| Polaris Ranger 6×6 – Holmen Fire Department
Information: Holmen Area Fire Department has responsibilities for over 66 square miles of land in three municipalities. Much of their coverage area in not reachable with even their smallest fire vehicle. They needed a quick response, lightweight, nimble vehicle that could cover miles of bike and walking paths. Their vehicle needed to be small enough to navigate on small trails, but be able to carry 80 gallons of water, a water pump, a hose reel and a bunch of tools and EMS supplies. With the payload of a full size truck (1250 lbs. carrying capacity) and the off-road traction and performance of an all-terrain vehicle, the Polaris Ranger 6×6 fit the bill perfectly. The Ranger 6X6 EFI provides on-demand six-wheel drive and independent center and rear axle suspension for unmatched performance and a smoother ride. The Switch-Engaged On-Demand true 6-wheel shaft drive allows drivers to quickly and easily adapt to changing terrain and loads. Modifications: Before the Holmen Area Fire Department could use their Ranger 6×6, they needed to customize it a bit for their unique needs. For that, they turned to TerraTor Corporation and selected a Pumpster mini-tender pumper unit. TerraTor makes several different skids suited for UTVs, but the Pumpster is the most comprehensive and requires the removal of the factory bed.
The Pumpster mini-pumper is a diamond-plated unit that fits on the back of the Polaris Ranger or other UTVs like the Jon Deere Gator, Kubota RTV or Kawasaki Mule. The Ranger 6×6 carries 100 gallons of water and 3 gallons of class A foam that can be inducted into the water stream. An on-board pump also lets fire fighters draw from a pond, creek or pool. The unit carries a 1″ hose on a reel and another 100 ft. of 1″ hose in a storage compartment. The on-board pump is capable of feeding both 1″ hoses during fire suppression.
The option of switching between a stokes basket for safe evacuation of injured victims and a gear crib that holds chainsaws, Jaws of Life and other equipment greatly enhances the vehicles capabilities.
The stokes basket fits into the skid in a way that makes it possible for an EMT to administer to the victim from the back of the vehicle. Service Area: Holmen is a village in La Crosse County, Wisconsin with a population of about 7,500. Holmen contains many wooded areas, hills, and bluffs, and the Mississippi River passes just to the west of the village. The Great River State Trail is perfect for walking and biking, but also creates access issues for normal-sized fire department vehicles. Because of its size and construction, the Ranger 6×6 UTV can get places that large fire trucks or even pick-up tracks can’t. Mobility is on of the TerraTor mini-pumper tanker’s greatest strengths, according to George Korycan, CEO or TerraTor Corporation. “The TerraTor mini-tanker is the maximum ‘rat patrol’ in fire fighting. Small, agile, fast on the job and up and away before anything can touch it.” More Photos:
2006 Polaris Ranger 6×6 EFI Specifications:
Polaris Ranger 6×6 Pictures:
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