This year has already seen late frosts and heavy rain, and now the latest prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology BOM is for our hottest summer on record.
The possibility of more extreme weather patterns, including withering heatwaves and flash floods present many challenges for farmers. Here in Australia, we must be prepared for the worst events including uncontrollable fires, devastating floods or the ever-present risk of drought. One company that recognises that need is Australian Pump Industries.
AUSSIE PUMPS ARE READY
Aussie Pumps is mobilising to meet what could be the most erratic weather conditions in years. Working with trained and experienced Distributors, their plan is to encourage and support farmers and regional homeowners to be prepared!
Although the company gives full credit and huge respect to the professional firefighters and volunteers in the community, it’s not possible for these folk to be everywhere at once in the event of a major disaster.
BE ARMED IN ADVANCE
Being prepared is everything and that means first and foremost having the right equipment and the right plan.
“We know that some customers think that an expensive fire pump must be good. It doesn’t necessarily work that way and we encourage farmers and
homeowners to check the performance of the products they are buying. Look below the surface, check the performance curves, read the technical documentation and take the trouble to understand the limitations imposed by friction loss, pump size and horsepower”, said Aussie Pumps Chief Engineer, John Hales.
Aussie Pumps first started producing fire pumps over 30 years ago with the basic formula of using quality components driven by the world’s best engines. It led to ready acceptance of their pumps by both commercial and Government authorities. Contracts from the firefighting authorities and National Parks quickly followed!
Many of the company’s staff live in what is known as the “Urban Interface”. Some are “blockies” with livestock and have experienced first hand bushfires in the last 20 years. It’s that experience and working closely with professionals that has given the company insight into what is required in terms of pump performance and reliability.
BRING ON THE BIG GUNS
Aussie developed the Brigade Boss range of high pressure pumps first and foremost to help farmers concerned about crop protection. The company understands the heartbreak of investing heavily in both labour and funds, to see a crop burn before your eyes. The Brigade Boss range deliver big flows at high pressure.
For example, Aussie’s QP402 4” high flow version of the pump, provides the ability to fill tankers fast with flows of up to 1800 lpm. In its high
pressure version, with closed vane impeller and volute will handle heads as high as 70m (almost 100 psi).
The pumps can be powered by either Honda petrol and Yanmar diesel drives and provide tremendous capability, not just for fighting fires but also for long distance water transfer and to fill tankers fast.
AUSSIE GOES DIESEL
Recognising the trend of firefighting authorities towards diesel drives because of their intrinsic safety factors (lower fuel volatility), the Aussie team moved towards a close association with key diesel engine manufacturers. Their pumps are powered by top brands like Hatz, Yanmar and Kubota diesel.
Diesels can also deliver better fuel economy and, if properly serviced, can last many years before needing to be replaced.
BUYER BEWARE
Australian lightweight portable fire pumps are now copied by third world players.
“You won’t find those products at any reputable pump supplier and certainly not amongst the Aussie Pumps authorised dealerships”, said Hales. “Everywhere we hear the mantra from the market that it’s better to pay a little more and get the right product the first time. We believe in the quality of our pumps and that’s why all Aussie’s Quik Prime pump ends are backed up by a five year warranty, he said.
AUSSIE’S FIRE SURVIVAL GUIDE … IT’S FREE
This indispensable guide provides information on how to protect both farm and Urban Interface properties. Now in its 2024 edition, Aussie continues to build additional information in the guide. It’s based on real life experiences from professional firefighters, volunteers and homeowners working towards protecting property and lives.
The Survival Guide helps to select the right equipment, from pumps and engines to hose and nozzle kits, all aimed at getting the very best result in an emergency.
DROUGHTS and FLOODS
Everyone understands that without reliable access to sufficient water, Australia’s farms will become less productive and less viable. Aussie Pumps has zealously campaigned for water security for the country, pushing for action from politicians to think beyond their 3 year term. It’s an issue raised over 70 or 80 years ago when our forefathers planned to build more dams, diverting rivers into the inland where water security is most needed.
“With the equipment we have today, in terms of tunnelling and excavation gear, this is absolutely possible and only requires money and the will to carry it out”, said Hales. “Imagine the afforestation programs we could run and how that could play a vital role in our battle with climate change”, said Hales.
For copies of Aussie’s “Water Security for Australia” stories, free Bushfire Survival Guides or information on Aussie’s product range, contact authorised Aussie Pump Distributors throughout Queensland.
