Foreign purchases: Cutters, expansion clamps, support rods and power system requirements and standards

( 4 ) Purchasers are often persuaded by dealer sales representatives. Although sales representatives' suggestions may be full of good intentions, they do not know the specific needs of your department - only users know. If external opinions are accepted without considering other factors, the selected tool may not be suitable for departmental needs.

( 3 ) Supplier Commitment

â–  Trial Tools

â–  Technician repair response time

â–  Quality of service provided

â–  Does the supplier provide after-sales service training for the technicians in your department so that they can learn to repair and inspect the equipment? (This will save a lot of money during the equipment use period)

( 4 ) Compatibility

New tools or power equipment can be installed on existing systems, or must replace the entire system:

Tool system compatibility:

â–  operating pressure (5000-10000 lbs / square inch, equivalent to about 345-690 kg / cm)

â–  Hydraulic oil

â–  Connector

( 5 ) What are the main functions and functions of your tool?

( 6 ) Are these tools compatible with modern vehicle constructions and are capable of cutting dissimilar metals such as boron steel used in a variety of modern vehicles?

( 7 ) Your tool is designed for efficiency (optimal weight), can the user use it conveniently and evenly?

( 8 ) Water Belts and Connector Types

â–  Single hose

â–  Double line

â–  Type Connector

a ) current type

b ) Can you switch to different types?

â–  Tools for converting to current power units, tools and hoses Select the right tool

It is important to choose the right tools and systems. This process is based on, but not limited to, the following influencing factors:

â–  Universal compatibility with existing systems, and the purpose of heavy rescue tools (road or off road assistance, and / or piercing tools)

â–  The personnel of the fire department are diverse and need to consider different body types. The choice of tools will affect at least the shopping list.

It should be pointed out that many manual or power tools are needed to carry out rescue work. Before purchasing heavy hydraulic power tools, these manual or power tools should be considered. One of them is used very little, but it is almost a versatile tool, that is, a high-quality reciprocating saw . In general, this single tool is equipped with a suitable blade and performs better than a dedicated heavy-duty rescue tool. If it can be used with heavy rescue tools, it will effectively accelerate the speed of vehicle rescue.

Having suitable power tools such as high-quality reciprocating saws may affect your purchase of heavy rescue tools. If you already have such a saw, it can also be used as a dedicated cutter. Will you arrange to purchase another tool because of budget constraints?

For small units that need to carry out rescue work on mobile platforms, the following tool combinations are ideal:

â–  An internal combustion engine driven "mini" power unit that powers all selected equipment. With flat connectors, two tools can be powered.

â–  two 30 feet (about 9.14 meters) with a hydraulic water (each has a different color-coded to distinguish), with a flat connector.

â–  A combination tool kit ( dilator , cutter) with removable blade tip and flat connector.

or

â–  The battery power unit (can carry a load) can charge two spare batteries at least within 20 minutes. Connectors are optional purchases, depending on your department's needs and limitations.

â–  A combination tool kit (dilator, cutter) with removable blade tip and flat connector.

â–  Military systems may require these tools to have fixed lines instead of quick connectors.

For small and medium-sized towns, the following factors are my suggestions for heavy rescue tools:

â–  There is a mini power unit that powers all selected tools with a flat connector that powers two tools.

â–  number of 30 feet (about 9.14 meters) with a hydraulic water (each has a different color-coded to distinguish), with a flat connector.

â–  Large dedicated expanders with flat connectors.

â–  Large special cutters (construction capable of cutting boron steel structures) with flat connectors.

â–  Medium piston with flat connector.

For fire departments with such resources, it is highly recommended to prepare a combination tool (can cut different metals such as boron steel). Combination tools are particularly suitable for impact accidents where such accidents require only the removal of the door or cutting of structural components.

The combination tool has expansion, smashing, and shearing capabilities. The removable tip can be fully cut to increase the cutting ability without obstructing the cutting. In addition, the combination tool can reduce the user's fatigue, especially when the user lacks upper body strength to support large-scale special tools.

Select system type

In the 1970s , modern rescue tools sprouted from the manual hydraulic tools originally designed for the auto repair industry. The original special hydraulic rescue tools certainly had many defects, but in addition to the heavy weight and ergonomics, in general, these tools reduced the working time and saved lives in the modern vehicle rescue. Since then, the rescue tools The industry is booming.

As competition has intensified, the trend of improving performance and design and satisfying user needs has become increasingly apparent. Today, the use of fixed-battery-driven tooling systems is becoming more commonplace, replacing heavy-duty hydraulic systems with power packs and expensive hydraulic lines.

In my opinion, sales of "all-electric" tools will increase significantly and eventually replace hydraulic rescue tools. Although most people refuse to make changes, once power tools are used, technology will conquer them. This is a logical path worth searching for.

Electric Rescue Tool System: means an all-electric tool with two subcategories:

â–  Special tools

a) Dilator (dilation / squeezing)

b) Cutter (for cutting, with partial expansion due to blade design)

c) Combination tool (its blade can be used to cut and expand)

d) Hammer

â–  Multifunctional tools (shear, expander, breaker and retractor)

a) Dilator handles and parts are replaceable

b) The cutter head can be replaced

Buyers should specify what type of tools / systems are best suited to their target users and select specific tools based on their unique needs.

Future trends in power tools

Users of all-electric tools have always wanted to use lighter tools without sacrificing performance.

Battery-powered tool features:

â–  Mobility

â–  Reduced weight

â– The best weight and energy efficiency ratio

â–  Direct drive technology

â–  Lower maintenance costs

â–  Easy use of electric energy for immediate use

Manufacturer trend

â–  More ergonomic

â–  Weight optimization technology: embodied in tool master and battery design

â–  Reduced weight without sacrificing performance

â–  Use more advanced batteries (lithium ion)

â–  Widely used under full load

â–  The battery can be used continuously for at least 25 minutes and can be replaced

â–  The charge state has a visual display

â–  Multi-purpose tools (shearing, crushing, pulling and cutting)

â–  Optimized size, handles can be rotated for storage, and the angle of attack using the tool is optimized

â–  Quick-change dilator handles, parts, and cutter blades

â–  Power tools for special (single) use

â–  Dilator

â–  Cutter

â–  Hammer

Hydraulic system: This heavy-duty rescue hydraulic system was developed in the 1970s . Prior to this, rescuers were limited to hand tools or manual hydraulic tools, which were developed for the vehicle maintenance industry.

Electro-hydraulic system: There are currently several electro-hydraulic heavy-duty tool systems available. This type of system is very adaptable and can be used to carry or operate on mobile platforms like ATVs or helicopters. Each system has its limitations and advantages.

â–  Fixed battery hydraulic tools: Combined with hydraulic pumps . Currently, the most widely used system has a replaceable battery applied to power the internal hydraulic pump so that the tool can function.

â–  Battery pack: The backpack battery pack power system has a hydraulic line, which is an older technology system that uses a heavier 12- volt battery pack to power the hydraulic pump. Due to the weight of the entire system (batteries and tools), this type of tool is no longer suitable for emergency rescue.

Manually operated hydraulic system: There are three types of manual hydraulic pumps: fully manual operation pumps; external auxiliary manual pumps ; and external auxiliary foot pumps.

Some rescue tools have integrated hydraulic pumps, but in many cases they are not suitable for combination tools. For military and other special equipment operators, this system is needed if the rescue is limited by weight and equipment.

Compared with other hydraulic systems, the manually operated hydraulic system has a compact structure, low noise, and light weight. External hydraulic pumps need to be used with compatible tools, but for fully manually operated pumps, it is not limited to a single tool.

Electric drive hydraulic pump system: In actual use, the electric pump needs the power supply of the engine. This device is ideal for personnel training because of low noise. The system can be installed inside a building without producing post-combustion by-products. This kind of teaching environment is very satisfying. Usually, the instructors have to talk louder and louder in the roar of internal combustion engines.

The information in this article comes from the Internet and was reorganized and edited by China Rescue Equipment Network.