THERE IS LOTS OF APPARATUS OUT THERE, MAKES, MODELS, DESIGNS. TELL US YOUR STORY OF *Y* YOU LIKE A CERTAIN TRUCK OVER ANOTHER AND WHAT ADVANTAGES OR DISADVANTAGES IT HAS TO YOUR DEPARTMENT....
I also prefer the rear mount, actually we recieved the first one in the state of Maine. Visibility is not a concern as you can see all the lines coming off the sides of the truck without an issue. The big plus that I see concerns us being a rural community without fire hydrants. Where as other trucks have an issue getting situated to draft from the side, we are able to back down into some very narrow areas to access water. Another benefit comes with the territory of living in the Northeast, with the 40,000 BTU pump heater running during the chilly winter months the pump operator is able to open the access door a crack and it helps trememdously in keeping your fingers warm.
I have had the ability to run both, and I must say if it is a operator labor intensive operation then I like the side mount, but I prefer the midship/top mount because it gives me greater visibility and keeps me safe in traffic areas....
Here in the Great Lakes areas, top mounts can be dangerous because of the ice factor in the winter months. I was originally against top mounts, but after using one a few times, I am sold. I love being able to see both sides of the pumper and the building at the same time. Side mounts were the "bee's knees" in their day, but I believe it's time has passed. Top mounts are the way to go. You have to sacrifice some cab space, but the pay off is worth it. What do we think of the new side/top mounts?
Two of the departments that I run with have side mounts, one department that I run with has both. I took a
pump class and used the top mount all day and I like the top mount better. One of the reasons I think that
the top mount is better is the pump operator is at the pump panel, not walking around talking to everyone.
We have pump operators (?) who have a habit of walking around and talking with everyone and anyone, rather
than staying at the pump panel. I guess everyone else is lucky and doesn't have this problem.
Two of the departments that I run with have side mounts, one department that I run with has both. I took a pump class and used the top mount all day and I like the top mount better. One of the reasons I think that the top mount is better is the pump operator is at the pump panel, not walking around talking to everyone. We have pump operators (?) who have a habit of walking around and talking with everyone and anyone, rather than staying at the pump panel. I guess everyone else is lucky and doesn't have this problem.