Task Force Tips now offers a remote-controlled version of its recently introduced Jumbo Ball Intake Valve. It gives the same high flow and low pressure drop as the manual version, with the convenience of easier operation on apparatus designed with the intake located away from the pump panel.

"The remote control cuts down on firefighters having to climb up and down the truck," said Rod Carringer, TFT's vice president for sales and marketing. "While the increased size allows a better match to your inlet, giving you a less restricted flow. It's a win/win design development that lends itself to top-mount pump panels, as well as trucks with larger (gpm) pumps."

TFT now offers a remote-control version of its Jumbo Ball Intake Valve.

Nearly a year in development, the newest member of TFT's RC (remote control) group sailed through prototype field trials.

"The 30-degree elbow swivels 360 degrees, allowing hose connections from any direction with minimal kinks and coupling stress," Carringer explained. "It also has TFT's triple coating protection, meaning that it's been powder coated, poly impregnated and hardcoat anodized. Some think of that as overkill. But that protection is what allows all of our BIV's to work for years under extreme conditions.

The prewired RC unit is easy to install. "Basically, you hook two wires to your power supply," Carringer said. "Two buttons on the control panel operate the valve, and there's an LED display to show the position of the valve."

For apparatus with smaller intake valves, TFT has two adapter rings that are featured in its new catalog.