Model 42, 95gpm pump, 285 gallon tank crew of 3. 199x IH, Sierra National Forest. Photo by Aaron Woods
The Model 42 was introduced in the late 80s (87-88) in Region 5 as a budget cutting measure. The USFS policy requires a crew of 5 on a Type 3 engine. The Model 42 was designed to fall just short of the Type 3 standards (120 gpm pump, 300 gallon tank) allowing the use of a smaller crew without losing much capability. It was built on a 16,000 GVW chassis (IH, Ford and Chevrolet). Technically it is a Type 6 engine, but the heavier chassis allowed far more engine than the typical 1 ton truck used for Type 6 engines. These engines fell out of favor in the mid 90s and the last were retired in 2001-2002 although some may still be floating around forest service shops as reserve engines.
These engines were not available with 4 wheel drive, but the low gearing and short wheelbase (126") made them very handy on the many logging roads found in Northern California. These engines were quite popular and fell out of favor due to administrative reasons (Type 3 captains were paid more than Type 6 captains begining in 1994-95). Personally these engines were my favorite and I hated to see them go.
The National Park Service also bought a number of these engines, but unlike the USFS these were not limited to use in California.
The Model 42 was introduced in the late 80s (87-88) in Region 5 as a budget cutting measure. The USFS policy requires a crew of 5 on a Type 3 engine. The Model 42 was designed to fall just short of the Type 3 standards (120 gpm pump, 300 gallon tank) allowing the use of a smaller crew without losing much capability. It was built on a 16,000 GVW chassis (IH, Ford and Chevrolet). Technically it is a Type 6 engine, but the heavier chassis allowed far more engine than the typical 1 ton truck used for Type 6 engines. These engines fell out of favor in the mid 90s and the last were retired in 2001-2002 although some may still be floating around forest service shops as reserve engines.
These engines were not available with 4 wheel drive, but the low gearing and short wheelbase (126") made them very handy on the many logging roads found in Northern California. These engines were quite popular and fell out of favor due to administrative reasons (Type 3 captains were paid more than Type 6 captains begining in 1994-95). Personally these engines were my favorite and I hated to see them go.
The National Park Service also bought a number of these engines, but unlike the USFS these were not limited to use in California.
Aaron Woods
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