Husqvarna Water Pumps: Reliable Allies in Firefighting and Beyond
South Africa’s fire season is a stark reminder of the devastating effects of wildfires, with last year’s blazes claiming the lives of two firefighters and burning over two million hectares of grazing land. In neighboring Namibia, over half a million hectares were lost.
“Fires are the number one threat in our industry,” says Bruce Hart from SOS Contractors, a forestry support service provider working with major companies like Sappi and Mondi in KwaZulu-Natal.
The forestry sector faces hundreds of natural fires and arson attacks annually, causing millions of rand in damages and jeopardizing the lives and livelihoods of workers and local communities.
“Our job is to protect our clients’ assets, and having the right equipment is crucial,” Hart explains. “A high-volume, low-pressure water pump can mean the difference between saving a forest or watching it go up in flames.”
Why Husqvarna Water Pumps are Indispensable
Hart highlights several reasons why Husqvarna water pumps are essential tools for firefighting:
1. Portability
The compact design of Husqvarna pumps allows them to be easily loaded onto a bakkie and transported to water sources.
“It’s light and well-designed for portability, enabling us to move it quickly and safely without needing a large truck or excessive manpower,” says Hart.
2. Reliability
In high-pressure fire situations, dependable equipment is non-negotiable. “When a fire is threatening my forests, I need the assurance that the pump will start on the first pull,” Hart emphasizes.
Husqvarna pumps feature quick, easy-start systems that ensure they’re ready to perform when every second counts.
3. High Volume Capability
Filling bulk water tanks quickly is critical during fire operations. Husqvarna pumps are designed to move large volumes of water efficiently.
“We need to refill our tanks faster than a Formula 1 pit stop,” Hart says. “Husqvarna’s high-volume pumps allow us to get back to the front lines quickly, stopping the flames before they spread.”
Beyond Firefighting
While invaluable for combating wildfires, Husqvarna water pumps are versatile tools for non-emergency situations. They can be used to:
- Drain flooded areas.
- Transfer water between reservoirs.
- Fill water troughs.
Performance and Versatility
Husqvarna offers water pumps in four sizes, with capacities ranging from 12,000ℓ to 92,000ℓ per hour. This adaptability ensures there’s a pump for every need, whether it’s fire response or general water management.
For forestry professionals like Hart, these pumps provide the reliability, speed, and portability essential to safeguarding valuable assets and livelihoods. As he puts it, “Husqvarna water pumps are more than tools—they’re lifesavers in our line of work.”
