The forestry and fire management sector is under increasing pressure to improve response times, reduce fire damage, and enhance operational efficiency. Traditional firefighting approaches often rely on adapted vehicles and equipment, which can limit performance, reliability, and accessibility, especially in challenging terrain. To address these challenges, ANCO has developed a range of purpose-built firefighting systems designed specifically for forestry and rural fire operations. These systems focus on delivering reliable performance, ease of use, and adaptability to meet the practical needs of contractors and fire management teams. Selecting the correct chassis platform remains one of the most critical design considerations in the development of forestry and industrial firefighting vehicles. These vehicles face challenging conditions, from rugged terrain to high payload requirements. This necessitates a careful balance of durability, simplicity, and operational efficiency.
Historically, ANCO Manufacturing has partnered with well-established Japanese and German truck brands, recognising that each offers unique strengths. However, no single platform fully satisfies the diverse and demanding requirements of fire-fighting applications in forestry conditions. Industry consensus increasingly favours simpler, less complex trucks with superior off-road capability, as these are better suited to harsh operating environments and easier to maintain in remote areas. Driven by the need to address gaps in the South African market—particularly the limited availability of suitable 4x4 and 6x6 platforms ANCO initiated a search for alternative solutions. This led to the evaluation of the Powerstar off-road vehicle range from Ever Star Industries South Africa.
What is it?
The solution is a new generation of ANCO fire-fighting vehicles built on the Powerstar VX1729 (4x4) and VX2635 (6x6) chassis platforms. These vehicles combine:
• Proven, robust chassis engineering
• Optimised fire-fighting body designs
• Integrated compressed air foam systems (CAFS)
• Modular crew and water configurations
Four new variants have been designed, manufactured, and successfully homologated for use on South African public roads, offering flexibility across forestry, industrial, and bulk water transport applications. These vehicles are designed to operate efficiently in difficult environments where traditional fire engines may be limited, such as dense forests, narrow plantation roads, and mountainous terrain.
How it works?
The ANCO design approach integrates its established fire-fighting systems onto the Powerstar chassis using advanced CAD-based engineering and physical validation.
Key operational features include:
Water & Foam Suppression Systems
• ANCO CAFS 500 EVO MAX compressed air foam system for efficient fire suppression
• Rovatti primary pump for high-performance water delivery
• ANCO CFP7.1 standby system for redundancy in water-only operations
Vehicle Configurations
• Modular crew cab design accommodating up to 10 personnel
• Flexible water tank configurations depending on crew requirements
• PTO-driven pump systems with ergonomically positioned controls
Design Philosophy
• KISS principle: prioritising simplicity, reliability, and ease of operation
• Reduced system complexity to improve field serviceability and longevity
This integration ensures that vehicles remain operationally efficient in demanding environments while minimising downtime and maintenance complexity.
Other interesting information
Several standout features define this new generation of ANCO firefighting vehicles:
Enhanced Off-road Capability
• Heavy-duty suspension systems
• Robust driveline components (differentials, transfer cases)
• Large 14R20 wheels and tyres for improved terrain performance
Operator Comfort & Safety
• Air-conditioned driver cab with electric windows
• Ergonomic seating and 4-point safety harnesses in crew cab
• Easy-access control interfaces
Advanced Optional Features
• Reverse camera systems
• LED water level indicators
• Tyre pressure monitoring systems
• Remote-controlled bumper monitors
• Integrated PA and siren systems
Cost Efficiency
• Focus on cost-of-ownership and Rand-per-litre-on-rubber metrics
• Lower acquisition and operating costs compared to traditional platforms
• Reliable parts support across operating regions
This combination of simplicity, durability, and affordability positions the platform as a practical solution for fleet operators.
Specifications of ANCO Firefighting System
For more information, contact:
André Scheepers or Casper Pieterse
ANCO Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd
Tel: +27 (0)17 826 6023
Email: casper@ancoman.co.za / andre@ancoman.co.za
