Saving Lives & Protecting Property
Choosing the right fixed firefighting monitor isn’t just about specs—it’s about matching the right tool to the demands of your operation. Whether you’re outfitting an industrial facility, working with limited space on a wildland rig, or anything in between, the monitor you choose plays a key role in how effectively your team can respond.
We offer several options built to meet a range of needs. In this article, we’re going to explore some of our smaller fixed firefighting monitor options including the Tornado, Tornado Max, and EF1.
The Tornado is a proven performer; compact, durable, and trusted in everything from industrial firefighting to aircraft deicing. The Tornado Max takes things a step further, offering more flow capacity and updated features based on feedback from OEMs around the world. Then there’s the EF1, designed with space and weight in mind. It’s compact, easy to control remotely, and particularly well-suited for wildland and interface applications.
In this article, we’ll walk through each monitor’s capabilities and differences, so you can find the right fit for your team and your response environment.
|
Feature
|
Tornado
|
Tornado Max
|
EF1
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Max Flow GPM |
500 GPM |
800 GPM |
200 GPM |
|
Max Flow LPM |
1900 LPM |
3000 LPM |
760 LPM |
|
Max Operating Pressure |
200 PSI or 14 bar |
200 PSI or 14 bar |
200 PSI or 14 bar |
|
Manual Option |
Tiller Bar |
No |
No |
|
Electronics Protocol |
RS485 |
J1939 CAN Bus |
RS485 |
|
RC Options |
Panel Mount |
Panel Mount |
Panel Mount |
|
Footprint (RC Model without inlet fitting) |
452 mm H X 350 mm W 258 mm D |
383 mm H X 342 mm W X 223 mm D |
386 mm H X 233 mm W X 154 mm D |
|
Weight |
Manual: ~12 pounds or 5.5 kg |
~28.5 pounds or 13 kg |
~ 14.2 pounds or 6.5 kg |
|
Horizontal Range |
340° |
340° |
270° (135° left and right of center) |
|
Vertical Range |
-45° to 90° |
-45° to 90° |
-45° to 90° |
|
Adjustable Travel Stops |
Stop Bolts |
Stop Bolts and App Settings |
Stop Bolts |
When you’re evaluating fixed monitors for your setup, water flow and stream reach are two of the most important performance factors to consider. You want equipment that delivers consistent, controlled streams and does it without adding friction loss or sacrificing maneuverability. Our monitors are engineered with these priorities in mind with heavy consideration toward different types of firefighting environments.
Tornado Monitor
The Tornado is a solid choice when your application calls for a higher, but not extreme flow rate. It handles up to 500 GPM (1900 LPM) at a maximum pressure of 200 PSI (14 bar) through a 2-inch waterway, which helps keep stream performance strong even over longer distances. With a full 340° horizontal rotation and vertical travel from 90° above to 45° below horizontal, it’s versatile enough to handle rooftop protection, deicing, or large-scale industrial hazards. You’ll get reliable reach and smooth stream control, whether it’s manually operated with a tiller bar or remotely controlled.
Tornado Max Monitor
The Tornado Max builds on the trusted design of the Tornado RC, with a similar compact footprint and durable construction—but it’s built for a higher output. Flange mounted models deliver up to 3000 LPM (800 GPM), making it a strong fit when you need a compact monitor with a higher output. Quick connect models can provide up to 2000 LPM (500 GPM). The body and movement range are similar, 340° horizontal rotation and vertical travel from 90° above to 45° below horizontal. The Tornado Max also incorporates the upgraded electronics of the Flex monitor. If your application demands more water without increasing your monitor’s size, this model offers a smart balance between power and efficiency.
EF1 Monitor
If you’re working with limited space or mounting on a wildland rig, the EF1 brings a lot to the table in a smaller package. It’s compact—just 12.6 inches (319 mm) tall—but still delivers up to 200 GPM (760 LPM) through a 1.5-inch waterway. The EF1 maintains a low friction loss of just 15 PSI (1.3 bar) at full flow. With 270° horizontal rotation and an identical vertical range to the Tornado, it offers strong targeting control in tight spots. It’s especially useful where weight and size limitations are a concern, without compromising stream quality.
Choosing the right control system for your fixed monitor can significantly impact operational efficiency and safety. Our Tornado models and EF1 monitor offer a couple of control options.
Tornado
The Tornado monitor gives you the choice between remote control and tiller bar models. The Tornado manual model incorporates a tiller handle that allows for precise monitor control. The tiller handle provides elevation control within the same -45° to 90° range and includes a locking knob to secure the monitor’s position during operation.
The Tornado RC monitor introduces electric remote-control capabilities, enhancing operational flexibility. This setup allows for precise control over horizontal rotation, elevation, and nozzle pattern adjustments. The system includes features like programmable deployment, oscillate, and park positions, as well as current limiting to protect the drive train at the end of travel. RC models feature a variety of control options including:
Tornado Max
The Tornado Max monitor builds upon the Tornado RC’s design, offering enhanced flow capacity up to 3000 LPM. It incorporates the improved electronics found in our Flex Monitor series, making it compatible with J1939 CAN Bus systems. This integration allows for seamless communication with vehicle systems and supports features like absolute positioning and programmable presets. The Tornado Max’s control system is designed to provide precise, reliable operation in demanding firefighting environments. The SmartPlex App is able to control the monitor and assist with troubleshooting if needed, but a range of controller options are also available.
In summary, TFT’s Tornado series offers a spectrum of control options—from manual to advanced remote control—enabling departments to choose the configuration that aligns with their operational requirements and infrastructure.
EF1 Monitor
The EF1 monitor is built with remote control at its core, making it an ideal solution for applications where manual operation isn’t practical. Designed for compact apparatus like wildland or interface vehicles, the EF1 features full electric control over both horizontal rotation and elevation. Operators can control the monitor from inside the cab or from a remote location using a wired or wireless controller, giving crews greater safety and convenience. The control system includes position feedback for precise aiming and smooth travel, along with programmable park and oscillation functions to support a range of operational needs. Despite its small size, the EF1 delivers the kind of control and reliability normally found in larger, more complex monitors.
When it comes to choosing the right compact fixed monitor for your firefighting needs, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The Tornado, Tornado Max, and EF1 monitors each bring distinct advantages to the table, tailored to different types of apparatus and response environments. If you need a compact, reliable workhorse with moderate flow, the Tornado offers proven performance and a range of manual and remote-control options. For higher-flow demands, the Tornado Max delivers the power of 3000 LPM with advanced electronic controls and CAN Bus integration. And if your priority is space-saving precision with full remote capability, the EF1 punches well above its weight in wildland and specialty applications.
The best choice ultimately depends on your operational goals—whether that’s maximizing water delivery, improving remote control access, or integrating with modern vehicle electronics. TFT’s lineup gives you the flexibility to meet those goals without compromise.
Ready to speak with an expert? Contact us or find your nearest dealer.