Bobcats fighting fires
Utility vehicles bought by Bulgarian Fire Brigade
Bobcat’s dealer in Bulgaria, Megatron, has won an order for 70 Bobcat 3400D multi-purpose utility vehicles from the country’s fire brigade.
The utility vehicles were specified with modular snow and mud chains, which increase traction in heavy weather conditions and increase the speed of the vehicles, making them particularly suitable for rescue operations in forest areas. The chains are manufactured by TJD, a Canadian company renowned for this type of product.
The main contributing factor to better traction is the ground clearance on the 3400D utility vehicle, which is 24 cm, even at the lowest points of the vehicle (under the axle transmissions). The rear suspension is further adjustable and ensures an additional 8 cm of clearance. The maximum height adjustment is necessary for mounting the chains on the vehicles.
All the Bobcat 3400D vehicles also feature a 2-tonne capacity winch, a ROPS structure for driver and passenger protection in case of a rollover accident, as well as protection against wind and rain during the cold months provided by a vinyl roof, transparent vinyl doors and a polycarbonate windshield.
The vehicles have a dump truck type loading compartment with a 500 kg capacity – enough to carry pumps and forestry fire fighting hoses. Additionally, the Bobcat 3400D UTV has a towing capacity of 680 kg that can be used to transport small pumping stations on trailers.
The 70 utility vehicles have been allocated to 28 provinces and operation, maintenance and installation training for the modular chains has been provided by staff from Megatron.
