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INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPERATING GORTER WATER TOWER

A. Check the Following Items:

  1. Close mast drain valve. (underneath mast)
  2. Close the Tower and Turret supply valves.
  3. Close the pressure release valve (dump valve) by moving lever inward.
  4. Turn water motor control valve to S (stop).
  5. Disengage all dog clutches.
  6. See that extension power shaft universal joint is in proper alignment (by use of arrow and indicator on small gear).
  7. See that power shaft friction clamp is locked.

THE APPARATUS SHOULD BE MAINTAINED IN THE ABOVE CONDITION IN QUARTERS AND BE READY FOR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE.

B. Place Into Position:

  1. Spot tower as ordered, watch overhead wires and other obstructions.
  2. Place chock blocks under rear wheels, left front and right rear.
    Note: Use wheel plate under rear wheel on side away from fire when operating on soft ground or pavement. On a hill or soft ground use large wheel chock block in addition to other chock blocks. If plate is used place chocks fore and aft on wheel on the fire side.
  3. Set spring jacks, use wood plates.
    Adjust until firm, but do not take weight on jacks.
  4. Place both struts out, secure chains to struts and wheel spokes and adjust.
  5. Connect hose lines to intake manifold.
    (use shut-off butts unless water supply is from a manifold wagon or cluster of a dual carrier.

C. Raise Mast (about 90 lbs pressure)

  1. Engage dog clutch on left side of water motor.
  2. Open water motor control to R, raise mast.
  3. When mast reaches vertical position where vertical brace is mid-way between arrows, turn control valve to S, stop.
  4. Line up ball joint, make sleeve connection at base of mast. (use tool, (pipe) to tighten)
  5. Disengage left side dog clutch.


D. Raise Extension

  1. Engage dog clutch on right side of water motor.
  2. Release friction lock on extension drive shaft.
  3. Use lever on mast to engage extension gears.
    (use ratchet on drive shaft to mesh if necessary)
  4. Turn water motor control valve to Raise, and raise to desired height
    (white lines are limit warning)
  5. Turn motor control valve to S, stop, disengage dog clutch.
  6. Lock extension drive shaft friction lock.
  7. Direct nozzle by controls at base of tower.
    Rear handle - Vertical control
    Front handles - Horizontal control
  8. Open water tower supply valve

WaterTowerStreams_chart_1930fc_3.gif (3227 bytes)
WATER STREAM ANGLES

SHUTTING DOWN OPERATIONS

E. Lower Extension

  1. Open tower drain valve.
  2. Release extension drive shaft friction lock.
  3. Engage right dog clutch.
  4. Open water motor control to L, lower extension.
    Ease extension onto seat, (pressure release valve, dump valve, may be used to slow speed as extension nears down position.)
  5. Disengage right dog clutch.
  6. Disengage extension gear lever on mast, use ratchet when necessary.
    Put ratchet lever in neutral after use.

 


F. Lower Mast

  1. Line up extension universal joint using arrow and indicator on small gear.
  2. Lock extension drive shaft lock.
  3. Disconnect ball joint connection at base of mast.
  4. Engage left dog clutch.
  5. Open water motor control to L, lower.
  6. Ease mast onto supports and return water motor control to S.
  7. Disengage left side dog clutch.

G. Pick Up

  1. Drain system.
  2. Release, pick up, and replace, spring jacks, struts, chains,
    chock blocks, and other equipment.
  3. Check all items listed in Section A

H. Lubrication after Use

  1. Few drops engine oil at all oil points.
  2. Refill grease cups.
  3. Drain water from worm gear oil pans, (pet cocks underneath)
    Refill oil pans.

I. General Information

  1. Operating pressure is about 90 to 120 pounds pressure.
  2. Horizontal sweep of Tower Nozzle is 270 degrees.
    (Blind 90 degrees directly to the rear)
  3. Height of Nozzle from street.
    Mast not extended- 37 feet
    Extended- 55 feet
  4. Tip sizes for Tower Nozzle
    1 1/2"
    1 3/4"
    2"
  5. Tip sizes for Turret Nozzle
    1 1/2" - 600 gpm
    1 3/4" - 800 gpm
    2" - 1000 gpm
    2 1/4" - 1350 gpm
    (Tips are not interchangeable)
  6. Nozzle pressure about 80 pounds.



    FOR QUESTIONS- 
    CONTACT  APPARATUS OPERATOR MICHAEL BREHM, 
                     FIRE STATION 12, "C" PLATOON
             213 485-6212

 


 


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