Pavliš a Hartmann, a premier Czech manufacturer with over three decades of expertise in firefighting equipment, has built a reputation on precision engineering and innovation. The company constantly seeks to enhance its portfolio using innovative engineering to boost safety and efficiency in complex fire and rescue scenarios. With distribution networks established across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America, Pavliš a Hartmann serves fire departments, industrial facilities and emergency response organizations in some of the world's most challenging environments.
When Pavliš a Hartmann's engineering team initiated the development of the PH-BETA portable pump, they set ambitious objectives to meet. The new unit had to achieve full professional PFPN 10-1000 classification (delivering more than 1,000 litres per minute at 10 bar) yet remain light enough for manual positioning by a two-person team, suitable for narrow access points, uneven terrain, and remote locations.
After extensive evaluation of available power options, Pavliš a Hartmann selected Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard® 29,9 kW (40HP) V-Twin engine equipped with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC). This decision reflected a sophisticated understanding that modern firefighting equipment requires intelligence, not just power.
Tomas Mika, Manager Regional Sales for CEE & Balkans at Briggs & Stratton, explains: “Portable firefighting pumps demand high power density, reliability, and consistent performance in unpredictable environments. The Vanguard BIG BLOCK EFI/ETC platform was designed for applications like this, where equipment must deliver dependable performance anywhere in the world.”
These performance and portability requirements represented only the baseline specifications. The most complex challenge came from Pavliš a Hartmann's global market presence, where equipment must perform without compromise in extreme altitudes, variable fuel quality, severe temperatures, and sudden load changes.
The Vanguard EFI system replaces carburetor technology with an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that continuously monitors air pressure, engine temperature, and speed. Working in conjunction with EFI, the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) replaces traditional mechanical governors with electronic sensing, enabling near-instant response to sudden load changes—such as when firefighters open an attack line—while maintaining stable pressure. The system also ensures reliable starting in both extreme cold and tropical heat.
Beyond the adaptive intelligence of the EFI and ETC systems, the Vanguard engine incorporates additional features that enhance operational capability and system integration. The engine's horizontal shaft configuration enables direct coupling between engine and pump shafts, eliminating belts or gearboxes that typically waste 5–15% of power.
In addition, the engine is capable of CANbus. The CAN J1939 communication protocol transmits real-time data including engine speed, temperature, runtime hours, and fault codes. This enables integration with control panels, diagnostics, fleet monitoring, and automated date logging for simplified troubleshooting and routine maintenance.
The integration of the Vanguard engine into the PH-BETA fire pump has delivered exceptional results. The pump achieves 1,020 liters per minute at 10 bar (at 3-meter suction height), meeting and exceeding its PFPN 10-1000 classification requirements, with a maximum flow capacity of 1,432 liters per minute. The unit demonstrates exceptional suction capability, priming from a depth of 8 meters in under 30 seconds, ensuring rapid water delivery when every second counts.
Pavel Pavliš, Head of Sales at Pavliš a Hartmann, emphasizes the strategic importance of the partnership: "We have very good experience with Briggs & Stratton engines, and the Vanguard 3-year global warranty was a key factor in our decision as in combination with the worldwide service network it provides valuable peace of mind for our customers."
Supporting our customers
The right power solution.
Tough. Long lasting. Commercial grade.
