The QTAC 85 EMS-C is a fire suppression and emergency medical services (EMS) unit designed for deployment on various vehicles, particularly ATVs and UTVs. It serves as a versatile tool for initial attack firefighting, mop-up operations, and patient transport in remote or challenging terrains. The unit is manufactured by MTECH, Inc., a division of QTAC.
Function Description
The primary function of the QTAC 85 EMS-C is to provide a portable and self-contained water pumping system for fire suppression. It features a water tank, a pump engine, a discharge hose reel, and various valves to control water flow. The unit can draw water from its internal tank or draft from an auxiliary water source, allowing for extended operation. Additionally, the EMS-C model incorporates a folding litter platform, enabling it to transport patients, making it suitable for emergency medical response in off-road environments. An optional ATP Foam Kit can be integrated for enhanced firefighting capabilities, allowing the unit to discharge foam concentrate alongside water.
Important Technical Specifications
The QTAC 85 EMS-C is available in two main configurations: High Pressure and Medium Pressure, each with specific pump and engine characteristics.
Common Specifications:
- Tank & Body: Fully-welded, top-grade Copolymer Polypropylene with MTECH PolyTough™ construction. This material choice ensures durability and resistance to environmental factors.
- Delivery Hose: Both configurations utilize a 3/4 inch x 50 feet industrial grade rubber hose as standard, providing adequate reach and flexibility for firefighting operations.
- Delivery Nozzle: A brass ball valve shut-off with a fully adjustable brass nozzle is included, allowing operators to control the spray pattern and intensity.
- Maximum Tank Capacity: The unit has a substantial capacity of 85 US gallons (321.8 L) of water, providing a significant water supply for extended operations.
- Draft Hose Port: Both models are equipped with a Camlock port for connecting a draft hose, enabling the unit to draw water from external sources. The High Pressure model uses a 2" Camlock, while the Medium Pressure model uses a 1 1/2" Camlock.
High Pressure Configuration:
- Pump Type: Versax-6, centrifugal pump, capable of a maximum of 120 PSI and 105 GPM. This high-pressure capability is ideal for delivering a strong, focused stream for effective fire suppression.
- Engine Type: Honda 4-stroke, overhead camshaft, single cylinder. Honda engines are known for their reliability and performance.
- Tank to Pump Connection: 2" NPT Gated Tank to Pump.
Medium Pressure Configuration:
- Pump Type: Koshin SEH-40H self-priming, centrifugal pump. While specific pressure and GPM are not listed, this configuration is designed for medium-pressure applications.
- Engine Type: Honda GXH50 4-stroke, overhead camshaft, single cylinder. This engine is a compact and efficient power source.
- Tank to Pump Connection: 1 1/2" NPT Gated Tank to Pump.
Usage Features
The QTAC 85 EMS-C is designed for user-friendly operation with several key features:
- Mounting Options: The unit can be secured to a carrying vehicle using flanges at the bottom of the water tank or by strapping it around grab rail posts. For EMS models, secure bolting to the UTV bed is crucial for patient transport.
- Water Tank Site Gauge: A visible site gauge allows operators to easily monitor the water level in the tank, ensuring sufficient supply for operations.
- Water Fill Tower: The tank can be quickly refilled through a dedicated fill tower.
- Drafting Capability: The unit can draft water from auxiliary sources, such as ponds or streams, to either refill the main tank or directly supply the pump for continuous operation. This extends the unit's operational range and duration.
- Pump Priming: The QTAC pumps are self-priming, but for extended periods of disuse (over 12 hours), manual priming through the primer port may be necessary to ensure proper suction.
- Engine Start-up: The Honda engine features a fuel fill, engine throttle, carburetor choke, fuel shut-off valve, oil fill, engine switch, and pull starter for straightforward ignition.
- Pump Operation Control: Various valves, including the tank to pump valve, 1" pump to tank valve, 1" NPSH auxiliary discharge valve, and 1" pump to reel valve, allow precise control over water flow paths.
- Folding Litter Platform: The EMS-C model includes a folding litter carrier extension with locking pins and extension stops, allowing for secure patient transport.
- ATP Foam Kit (Optional): When equipped, the foam kit allows for the introduction of foam concentrate into the water stream. It includes a foam cell tank, vented lid, foam supply valve, foam proportioner, and proportioner pressure valve for adjustable foam concentration.
Maintenance Features
Maintaining the QTAC 85 EMS-C is crucial for its longevity and reliable performance:
- Routine Maintenance: Beyond the pump and pump engine, the QTAC unit itself requires no special maintenance. Operators should refer to the separate WATERAX VERSAX-6 or Koshin SEH-40H Instruction Manuals and the Honda Owner's Manual for detailed maintenance procedures for these components.
- Cleaning: The water tank is best cleaned with plain water, with a small amount of dish or car washing soap for additional cleaning power. High-pressure sprays should be avoided on the water tank to protect decals and rubber components.
- Flushing After Chemical Use: If substances other than plain water (e.g., foam, pesticides) are used, the unit must be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed with clean water immediately afterward. Failure to do so can lead to pump seal failure, corrosion, and chemical buildup.
- Foam System Flushing: After using the ATP Foam Kit, the discharge system should be flushed with clean water until all traces of foam are removed.
- Winterization/Storage: For storage in freezing temperatures, all water must be drained from the water tank, pumping system, and hoses. All valves should be left in the open position. Alternatively, RV antifreeze can be added to the water to prevent freezing.
- UV Protection: The unit's body is made of UV-stabilized copolymer polypropylene. To prevent fading from extended direct sunlight exposure, the QTAC should be covered when stored outdoors. Applying a UV inhibitor like 303 Aerospace UV Protectant to plastic and rubber parts after washing is also recommended.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues such as the pump engine not starting, the pump not building water pressure, water not discharging from the hose, and erratic engine operation. This includes checks for fuel levels, valve positions, priming, air leaks, and air filter condition.
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