Bobcat Telehandler Helps Polish Fire Crew in Challenging Work

Posted: 26 May 2022

Fire brigades all over the world are being enhanced with new technology. In addition to conventional fire engines with their firefighting apparatus, firemen often need the support of other types of machinery.

This is nicely illustrated by the Ochotnicza Straż Pożarna (OSP) Gabin voluntary fire brigade in Central Poland, which invested two years ago in some exciting new equipment: comprising a 32 tonne MAN TGS 41.460 fire engine with 8 × 8 drive and an 11,000 litre water tank and, more unusually, a specially modified Bobcat T40.180SLP telehandler.

With this combination, OSP Gabin probably has the most unique fleet of firefighting equipment in Poland and is able to operate in extreme conditions including working on very soft ground. The crew at OSP Gabin are part of Poland’s Voluntary Fire Service which operates from over 15,700 voluntary fire stations around the country.

The Bobcat Telehandler – the Partner you need for Work at Height

The Bobcat telehandler is the key part of the new technology investment and was the first to be purchased for a fire brigade in Poland. The Bobcat T40.180SLP telehandler provides a lifting capacity of 4 tonne, has a 4 × 4 drive and a 100 HP diesel engine. The maximum lifting height is 17.5 m which means it can reach the top of a typical five-storey building. It is equipped with stabilisers that allow the fire crew to get closer to a building without losing reach. The OSP Gabin machine is used with four main attachments: a rescue basket (man platform), pallet forks, a combination bucket with grapple and a tree grapple.

Reliable Tool for Many Applications

OSP Gabin has been working with the Bobcat telehandler now for almost two years. During that time, it has been in regular use in many of the key operations of the fire brigade, including several unique applications. These include the retrieval of the wreck of a small aircraft from a river, when no other machine was able to work on the soft surface of the riverbank.

In general, the fire brigade uses the telehandler in four different ways: with a man platform – to evacuate people trapped at height; with forks to move burning hay; with a special bolt-on attachment to make holes in burning roofs so fire hoses can spray water in to douse fires in these properties. Last but not least, like the application already mentioned, the telehandler is used to lift and remove objects in areas where heavy cranes cannot gain access or cannot work. 

“We are always keen to use the telehandler for challenging jobs. In combination with our trained volunteers and in combination with other technical equipment, we are prepared for tasks that are at the edge of what is possible. Relying on a tough machine like the Bobcat T40.180SLP is an essential part of our mission to help in dangerous situations in our region,” said Waldemar Zawadzki, Commander of OSP Gabin. “Because of the unique features of the Bobcat telehandler, we are also often asked to support our colleagues outside our region.”

Adrian Winnicki, District Manager for Poland at Doosan Bobcat EMEA, added: “Bobcat machines equipped with the widest choice of attachments are universal tools that can be used for multiple applications. We are proud that the Bobcat T40.180SLP has had such an important role and is serving in such demanding jobs. Bobcat machines are made for tough jobs, whilst still providing all the agility and versatility any application would require, making them an ideal choice for fire brigades or other municipal tasks.“

Local Modification and Great Service Support

To convince and acquire customers like OSP Gabin is not an easy task. The use of a machine like the T40.180SLP for such challenging duties requires multiple modifications and special support - it requires the services of an expert Bobcat dealer. In this case, it is Katowice-based Asco Equipment, who won the order from OSP Gabin and continue to provide all the related service and parts support for the telehandler.

For the telehandler to meet the needs of OSP Gabin’s firefighters, Asco Equipment carried out the full research required and made the modifications needed to be awarded the special safety certificates for work in this area. The key changes on the machine include additional work lights, blue beacons and special firefighter colours with reflective stickers. The T40.180SLP was also awarded the certificate of conformity for Polish firefighting departments.

Unlike any other manufacturer on the market, all Bobcat telehandlers are covered by a three year/3000 hour warranty as standard, with the option of extending the warranty to five years/6000 hours. All Bobcat telehandlers are designed in Europe for European customers and produced at the company’s plant in France.

Bobcat Telehandler Helps Polish Fire Crew in Challenging Work

Trees cutting

Thanks to the maximum lifting height of 17.5 m, the Bobcat T40.180 SLP combined with man platform provides ideal solution for cutting dangerous trees.
Bobcat Telehandler Helps Polish Fire Crew in Challenging Work

Roof removal

With a special bolt Bobcat T40.180 makes a hole in the roof of burning hall in order to install waterpipes and fill the water in it.
Bobcat Telehandler Helps Polish Fire Crew in Challenging Work

Equipment rescues

After accidents, lifting the broken cars and other vehicles is an usual job for Bobcat T40.180.
Bobcat Telehandler Helps Polish Fire Crew in Challenging Work

Equipment rescues (cont.)

In 2019 a tragic accident of a small plane happened. Bobcat T40.180 SLP e.g. helped to rescue the wreak of a small sport aircraft, no other machine was able to work on a soft river bank.
Bobcat Telehandler Helps Polish Fire Crew in Challenging Work

Burning hay

In farming areas, burning hay is not an unusual thing. Equipped with forks, Bobcat T40.180 SLP is helping with such fire removal very often.
Bobcat Telehandler Helps Polish Fire Crew in Challenging Work

Flood protection

Bags with sand – Bobcat loader with OSP Gabin supporting colleagues out of the region while expecting a local flood.
Bobcat Telehandler Helps Polish Fire Crew in Challenging Work

In transport

Bobcat loader and the special MAN TGS 41.460 car - with this unique set OSP Gabin have likely the most interesting firefighter equipment in Poland.

READ MORE

View all
Bobcat Expands Global Manufacturing Footprint with New Facility in Monterrey, Mexico Bobcat Expands Global Manufacturing Footprint with  New Facility in Monterrey, Mexico

Bobcat Expands Global Manufacturing Footprint with New Facility in Monterrey, Mexico

8 November 2023

Doosan Bobcat, a global compact equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, announced today intentions to expand its footprint with a new manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, anticipated to begin production in early 2026.
Doosan Bobcat Expands Global Brand Strategy – RYAN Turf Renovation Equipment Transitions to Bobcat Brand RYAN Turf Renovation Equipment Transitions to Bobcat Brand

Doosan Bobcat Expands Global Brand Strategy – RYAN Turf Renovation Equipment Transitions to Bobcat Brand

4 October 2023

Doosan Bobcat has expanded its global branding strategy as it announces its RYAN turf renovation equipment will rebrand under the Bobcat trade dress in 2024.
Bobcat Celebrates 60 years of Pontchâteau, France Factory Bobcat Celebrates 60 years of Pontchâteau, France Factory

Bobcat Celebrates 60 years of Pontchâteau, France Factory

6 September 2023

Bobcat’s factory in Pontchâteau in France traces its history back to the early 20th century when Joseph Sambron transformed his school bench factory into a hub for farm machinery and bicycles.
New Backhoe Loader from Bobcat New Backhoe Loader from Bobcat

New Backhoe Loader from Bobcat

1 September 2023

Bobcat has launched the company’s new B730 M-Series Backhoe Loader for markets in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and CIS regions.
Doosan Bobcat Appoints Gary Hornbacher as New EMEA President Doosan Bobcat Appoints Gary Hornbacher as New EMEA President

Doosan Bobcat Appoints Gary Hornbacher as New EMEA President

30 June 2023

Doosan Bobcat, a global leader in compact equipment, has announced the appointment of Gary Hornbacher as the company’s new President for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.
Automatic Ride Control Automatic Ride Control

Automatic Ride Control

8 June 2023

Automatic Ride Control (ARC) is a suspension system on a loader lift arms that offsets any terrain irregularities for a smoother and more comfortable ride with less worry about the transported load.
Selectable Joystick Controls Selectable Joystick Control

Selectable Joystick Controls

8 June 2023

Selectable Joystick Control is a modern way to operate your machine and customize it according to your needs and preferences whether you are a seasoned professional who needs precision or a beginner who needs a little help.
Bobcat 731, the loader in continuous service for almost a quarter of a century. Now working for the next generation Bobcat 731

Bobcat 731, the loader in continuous service for almost a quarter of a century. Now working for the next generation

11 April 2023

In 1999, Enrique and Valentín Mompeán’s father bought a Bobcat 731 skid-steer loader, and since then they have been working with it on a daily basis.
Bobcat Unveils World’s First All-Electric Skid-Steer Loader and New, All-Electric and Autonomous Concept Machine at CONEXPO Skid-Steer Loader

Bobcat Unveils World’s First All-Electric Skid-Steer Loader and New, All-Electric and Autonomous Concept Machine at CONEXPO

15 March 2023

Bobcat has taken innovation to the next level with the introduction of two, new concept machines unveiled during the first day of CONEXPO 2023.
Doosan Bobcat Announces Global Brand Strategy: Forklift & Portable Power Transition to Bobcat Brand Doosan Bobcat Announces Global Brand Strategy:  Forklift & Portable Power Transition to Bobcat Brand

Doosan Bobcat Announces Global Brand Strategy: Forklift & Portable Power Transition to Bobcat Brand

9 March 2023

Doosan Bobcat, a company within Doosan Group, a leading global compact equipment, has announced its global branding strategy to create business and growth opportunities for the Doosan Bobcat product portfolio.