Exclusive: Super Vac examines battery platform compatibility for rescue tools

by Breaking NewsFirefighting EquipmentProducts

With so many fire tools now powered by name brands, Super Vac looks at the offering from key players in the battery power industry: DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, IDEX and Holmatro.

Hand Tools

DeWalt’s 18V/56V MAX FLEXVOLT battery switches voltage when crews change tools, allowing these batteries to power more than 250+ products across the 18V MAX and 56V MAX systems. AMKUS Rescue Systems, a trusted name in the rescue equipment industry has partnered with DeWalt to distribute select MAX products to the fire industry.

Makita’s XGT 40V battery powers roughly 80 different Makita XGT MAX tools, including cordless drills, demo hammers, impact drivers and more. The XGT battery is designed for high-demand applications that typically would use corded, gas or air power sources. Makita batteries also feature a triple-layer structure for water and dust resistance.

Milwaukee is developing to its M18 REDLITHIUM series, providing up to 2.5 times more runtime and 20% more power than other lithium-ion batteries. This one battery system powers more than 200 Milwaukee M18 hand tools.

IDEX Fire & Safety is favoured in the industry for its patented 1P68-rated EWXT/E3 batteries (capable of operating underwater), IDEX and its LUKAS rescue tool brand have yet to introduce small hand tools to the market – departments may want to keep an eye on IDEX’s future innovations.

While Holmatro doesn’t offer battery-powered “hand tools,” the manufacturer has one of the most well-rounded lists of assist tools and rescue accessories to complement its EV0 3 rescue tools, including jacks, struts, wedges, lifting bags and more. You’ll have to put in a little elbow grease, that’s all.

Rescue Saws

DeWalt offers a variety of battery-powered saws that can be utilised in the fire service, including cutoff saws, chainsaws and reciprocating saws. To further retrofit the DeWalt chainsaw for the rigors of the fire ground, Super Vac offers a battery chainsaw conversion kit that turns this ordinary 16″ wood-cutting saw into a RIT or overhaul saw.

Makita offers a battery-powered reciprocating saw in the 40V XGT line, and in its 18V LXT line, Makita sells both chainsaws and recipro saws. The Makita chainsaw can be equipped with a Super Vac conversion kit that modifies the saw with carbine chain, modified bar and depth gauge, all designed for RIT or overhaul operations on the fireground.

Milwaukee offers the popular SAWZALL, as well as a chainsaw, which both deliver up to 150 cuts per charge. The Milwaukee chainsaw can be further modified for the fireground with the Super Vac chainsaw conversion kit to allow the saw to cut through asphalt shingles, hurricane glass, roofing materials and more.

When it comes to cutting, IDEX doesn’t dabble too much in the small saw game – but some might say the brand’s StrongArm tool can fit in this portable cutting category. The StrongArm cuts through 3/8-inch rebar, Grade 43 Chain and two-by-four wood, and it can also spread and breach doors.

PPVS

Super Vac introduced the first-ever DeWalt battery-powered positive pressure fan to the industry in 2018. The fan operates off of dual 9.0Ah or 12.0Ah FLEXVOLT batteries. Available in a 16″, 18″ or 20″ model, the DeWalt-powered fan provides 40 minutes of run time (depending on battery selection) and 16,700-22,000 cmh (depending on model).

New for 2022, Super Vac introduced a lineup of Makita battery fans, powered by dual XGT 40V batteries (XC 4.0Ah or XC 5.0Ah). Like its DeWalt counterpart, Super Vac offers 16″, 18″ and 20″ Makita models. Output and run times vary based on Super Vac model, but range from 15,000-19,800 cmh in airflow and 40-50 minute in run time.

Super Vac offers two lines of Milwaukee fans, M18 and M28 battery-powered fans. Although Milwaukee is phasing out new M28 products, many fire departments still utilize these tools, so Super Vac developed an M28 lineup for compatibility with these tools. M28 batteries must be sourced through TNT, Genesis and Weber dealers that offer M28 rescue tools.

Last year, Super Vac introduced its 5.0Ah and 9.0Ah EWXT/E3 battery-powered 20″ fan to the market. Since that introduction, the fan manufacturer has added a 16 and 18″ variation. Per Super Vac’s special proprietary battery licensing agreement with IDEX, these fans and batteries are only available through authorized LUKAS dealers.

Finally, wait for it. Can we expect a EV0 3 battery-powered fan in the future? Maybe.

Lights

DeWalt offers a battery tripod that telescopes to 1.4m and offers variable brightness settings, up to 3,000 lumens. The light will operate for more than 11 hours on the lowest setting. Meanwhile, Command Light offers a 1.25mDeWalt-powered tripod with 2.27m telescoping reach. This tripod pairs with 10 different firefighter-favorite LEDs, featuring up to 28,000 lumens.

Makita offers a 1,100-lumen light and can provide up to 10 hours of light on this max setting. The light can be mounted on optional tripod. For higher lumens, Command Light offers 10 different Makita battery-powered tripod models, featuring the same fixture options, as well as tripod dimension as the earlier DeWalt model mentioned above.

Milwaukee offers a tripod series, featuring 1.1-1.4m extension and 1,400-6,000 lumens, depending on model. Milwaukee also sells portable flood lights and radius site lights in the M18 platform. For even more lumens, look to Command Light for Milwaukee battery-powered tripods, featuring Akron Revels, FRC Spectras, FireTech Helios and Whelen fixtures.

IDEX recently introduced the Scout, a 14,000-lumen scene light that can be used to provide lighting when crews are extricating patients. Like Super Vac, Command Light also arranged a special agreement to power three of its tripods with EWXT/E3 batteries, including the T50-AX-BW, which features two Akron Revels for 28,000 lumens.

Holmatro has engineered LED lighting into its cutters, spreaders and combo tools. Six bright lights provide illumination at night. These LEDs operate standard AA batteries and deliver six hours of continuous light.

Rescue Tools

AMKUS Rescue Systems powers its ion-battery 2.0 rescue tools with DeWalt FLEXVOLT batteries. AMKUS offers three different cutters, two combis, four spreaders and two rams. Made of solid aluminium, AMKUS tools are between 13-30 cm shorter than competitor models, allowing first responders to work in cramped rescue quarters.

Makita pairs with Ogura, a 50-year-old Japanese manufacturer of rescue tools. The Ogura lineup includes 18V battery-powered combis, cutters, spreaders and rams and a battery-powered rebar cutter. The head or power unit of the Ogura’s RP Series can be changed at any time without disengaging from the work.

TNT, Genesis and Weber, power their rescue tools with Milwaukee. TNT offers both M18 and M28 cutters, spreaders, combis and rams, while Genesis and Weber build on the M28 platform.

Powerhouse in hydraulic rescue tools, LUKAS, offers cutters, spreaders, combis and rams are powered by IDEX EWXT/E3 batteries. LUKAS is renowned for its eDRAULIC watertight line of rescue tools that can operate in heavy rain, high water or even under water. And with new E3 technology, LUKAS prides itself on performance diagnostics.

Finally, Holmatro offers proprietary EVO 3 battery technology in its “world-leading rescue tools” line of cutters, combis, spreaders and rams. The IP54-rated EVO 3 battery features a brushless motor, a direct-drive pump and electronic speed control that work together in tandem to deliver continuous, optimally high tool speed.

IFSJ Exclusive: Unrestrained performance from Holmatro

by Breaking NewsProducts

Rescue equipment manufacturer Holmatro gives the lo-down on its Pentheon Series of tools designed for first responders

All around the world first responders work in the most extreme conditions to save people’s lives. They are faced with different challenges every day, all requiring quick decision making and solid teamwork. Working under pressure, in a race against the clock, first responders need equipment they can fully rely on.

Rescue equipment manufacturer Holmatro has been developing innovative ways to solve the biggest challenges they face, resulting in its Pentheon Series of high-tech, battery-powered rescue tools.

Speed, control, endurance

When saving lives, time is of the essence as even a few seconds can make the difference between life and death. Holmatro put its focus on developing fast-use products which resulted in the development of a mechatronic system inside its tools.

The result is called stepless speed maximisation. It continuously optimises the motor and pump settings, resulting in a maximised oil flow over the full pressure range and providing rescuers with rapid tool speed at any load.

In the rescue business speed is nothing without control, but when working near a patient, it is important to take precaution, and so Holmatro built in speed control to its Pentheon tool range. Its two-mode control handle offers the choice, at any time during the rescue operation, to switch between the tool’s high-speed and low-speed modes. Within these two modes, the speed is still proportional to how far you turn the handle to its left or right.

It is impossible to predict the conditions rescue equipment will be needed in, but whether it is hot or cold, in the rain or snow and even under water, tools need to work, and so the Pentheon series of tools has been designed to work under all of these conditions. Both battery and tool temperatures are continuously monitored to make sure they remain useable as overheating may cause the tool to shut off. At extremely high temperatures, Pentheon tools will automatically switch to working at a lower power consumption, without loss of force, enabling rescuers can continue working even in hot weather and at high tool loads.

Peak performance

The Pentheon Series tools contain a battery with increased capacity, specially developed for high-performance tools, and due to its bigger cell volume, it heats up much slower than regular batteries, allowing more work to be completed while using its maximum power.

Its patented mechatronic system controls the motor and pump settings of Pentheon tools and is extremely energy efficient, designed in a way to extend the working time. When the tool is not operated or has reached its maximum pressure, the motor stops automatically, saving valuable battery capacity, the tool can be restarted by turning the handle again.

Visibility is key in emergency situations, and so in Holmatro’s range, there are six high-output LED lights in the carrying handle, illuminating the working area at night and neutralising shadows during the day. These are powered from the main battery, which means they automatically switch on and off together with the tool and, if desired, the lights can be switched off separately by pressing a button on the tool.

Swapping batteries is something that can cost valuable time, and so the Pentheon series allows the battery to be charged while it is still on the tool. Also, after connecting the tool to the charger the whole charging process will regulate itself. The battery on the tool always takes priority over the one on the charger if both are connected and the latter will resume charging when the battery on the tool is 100% full.

Up to three chargers can be powered from a single outlet, allowing users to charge six batteries without any management. The charging cord features a magnetic connector which enables easy connection and no disconnection is required. The on-tool charging cord allows for grabbing a tool and walk away with it. Thanks to the cord’s magnetic connector the tool releases itself.

The LED indicators on the Pentheon’s battery and charger give instant feedback on the battery’s temperature, state of charge and state of health. For more detailed battery information, Holmatro offers diagnostics software which can be used. A more extensive version of this software is available for authorised Holmatro Dealer Service Technicians. This combines in-depth tool diagnostics with integrated inspection procedures, to provide the best service for Pentheon tool owners. Holmatro also has special accessories available to connect the Pentheon tools and batteries to a laptop or pc.

Tool Design

Tool design is crucial to make them easy to use and to handle. When working near a patient, the tool should not be too bulky, as it will be difficult to reach the right space. On top of that, if the tool is too heavy, it will be harder to operate and carry. The compact integrated motor and pump share the same shaft – this saves a lot of precious space. The battery has a semi-circle shape which makes it fit around the tool like a bracelet, which also contributes to the slim design of Holmatro Pentheon tools.

With a carrying handle that goes all around the tool, you can hold the tool in any position. It also includes a suitcase grip for easy and well-balanced carrying. The handle is made of a damage-proof high-grade synthetic polymer. This extremely tough and elastic material has the unique property of always returning to its original shape. Centrally positioned on the back of the tool, the control handle is always within reach. This allows for easy tool operation at all sides of the car and in any position. All these things make the tools way easier to handle.

“The new Holmatro Pentheon Series rescue equipment offers you the unrestrained performance, unparalleled speed and ultimate control, and with battery management made easy, you are always rescue ready,” says Mattijn de Graaf, Research and Development Manager for Holmatro Group,

The Pentheon Series

The Pentheon Series consists of cutters, spreaders, rams and combi tools, with four versions of each tools.

Cutters

The blades of the Pentheon cutters are mounted at a 30 degree angle, creating an ergonomic design and allowing users to operate the tool from a comfortable waist height, resulting in more space between the tool and the car, meaning easier and safer cutting.

Because modern cars are becoming increasingly difficult to cut, the Pentheon Cutters are equipped with new car technology: the U-shaped blades pull even the strongest car materials into the cutting recess, close to the central bolt, where they are cut at the highest possible force.

Spreaders

The Pentheon Spreaders feature pointed teeth which bite into the material at both sides. Teeth on the outside alternately point in the opposite direction to prevent the spreader from slipping away and allowing for a superior grip over the full spreading range.

Telescopic Rams

The Telescopic Rams from the Pentheon Series come with a smart ram extension, meaning users will only need one compact ram for all applications, including cross ramming. The integrated laser pointer marks the exact spot the ram will touch the car construction, positioning the tool first time right.

This prevents users from needing to retract the ram, so the car construction could spring back and re-entrap their patient. The double carrying handle makes it easy to place the tool on both sides of the car, and the cross ram support set can help prevent the ram from pushing through car interior surfaces.

Combi tools

Next to the unique grip teeth that are also on the spreaders, the combi tools come with removable tips, making it easier to switch from spreading to cutting, without crushing the material the user cuts.

Holmatro at IINTERSCHUTZ

The Pentheon Series of tools will feature on Holmatro’s inside booth (Hall 26, Stand J27) at Interschutz, where visitors will be able to see them in action during the Holmatro Rescue Challenge (Stand L64, near Pavilion 35) at the show where they will prove their power on the latest models of BMW.

This article was originally published in the June edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.