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AFEX systems
have been protecting timber harvesting equipment for over 30 years. Today’s
industry has better equipment, better trained operators, improved resource management and
more sophisticated business management. Technological advances have created machines of
greater size and strength and have improved operator comfort and ease of operation.
However, these bigger and stronger machines have greater fire risks. The large volumes of
hydraulic fluids operating under high pressures create potential fire hazards when hoses
leak or rupture. Engine compartments designed to prevent the accumulation of
“trash” inhibit access for routine cleaning and restrict fire extinguishing with
hand held portable extinguishers and water tanks. Additionally, operator location and
comforts make early detection of equipment fires difficult. Engine compartments located in
the rear of the machine, such as on feller bunchers, hide fire from sight.
Equipment losses are not only losses in capital, but also losses in production. In
response to their losses, insurers raise rates, increasing the overhead burden for
loggers.
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Fire Protection For