Pierce PUC pumping

[FiremanLyman]

Looked at the other PUC threads, don't want to start or add to a Pierce vs. The World thread.

Question is for anyone who has operated the pump on a PUC; Does the configuration make it more difficult than a traditional pump panel? Specifically looking at the panel size and the low mounting of the intake/discharges. Is the trade off of tiny pump panel and ackward connection locations for more compartment space worth it?

I get to go to the Pierce road show in Buda, TX in a few weeks. Will try to find out for myself, but wanted some real world opinions.

[rmcatee1]

I'm bias because I currently have a PUC as a demo vehicle. I'm finding that the lower pump panel is actually a plus to departments. They like the way the panel is low and out of the way regardless if its the side panel or top mount panel version.

[FiremanLyman]

Thanks for the input. Anyone complaining about how high the hose bed is?

[johnsb]

Thanks for the input. Anyone complaining about how high the hose bed is?

The hose bed height can differ, depending on how big the tank is and the shape. It can be whatever you spec it to be.

[Cap't Disaster]

Looked at the other PUC threads, don't want to start or add to a Pierce vs. The World thread.

Question is for anyone who has operated the pump on a PUC; Does the configuration make it more difficult than a traditional pump panel? Specifically looking at the panel size and the low mounting of the intake/discharges. Is the trade off of tiny pump panel and ackward connection locations for more compartment space worth it?

I get to go to the Pierce road show in Buda, TX in a few weeks. Will try to find out for myself, but wanted some real world opinions.

Why a PUC? Have you looked at rear mount pumps? There are plenty of departments out there having great success with rear mounts. You can put the operators panel on either the left or right side of the truck and give your pump operator more views of the fire scene. Traditional side mount pump panels block your pump operators view from one side of the truck to the other. Top mount pump panels make the truck longer.
What are you trying to achieve with going to a PUC?
More compartment space?
Take a good look at some of the rear mounted pump apparatus out in service, they are providing just as much compartment space (if not more) as a PUC configuration.

[FiremanLyman]

Toying with the idea of a PUC for compartment space and use it as a TRT engine. Currently we run our TRT with a staffed Engine (carries a little rope and water gear) and an unstaffed Heavy Rescue (carries a huge cashe). Our biggest problem is we have to switch over to the other apparatus for TRT calls, compounds the situation when we are out of the station.

Department is not big enough to have a staffed Heavy Rescue with no suppression capibility, or at least is not willing to go that direction yet. We are looking at something that combines an ISO rated Engine and has room to carry our additional Rope, Swiftwater, Confined Space and Heavy Extrication equipment. The Trench and Collapse would then be left on a trailer.

Rear Mount has been brought up but rejected. Heavy opinions on highway safety and all since we have I-35 and a tollway running though the center of the city.

A large PUC seems to fit the bill. Just looking into options and pro's and con's. We'll get to see the PUC in depth at a "Road Show" event next week and was hopeful to get some opinions from people using them. We are not sold on anything or even in the market yet, this year we are spec'ing a regular Suppression Engine, this TRT Engine is probably 3 years out.

[rmcatee1]

Not at all. Departments that are looking for this concept are not those who are dumping hose day in and day out. When reloading hose, they do like the ladder feature on the back rather than the folding steps.