First Responder SAR unit

[Fox Valley Argo Sales]

SAR3.jpgSAR12.jpg
Sorry, this is a demo unit and not for sale at this time.

We just recieved our new SAR(search and resque)demo unit yesterday,and would like to share this here, as this is something not always seen.
This unit is built off the 750 HDI platform, and some of the features are:
winch/brushguard
18" argo rubber tracks
HDbelt
auto chain oiler
bilge
whelen siren acc.
whelen brush guard light acc.
whelen perimeter lights
folding light bar
stretcher basket/frame
PA system
The light bar folds down,and with the stretcher removed,the stretcher frame can fold up to allow a passenger in the front.
I havnt had a chance to really look this over, and take it for a spin, but I will post more pics when I do.

First Responder SAR unit.jpg

[guyfox]

Nice looking machine that I am sure will be of great benefit. However, I think there should be a canopy for winter month as this would help prevent cold injuries such as frostbite and hypothermia for both causality and responder.

[Fox Valley Argo Sales]

Hey guyfox!

I agree,however, my sales rep is the one that determined the options for this unit.A hardtop would be the best for something like this,with a large door in the back.

[jerseybigfoot]

The big issue with this type of unit is the added weight and loss of amphibious capability when you add all the accessories. Is there anybody that makes light weight ROPs and stretcher packages?
The Argo tracks weigh about 300# and take away from the buoyancy and do not swim. My buddys FD has a unit is similar equipped and lost allot of capacity and capability when they started installing ROPS and tracks. The intent was to make a Swiss Army knife, and ended up with a butter Knife.

[Fox Valley Argo Sales]

I agree, there are better track options,my choice would be the most aggressive, swimmable track, that would cover any situation,and that would be the adair pro series with both winter kits.The stretcher,frame, and rops however, add about as much weight as a person. This unit will be worth its weight in diamonds if it can save just one life.

[riotwarrior]

I hqve always felt thos tracks are fine for snow but not so much for amphibious work.

The design of the 8x8 argo lends its self well to SAR.

As a former SAR member/volunteer I was hoping we would get an Argo for use.

The ability to operate unit and have the subject in litter and attendant in back iz paramount to paitient care.

I hqve seen UTV's with a litter setup and honestly I do not like them as much as the Argo.

Also as much as I like the Mudox the mid engine design doesnt work as well as Argo's forward engine.

Now if only Argo would work on a better transmission thqt truly allowed for zero turn radius and counter rotation...

Some Adair or chan el tracks and maybe a well constructed AL ROPS cqge to keep weight down along with even a canvas/material top for extreme weather....GOLDEN.

Nice rig ya got there ��

[Fox Valley Argo Sales]

Thanks for the input riotwarrior
Yes, there are modifications to inprove this unit,first, this thing has to swim,and be able to handle any situation,and the rubber and plastic argo tracks are not it.
I just got this unit back,and I have a demo to do with it, and the rubber tracks are comming off,and a set of 14.5" argo pro series are going on.The fire chiefs that I will be doing the demo for have areas where this will have to cross a body of water,and swimming is needed,as all SAR units should be able to do, not knowing the situation that this will be needed for.
The admiral tranny in LOW gear is extremely aggressive and will turn 180 in the length of itself.
I also agree that there should be a top,hard or convertable to keep everybody warm and dry,I would like to experiment here,and find the best top that would work the best for this unit,I hope that a prototype hard top is in the works soon.

[riotwarrior]

Thanks for the input riotwarrior
Yes, there are modifications to inprove this unit,first, this thing has to swim,and be able to handle any situation,and the rubber and plastic argo tracks are not it.
I just got this unit back,and I have a demo to do with it, and the rubber tracks are comming off,and a set of 14.5" argo pro series are going on.The fire chiefs that I will be doing the demo for have areas where this will have to cross a body of water,and swimming is needed,as all SAR units should be able to do, not knowing the situation that this will be needed for.
The admiral tranny in LOW gear is extremely aggressive and will turn 180 in the length of itself.
I also agree that there should be a top,hard or convertable to keep everybody warm and dry,I would like to experiment here,and find the best top that would work the best for this unit,I hope that a prototype hard top is in the works soon.

Well maybe some insulated tarp material on an aluminum cage for a top...something to roll up for warm weather but if rain came it coukd roll down quickly.

The idea I see is lighter than a hardtop amd thats important...also roll windows/sides up crossing water for quick egress and to help aleviate the SAIL effect a large HT would pose.

Thinking outloud from experience with SAR in the past.

There was a particular search where a tracked argo would have been ideal for sure..quads and utv couldnt get through the mud...

Make sure take lots pics and vid...would love see the beast in action

Al

[Fox Valley Argo Sales]

SAR rubber track removal.jpgSAR unit with adair tracks.jpgBecause the SAR unit must cover a variety of conditions,the rubber tracks are a handycap if the unit has to swim, so I am removing then to refit with the 14.5" adair pro series tracks. This is how I am going to demo this if there is any chance that the client will have to swim.Being temporary,I left the 2.5" spacers on, as not sure how long the pro series will be on. Notice the sag in the rubber, 4 corners were set at factory with about 3.5 psi along with the rest of the tires,and could use more air, but some of the sag also comes from the weight of the rubber tracks themselves. Pro series are set at 7 psi.