FRS to Water Truck Conversion for Summer Maintenance
FRS to Water Truck Conversion for Summer Maintenance
Item #: 20260027
Embedded Files
CONTACTS
Implementing Organization: Mechanics Shop, Region Three
Implementation Lead: Randall Huff
Development Team:
Randall Huff
Dustin Simpson
Jeremy Voels
Rusty Holt
Scott Lott
Sydnie Gines
Zach Gummow
Cindy Stanley
Article Written By: Dusty Simpson (with help from Wyatt Wooley and Tyrel Edwards)
Innovation Council Liaison: Tyrel Edwards
Innovation Team Coordinator: Quinten Klingonsmith
STATUS
Implementation Date: April 1, 2025
Adoption Status: Fully Implemented
Adoptability Note: Would your shed have use of this water truck conversion? If so, contact Dusty Simpson for a parts list and instructions.
APPLIES TO
Topic: Tools
Organization(s): Central Construction, Central Maintenance / Facilities Management, Equipment Operations, Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, Region 4
Job Role(s): Mechanics / Equipment, Roadway Operations / IMT, Transportation Technician
Tags: highway transportation, capital productivity, infrastructure preservation, labor productivity, use charges, , expenses, expenditures, , inventions, products, construction, equipment, facilities, highway operations, ( traffic operations ), maintenance, weed control, water truck, FRS, First Responder Systems, brine tank, hose, fire, environmental quality > pollution > air, noise, quality of life
PROBLEM
PROBLEM
UDOT Region Three utilizes FRS (First Responder System) units at nearly every shed. These plow trucks are equipped with hoppers and dual augers designed to mix brine with salt or sand for efficient winter road treatment. However, during the spring and summer months, these units are largely underutilized, while the need for a water truck increases. Water trucks were typically being rented during the spring and summer months at a fairly high cost.
CHANGE
CHANGE
Recognizing an opportunity for improvement, the Region Three Mechanics Shop converted an existing FRS unit into a functional water truck.
RESULT
RESULT
The conversion process takes only a couple of days and requires approximately $3,000 in parts. The modified unit includes a front-mounted spray cannon and rear water sprayers, significantly expanding its functionality. This setup can be used for dust suppression, fire prevention (such as following mowing operations), and cleaning debris from under guardrails and barriers.
LINKS
LINKS
Front spray (video)
Rear spray (video)
Front spray cannon in action
Front water spray unit
Rear sprayers in action
IMPACT
IMPACT
BETTER MOBILITY
BETTER MOBILITY
N/A
GOOD HEALTH
GOOD HEALTH
Crews have easy access to water trucks, so dust suppression and fire prevention is more feasible for small jobs or during the shoulder seasons
The mowing season can be extended even into the driest part of the summer when threat of mower spark cause fires is the greatest
CONNECTED COMMUNITIES
CONNECTED COMMUNITIES
N/A
STRONG ECONOMY
STRONG ECONOMY
Water truck rental fees are avoided
EFFICIENCIES
EFFICIENCIES
Anticipated break-even by Oct, 2026 (1 years, 6 months)
Cost Avoidance: $281,131 over 20 years (Apr 1, 2025 - Apr 1, 2046)*
Benefit/Cost Ratio: 3:1
*Cost and labor avoidance are the average benefits, net of initial and ongoing expenses, projected over the expected life of the innovation. See details.
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