A JCB Teletruk has joined the fleet of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. The machine is deployed at waste and rural fires to move bailed and bulky items to support firefighting tactics, reduce the risk of fire spread, improve safety and limit the potential of environmental impact.
JCB said the model – a 3,500kg capacity machine from the Wastemaster range – can also be effective during the clean up and ‘dampening down’ phase of operations.
The Teletruk is transported to emergency sites using a transport mechanism developed by JCB in partnership with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. The machine is driven on to a skid plate and elevated using a hydraulic system on to the back of a standard flat-bed trailer.
Mark Walchester, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Newcastle station commander said, “Before we had the Teletruk, in many instances firefighters had to use shovels to move materials to expose the base of the fire when ‘dampening down’. This process not only put personnel at unnecessary risk, but delayed the time it took to fully put out a blaze and resulted in greater use of water than was often needed.
“Using the Teletruk means we can aggressively attack a deep seated fire and buildings can be made safe far more quickly which is good news for their occupiers – members of the public or businesses – who are able to recover goods earlier than was previously possible.”
The Teletruk has been fitted with puncture-proof tyres while the cab has rollover and falling object protection systems to enhance operator safety when entering a building.
Paul Murray, JCB’s Teletruk general manager added, “Thanks to its robust build quality, the JCB Teletruk is the ideal choice for a wide range of arduous applications and we are delighted that the invaluable work undertaken by Staffordshire Fire Service is being made easier thanks to Teletruk technology.”
