HomeMy WebLinkAbout306.001b -Amkus Extrication Equipment
TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT MANUAL
RESCUE EQUIPMENT
306.001b AMKUS EXTRICATION EQUIPMENT
EFFECTIVE: JUNE 2019
Current Revision Date: 6/26/19 Next Revision Date: 6/26/24
Author’s Name/Rank: Justin Moore, Captain Review Level: 3
Administrative Support:
Leslie Oulashian
Management Analyst II
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide Fresno Fire Department (FFD or
Department) members with guidelines for the safe operation of the Amkus
Extrication Equipment.
APPLICATION
Contents of this policy apply to all members while operating Amkus Extrication
Equipment during maintenance, training, or emergency operations.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
The Amkus Rescue System currently in use by the Department consists of the
following:
1. Gasoline-powered hydraulic pump unit.
2. Hydraulic spreader.
3. Hydraulic cutter.
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4. Hydraulic ram.
5. Hydraulic hand pump.
Power Unit
The Amkus power unit consists of a two-stage axial piston hydraulic pump powered
by a 5 to 6.5 horsepower, 4-cycle gasoline engine. The hydraulic pump has a
maximum operating pressure of 10,500 psi and delivers a constant flow of a mineral-
based hydraulic fluid to the rescue tools through a control valve. (See Figure 1.)
Note: Do not mix mineral and ester-based fluids (mineral is used in
Amkus and other 10,000+ psi systems; ester-based fluid is
used in Hurst and other 5,000+ psi systems).
The power unit is equipped with a two-gallon hydraulic oil reservoir and two (2) sets
of hydraulic hose(s) ranging from 25 to 50 feet. An Amkus rescue tool can be
connected to either set of hoses.
Figure 1
The control valve(s) direct hydraulic fluid to the hose lines. The valve(s) are labeled
“pump” and “release” and are of the 90-degree operational type. When a control
valve is parallel with the hose, the hose is pressurized).
The two-way valve should be in the release position before starting the engine. (See
Figure 2.) The valve should also be in the release position when connecting or
disconnecting the hydraulic hoses to/from the rescue tools.
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Figure 2
To start the engine, move the throttle to the fast position. The engine is equipped
with an automatic choke. The position marked “fast” is the start and run position. To
idle the engine, move the throttle lever to the “slow” position. To stop the engine,
move the throttle to the “stop” position.
The engine oil, fuel, and hydraulic oil, should be checked weekly and after each use.
The engine uses unleaded gasoline only. Do not mix oil with the gasoline. The
hydraulic oil reservoir should be filled to within one inch of the top. The power unit is
protected by a tubular stainless steel roll cage.
Control Valves
All Amkus rescue tools are equipped with identical twist-grip control valves. To
operate, twist the control handle to the right (out) to open and twist the control
handle to the left (in) to close. (See Figure 3.)
Figure 3
All Amkus control valves are equipped with dead-man features. When the control
valve handle is released, it will automatically spring back to the center position and
the tool will stop operating.
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Repositioning the valves on the power unit to the release position will remove
pressure from the hose and stop any tool operation.
Spreader
The Amkus spreader weighs 47 pounds and will produce up to 17,000 pounds of
spreading force. The spreader is evenly balanced at the crossbar.
The control valve is located over the cylinder for ease of left- or right-hand operation.
The control valves on the Amkus rescue tools have built-in check valves. The
spreader will hold its position under load, even when the hoses are disconnected.
Hoses may be reconnected while the spreader is under load. The maximum spread
distance is 32 inches. (See Figure 4.)
Figure 4
Chains
Amkus spreader chains can be used without removing the spreader tips. The U-bolt
assembly attached to the chains allows the chains to be connected to the spreader
arms without removing the spreader tips. Simply pull the pin and slide the entire U-
bolt over the spreader arm. (See Figure 5.) Once the U-bolt pin is in place over the
spreader arm, insert the U-bolt pin into the hole in the arm of the spreader and turn
to tighten. Tighten hand-tight only. (See Figure 6.)
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Figure 5 Figure 6
Cutter
The Amkus cutter weighs 30 pounds and produces a cutting force in excess of
60,000 pounds. The control valve is located above the cylinder (See Figure 7.)
The cutter is capable of cutting door posts, door struts, seat backs, and brake
pedals. It should not be used to cut hardened steel, such as tie rods. It is capable
of cutting through steering columns; however, it is recommended steering columns
only be cut as a last resort.
The maximum cutter opening at center is five inches. The maximum cutter opening
at the tip is four inches.
The Department uses a variety of Amkus cutters, and members assigned to this
piece of equipment should become familiar with maximum operating ranges, (i.e.,
opening distance).
Figure 7
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Ram
The Amkus ram can produce a maximum of 30,650 pounds of pushing force to a
maximum of 40 inches. The maximum pulling force, if equipped with an eyelet at
each end, is 14,400 pounds.
The ram is also equipped with one extension bar. The extension bar is threaded
and may be connected to the ram by removing the tip. The extension bar length is
ten inches. Some rams have an adapter kit for changing the tip (See Figure 8.)
Figure 8
Back-Up Hand Pump
The Amkus hand pump can be used to provide hydraulic power to any of the rescue
tools. (See Figure 9.) It is designed to provide enough power to operate any of the
rescue tools at their maximum rated capacities.
The hand pump is also supplied with 20 feet of hydraulic hose.
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Figure 9
INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
No cross-references recognized.
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