Has anyone bought an American LaFrance lately?

[MetalMedic]

Just curious to know if anyone has put a new American LaFrance in service during the past year? While we hear that they are still alive and well, I would like to know from the members here how many they have seen being placed into service lately....

[Hehateme]

I think the main question is has anyone who has had one on order got it built yet.

I know of a few departments in the Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana area that are still waiting for their trucks. It has been over TWO YEARS since they ordered them.

[islandfire03]

wouldn't the better question be: Why would anyone place an order with patriarch take achance.

[Weruj1]

RFRD Exp dept just got one ...............he shall be along ............

[SSHANK42]

We did. 75 ft. ladder.

[Jonnee]

Why would someone give them business when they are having big problems????

Stay with Pierce or Seagrave, they will last longer.

[chiefengineer11]

Just got this from "Fleet Owner" magazine's daily report.

Navistar, American LaFrance working on low cab-over truck
Jun 10, 2009 10:23 AM

Navistar and American LaFrance are working towards an agreement to jointly produce a low cab-over engine (LCOE) truck that will be added to Navistar’s International lineup.


The two companies showcased the potential end-product at the 2009 Waste Expo in Las Vegas. The vehicle, originally being designed for the waste and construction markets with additional vocational applications to be added in the future, will be based on the American LaFrance LCOE platform.

According to the companies, changes to the LCOE chassis will be made and the vehicle will include Navistar components, MaxxForce engines and advanced EGR technology to meet EPA 2010 requirements. It will be branded International.

The vehicles will be produced at American LaFrance’s Summerville, SC, facility.

“Working with American LaFrance is another example of Navistar’s strategy of growth through leveraging our own assets and those that others have built,” said Jack Allen, president of Navistar’s North American Truck Group. “This relationship provides us with a new opportunity to further grow our business and meet the needs of customers through a new line of vocational vehicles.”

[meteoman]

Back in the late 80's and early 90's we jokingly nicknamed American LaFrance American LATrash. It was more of a rivalry thing with the nieghboring dept., but how ironic is that now?

SMT

[fyreline]

That Fleet Owner's magazine article was on American LaFrance's corporate website in August of 2008, so it isn't exactly news. It's been really sad to see this company self-destruct. In spite of the harsh words and bad experiences of some users, many departments have gotten good and reliable service from their American LaFrance apparatus. As is too frequently the case, the product wasn't the problem - or at least not the whole problem.

[firenresq77]

I believe it took RFRDExplr's place well over 2 years to get theirs after the order was placed.......