Aerial Ladder Placement Article

[fire127797]

In Michael Wieder's article on positioning aerial ladders, I have to question a statement made. The article states: "the aerial apparatus is most stable when the aerial device is operated directly over the front or rear of the vehicle." Is this a generalized statement? For aerial apparatus with the box type outriggers (such as the rear mount shown), the weight of the apparatus is transferred from the suspension to the four outrigger pads. This makes the position of the chassis irrelevant. Is this not true? Am I missing something? Please reply with your opinions.

[FF/EMTSPANBAUER]

Dear Concerned,
I can deffinitely see where you are coming from, however I do believe that his statement is true. I will try to explain.

When operating an aerial device, like the one published, you are correct in saying that the weight of the rig is transferred to the outriggers. However, if you have ever watched some of the "Working Fire" videos, you would remember some true footage of Departments that have tipped their apparatus because of unsafely working off the side. Even though the outriggers are down, and doing there job, it is very easy to displace the weight of the truck.
At my previous dept. in PA, we had a 1995 KME Aerial Cat 102 ft. (Similar to that in the magazine). The rig would not allow you to take it to an unsafe working angle. Computer sensors cut off operation, and then had to be manually reset.
Another point to remember is that most manufacturers tell you that it is best only to put the outriggers down as footing, and not to lift the truck completely off of the ground. (This of course is reverse with Bronto Ladders)
So all in all, I can see your confusion. Maybe it could have been worded differently to show the relation of the truck to the outriggers. Yet I do believe, from what I have witnessed, that this statement is correct.


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--Stay Safe, and Remember our Fallen Brothers and Sisters; John