Product Reviews
... and many more for hire
Motovision
Tuff-Stuff - Rhino Linings
The Complete Hire 4WD Service
Desert Duelers Rule OK!
A Deflating Experience - Staun Tyre Deflators
Pulling On the Sox
"Autofridge" 39 and 73 litre eutectic fridge/freezer
Milford Cargo Barrier
Blue Apple "Outback" Portable Power Pack
Isuzu Vehicross
Australian Defence Industries - Bushmaster
Bushmaster – Fireking
Motovision
There is no better way to learn about your future motor vehicle purchase than to watch Channel 9's seasonal motoring program "Motovision". This half hour program that goes to air each summer and winter looks at the latest vehicle offerings from the world's car makers and features Adventure 4WD's own David Wilson as co-presenter. David is teamed up with the delightful Karen Prater from Adelaide radio station 102.3FM as his female co-host. The two presenters are dedicated automotive enthusiasts, David through his professional career as a driving instructor has driven and ridden just about everything, whilst Karen has a deep fascination with any cool wheels!
Segments David delivers often have a focus on 4WD with either reviews on new 4WD vehicles or tips provided by Adventure 4WD on how to get the most from your 4WD experience. As David is passionate about cars and motorbikes as well, you'll also see him behind the wheel of a sportscar or passenger vehicle, as well as astride a sportsbike or ATV. Just don't get him started about his beloved Ducatis or for that matter any Italian motorcycle, he'll talk your ear off for hours!
Check your TV guide for the next scheduled dates for Motovision or visit the website http://www.motovision.com.au
Tuff-Stuff - Rhino Linings
Every now and then a great product comes across our gaze that is really, really good. We’ve had a number of Rodeo dual-cab utes over the years and it always annoys me that the tub in the back ends up getting scuffed, scratched or dented during the course of its working life, leaving it looking very second-hand when it comes time to sell.
We’ve used plastic tub liners with mixed results in the past. The downsides to the liner are the cargo has no grip and slides around the slippery plastic finish, whilst the paintwork underneath the liner gets scuffed up wearing away the painted surface on the tub, with corrosion a real possibility as moisture gets trapped between the two surfaces.
The polyurethane spray-on tub finish “Rhino Linings” is a grippy and incredibly durable, flexible surface that bonds directly to the tub’s face. The leather grain finish is easy to clean and comfortable to walk or kneel on, looks smart and adds extra resale value to the vehicle.
The material ends up around 2-3mm thick on all faces of the tub and on our Navara we elected to bring the material right over the top edges of the tub and tailgate to provide valuable protection to the otherwise painted uppermost surface that inevitably gets scarred with longer loads hanging over the tub’s edge.
We’ve dragged heavy steel and masonry loads across the Rhino’s tough exterior without tearing or scuffing, safe in the knowledge too that the load won’t shift. This is one product we can’t speak highly enough of!
If you have a ute, tradesman trailer or surfaces requiring grip and protection, there is no better product than “Rhino Linings”.
In Adelaide call Rhino Linings 8340 0629
The Complete Hire 4WD Service
As we deliver 4WD training courses on a daily basis to all sorts of people doing all sorts of jobs we regularly need to hire 4WD vehicles. We choose local Adelaide outfit Complete 4WD Hire.
Owner Rob Davey has a significant investment in vehicles at his Alice Street, Findon facility, with a huge 4WD fleet that covers everything from personnel carriers, to trayback utes to large and medium wagons. He and his team take pride in what they do and it shows whenever a vehicle rolls up in our driveway.
Their attention to detail is exceptional when compared to the standard offered by the big name international hire car agencies, which can be very ordinary. Where others are happy to send out vehicles with mismatched tyres, missing spare, jack and/or tools, grubby interiors and exteriors and sometimes with over 200,000 kilometres on the clock, the vehicles from Complete 4WD come as a revelation, spotless and ready for work!
With competitive rates and agencies in Port Augusta and Roxby Downs, Complete are the first call for hire 4WD vehicles.
Call Rob and the team on (08) 8244 5333 or visit www.completeuteandvanhire.com.au
Desert Duelers Rule OK!
For many years now we've run Bridgestone products on our vehicles. Whilst other 4WD experts flock to brands that purportedly have a stronger 4WD heritage and reputation, we've used Bridgestones in the most demanding and constant extreme conditions and have rarely found them wanting.
Our favourite is one you won't find in the brochures or on the Bridgestone website, the 661 Desert Dueler. 661s are currently only available in two sizes, the 235/85R16 and the 245/75R16. Fortunately both sizes suit our purposes nicely.
We run the 235s on the Jackaroo and Rodeo, whilst the 245s are on the Delicas and I can report phenomenal wear resistance characteristics. In the hurly burly of training and long-distance touring they've been a godsend, with incredible puncture resistance and a huge load carrying capacity.
A set we wore out on the Jackaroo recently posted 75,000 kilometres, an astonishing figure for us when the previous best on another product was barely 36,000 (I should hasten to add that when we ditch a tyre, there's usually a couple of millimetres of tread left above the TWI; theoretically we could of run them out for another few thousand kilometres more before they'd be deemed illegal). The rubber compound is obviously a tough one, showing less chipping than other makes we've had on courses in the outback.
Where ordinary tyres get a puncture at the mere sight of a sharp point, the 661 will take a caning; desert hardwood root spikes, slates and shales, gibbers and anything else you could imagine as being puncture inducing are more often than not, deflected by the 661's 10-ply rating carcass. Only once have we had to write one off, when in a training course in the Coffin Bay NP we picked up the pointy end of a 13mm ring spanner through the shoulder between the tread blocks, a truly freak event.
The load index of the 661 is important, for it's rated at 120. Load indices determine the ultimate load that a tyre will take at maximum inflation and the 661 will carry 1400kg at 80psi (per tyre). Now on none of our vehicles will we ever carry 5,600kg, their GVM's are rated much less than that, but with a 1400kg maximum load we have a lot of excess capacity, offering significant peace of mind in the load and strength stakes. A low load index off the beaten track will always spell trouble.
The tread pattern is unidirectional with a pair of broad asymmetrical channels running the length of the footprint. These are supported by siphoning channels running across the width of the tread face and smaller sipes in the tread blocks for wet road grip. The pattern offers great all-rounder performance, excellent in urban bitumen environments, fantastic in sands - both desert and coast, great on outback roads and trails and pretty good when the same roads get wet and mud and slush would trap a more uniform pattern. For where we operate in Southern and Central Australia, they are without peer for our heavy-duty requirements.
If the 661's 10-ply construction is a little too robust for your likes and you spend more time around town, then the 693 Dueler is probably the tyre for you. The new series of 693 is a 6 or 8 ply rating tyre that features Bridgestone's "Donuts" technology, where a 'spiral cap' construction reinforces the tread area and offers better wear and puncture resistance than the old 691 it replaces. With a lower ply rating, the 693 naturally offers a more comfortable ride than the 661and is therefore a better selection when the demands aren't as extreme.
Whilst the 661 are available in a "light truck" (LT) construction only, the 693 are available as either a "passenger" (P) or "light truck" tyre. Those of you who have read my editorials elsewhere on this website or saw the TV series, will know of my preference for "light truck" tyres on Australian 4WDs. An LT offers the best performance when you intend going off the beaten track.
The size range in the 693 is extensive, Bridgestone listing either the 31X10.5R15, 7.50R16, 205R16, 215/75R16, 265/75R16 and 255/70R16 sizes in the LT construction. No doubt more will be added as the pattern dominates the local market.
The pattern of the 693 reveals a central rib design, with diagonal sipes and tread grooves that offer enhanced straight line stability. Tyre noise is kept low as the shoulder blocks feature 5 different block pitches to break up the wind as it rushes through the treads. Underlying the tread face is a construction of two steel belts and a synthetic shoulder cap providing excellent puncture resistance, which we've put to the test on the trails in the Flinders Ranges.
Bridgestone also claim that the "o-bead" design of the 693 provides greater contact between tyre bead and rim, which has to be a good thing off road. When tyre pressures are reduced in sand to increase footprint length there's a chance that in hard turns the lateral forces applied to bead seat can peel it apart from the rim, ending up with tyre separation and no more go. In a worst case, that might result in vehicle rollover.
The 693 also uses "Long-Link" carbon in its rubber compound. The benefit of the better molecular structure is that it makes the tread more resistant to chipping, tearing and increased wear.
With all that we have no hesitation in recommending Bridgestone's 4WD range, they are long lasting, comfortable and capable in all conditions. If you live in Adelaide, our favourite Bridgestone Tyre Centre to find a set of 661s, 693s or even the original Dueler 604V pattern, is at Gouger Street in the city. Call Bridgestone in Adelaide city on (08)8231 6582.
Things We Liked -
- Exceptional puncture resistance
- Excellent load carrying capacity
- Great wear characteristics
- Good all-rounder performance
- Sizes to fit most 4WDs
A Deflating Experience - Staun Tyre Deflators
Every now and again you come across a product that is truly revolutionary and worth its weight in gold, saving time and inconvenience when out in the field. The Staun tyre deflator kit is one of those rarities, a great accessory that belongs in every four-wheeler's glovebox, easily used for accurate deflation purposes, perfect as a gift.
Four well machined, aluminium screw-on tyre valve extensions come in the Staun pack. When the moment comes to let air out of the tyres for negotiating that sandy stretch of beach, simply screw the Stauns onto the tyre's valve and before you know it, your tyres will be deflated to whatever pre-set pressure you've selected. No need for pushing a point onto the valve core and counting down the seconds, then checking and re-checking the pressure with a gauge. It's easy, accurate and effective.
One of my pet 4WD hates is seeing the mess that coastal tracks become in summer after people refuse to let air out of their tyres. With a tyre's pumped-up rigid shape and corresponding small footprint, a typical 4WD will struggle to maintain momentum in soft sand. As the vehicle's suspension winds up under acceleration, the wheel assembly will oscillate, bouncing up and down, rather than delivering a smooth driving force to the track surface.
The situation is compounded with springs that are too light and shocks that are under-damped, which is pretty much the experience with most OE suspension systems. Reducing pressures eliminates most of the accompanying axle-tramp caused by crook suspensions, being kinder to the track surface and vehicle.
But with the Staun's at the ready, there's now no excuse to be lazy and run down a beach with wrong pressures. Individually screw them on and by the time you get back to the first valve, the pressure will be reset to its correct beach-running low. Remove the Staun and off you go!
Things We Liked -
- Simple and easy to use
- Efficient and accurate pressure reduction
- Conveniently packaged
Pulling On the Sox
One of the most ingenious accessories I've seen for a 4WD of late is a product that came out of Perth a couple of years ago. Called Window Sox, this simple device slips over the window frame of the rear passenger's doors and shades the interior from the sun. It's like having an extra dark window tint.
The material is a flexible fabric that offers significant UV protection and light reduction, not unlike shadecloth in appearance, with an elasticized opening that can be secured to the door pillars with Velcro. Simply stretch the sox over the upper door frame tightly and secure the Velcro strips; the door will open and close as usual.
The effect from inside is a significant reduction in glare and importantly heat, dramatically cooling the interior of a vehicle and making for a more comfortable ride. I've also noted some other fringe benefits; with a cooler interior the air-conditioner can be left on a lower fan setting on hot days, whilst on mild days the air-con can be left off, the window wound down without the usual wind-buffeting you'd expect with an open window space.
With the window wound down and the sox in place, dust ingress is impeded too, unlike what would be the norm in dusty conditions with the windows down. Since I hate cleaning the interior surfaces of dust, this helps keep things cleaner inside.
Surprisingly the material is also resilient to punctures and tearing, having had plenty of vegetation dragged across its face on some of the journeys the family's undertaken in recent times, marked but not broken.
Available at auto accessory houses across the country,Window Sox is perfect for Aussie 4WDs!
Things We Liked -
- Significant reduction in interior temperature
- Robust, tear-resistant material
- Quick and easy fitting and removal.
"Autofridge" 39 and 73 litre eutectic fridge/freezer
We've been big fans of "Quirk's Victory Light" Autofridge since their first appearance in 4WD circles, over a decade ago. We have five in our fleet of vehicles and they have put in years of faithful service in some extraordinary places. Typically the biggest dilemma with an automotive refrigerator is the power draw, some fridges placing enormous demands on a vehicle's electrical system. For many folk, a dual-battery system is the only way to meet those demands, but in our case we've successfully managed with only one. Efficiency is the key to successful operation and the Autofridge has a major advantage over other brands, because it doesn't rely solely on traditional foam insulation in its walls.
For decades, yachtsmen have used eutectic technology in boat refrigeration because of its cold-storage ability and low current draw, vital when offshore and under sail. The way it works is that between the inner and outer walls of the body of the fridge, sits a reservoir of eutectic fluid. Once the fluid is frozen, its hold-down ability (keeping the contents of the fridge sufficiently chilled), means that the fridge need only be run for around two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon, in temperatures of 32°C. On cooler days it needs even less time, further reducing current draw.
The interior and exterior of the fridge is made of white fiberglass, very sturdy and able to withstand the rigors of a rough and tumble trip. Being a one-piece cabinet means that cleaning is a breeze, easily wiped out and returned to new with "Spray & Wipe". The lid is hinged upwards, secured via a sturdy stainless steel catch. The longer sides of the fridge are where the condensor plates are located, tucked away behind a sheet steel panel.
It's through these surfaces that the temperature exchange occurs, heat dissipated to the outside air. It's worth remembering that for optimum efficiency there should be around 30mm of clear space alongside the fridge to allow for the process (but we've found that even when the fridge has been tightly packed around, it still performed well). The compressor housing is vented at the rear of the cabinet and access to the safety fuse is gained via a port above the vents.
For security, the Autofridge is fitted with sturdy stainless steel handles, allowing it to be tied down with turnbuckles or straps. The base has rubber feet, screwed into the cabinet body to prevent it from sliding around. Whereas other fridges need spring bases to prevent compressor dislocation, the Autofridge's compressor is rubber isolated and coil sprung, taking all manner of road shock in its stride (even when upside down).
Things We Liked -
- Quiet, fuss-free operation on any road surface you might throw its way!
- No need for expensive extras; doesn't need spring base, transit cover, dual-battery system
- Reflective, easy to clean, white surface
- Minimum power draw, maximum cooling efficiency
- 39 litre size that fits all of the current crop of mid and full-size wagons lengthwise
- Sturdy handles double as tie-downs
- Low voltage cut-out circuitry
Things We Didn't Like -
- Rubber feet will pull off if dragged repeatedly across carpeted interiors
- Only works off 12V or 24V; needs additional transformer for 240V duties
- Freezing the lettuce! But with careful organising of the food, "freeze ups" can be avoided.
Technical Stuff -
- Danfoss BD35F compressor and controller
- Used as eutectic refrigeration, current draw is 20Ah/day @ 12V
- Used as cyclic refrigeration, current draw is 24Ah/day @ 12V
- Used as a cyclic freezer, current draw is 40Ah/day @ 12V
- 39 litre weighs 26kgs, 73 litre weighs 33kgs
- 39 litre is 700L X 370W X 450H mm, 73 litre is 840L X 480W X 510H mm
If you're looking to hire a fridge or other 4WD equipment, see our Equipment Hire page.
Milford Cargo Barrier
The absolute first accessory picked for any new 4WD wagon should be a Milford Cargo Barrier. Every 4WD wagon we've owned over the years has featured this must-have item, installed for the security it offers in retaining payloads in the rear of the vehicle, in all sorts of terrain and in the event of collision or roll-over.
The barrier is a steel frame with a welded mesh face, reinforced at critical places with additional frame members. The barrier is secured to the interior bodywork via deformable locating straps bolted into reinforced points behind the plastic or trim panels of your car. In the event of a collision where the load is thrown forward, you can expect the locating straps to deform, slowing the mass and containing it within the cargo bay. In the event of a roll-over, the barrier has been observed to offer some extra degree of roof rigidity, almost as a de-facto roll bar in protecting occupants from serious injury. Again in this situation, the cargo is kept out of the passenger space.
Installation is best performed by accredited fitters at accessory houses across the country and takes on average a couple of hours to complete. In some cases interior trims will need to be drilled through to allow for locating points, new captive threads and housings to secure the barrier. The installation points are unobtrusive and very neat and tidy. You can option a two-position barrier mount, allowing for back seat removal and a greater payload as the barrier's position is relocated to behind the driver's seat.
Milford barriers are recognised as the world's best, nominated by Government and industry as an Occupational Health Safety and Welfare (OHS&W) mandatory requirement for all passenger car wagons and 4WDs. For families they should be a mandatory fitment too, protecting that most precious of cargoes placed in back seats, children.
Milford's research and development team have developed the most stringent testing procedures to ensure the strength and reliability of every new barrier type they sell. Their NATA approved drop test facility includes a sled test that replicates the 20G impact of a 48.3 Kph crash, used by vehicle manufacturers the world over when designing and testing new vehicles crash-worthiness. In short, this South Australian company has produced a proven life-saver that offers extraordinary protection in the event of a collision or roll.
Things We Liked -
- Good fit and finish
- Additional location points
- Ease of installation and removal for cleaning or relocation
- Great strength and security in the event of an incident
- Enhances carrying capacity and load placement for vehicles short on space (especially useful for Series 1 Discovery)
- Availability for nearly all 4WD wagons
- Portholes placed in mesh to allow child seat strap positioning to floor
Things We Didn't Like -
- Upper locating bolts coming adrift on corrugated roads (admittedly only after many journeys - regular inspection of bolt tension is advisable)
* For those of you with 7-8 seater wagons where you might regularly carry rear seat-row passengers, remember that the barrier must be removed. Persons are not permitted behind the barrier whilst a vehicle is in motion.
Blue Apple "Outback" Portable Power Pack
There used to be a time when a campsite or a trip away was a simple affair, with modest power requirements to power up a lantern or similar for night lighting duties. But if your idea of a trip away is any thing like mine, then you'll need additional battery zap for the notebook computer, for the camera's battery charger and even to run the kids Gameboys for extended periods.
If you've got the luxury of being in the one spot for a few days or a week at a time, then the car's reserves are going to be depleted pretty smartly, so the only option is to pack auxiliary power. Blue Apple's "Outback" is just such a device, a handy portable reserve of energy that can be simply recharged and pressed back into service, time and time again.
The "Outback" comes in a neat plastic case, with multiple outlets to connect all sorts of accessories to. The carry handle at the top of the battery case makes hauling in and out of the car easier, as the battery weighs in at 8.5kg. Its dimensions are compact, which is important when you've got space considerations to worry about.
The battery's performance is very, very good. If we were to use the Autofridge as a yardstick, then the "Outback" has sufficient reserves to run a 39 litre (using the 20ah/day - 2hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon formula), for at least 5 days without a recharge. Obviously if you were looking to run other gadgets at the same time, then the length of the charge will be reduced, but coupled to a "Solarex" solar panel and trickle charged during the day, you'll run out of food and drink before you run out of zap.
The "Outback" can be recharged not only in conjunction with a solar panel, but also via the car's cigarette outlet, so when you're on the move, the car's electrics will be topping up the unit and restoring its reserves. There's also a 240V power pack for those times when you're near civilisation and a wall outlet is available. A set of LEDs will inform you of the charge state of the battery, warning of low voltage and when it is at capacity. It also has a set of surge-protected clamps for those times you're looking for a battery jump-start, but without circuit damaging power spikes.
This is a very neat product, perfect for remote travel and providing the added security of back-up power.
Things We Liked -
- Neat package, takes up little space
- No smells or spillage as you'd have with lead-acid batteries
- Robust construction
- Extra heavy duty jumper leads
- Ease of recharging using either mains power, car outlet or solar panel
- Capable of being flattened and recharged time and time again
- Simple check for battery condition
- Voltage spike protected
Technical Stuff -
- 24 amp hour capacity gel-pack battery - no maintenance
- The Outback measures 225L X 180W X 180H mm
- Weighs 8.4kg
Isuzu Vehicross
Every now and again you get a chance to drive a vehicle that really is a bit different and unconventional, something that can be said of Isuzu's Vehicross 4WD. Originally built exclusively for the Japanese domestic market, it has proved so popular that it now is spreading across Isuzu's world markets, making a big impact in the USA.
It probably won't grace Australian shores in its current form, which is two-door only, but a prototype 4-door version has been doing the motorshow circuit overseas, which might be something to tempt Holden for local release.
The Vehicross' funky styling is a magnet for attention from other road users, but before oglers get too close, a prod on the go pedal produces some serious acceleration. A 3.2 litre quad-cam V6 petrol is under the bonnet, teamed to a 4 speed automatic gearbox, putting the power down to the ground via a Borg Warner "Torque-On-Demand" (TOD) 4WD system.
TOD is a multi-mode drive, offering the economy of 2WD on stable surfaces, switching automatically to 4WD on less than perfect roads automatically. With a 2-speed transfer case it also offers a traditional set of LOW range crawler gears, for genuine 4WD mobility. The system will divide drive to either front or back axles according to wheelslip and unlike similar set-ups in other makes, the reaction is immediate, no perceptible delay. A gauge on the dashboard indicates where the drive is going, front or back.
Whilst on things inside, the dashboard also houses a television screen. As part of the audio system (CD, cassette, AM/FM stereo), a rotating mini-screen pops into life when reverse gear is selected. Because the spare wheel is encased inside the tailgate door, which encroaches into rear visibility, some added assistance is on offer courtesy of a tiny video camera. The set also offers input jacks to hook a camcorder or VCR into the telly to watch your favourite shows on the road.
The Recaro seats are very comfortable and supportive and continue the theme of modern design, covered in a dynamic fabric that is hip and colourful. The Momo steering wheel is airbag loaded and good and comfortably grippy. Access to the back seat wasn't too bad for a two-door, the front seats able to be moved forward easily. The rear seats too can be folded for increased luggage space if required.
Back outside the vehicle runs Jackaroo suspension, except for one fundamental difference. This is the world's first production vehicle to run remote-canister shock absorbers. These are usually the domain of off-road racers, designed to hold an extra reservoir of oil to prevent overheating of the fluid, offering a controlled ride at all times. The IFS front end and coil-spring back end were well matched, in fact this would have to be one of the best two-door SWB 4WD rides I've experienced.
Clearance is good, with very clean approach and departure angles, accentuated by the futuristic styling. Driving it on sand was a revelation, clearly the best sand blaster I've had the pleasure to punt around, courtesy of its diminutive size and powerful V6. But having said that, I'd be encouraging Mr. Isuzu to make a four-door version with the brilliant 3.0 litre electronic diesel, then you'd clearly have the hi-tech world of automotive design all stitched-up. Oh and before I forget, mine would have to be red!
Things We Liked -
- Funky, aggressive styling and two-tone silver over grey paintwork
- Excellent performance on highway and off-road
- Comfortable interior and great ride
- Forward visibility
Things We Didn't Like -
- Rear and rear quarter visibility
- Limited cargo space (being a SWB)
- Vehicross decals
- "S" rated passenger tyres
Technical Stuff -
- 3.2 litre, quad-cam V6, producing 160kW @ 5,600rpm, 295Nm @ 3,000rpm
- Power-to-weight ratio of 11.0kg/kW
- 4-speed automatic transmission with electronic lock-up and two-speed chain driven transfer case with Torque-on-demand 4WD
- 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS
- Kerb mass of 1765kg
- 80 litre fuel tank
Australian Defence Industries - Bushmaster
It's not everyday you get asked to help with a defence project with a difference, for if you wanted to talk about big boys toys, then this would have to be about the best! Originally the project started out as a request by the Australian Army, for a 15 tonne 4WD truck that was lightly armoured and capable of rapid deployment into trouble zones. Rapid deployment in service parlance means able to be carried in the back of a C130 Hercules transport and as it turned out, be belted along the highway at 110kph too!
So with the challenge of creating something fresh from the ground up, engineer Bob Roach created the Bushmaster, a 4WD with attitude! The Bushmaster is a departure from past 4WD product used by the services, in that it offers some true creature comforts, working on the premise that a soldier who arrives at the battle zone should be comfortable and refreshed, rather than be bounced around the back of a truck on a timber bench seat.
Bob's masterpiece allows for around 9 soldiers and 2 crew, to be cocooned from the elements in stylish Paratus rally style seats, with full harness protection, whilst enjoying an air-conditioned cabin, with chilled water dispenser and stowage space for the backpack out of the way.
The vehicle also had to offer mine-blast protection, so the V-shaped hull was crafted from hardened steel, so even if a mine took out a suspension and drive unit, the precious cargo inside would be safe. The glass in the windows is very thick and bullet-resistant to light arms fire, so it's a haven in deadly circumstances.
But the driveline is what excited me. Bushmaster uses a Caterpillar 6 cylinder, turbocharged and aftercooled diesel and an Allison automatic transmission. It runs constant 4WD and fully independent suspension for a supple and grippy ride. It also features central tyre inflation, so pressures can be modified on the run, or if a tyre is holed, the compressor will pump away to maintain mobility on its huge Michelin run-flat tyres.
The whole engine and transmission were slotted into the monocoque hull so they could be replaced in a jif, slung in and out on a jib on a small crane, meaning minimal downtime when there's a crisis on.
Driving it is deceptively easy, the commanding view over the snub bonnet great for locating obstacles under the front wheels, whilst the back end is well served by expansive mirrors. To cope with variable terrain, the Bushmaster has LOW, LOW range gearing and the previously mentioned central tyre inflation can be deflated to suit the terrain as you roll over it (wish I had that feature in the Jackaroo). The four settings, highway, sand, mud/snow and emergency, offer a pressure to suit just about any condition.
Technical Stuff -
- Caterpillar 3116 ATAAC 6 cylinder, turbocharged and aftercooled diesel, 216kW @ 2,600rpm
- 7 speed Allison MD3070PT automatic transmission, with convertor lockup
- GVM 14,000kg
- Turning circle 17 metres
- Ground clearance 470mm under hull, 400mm under axle housing
- Fuel capacity of 380 litres, with a range in excess of 1,000kms
- Has a fording depth of 1,200mm
- Fully independent suspension
- Top speed 110 km/h
Bushmaster – Fireking
Since our early work with the development of the “Bushmaster” 4WD military personnel carrier we’ve since had the pleasure of driving the latest weapon in the war fighting bushfires in this country.
Our good friends at ForestrySA, who manage the forest reserves across the State of South Australia, took delivery of a number of the “Fireking” fire-fighting trucks for tackling wildfires in inaccessible regions of the State or in areas where standard issue CFS 4WD trucks can’t get to.
The “Fireking” uses the same platform as the “Bushmaster”, a purpose-built monocoque steel chassis with independent suspension, a full-time 4WD driveline and six-speed automatic transmission, powered by a Caterpillar 3126 E intercooled turbo diesel with 223kW of power and 1,166Nm of stump-pulling torque!
The whole shebang sits atop monster 395/85R20 tyres and has a GVM of 14,200kg. Total water capacity for fire fighting is 3,700 litres held in a baffled tank to prevent any load induced sway or roll.
As was the case with the “Bushmaster”, the “Fireking” boasts comfy accommodation for its crew, with an air-conditioned cab and heat resistant glass with radiant heat blinds that can be pulled down if the truck gets engulfed in a firestorm keeping cab temperatures at a safe and survivable level. Extensive insulation in the bodywork ensures vital components remain intact, whilst water sprays can envelop the vehicle’s cab, wheels and rear deck to provide a protective halo of mist
In the Ngarkat National Park on South Australia’s eastern border “Fireking” proved its worth with good results in the sandy mallee dunes, able to go where its operator pointed it and with good speed and efficiency.
Bushmaster/Fireking is built by ADI, contact them on (03) 5440 4342
