PRODUCT MERCHANDISING MANUAL - Jeep Fire Engine

JEEP FIRE ENGINE

The Jeep Fire Engine, because of its size, cost and maneuverability, has opened many new markets for fire-fighting apparatus. Following consultations with many fire departments to find out what was needed in new fire-fighting apparatus, the fire engine was developed on the Jeep chassis. It goes anywhere a Jeep goes and it can deliver fire protection to areas that could never have afforded such protection in the past. This vehicle also can get closer to water sources and start working at the heart of fires more quickly than other fire equipment.

While the Jeep fire engine is one of the smallest pieces of standard fire apparatus in existence, its performance rivals that of equipment two or three times its size, its horsepower or its price. It matches the pumping ability, water storage capacity (when equipped with optional tank trailer), speed and safety of larger , more expensive fire engines. This combination of selling features has made the Jeep fire engine standard fire apparatus in such countries as Colombia, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia. However, a verbal explanation of this fire engine's performance can never be as convincing as a demonstration. It is, therefore, very important to have a Jeep fire engine on the spot for demonstration and selling purposes.

A guide on how to demonstrate the dire engine can be found in the "Demonstration Section" of the Sales Manual.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF JEEP FIRE ENGINE

The Jeep Fire Engine is built on the Jeep chassis. It has the same 75-horsepower "F" head engine, 4-wheel drive and rugged frame as the Jeep.

It has the Underwriter-approved, front mounted, American Marsh 500-gallon-per-minute pump. It has an outlet for two 2 1/2 inch hose lines and a 200-gallon water trailer with booster line is available.

The Jeep Fire Engine can carry 200 feet of 2 1 /2 inch hose, 300 feet of 1 1/2 inch hose and 150 feet of 3/4 inch line mounted on the tank trailer.

Though the Jeep Fire Engine can be operated in an emergency by a single man (the driver), it can carry a normal crew of five. It is equipped with the normal complement of extinguishers, ladders, hard suction hose, axe, nozzles, adapters, etc.

PRINCIPAL SALES FEATURES -

The Jeep Fire Engine is particularly useful as a "first in" vehicle in firefighting because it is more effective than larger, bulkier and more costly equipment.

1. It Gets to the Fire -- First

A few minutes in the early stages of a fire may result in savings of thousands of dollars in damage. The Jeep Fire Engine can get to any fire first because it travels at 50 miles per hour on good roads and also goes where no roads exist. It attacks the fire while other apparatus is still on its way and spare parts are as close as the nearest Willys Dealer.

It can go anywhere, up steep hills, through sand, mud, snow or ice, It can get into areas and across terrain impassable to heavier, bulkier firefighting vehicles.

It can go right to the heart of a fire, down alleys, around tight corners, through narrow passages, even up steps and into a .building.  It can go right to the source of water, be it a lake, pool or well. No other apparatus can perform or maneuver as efficiently under emergency conditions.

These accomplishments are possible because of the Jeep Fire Engine's short wheel base, narrowness, low center of gravity, powerful engine, short turning radius, 4-wheel drive and transfer case reduction.

2. Effective at Fire

The Jeep Fire Engine meets Underwriters specifications, having successfully and repeatedly passed the three hour 500-gallons-per-minute pumping tests.  It is equipped with the American Marsh Pump (500 GPM) which is standard equipment for most American built fire apparatus regardless of size.  This pump operates directly from the crankshaft of the powerful Willys Hurricane "F" head engine.

It can pull a 200-gallon tank trailer (equipped with booster reel) ,which allows the firemen to commence operation even before the Jeep stops rolling.  While the pump is being connected to a hydrant or other water supply and the hoses are being attached, the booster often extinguishes the fire or keeps it from spreading.

Because the Jeep Fire Engine can pump while traveling, it can fight field fires by moving through that area and spraying the fire with water from the booster tank. Unlike most fire apparatus, it need not stop, unreel, pump, reel in and move on. Its tank trailer is easily attached or detached and can be left in the fire station when not needed.

The Jeep Fire Engine is usually operated by two or three men. However, it can carry a crew of five or even be operated by the driver. Professional firemen are not necessary. Volunteer rural fire fighters learn its operation quickly. This ease of operation is made possible by the simplicity of its controls and the use of two standard equipment governors: one to maintain constant engine speed while pumping and the other to operate a pressure relief to decelerate the engine automatically when hoses are shut down.

3. It is Economical

Economy is a feature never before found in effective fire equipment. A combination of the low initial cost (less than 1 /3 the cost of fire engines with equal equipment and performance) and the low operating and maintenance cost of the Jeep Fire Engine has created a new concept in the cost of mobile fire equipment. An entirely new group of potential customers has been created. Many small towns and communities find the Jeep Fire Engine the perfect answer to a low budget.

Because of the functional design and the many standard Jeep parts, together with built-in ruggedness, maintenance costs are low. The Jeep Fire Engine is less prone to wear out or be damaged in a mishap. If, however, repairs are needed, it can be taken to any member of Willys' world-wide network of distributors and dealers for replacement of parts or service. Competitive engines might be idle for months waiting for parts to be shipped from the manufacturer.

Also, the light weight, economical engine and long life keep the cost of operation low.

The Jeep Fire Engine is built to take the punishment of a "goanywhere" vehicle. It assures a long life of hard and continuous operation. This, coupled with low original cost, brings depreciation to a bare minimum.

Fuel and oil economy are outstanding features of the Hurricane engine. The "F" head valves, coupled with high compression, give the Jeep Fire Engine both power and economy.