Fire Extinguisher !!!

[Nicfin36]

My old Husqvarna riding mower caught fire due to oil residue build up around the engine. I was mowing my back field to prep a green field and tall grass on the exhaust caught fire and ignited the oil.

Don't ask me how I put it out. Let's just say, most of us have a 'built in" fire extinguisher.

 

[GeoHorn]

Former Continental pilot?

Nope…. Flight-School instructor/Gulf Oil pipeline/Delta Connection/AMEX corporate/BritishAerospace prod-test-demo/State-Govt/Simulator Instructor/Pilot Examiner/Retired 50+ yrs was enough, now just personal flying (But I walked the CA picket lines for my buddies there in the mid-80s)

 

[Lil Foot]

Neighbor was washing auto parts with gasoline in a large steel oil change pan.
Got it lit (probably with static), grabbed his extinguisher, and found it was flat. (no pressure)
I heard the commotion and ran to help, he told me the extinguisher didn't work.
I grabbed it, slammed the handle against a bench top, (to break it loose) and unscrewed the head. then slung/poured the powder on the flames, putting out the fire.
Not as good as a charged extinguisher, but a lot better than none.
The drawback is that many times the head will not unscrew without huge force or tools.
But something to keep in mind......

 

[bmblank]

No matter what type of powder extinguisher you have the powder will need "fluffing" a couple time a year, it does settle.
Turn it upside down and tap the bottom with a rubber mallet. You'll hear the change in sound as the powder breaks free.
Then shake it back & forth about 7 times and your done.
I like to do all of mine at time chage to DST and back.

Who among us doesn't need a little "fluffing" from time to time?

 

[DustyRusty]

Who among us doesn't need a little "fluffing" from time to time?

I think that some are way beyond fluffing, and they are in the mental meltdown stage!

 

[mikester]

View attachment 70587
Here is a New Holland Skid Steer that I kept from burning to the ground back in June with two of those Kidde Replacements.

I think I'd rather use the insurance money to buy a new machine instead of trying to rely on a half cooked machine to operate properly after the adjuster saves money on "fire damage repairs".

 

[BAP]

If you really want to get anal about it, install a whole tractor fire suppression system like this in the link below. Many companies are making them for all kinds of agricultural and construction equipment.

Heavy Equipment Fire Suppression Systems | Automatic Fire Suppression

Heavy Equipment Fire Suppression Systems for farm & agricultural machinery is available with Reacton providing reliable fire protection across the globe.

www.reactonfire.com

 

[Magicman]

I think I'd rather use the insurance money to buy a new machine instead of trying to rely on a half cooked machine to operate properly after the adjuster saves money on "fire damage repairs".

There was no machine damage. A broken tail pipe rubbed against the "jump start" battery lead causing sparks that ignited debris in the bottom of the engine compartment. I got it extinguished before any engine components ignited.

 

[fried1765]

There was no machine damage. A broken tail pipe rubbed against the "jump start" battery lead causing sparks that ignited debris in the bottom of the engine compartment. I got it extinguished before any engine components ignited.

A perfect endorsement for always carrying a Dry Chem extinguisher!

 

[Magicman]

The fact was that the skid steer did not have a fire extinguisher. I first used my 'sawmill' extinguisher which did not fully extinguish the blaze which would have re-established itself had I not run to my truck and retrieved my 'truck' extinguisher which extinguished the blaze. While I was retrieving my truck extinguisher the operator raised the engine 'hood' which allowed me to direct the dry chemical down and underneath the engine. There is no question that the skid steer would have been lost had I not had two fire extinguishers available.

 

[fried1765]

The fact was that the skid steer did not have a fire extinguisher. I first used my 'sawmill' extinguisher which did not fully extinguish the blaze which would have re-established itself had I not run to my truck and retrieved my 'truck' extinguisher which extinguished the blaze. While I was retrieving my truck extinguisher the operator raised the engine 'hood' which allowed me to direct the dry chemical down and underneath the engine. There is no question that the skid steer would have been lost had I not had two fire extinguishers available.

"would have been lost had I not had two fire extinguishers available"

ONE 5lb extinguisher would have avoided needing the luck to be able to run for a 2nd 2-1/2 lb. extinguisher.
I don't buy 2-1/2 lb extinguishers, because in most cases they are not big enough to do the job.

IMO all machinery/equip should have 5lb minimum extinguishers.
For storage/barn buildings I prefer 10lb (minimum) extinguishers...... and more than one.
I do have one 20lb dry chem extinguisher (kinda heavy now for this old guy).

Perhaps I am more conscious of this extinguisher issue than most.
Back in 1987 I had a $240,000 fire caused by a gas Gravely mower.
Two 5lb. CO2 extinguishers were not enough.

 

[Magicman]

Yup, I am generally an expert on Monday morning.

The purpose for me posting this topic was to point out fire dangers and possibly help someone to prevent a catastrophe. There have been many useful suggestions made.