Fire Engine Photos

No: 39217 Contributor: Robert Turner Year: 2015 Manufacturer: Austin Country: United Kingdom

Austin K3 Extra Heavy pump

Waiting for recovery at the side of the A64 York. Built 1941 and believed to have been based in London.

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Picture added on 22 September 2015 at 15:47

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add commentComments:

The Austin "Extra Heavy Unit" was similar to the most common wartime issue pump, except that the pump (with its own engine) mounted on the back was rated at 1150 IGPM - instead of the standard 700 IGPM on the so-called "Heavy Unit".

The chassis, cab and bodywork were the same, and four crew could sit in the tacked-on canopy cab's rear seat, which was accessed from the rear.

Apart from the ladder, the equipment was pretty much limited to hoses and fittings. It was a pump, plain and simple.

Added by Rob Johnson on 17 May 2018.

The extra heavy units had a longer wheelbase giving room for an extra locker each side. This is an extra heavy chassis with a heavy pump on it. 51/2 inch suction rather than 7 inch.

Added by Neal Glover on 17 May 2018.

Neal: I think the EHU had the 7 inch suctions. Quite noticeably fatter than the HUs 5.5 inch ones.

Added by Rob Johnson on 18 May 2018.

FYY288 for searching

Added by Petros on 23 November 2022.

Hi Rob / Neal, extra heavy unit had 7” suction and 6 deliveries (according to 1944 manual of fireman ship part 2, Leyland/Gwynn on Austin or Bedford chassis.

Added by Peter McCombie on 24 November 2022.

But with 4 deliveries this is”just” a heavy unit with 5 1/2” suction.

Added by Peter McCombie on 24 November 2022.

Or not the original pump?

Added by Peter McCombie on 26 November 2022.

for genuine EHU see