6.4L as a fire truck

[jbdawson]

I belong to a small volunteer fire department. We are considering a brush truck using an F 350, 450, or 550 as a platform. We prefer diesel because it is easily obtainable 24 hrs a day from a central facility and we don't burn that much any way. My question pertains to the regeneration process. A neighboring department recently purchased a large pumper with a Cummings engine. Because it is operated intermittently on short trips they have a problem with regeneration. Cummings has advised that it needs to sit at high idle for at least 45 minutes about once a week to complete the regeneration process. Considering the short operation cycle we anticipate and the fact that it may get operated only 2-4 times a month do any of you 6.4 owners have an opinion as to how the Power Stroke might fair under such conditions. Is there a way to force a regeneration if operating conditions do not trigger one automatically?

[rlg4675]

As a fellow FireFighter you might also want to be aware that these new diesels exhaust is about 500 degrees coming out of the exhaust tip, because of the regeneration . This is on a 2008 Ford F-250 with the 6.4 Power Stroke Diesel. This is according to a Banks Power ad for thier exhaust system. I am not sure if the Ford has the same problem as the Cummins at low rpm or idle
I am sorry I am not much help with you question but I found the fact that the exhaust exiting the truck is that hot. I live in the west where wildland fires are common. Off Highway travel was bad enough when we were worried about the catalytic conveter causing a fire but now the exhaust too!

[jays2003]

2008 F350 4x4 Brush Fire Rig had no DPF!!

Check this link about DPF delete

[ff1809]

JB, you should be fine using a truck with the the 6.4L motor as a brush rig. Two of my new brush trucks are SRW F-350s w/ 6.4L and we have not had any problems with performance or setting fires with the exhaust.

A few tips to ensure longevity:

Use Ultra Low Sulfer Diesel Fuel Only

Up grade to the high output alternator for your accesories

Go with the Snow Plow Prep Package, it helps with the added wieght and the added cooling fan run time helps at low speed driving

Also,
make sure the truck is driven down the highway and back periodicaly to allow the exaust to perform regens.

These are my suggestions and I make them only to try and help you and your department. Talk with any members you might have with more truck repair backround, they are a good resource.
Thanks Robbie

[inverted99]

Originally Posted by jbdawson

I belong to a small volunteer fire department. We are considering a brush truck using an F 350, 450, or 550 as a platform. We prefer diesel because it is easily obtainable 24 hrs a day from a central facility and we don't burn that much any way. My question pertains to the regeneration process. A neighboring department recently purchased a large pumper with a Cummings engine. Because it is operated intermittently on short trips they have a problem with regeneration. Cummings has advised that it needs to sit at high idle for at least 45 minutes about once a week to complete the regeneration process. Considering the short operation cycle we anticipate and the fact that it may get operated only 2-4 times a month do any of you 6.4 owners have an opinion as to how the Power Stroke might fair under such conditions. Is there a way to force a regeneration if operating conditions do not trigger one automatically?

We purchased an '08 F-350 for a Command/First response vehicle. I drive this truck on a daily basis including taking it home, this truck is operated in very remote thick brush locations daily. Also slow speeds, much idling and 4 wheel drive engaged daily.

The regeneration is something to get used to, when it tells you to drive it to clean the DPF. If you are unable to drive it long enough to complete the regen at that time, no big deal it will do it next trip.

I agree with getting the plow prep package and dual alternators. Ours has that, also has 3.73 limited slip, manual transmission, manual hubs, 18" wheels and Off-Road package. This has been an outstanding truck so far with ~6000 miles on it. Take care...Jeff

Here is the obligatory picture:

[sheepman]

Originally Posted by jbdawson

I belong to a small volunteer fire department. We are considering a brush truck using an F 350, 450, or 550 as a platform. We prefer diesel because it is easily obtainable 24 hrs a day from a central facility and we don't burn that much any way. My question pertains to the regeneration process. A neighboring department recently purchased a large pumper with a Cummings engine. Because it is operated intermittently on short trips they have a problem with regeneration. Cummings has advised that it needs to sit at high idle for at least 45 minutes about once a week to complete the regeneration process. Considering the short operation cycle we anticipate and the fact that it may get operated only 2-4 times a month do any of you 6.4 owners have an opinion as to how the Power Stroke might fair under such conditions. Is there a way to force a regeneration if operating conditions do not trigger one automatically?

Who ever does your purchasing needs to contact Ford's Vehicle Special Order and the Fleet Customer Information Center or whoever outfits your trucks to find out about the No DPF Factory Brush/Mine truck from ford. Ford has them, they leave the factory with DPF's and go to an upfitter for DPF removal and reprogramming.