Mini Pumpers: When Should You Buy One?

The mini pumper is exactly like it sounds, a smaller version of a pumper. Mini pumpers have some very helpful benefits but also some drawbacks. We’ll go over these pros and cons to help you decide if the mini pumper is right for you. 

Small size:

Pumpers are very large trucks. They have to carry a lot of equipment and a large pump and engine, but this can make them a pain to get from point A to point B. The mini pumper is much smaller and easier to maneuver. It’s not too different than driving a typical pick-up truck. The downside is that you can’t move as much water or equipment. The pump is typically inferior to that of its full-size counterpart. If this isn't a problem for your department then the mini pumper could be a good fit. 

Budget-Friendly:

Mini pumpers are usually inexpensive. Given the smaller pump and engine, you can save some of the money that goes into getting those features. If buying a new mini pumper seems too expensive, there are plenty of used options like these.

Rough Terrain:

The traditional fire truck can perform well on smooth roads, but commuting through a narrow rocky country road can require extra time and care. However, when it comes to fire response, every second counts and a mini-pumper is more reliable for traveling unpaved roads.

Four-wheel drive mini pumpers are also very useful in attempting to put out broad brush fires in areas with no road network. Mini pumpers make excellent first-out vehicles due to their efficient size, allowing them to reach even the most challenging fire scenes quickly.

Small-Scale Fires:

That mini truck is preferable if your department deals with minor-scale fire incidents. For example, if you only need 300 gallons to handle the fire, why bring 1500? You can take advantage of the benefits of a smaller truck if you get a lot of calls that don't require the firepower of a full-size pumper.

Not all mini pumpers are the same, so before ordering a new mini pumper for your department, consider the fire incidents you'll be fighting. Consider how many workforces it will be able to transport, the preferred hose load, the size of the tank, pump capacity, and compartment space. Remember that mini-pumpers are light vehicles, so you must carefully monitor how the equipment weight is divided for secure and adequate transportation. If you need help with mini pumpers, contact us today.