The Oasis™ Hydrant Assist Valve Advantage Over Competitor 4-Way Valves
How the Oasis™ Hydrant Assist Valve Outperforms Competitor 4-Way Valves
When you’re evaluating the best 4-way valves for your fire department, you need a valve that offers unmatched versatility, reliability, and ease of use. The Oasis hydrant assist valve delivers on all fronts, offering unique capabilities that make it an all-in-one solution on the fireground. In this article, we’ll break down how the Oasis compares to traditional 4-way valves, highlighting why it stands out as the top choice for firefighters.
Feature | Oasis Hydrant Assist Valve | Competitor 4-Way Valves |
---|---|---|
Water Flow Versatility | Inline, elbow, boost mode | One 4-way mode |
Storage Options | TFT mounting bracket, preconnected, vertical Storz | Bulkier, limited configurations |
Shutoff Capability | Shutoff at hydrant with ARS model | Some have handwheels, others no shutoff |
Service & Support | 24/7 support, interchangeable parts, TFT Service University | Limited support, parts becoming obsolete |
Handle Options | Nylon and aluminum handles | Some have handles, others do not |
Label Clarity | Clear, HI-VIS labels | Minimal or no labeling |
Water Flow Versatility: How the Oasis Excels Beyond Other 4-Way Valves
The Oasis hydrant assist valve redefines water flow versatility by offering multiple configurations for different fireground scenarios. Thanks to its clapper valve design, the Oasis operates just like an inline valve, allowing water flow to move straight through without interruption. Need more flexibility? The Oasis can also function as an elbow, perfect for maneuvering around obstructions like parked cars, or as a booster, maintaining high water pressure and flow during relay operations. This adaptability is crucial when every second counts.
By comparison, traditional 4-way valves are limited. They’re often designed for just one function—occupying all LDH openings and providing a single mode of operation. The Oasis goes beyond these limitations, making it essential for any department that faces varied and demanding challenges on the fireground.
The bottom line: The Oasis is not just a hydrant valve—it’s an all-in-one tool that offers superior flexibility for any fireground scenario.
Storage Options: The Oasis Valve Has a Variety
When it comes to storage, the Oasis hydrant assist valve offers unmatched flexibility with multiple storage configurations. You can store the valve flat in the LDH hosebed, mounted horizontally using the custom TFT mounting bracket, or even positioned vertically with a Storz mounting bracket. This variety ensures that no matter how your apparatus is set up, the Oasis can fit your needs—making it easy to access the valve quickly when seconds matter.
TFT Mounting Bracket
Preconnected in LDH Hosebed
Storz Mounting Bracket
Before deciding on your storage method, run a quick deployment drill. What looks good in theory might slow you down on the fireground. Practice pulling the valve out, connecting it, and flowing water—then choose the setup that gets you operational the fastest.
In contrast, competitor 4-way valves tend to be bulkier, offering only a single, rigid storage configuration. Their size can take up valuable space on the apparatus, slowing down deployment and making the valve harder to access in urgent situations.
Shutoff Capabilities: Competitor 4-Way Valves Are Limited
One of the most critical features of the Oasis hydrant assist valve is its shutoff capability at the hydrant. The ARS model of the Oasis allows firefighters to control water flow directly at the source, using a crank handle to operate the ball valve precisely. This gives you the power to make quick adjustments without needing to rely on the pump operator, which can be a game-changer in high-pressure situations.
In contrast, many 4-way valves either lack a shutoff feature altogether or provide a simple handwheel that offers limited control. This can be a significant disadvantage when the ability to stop water at the hydrant is essential for safety and efficiency.
Bottom Line: With the Oasis valve, you’re not just managing water—you’re in complete control of it, with no compromises on safety or speed.
Service & Support: Other 4-Way Valves Are Going Away
Servicing firefighting equipment should be easy and hassle-free, and the Oasis hydrant assist valve is designed with interchangeable parts that make maintenance a breeze. Its components are shared with TFT’s Ball Intake Valves (BIVs), so you don’t need to worry about specialized parts. Just swap out a component and get your valve back in action.
Beyond ease of maintenance, TFT offers 24/7 support through the Firefighter Learning Hub, which provides step-by-step maintenance guides and video tutorials. For hands-on learners, TFT Service University offers in-person training three times a year, ensuring that your team can confidently service the valve and keep it in peak condition.
Competitor 4-way valves often come with limited support. As parts become obsolete, departments may find themselves scrambling to find replacements or prematurely retiring equipment due to lack of service options.
The Firefighter Learning Hub
Carry Handle Options: Designed for Fast Deployment
On the fireground, speed and efficiency are everything. The Oasis valve excels in this area with two carry handle options: a nylon webbing handle for quick, lightweight deployment, and an aluminum handle designed for durability in rugged conditions. This flexibility ensures that firefighters can easily carry and deploy the valve in any situation.
Competitor 4-way valves, on the other hand, often lack dedicated handles or offer awkward, non-ergonomic designs, making deployment slower and more cumbersome.
Label Clarity: No More Guesswork on the Fireground
Clarity is crucial when operating equipment under pressure, and the Oasis valve delivers with large, high-visibility labels. These labels include clear diagrams and intuitive symbols that show water flow direction and valve positions, ensuring that firefighters can operate confidently—even in low-light or high-stress situations.
Clapper Valve Position Indicator
Ball Valve Position Indicator
Water Path Labels
Competitor 4-way valves often lack sufficient labeling, forcing firefighters to rely on guesswork or memory during critical moments. This can lead to confusion, delays, and operational mistakes that could otherwise be avoided with clearer guidance.
Conclusion: Why the Oasis Hydrant Assist Valve is the Best Choice Among 4-Way Valves
When comparing the Oasis hydrant assist valve to traditional 4-way valves, the difference is clear. From its versatile water flow options and convenient storage configurations to its shutoff capabilities, ease of service, and clear labeling, the Oasis outperforms in every key area. It’s a complete solution for departments that need flexibility, reliability, and fast, efficient deployment in the most demanding fireground conditions.
Feature | Oasis Hydrant Assist Valve | Competitor 4-Way Valves |
---|---|---|
Water Flow Versatility | Inline, elbow, boost mode | One 4-way mode |
Storage Options | TFT mounting bracket, preconnected, vertical Storz | Bulkier, limited configurations |
Shutoff Capability | Shutoff at hydrant with ARS model | Some have handwheels, others no shutoff |
Service & Support | 24/7 support, interchangeable parts, TFT Service University | Limited support, parts becoming obsolete |
Handle Options | Nylon and aluminum handles | Some have handles, others do not |
Label Clarity | Clear, HI-VIS labels | Minimal or no labeling |
What is Oasis?
The Oasis Hydrant Assist Valve is a versatile 4-way valve designed to enhance firefighting operations by maximizing water supply, pressure, and flow rate.