This is one Japanes version of the one-man hose cart. It is a four wheeler, and the hoses are flaked to maximize the amount of hose carried. Some of the larger ones, like thsi one, are battery-powered ride-on units with headlamps, and even rear-view mirrors. They carry both 70MM primary attack hose and 45MM hose for interior attack and lower-output handlines. The latter are used very often, because most Japanese pumpers do not have hosereel systems or water tanks, and in any case they often have to park quite a long distance from the fire, because the streets and alleys are too narrow.
The SOP is to position the pumper close to a hydrant or rainwater street reservoir, using preconnected suction hoses, and run out the hose cart to the fire. In many side streets, even the relatively compact Japanese pumpers cannot fit, and the hose cart is sometimes a tight squeeze too.
The SOP is to position the pumper close to a hydrant or rainwater street reservoir, using preconnected suction hoses, and run out the hose cart to the fire. In many side streets, even the relatively compact Japanese pumpers cannot fit, and the hose cart is sometimes a tight squeeze too.
Added by Rob Johnson on 15 December 2013.