It can go right to the heart of a fire, down alleys, around tight corners, through narrow passages, even up steps and into a .building. It can go right to the source of water, be it a lake, pool or well. No other apparatus can perform or maneuver as efficiently under emergency conditions.
These accomplishments are possible because of the Jeep Fire Engine's short wheel base, narrowness, low center of gravity, powerful engine, short turning radius, 4-wheel drive and transfer case reduction.
2. Effective at Fire
The Jeep Fire Engine meets Underwriters specifications, having successfully and repeatedly passed the three hour 500-gallons-per-minute pumping tests. It is equipped with the American Marsh Pump (500 GPM) which is standard equipment for most American built fire apparatus regardless of size. This pump operates directly from the crankshaft of the powerful Willys Hurricane "F" head engine.
It can pull a 200-gallon tank trailer (equipped with booster reel) ,which allows the firemen to commence operation even before the Jeep stops rolling. While the pump is being connected to a hydrant or other water supply and the hoses are being attached, the booster often extinguishes the fire or keeps it from spreading.
Because the Jeep Fire Engine can pump while traveling, it can fight field fires by moving through that area and spraying the fire with water from the booster tank. Unlike most fire apparatus, it need not stop, unreel, pump, reel in and move on. Its tank trailer is easily attached or detached and can be left in the fire station when not needed.
The Jeep Fire Engine is usually operated by two or three men. However, it can carry a crew of five or even be operated by the driver. Professional firemen are not necessary. Volunteer rural fire fighters learn its operation quickly. This ease of operation is made possible by the simplicity of its controls and the use of two standard equipment governors: one to maintain constant engine speed while pumping and the other to operate a pressure relief to decelerate the engine automatically when hoses are shut down.
3. It is Economical
Economy is a feature never before found in effective fire equipment. A combination of the low initial cost (less than 1 /3 the cost of fire engines with equal equipment and performance) and the low operating and maintenance cost of the Jeep Fire Engine has created a new concept in the cost of mobile fire equipment. An entirely new group of potential customers has been created. Many small towns and communities find the Jeep Fire Engine the perfect answer to a low budget.
Because of the functional design and the many standard Jeep parts, together with built-in ruggedness, maintenance costs are low. The Jeep Fire Engine is less prone to wear out or be damaged in a mishap. If, however, repairs are needed, it can be taken to any member of Willys' world-wide network of distributors and dealers for replacement of parts or service. Competitive engines might be idle for months waiting for parts to be shipped from the manufacturer.