Captain William Foss Golder Ranch (AZ) Fire sent in this Tip from the Bucket, actually this one is more like a Tip on the Bucket. They were trying to look for ways to save some of the precious floor space in the bucket. They started looking for a way to mount the saw outside of the platform when they were preparing to ventilate. (It is important to point out that the saw is only placed in the press when they arrive on scene and are about deploy the aerial. During response and other operations, the saw resides in a traditional compartment.)
After some research they found something called a “saw press†out of an outdoorsman magazine (could be found in most outdoor sports stores also.) The saw press was originally intended to be used on an ATV to transport a chain saw through rough terrain. They contacted the manufacturer and reviewed all of the specifications on their product, and felt comfortable that it could be adapted to this particular application.
The photo above shows the saw press in place without a saw, this is all that remains on the aerial when the press is not in use.
After having it in place for some time, Capt Foss said they a very pleased with the outcome. The saw fits in quickly and is removed quickly even with your structure gloves. It’s another idea for the Tips from the Bucket section.
Great out of the box (or should I say – ‘Out of the Bucket’) thinking.
Thanks for sharing.
Stay safe!
Its a great idea. Does the saw get left there all the time? I would worried cause its kind of out of sight, it could be out of mind, as in not started and full of gas.
Its a great idea. Does the saw get left there all the time? I would be worried cause its kind of out of sight, it could be out of mind, as in not started and full of gas.
Read the article! It says twice it’s only used when they need it. It’s usually stored in a compartment.
I’ve also seen another version which the entire bar of the saw slides into a metal scabbard mounted in the same fashion, also on an LTI ladder, it looks very much like the cover you would get with the saw that slides over the bar while in storage just made of aluminum and bolted to the aerial. This one looks much more substantial and safer. Nice work, thanks for submitting the idea.
Does anyone know if it fits other types of chain saws, I see they have a Stihl saw in there, my company has Cutter’s Edge saws do you if they will fit?
We have the metal type sheath on a LTI and Seagrave tiller. The department has used it for many years without issue. One training point: have tiller driver place saw in sheath as soon as you arrive on scene.
You can buy these types of brackets at ANY ATV shop. I would venture to guess that they are 99% universal.
Agree with everyone else here. Great idea, just don’t forget about it being there. Both, on the fire ground and while driving to or from the incident.
Looks great, but what to do with the saws that have guards on them? Is the width adjustment wide enough for them?
Great idea. I read the article and understand that the saw is placed in the bracket when you get on scene. As for it accepting saws with guards, get rid of the guards. Give them to the local fire academy for the student firefighters that don’t know what they’re doing with a saw.
I like this idea for the simple fact is thats one less thing on the floor of the bucket while you are riding up.
I also would like to know if this would work with the cutter’s Edge saw with the guard and depth control. I thought the guard was either OSHA or NFPA compliant within the last couple of years.
Nice thought, Bull. The guards must go. If you don’t know how deep to cut, get off the truck company! I am still waiting for hydraulic pole saws in buckets…much like a utility crew. How much safer would it be to not even get off the platform, no starting issues, and no intake issues due to smoke.
Nice idea and a great tip….just remember,if you need to operate through small to moderate size branches to reach the building, keep an eye on the saw in the bracket behind you!
Years ago they pilot programed a the hydraulic saw on a pole, from the bucket, the main problems seemed to be that the saw’s blade could not expell the tar and debri. The blade got bound up from the tar and thickness of the shingles. I love the idea and think with today technologies they should be able to do it.
AS much as I’d love to get rid of the guards on the cutters edge. The Chief would have an absolute coniption. Although the depth guage always seems to mysteriously fall off when I use the saw…hmmm……
Does anyone know if it accommodates the “echo vent saws�? Sweet set up thank you
Great idea.
By the way, looking at the back drop, what does Arizona have against grass??
Ok, to answer some of you questions:
1. As the article says, we keep all of our saws in their compartment. Then depending on the operation the saw is started, shut down, handed up and locked in the press not running. We do carry our saws “hot†when climbing ground ladders, but “warm†in the press because of the aerial setup time takes a little longer (which is still under 2 min. with the right crew).
2. This idea was presented to me by another captain. I have done most of the fabrication for equipment on this truck and when I was asked if I could design something to hold the saws, (I remembered seeing the press in a catalog) so I said that I would look into it. I contacted the company, told them my plan and they sent me all the info. Then we got the press approved by the department (they paid for it) ordered it and with a little trimming of the mount “walla†instant professional fire department saw holder.
3. We run the STHIL saws but I am pretty sure that any chain saw will fit. The press needs approximately six inches of bar to grip the saw. We did remove the bumper spikes from the saw because they are not needed unless you are cutting trees and without them the saw drops into the holder faster.
4. This is a universal press with plenty of adjustment and if you want one just look up Saw Press on the internet.
5. We never forget the saw or any equipment. After every operation equipment is returned to its proper place and double checked by the engineer.
6. We do not use any guards, depth gauges or other saw paraphernalia. The only thing we run is STHIL saws, cutters edge bars with a bullet chains. The cutting and dicing is all done the old-fashioned way.
7. Arizona has nothing against grass, it’s the lack of rain and the 100+ weather conditions (called a desert).
Thanks for your comments and let me know if there is anything you need. I can be contacted at wfoss@golderranchfire.org.
Thanks again Billy,, Ok so I have to bust some stones because what would a post be without it?? That saw looks soooo clean,,, you guys ever get any work or do you just get a sweet tan and play golf??? LOL
It’s funny that you mentioned that. Yes, we run our fair share of calls but as one of our truck captains I am a stickler about cleanliness and operational readiness (and we have some awesome Engineers). As much as we feel like we are over achievers in this area; I have never seen the detail in equipment and apparatus like I have seen by the L.A. City fire department. These guys run “more†than their share of calls and the amount of detail and cleanliness of their equipment has inspired us to do the same.
Remember that the tax payers pay for the equipment and allow us to use it. So it is important for us and our organization to make sure that we take care of the tools that take care of us and protect our customers. Well, I will get off of my soapbox now because we have to go tan and play our daily eighteen holes of golf. LOL back, Bill.
I agree with both cleanness and operational readiness but you cannot remove superheated smoke stains and where on equipment. If you got a secret for doing either spill it!!! Remember lots of sun screen, I would hate for you to get a bad burn on the back nine..
Bill,
Thanks for all your hard work on this truck over the past few years. Your committment to innovation and professionalism as well as your willingness to “get the job done” show every time the truck pulls out of the bay.
The saw press is one of many great ideas that you and your crew(s) have put together to improve our truck company operations. I can attest to the fact that that saw has seen its fair share of work and can also confirm that we have great crews out there who take pride in their work and in their equipment.
Thanks for what you do…
P.S. I think the secret for removing smoke stains has a name. It’s Booter!
BC Savage
Thanks, Chief.
Bill,, I have some questions for you regarding your regular maintenance On your tower. Can you e-mail me @ brickcity1306@yahoo.com
This is a Kolpin chainsaw press. You can find it at many stores that sell ATV accessories. It’l run you around $60.00
What do you do when it rain, sleet, or snows??????
Hey filter, sorry about your luck!!!
It does not do that there, it is sunny and eighty everyday !!!!
Remember gang, the saws stay in the cabinet of the truck until we arrive on scene and then the saw is placed in the press depending on the operation. The press still works in the rain and in the 100+ degree Arizona summer fun (sorry not sure about sleet and snow).
Great idea, I’m looking at the bar and chain on the saw though. Stihl saw with a cutters edge bar and looks like maybe the bullet chain? If it is does that combination work for all larger stihl chainsaws?
Nice work Bill, It is great to see the use of “normal items” adapted to meet the demands of the crew. Ways to get the tools from the box to the job can not be stressed ehough. On lighter note; we will have to give these guys a call in January, when we are still playing golf!
Not sure that taking the time to put the saw in the press is worth it. By the time you crank it down you could be half way if not all the way to the roof.
Pat: I can only tell you to call cutters edge. I do know with the bullet chain you must change the bar and the rear sprocket for the chain to work. We run the Stihl MS 460 saws and every thing works fine.
Tim: Thanks for the complement. See you on the tee..
Climb: Okay, remember the saw press is only used when we are flying the aerial. That means we are in the bucket just before the engineer sends us up. It takes no time to place the saw in the press and then remove it when we get to the top of the roof and it’s no different than putting on you SCBA or anything else; it just takes a little practice. Also remember just because it works for us doesn’t mean it works for everybody. Bill
just an FYI, if you have any hunting/fishing/outdoors type of stores near you, they may carry or be able to order one of the saw presses for you, ( we have a cabellas near us and they have them) or check your local motorcycle shops that sell atv’s.
As for the pole saws, one of our guys apparently was able to play with one for vent purposes (he works for the public works dept.) and there were at least two problems that he found right away. One was the power just isn’t there compared to the fire service chain saws and the other is the length of the blade just isn’t long enough to get through the coverings in the event you find a multi-layered roof.