Do you need a low, medium or high-pressure firefighter?

If you look up fire fighting equipment today you might be overwhelmed by all the skid units available on the market. What is a skid unit you ask? Well, a skid unit is a unit to fight wildfires, mounted on the back of your bakkie or vehicle, consisting of a water tank, pump and hose.

These skid units come in 3 different variations which are low, medium and high-pressure units. In this article, we will have a look at the main differences between these units and what they can be used for.

The high-pressure firefighter

These high-pressure units are designed to deliver a powerful burst of water or fire retardant at high pressure, making it ideal for fighting fires in large areas or over longer distances. These units are ideal for fighting grass fires where you need to quickly douse the flames.

High-pressure fire-fighting skid units are excellent at extinguishing fires rapidly, reducing the risk of further damage.

They have long reach and are able to project water or foam over longer distances which can be a valuable advantage. They can be used for a wide range of fire types including wildfires and industrial fires. The cons of these units, however, are that they can cause potential damage with the forceful stream if they are not controlled correctly.

Medium Pressure Fire Fighting skid units:

These units strike a balance between high and low pressure and are well-suited for fires in residential and commercial structures where a controlled but effective water flow is necessary. They are also ideal for situations where wildfires break out.  When precision is required and there is a need to conserve water. These medium-pressure units are best used for forest fires where users need more water but less pressure.

These units are less likely to damage property and risk of collateral damage when compared to the high-pressure units, yet they do not have the reach of their high-pressure counterparts.

These units can also be used for crop spraying, or fruit tree spraying. So it is much more versatile than the high-pressure unit.

Low-pressure firefighter:

Lastly, the low-pressure firefighting unit is designed for situations where a gentle and consistent application of water is required. And can be used in sensitive environments, near delicate equipment or electrical installations. They are also ideal for cooling down surfaces, creating a barrier or dampening areas to prevent the spread of fire. They are also ideal for spraying cattle, trees and crops with insecticides.

These units offer precise control, minimizing the risk of further damage and water conservation because they use much less water when compared to the previous 2 types. They are however slower at suppressing fires and their reach may be limited.

Firefighting skid units have multiple uses and one should always consider the jobs which you want to use them for. Another consideration is where you will be filling your water tank. Not all pump engines are created equal and if for instance, you will be drawing water from a dam or muddy water source, make sure that the unit you are interested in, can handle a little grime in the engine.

Choosing the right firefighting unit is crucial for effective fire control and when you consider your specific needs beforehand you can ensure the safety of both property and lives.

With our wide selection of fire-fighting skid units and fire-fighting equipment, you can ensure that you have the correct tools for the job. Agmarket delivers nationwide and can have your skid unit to you withing 3-5 working days.