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The
Rookie - In The News
DESCHUTES RIVER MANUFACTURING NOW OFFERS THE ROOKIE
SIDEKICK IN A 6-INCH LDH MODEL
Date: February 23, 2006
BEND, Ore. (March 13, 2006) -- Deschutes River Manufacturing
has expanded its LDH series to include the Rookie Sidekick
6-inch LDH (RSLDH6) hose roller as well as the 5-inch
LDH (RSLDH5) roller, according to David Johnston, owner
of the small manufacturing company based in Central Oregon.
"We've had requests from industrial fire fighters
to produce The Rookie Sidekick LDH (tm) to handle even
larger diameter hose," explained Johnston. "Which
makes sense since the whole point is to save firefighters'
time and energy by alleviating the backbreaking task of
hand rolling fire hoses, especially 5- and 6-inch hoses."
Specifically constructed to handle 6-inch large diameter
fire hose, the Rookie Sidekick LDH6 is portable (like
the LDH5) and also mounts on any vehicle receiver hitch
or ATV. Powered by a 3HP Honda gas engine, the Rookie
Sidekick LDH6 saves manpower and energy and is particularly
suited for industrial applications where 6-inch hose is
the standard. The LDH6 will also roll 5-inch hose, and
an optional portable stand is available for easy transport
of the Sidekick.
Initially developed by Johnston, an experienced machinist,
in response to requests from wildland agencies and tested
by firefighters throughout the country, the Rookie and
Rookie Sidekick line of products are highly regarded throughout
the firefighting industry. Both models are compact, motorized,
portable and easy to operate.
"With the light-weight Rookie Sidekick portable hose
roller attached to a receiver hitch on the engine, trailer
or an ATV, or using an optional portable stand, firefighters
can pick up and transport hoses anywhere on a large industrial
plant or to remote fire locations," explained Johnston.
"This is particularly important when firefighters
are out fighting wild land fires. Once they're done fighting
the fire, they can have thousands of feet of hose rolled
out over miles of terrain. The Rookie quickly rolls hoses
in a matter of minutes, when it would have taken firefighters
hours to roll the same hoses manually."
Johnston has also developed an optional re-loading device
that transforms the portable stand into a hose handling
system that allows effortless transport of rolled hoses
and reduces the manpower needed to re-load hose back onto
the engine. (Available at this time for 5-inch and smaller
hose).
"Many firefighters think reducing the time involved
with re-rolling the hoses at inspection time is worth
the cost of one Rookie ReLoader alone," he said.
Rookies range from $3,300 to $4,200. It may seem like
a lot, according to Johnston, but it's a lot less than
the cost of one back injury. And it's also a one-time
purchase, according to Johnston. He takes pride in the
fact that his customers will only buy a Rookie product
once because of the quality of the equipment.
"Quality is so important to me that I guarantee what
I build personally. I understand that when it needs to
work, it needs to work so I've incorporated Honda engines,
industrial gear reducers, and oil impregnated chain to
eliminate problems with the equipment. Basically, once
a fire station or an industrial plant is supplied with
enough Rookies, they're going to be there working for
a long time."
Both The Rookie and The Rookie Sidekicks are OHSA-inspected.
The Rookie is available through the GSA system and can
be ordered in single or double mandrel units with either
a 1.5HP electric motor or 5.5HP Honda gas engine, significantly
reducing labor and saving time both in the field and at
the station.
For more product information and to purchase, please contact
us or call toll free 877-868 -1951.
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