Aussie Mr T helps water down fire threat

Combustible materials, heat, low humidity and strong winds present a dangerous combination during the Australian broadacre harvest.

Not only do harvest fires cause major crop damage, they could also destroy expensive harvesting equipment and machinery.

Most harvester fires originate from the engine base as the build-up of flammable material can spontaneously combust. Exhaust sparks are another major cause, risking loss of the combine.

"The key to avoiding harvester fires is attention to clean down and inspection," said Aussie Pumps product manager Brad Farrugia.

"We advise postponing harvest during high-risk periods."

Aussie Pumps has been collaborating with farmers to develop pumps capable of providing real protection during a harvest fire.

"There is no point in having a 10,000-litre capacity water cart if the pump can't throw water at the fire fast enough," Mr Farrugia said.

He said the Aussie Mr T 2"x2" twin impeller pump was regarded by the market as a leader in its class.

The Aussie Mr T comes with a genuine Honda 9hp or 13hp petrol engine. A diesel drive version is also available with a Yanmar 10hp electric start, air cooled engine powering the big pump's performance.

Both engines offer loads of torque and allow the pump to be able to reach a whopping 95-metre head and still deliver a maximum flow of up to 480 litres per minute.

The Mr T is available in either a 2" or 3" configuration and delivers flows in excess of 200 litres per minute at 65m head.

"An added bonus is the pump's ability to draft water from creeks and dams. It has an unequalled vertical suction lift of 7.6m," Mr Farrugia said.

A sturdy galvanised roll frame with anti-vibration mounts comes standard on all configurations.

For larger applications, Aussie Pumps has developed a 3" pump that delivers flows of up to 1000 litres per minute.

"If you've got the capacity in the water cart, it's smart to use a pump that's got serious flow capabilities," Mr Farrugia said.

"We developed the Aussie QP3310SX for just this type of application."

Aussie Pumps originally developed the 3" high pressure pump as a village fire protection unit.

The company claims the 3" pump is the first of its kind to provide genuine 4" pump performance - high volumes at high pressure.

The big pump self primes and can draft water from vertical depths as low as 8.4m.

Its maximum head is 70m, which is more than 100psi.

The big 3" Aussie is suitable for the use of water cannons or 3" hoses with professional fire-fighting nozzle equipment.

"These big pumps can throw a jet 50m or 60m and pour huge amounts of water on the fire, literally drowning it," Mr Farrugia said.

For information, go to www.aussiepumps.com.au .