicing is conducted by a local Amkus representative and will be
coordinated through the Shop. Notify the Shop for any servicing or repairs (oil
change, air filter cleaning, tune-up adjustments, etc.)
AMKUS RESCUE SYSTEM
The Amkus Rescue System currently in use by the Department consists of a
gasoline-powered hydraulic pump unit, a hydraulic spreader, a hydraulic cutter, a
hydraulic ram, and a hydraulic hand pump.
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Power Unit
The Amkus power unit consists of a two-stage axial piston hydraulic pump powered
by a 5- to 6.5-horsepower, 4-cycle gasoline engine. The hydraulic pump has a
maximum operating pressure of 10,500 psi and delivers a constant flow of a mineralbased hydraulic fluid to the rescue tools through a control valve (Figure 1).
Note:
Do not mix mineral and ester-based fluids (mineral is used in
Amkus and other 10,000+ psi systems; ester-based fluid is
used in Hurst and other 5,000+ psi systems).
The power unit is equipped with a two-gallon hydraulic oil reservoir and two sets of
hydraulic hose(s) ranging from 25 to 50 feet. An Amkus rescue tool can be
connected to either set of hoses.
Figure 1
The control valve(s) direct hydraulic fluid to the hose lines. The valve(s) are labeled
“pump” and “release” and are of the 90-degree operational type (parallel with hose
charges the line).
The two-way valve should be in the neutral release position before starting the
engine (Figure 2). The valve should also be in the neutral position when connecting
or disconnecting the hydraulic hoses to the rescue tools.
Figure 2
To start the engine, move the throttle to the fast position. The engine is equipped
with an automatic choke. The position marked fast is the start and run position. To
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idle the engine, move the throttle lever to the slow position. To stop the engine,
move the throttle to the stop position.
The engine oil, the fuel, and the hydraulic oil should be checked weekly and after
each use. The engine uses unleaded gasoline only. Do not mix oil with the
gasoline. The hydraulic oil reservoir should be filled to within one inch of the top.
The power unit is protected by a tubular stainless steel roll cage.
Control Valves
All Amkus rescue tools are equipped with identical twist-grip control valves. To
operate, twist the control handle to the right to open (out) and twist the control
handle to the left to close (in) [Figure 3].
Figure 3
All Amkus control valves are equipped with dead-man features. When the control
valve handle is released, it will automatically spring back to the center position and
the tool will stop operating.
Repositioning the valves on the power unit to the neutral release position will remove
pressure from the hose and stop any tool operation.
Spreader
The Amkus spreader weighs 47 pounds and will produce up to 17,000 pounds of
spreading force. The spreader is evenly balanced at the crossbar.
The control valve is located over the cylinder for ease of left- or right-hand operation.
The control valves on the Amkus rescue tools have built-in check valves. The
spreader will hold its position under load, even when the hoses are disconnected.
Hoses may be reconnected while the spreader is under load. The maximum spread
distance is 32 inches (Figure 4).
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Figure 4
Chains
Amkus spreader chains can be used without removing the spreader tips. The U-bolt
assembly attached to the chains allows the chains to be connected to the spreader
arms without removing the spreader tips. Simply pull the pin and slide the entire Ubolt over the spreader arm (Figure 5). Once the U-bolt pin is in place over the
spreader arm, insert the U-bolt pin into the hole in the arm of the spreader and turn
to tighten. Tighten hand-tight only (Figure 6).
Figure 5
Figure 6
Cutter
The Amkus cutter weighs 30 pounds and produces a cutting force in excess of
60,000 pounds. The control valve is located above the cylinder (Figure 7).
The cutter is capable of cutting door posts, door struts, seat backs, and brake
pedals. It should not be used to cut hardened steel, such as tie rods. It is capable
of cutting through steering columns; however, it is recommended steering columns
only be cut as a last resort.
The maximum cutter opening at center is five inches. The maximum cutter opening
at the tip is four inches.
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The Department uses a variety of Amkus cutters, and members assigned to this
piece of equipment should become familiar with maximum operating ranges, i.e.,
opening distance.
Figure 7
Ram
The Amkus ram can produce a maximum of 30,650 pounds of pushing force to a
maximum of 40 inches. The maximum pulling force, if equipped with an eyelet at
each end, is 14,400 pounds.
The ram is also equipped with one extension bar. The extension bar is threaded
and may be connected to the ram by removing the tip. The extension bar length is
ten inches. Some rams have an adapter kit for changing the tip (Figure 8).
Figure 8
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Back-Up Hand Pump
The Amkus hand pump can be used to provide hydraulic power to any of the rescue
tools (Figure 9). It is designed to provide enough power to operate any of the rescue
tools at their maximum rated capacities.
The hand pump is also supplied with 20 feet of hydraulic hose.
Figure 9
HURST HIGH-PRESSURE RESCUE SYSTEMS
The Hurst high-pressure rescue systems currently in use by the Department consist
of gasoline-powered hydraulic high-pressure pump units, hydraulic spreaders,
cutters, combination tools and rams.
Streamline Coupling
The Streamline couplings (Figure 10) used on Hurst rescue equipment are of the
single-coupling, two-hose type. The single half-turn coupling connects both
pressure and return lines. It is easy to connect and disconnect even while wearing
gloves, and allows for 360-degree swivel of the tool. The tool can be connected and
disconnected under pressure;therefore, using the dump valve is unnecessary.
The streamline coupling is used with both engine and truck units;therefore, Hurst
high-pressure tools from one apparatus may be used with the power unit of another.
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Figure 10
Figure 11
Star Control Valve
The star control valve (Figure 11) used on Hurst high-pressure tools is located at the
top of the hand grip for ease of left- or right-hand operation while holding the tool at
any angle. To operate, twist the star to the right to open (out) and twist to the left to
close (in).
All Hurst control valves are equipped with a dead-man feature. When the control
valve is released, it will automatically spring back to the center position and the tool
will stop operating.
The control valves on the Hurst rescue tools have built-in check valves. The tools
will hold their position under load, even when the hoses are disconnected. Hoses
may be reconnected while the tools are under load.
Hurst Centaur Power Unit (Trucks, NCFD)
The Hurst Centaur Mini Mate Simo compact-power unit (Figure 12) consists of a
lightweight, 3-horsepower, 4-cycle gasoline engine and hydraulic pump capable of a
normal operating pressure of 9140 psi. Flow is directed through two independently
operated outlets, which can power both tools simultaneously.
The power unit weighs approximately 58 pounds and is equipped with a 3.5-liter
hydraulic oil reservoir and two sets of 35-foot hydraulic hoses. Some units also have
two sets of 20-foot extension hoses. Extension hoses may not be equipped with the
streamline couplings;therefore, they must be connected to the pump first.
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Figure 102
Figure 13
The control valves (Figure 13) direct hydraulic fluid to the hose lines. The valves are
labeled “pressure” and “dump” and are of the 90-degree operational type (up to
charge the line).
The engine, fuel, and hydraulic oils should be checked weekly and after each use.
The engine uses unleaded gasoline only. Do not mix oil with the gasoline. The
hydraulic oil reservoir should be filled to within one inch of the top.
Spreader
The Hurst spreader weighs 43 pounds and will produce up to 51,700 pounds of
spreading force and 24,700 pounds of squeezing force. The spreader is evenly
balanced at the crossbar. The maximum spread distance is 32 inches (Figure 14).
Figure 14
Chains
Hurst spreader chains can be used without removing the spreader tips. The U-bolt
assembly attaches to the spreader tip with a self-locking pin (Figure 15). Simply pull
the pin and slide the entire U-bolt over the spreader arm (Figure 16). Once the Ubolt pin is in place over the spreader arm, insert the U-bolt pin into the hole in the
arm of the spreader until it locks into place.
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Figure 15
Figure 16
Cutter
The Hurst cutter weighs 42 pounds and produces a cutting force of 152,900 pounds.
The maximum cutter opening at center is 7 inches (Figure 17).
The cutter is capable of cutting door posts, door struts, seat backs, and brake
pedals. It should not be used to cut hardened steel, such as tie rods. It is capable
of cutting through steering columns; however, it is recommended steering columns
only be cut as a last resort.
Figure 17
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Ram
The Hurst telescoping ram weighs 46 pounds and can produce a maximum of
53,950 pounds of pushing force through the first piston, and 26,980 pounds through
piston two. The ram is 25 inches closed and extends to a maximum of 59 inches
(Figure 18).
Figure 18
Compact Power Unit (Engine Companies)
The Hurst compact power unit (Figure 19) consists of a lightweight 2.5-horsepower,
4-cycle gasoline engine, and hydraulic pump capable of a normal operating pressure
of 9140 psi and delivers a constant flow of a mineral-based hydraulic fluid to the
rescue tool through a single outlet. The unit weighs approximately 37 pounds and
has a hydraulic oil reservoir with a capacity of 2.6 liters.
Figure 19
Figure 20
The outlet has a dump valve to relieve hydraulic pressure to the tool. The valve is
labeled “1” and “0” with 1 being closed for “pressure” 0 being open for “dump”
(Figure 20).
The engine, fuel, and hydraulic oils should be checked weekly and after each use.
The engine uses unleaded gasoline only. Do not mix oil with the gasoline. The
hydraulic oil reservoir should be filled to within one inch of the top.
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Combination Spreader/Cutter
The Hurst combination tool weighs 32 pounds and will produce up to 25,400 pounds
of spreading force, 10,228 pounds of pulling force, and 85,430 pounds of cutting
force. The spreader is evenly balanced at the crossbar. The maximum spread
distance is 14.1 inches (Figure 21).
Figure 21
HURST LOW-PRESSURE HYDRAULIC RESCUE TOOLS
The Hurst hydraulic rescue tools currently in use consist of a four-cycle Hurst power
unit, multi-tool manifold block, hydraulic spreader, hydraulic cutter, and three
hydraulic rams (Figure 22). Hurst recommends inspection to be performed daily and
after use; maintenance should be performed every six months and annually. The
maintenance guidelines will differ for each product.
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Figure 22
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Power Unit (NCFD Reserve)
The Hurst power unit consists of a hydraulic pump powered by a Honda
five-horsepower, four-cycle gasoline engine. The hydraulic pump operates at
5,000 psi maximum pressure and less than 800 psi no-load pressure. A sequencing
valve is operated by back pressure and changes the pump automatically, when
required, from one pressure range to another (Figure 23).
Figure 23
The unit holds three quarts of fluid in the hydraulic reservoir. The unit is considered
full when the fluid is static, one inch from the top of the fill plug. Use fire resistant
Hurst hydraulic fluid. The Hurst hydraulic fluid is caustic to the skin, as well as paint,
rubber, etc. Fuel capacity is approximately one gallon of unleaded fuel and will last
between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on use.
The power unit is equipped with two 30-inch hoses. Hoses are, and must remain,
pre-connected to the power unit. Opposite ends of the hoses are connected
together (male to female) to ensure dirt cannot enter and mix with the hydraulic fluid.
Always make connections (unit to tool) before starting the unit.
To begin the start procedure, confirm the fuel valve is in the on position and the
pressure valve is in the dump position. Slide the throttle control lever to the
choke/start position. Grasp the pull-start handle firmly and pull the cord until the
engine starts. When the engine starts, slide the control lever to the fast position.
Note:
OPERATE TOOLS IN THE FAST POSITION ONLY.
The power unit may be idled in the slow position any time tools are not in use and
also prior to shutting down the engine.
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Caution:
DO NOT START ENGINE UNLESS ALL HOSES ARE
CONNECTED. DO NOT BREAK HOSE CONNECTIONS
WHILE POWER UNIT IS OPERATING.
Hurst Hydraulic Hose
The hydraulic hose has a 4-to-1 safety factor of 20,000 pounds and operates at
5,000 pounds on each hose. Hoses are equipped with quick-disconnect couplings.
To operate the quick-disconnect couplings, align the slot in the sleeve with the pin,
slide sleeve back to connect or disconnect the coupling (Figure 24). After
connecting, rotate sleeve one-quarter to one-half turn to prevent inadvertent or
accidental disconnection.
Figure 24
Connect couplings on the short hoses from the tool to the quick-disconnect
couplings on the long hoses from the manifold block/power unit. Align slot with pin
before you connect or disconnect couplings. Connections shall be made before
starting the power unit.
Multi-Tool Manifold Block
The multi-tool manifold allows automatic pressure changeover to any of the
connected tools. Up to three Hurst tools can be connected to a single power unit
and simplify hydraulic hose layout. The manifold block is also equipped with a
pressure dump valve (Figure 25).
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Figure 25
To begin the connection sequence, connect the 30-foot hydraulic extension hose
from the power unit to the POWER UNIT position on the manifold. The pressure
dump valve must be in the CAPS position when adding or removing equipment from
the manifold block. When connecting the hoses to the tools from the manifold, either
port (No. 1 or No. 2) may be utilized. When performing a single-tool use, the other
hose must be coupled to complete a hydraulic circuit. In the case of multi-tool use,
with the combination of rams and spreader (or cutter), the ram must be coupled to
the No. 2 port. A deviation from this step will cause the spreader or cutter to operate
at a slower rate due to the fluid resistance in the ram (Figure 26).
Figure 26
(Two tools connected to No. 1 and No. 2 positions;
15-inch jumper hose connected to No. 3 position;
power unit connected to power unit position.)
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After ensuring all lines are properly connected, start the power unit and move the
dump valve lever on the power unit to the PRESSURE position. Always move the
power unit dump valve lever to the DUMP position before attempting to disconnect
any hoses from tools, manifold, or power unit.
Check the manifold block periodically to ensure all fittings are secure. If connectors
become clogged with sand, dirt, or grit, rinse with water only. DO NOT use
petroleum-based cleaners such a gasoline or spray lubricants.
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Spreader
The Hurst spreader weighs 52 pounds (JL-27) and 70 pounds (JL-32B). The
spreader will produce up to 16,000 pounds of spreading force at tips and 14,000
pounds of pulling force at shackle holes, to a maximum of a 32-inch spread. The
spreader is evenly balanced at the crossbar.
The control valve is located over the cylinder for ease of left- or right-hand operation
(Figure 27).
Figure 27
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Spreader Chains
The Hurst spreader chains have a working pressure of 25,000 pounds and can be
used without removing the spreader tips. The U-bolt assembly attached to the
chains allows the chains to be connected to the spreader arms without removing the
spreader tips.
To attach chain shackles to the tool, force short jaw retainer pins out of the arm. Slip
chain shackle over the jaw and arm and insert long faspin, locking shackle to arm
(Figure 28). Ensure hooks are both facing the same direction, up or down. Attach
the chains from same direction (side) to prevent the arms from twisting (Figure 29).
Figure 28
Figure 29
Cutter
The Hurst cutter weighs 39 pounds and produces a cutting force of 38,000 pounds
at blade center and 70,000 pounds at notch. Cutter opening is six inches. The
control valve is located over the cylinder for ease of left- or right-hand operation.
The cutter is capable of cutting door posts, door struts, seat backs, and brake
pedals. It should not be used to cut hardened steel, such as door pins. It is capable
of cutting through steering columns; however, it is recommended steering columns
only be cut as a last resort. (Figure 30)
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Figure 30
Ram
The Hurst ram weighs up to 36 pounds and can produce a maximum of
15,000 pounds of spreading force to a maximum of 25 inches spread distance. The
average spread distance is roughly 75 percent of the cylinder body length
(Figure 31).
Figure 31
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HOLMATRO COMBINATION TOOL
The Holmatro combination tool (combi-tool) is currently in use by the North Central
Fire Protection District. The combi-tool is a hydraulic rescue tool that features a twostage, micro-hydraulic pump powered by a 24-volt NiCd battery. This unit is a selfcontained rescue tool -- meaning it has no external pumps, no cords, no lines and no
set-up time required. It is equiped with a DEWALT quick-change battery system and
comes with a quick charger providing, fast one-hour charging (Figure 32).
Figure 32
Technical Data (Holmatro Combination Tool)
Specifications
Standard
Metric
Maximum Operating Pressure
10,500 psi
(720 bar)
Max. Spreading Force (at back of tips)
11,690 lbs
(52 kN)
Max. Spreading Travel
10 1/2“
(268 mm)
Max. Cutting Force (in notch)
49,000 lbs
(218 kN)
Max. Cutting Force (blade center)
18,660 lbs
(83 kN)
Max. Pulling Force
6,600 lbs
(29.3 kN)
Max. Pulling Distance
12 7/8“
(327 mm)
Weight, Ready for Use
33 lbs
(14.8 kg)
Dimensions (L x W x H)
28" x 12" x 9“
(712x305x230mm)
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120-Volt AC Charger
FAN COOLED technology quickly cools down the battery, thus extending battery life.
The 120-volt AC charger harges all DEWALT 24-volt batteries so 24-volt users need
only one charger. It charges all 24-volt batteries in one hour or less, minimizing
down time. The three-stage charging system provides maximum run time and
extends overall life of the battery. The battery thermal protection system prevents
charging batteries that are too hot or too cold, which would cause damage to the
battery and a loss of run time. There is a LED diagnostics indicator for five
indicators to communicate battery charge status: charged, charging, power line
problem, replace pack, and battery too hot or too cold (Figure 33).
24-Volt NiCd Battery
The fan-cooled technology cools down the battery quickly, extending battery life.
The high-capacity XR pack battery offers extended run time without sacrificing the
number of recharges. The 24-volt NiCd battery powers the entire DEWALT line of
24-volt tools. The battery will last for approximately 12 minutes of continuous use.
Actual run times will vary based on vehicle construction and actual pressures
reached within the tool. A durable slide-rail interface keeps the battery securely in
place, even during the most extreme applications (Figure 34) .
Figure 33
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Figure 34
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Adjustable Carry Pack
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