Elkhart Brass Vendor Spotlight: XD Intake Valve & Department Training Programs

More Than a Manufacturer: The Elkhart Brass Difference

In this NAFECO Vendor Spotlight, Kevin sits down with Jeff Banker, Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager for Elkhart Brass, to explore what makes this Indiana-based fire apparatus manufacturer one of the most trusted names in the fire service industry. Elkhart Brass has built its reputation not just on engineering high-performance fire suppression equipment, but on standing behind every product with a team of dedicated regional managers and customer service professionals who are genuinely invested in your department's success. Whether you're evaluating new apparatus components, upgrading your current setup, or simply looking for a manufacturer that offers more than just a product catalog, Elkhart Brass delivers a full-service experience from the factory floor to the fireground. NAFECO is proud to partner with Elkhart Brass to bring their industry-leading products and educational programs directly to fire departments across the region — because when your crew is better equipped and better trained, outcomes on the fireground improve for everyone.

Train Before You Buy: Elkhart Brass Educational Programs for Fire Departments

One of the most valuable things Elkhart Brass brings to the fire service community is their commitment to hands-on education and department-level training. Jeff Banker walks us through three powerful programs designed to help fire departments make confident, informed decisions about their apparatus and equipment. Brass Tacks & Hard Facts is a video-based training series that departments can use for internal education and apparatus evaluation — ideal for training nights, officer meetings, or pre-purchase research. Know Your Flow is a hands-on, in-the-field product demonstration roadshow hosted in partnership with NAFECO Territory Managers, giving crews the chance to see Elkhart Brass equipment perform in real-world conditions before committing to a purchase. Rig Recon takes things a step further with a comprehensive, bumper-to-bumper apparatus review that covers monitors, nozzles, roll-up doors, scene lighting, pressure governors, foam systems, and more — giving your department a complete picture of where your current rig stands and what upgrades could maximize performance and safety. These programs reflect Elkhart Brass's broader philosophy: that an educated fire department is a better-protected fire department, and that the best product decisions happen when crews understand exactly what they're buying and why.

The Elkhart Brass XD Intake Valve: High-Performance Engineering Built to Last

At the center of this spotlight is one of NAFECO's top stocked Elkhart Brass products — the 6" Female 2.5" Storz XD Intake Valve, and it's easy to see why departments across the country are specifying it on new apparatus builds and retrofits alike. Engineered for high-volume water flow, the XD Intake Valve is rated at an impressive 3,000 GPM and features a low-profile, corrosion-resistant design that won't compromise the clean lines of your pump panel. The valve uses Torlon balls to eliminate electrolysis caused by dissimilar metals — a critical design feature that extends the service life of the valve and reduces long-term maintenance costs. The housing is hard coat anodized, zinc-treated, and powder-coated for maximum durability in harsh environments. The Trident control handle is ergonomically designed to remain easy to operate even under high-flow conditions between 2,000 and 3,000 GPM, reducing operator fatigue during extended suppression operations. The swivel elbow configuration offers an 11.4" depth, meaning it won't protrude past the pump panel — keeping your apparatus profile clean and your crew safe during operations. It's also available in a straight valve configuration with an optional elbow for flexible installation, and features a field-serviceable stainless steel ball with a zerk fitting, making routine maintenance straightforward without requiring the valve to be removed from the apparatus. The XD Intake Valve is currently in stock at NAFECO — contact your NAFECO Territory Manager today to schedule a Know Your Flow Roadshow, request a Rig Recon, or place your order and experience the Elkhart Brass difference firsthand.