New Apparatus

We are in need of 2 new trucks and could use a third. First, our brush truck is an '84, on its second motor, third tranny, and breaks down every time it leaves the station. The only time it is used now is when we have a structure fire. Would you buy a truck with a utility body to have compartments or get a regular bed and drop in a skid unit? We also want to be able to have seating for more than 2 members. Second, our engine. It is 20 years old and it has oil leaks, power steering fluid leaks, and the water tank leaks. We want a custom cab. The third, we dont have a tanker. We could use a 3000 gallon tanker, but have always used our pumper/tankers to haul water or used another tanker from mutual aid. What would you buy first? If you were going to buy two, which would they be and why? Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Dave D. on January 19, 2012 at 11:45am

im just wondering. this has no impact on the department. I like to see what others opinions are

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Permalink Reply by Dave D. on January 19, 2012 at 11:47am

thank you

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Permalink Reply by Dave D. on January 19, 2012 at 11:49am

im wondering for myself. this has no impact on the department.

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Permalink Reply by Moose on January 19, 2012 at 1:37pm

If you are a small department with a tight budget, and run an average amount of both grass and structural fire calls, I would say kill 2 birds with one stone...They make smaller engines with four wheel drive. Buy a decent new engine, with a decent tank size (1000-1500) and have four wheel drive, smaller wheel base, hose reel in a rear compartment with 1" rubber hose or forestry hose, regular crosslays of either 1 1/2" or 1 3/4" attack line and a bed with 4" supply and 2 1/2" hose for either application. Think creatively to solve the problem at hand and not necessarily think on such a grand scale. Getting the smaller engine and than a tanker down the road with grant money should be an easily achievable goal.

Or just get a decent new engine/tanker with 1500 gpm pump and 2000 gallon tank, all the trimmings including a compartment with grass fire gear and indian tanks, and call mutual aid for grass trucks. Do you have local encon officers in your area or forest rangers? We do and they respond to all grass fires and search and rescues with their pickups, 4 wheelers, and other equipment and offer tactical advice to our IC for larger brush fires. Use the resources you have at hand to help out and get what the department needs the most.

Good luck to you in your search for knowledge junior, I like to see younger members who want to know more.

Stay Safe.

Moose