Section 4: Flight Operations
Filling the Bambi MAX
2016 Bambi MAX Operations Manual
(Version C)
11
We Engineer Solutions
Filling the Bambi MAX with the PowerFill System
Initiating a fill with the PowerFill is simple and can be quickly mastered. Operation of the pump(s) is ac-
complished by simply pressing the fill button for as long as it takes to fill the bucket. There are a few key
points to keep in mind:
•
To initiate a fill, the pump impeller must be immersed. It may not be possible to fill from
water sources less than 18" (46cm) deep.
•
Once a fill has been started, the bucket will need to be supported by maintaining some
tension on the suspension lines, particularly when the bucket is nearly full. If the bucket
is not supported, the flexible nature of the bucket shell may allow it to collapse to one
side as the water load increases.
•
Once a fill has been started, the bucket can be raised or lowered, relative to the water line,
without losing the prime.
•
Frothing of the water or slow fill rate indicates the pump is not submerged for enough to
maintain prime.
•
The further the bottom of the bucket can be lowered into the water source, the faster the
bucket will fill.
•
Where possible, employ a partial dip fill, augmented by the pump, to reduce the total fill
time.
•
It is recommended that the pump not be run when a conventional dip fill is possible.
•
Do not run the pump if it is submerged to a depth of 10 feet (3 m) or more.
•
Do not submerge the bucket to a depth of more than 20 feet (6.1 m) when performing
conventional dip fills (pump off) in deep water sources.
•
The filter screen is designed to filter out objects large enough to damage the pump impel-
ler and to prevent weeds and debris from clogging the pump intake. If operating the
pump in extremely dirty or swampy water sources, more frequent inspections of the
pump impeller and filter screen may be required to maintain optimal function.
•
The pump can be run dry without damage. However, maximum life can be obtained from
the pump motor if the run time is limited only to filling the bucket. Excessive run time
will require more frequent lubrication of the pump output shaft. See the service manual
for the lubrication procedure.
Variable Fill Capability
In some areas, fire conditions require the reduction of bucket loads to accommodate weight restrictions
caused by high elevation operations. The Bambi MAX has a gated valve system that allows the pilot to re-
duce the bucket load. By pressing and releasing the dump switch as the bucket is being pulled from the wa-
ter, the bucket weight can be reduced until the desired load is reached as indicated by a load cell or torque
gauge. As little as 2% can be shed in this manner.
