Standardized apparatus??

[Firebraun]

OK, here's the background:

We're going out to bid for a complete fleet replacement. It's one of those deals where the winning bidder has to provide enough rigs to replace half the fleet in one year, then provide so many rigs each year for the next 5 years, at which time every engine and truck in front-line service will be "identical." Then we'll keep the best of what we currently have as reserves and everything else goes to auction, dig?

OK, question is this: Does anybody out there have a truly "identical" front-line fleet? It seems like whenever this is tried, something always comes up that makes something "different" on some of the rigs. You'll find a few bugs in the first, say 3, rigs delivered and ask for a change that results in those 3 always being the "oddballs" of the fleet. Either that or NFPA will come up with some new regulation halfway through the "5-year-plan" and the manufacturer will be forced by potential liabilities to make a change or two resulting in some differences.

Seems that there are always some (seemingly insignificant) little variations that end up meaning a lot in the end. One example: Two "identical" rigs that have different shelf heights in a certain compartment. In one of the rigs that compartment holds a fan, but in the other rig the fan won't fit in that compartment due to the shelf above it being 4" lower, so the fan's someplace else. Usually results in a lot of compartment opening and closing, and associated cussing, when you really need that fan RIGHT NOW!

Anybody figured out how to solve this one??

FB <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

[ADSNWFLD]

I would have to agree with 7tower, If you can get one unit delivered early as a prototype that would probably prevent you from living with a bunch of mistakes. If you realy want identical rigs your in for a huge spec sheet. The last few rigs that we have purchased Engines and Ambulances have been "identical" per the bid sheet. We don't have any major differences but their are some things that aren't the same. And our specs are a few hundred pages.

I'd make sure that the important things are the same. Pump panel layout, compartments, and whatever else you decide is vital.

Good Luck

[larrycook]

I like apparatus that are usually alike. But, with technology changing from year to year, sometimes improvements that are needed may get left behind. We have seen fire apparatus change in a period of years. When purchasing equipment you should anticipate future growth and changes of construction types of buildings that may need specialized equipment. A fleet that is made up of equipment that each piece will last 20 or more years may not be the best step at this time.<br />Thanks for letting me spout off. <br />Larry

[Buck]

We are totally standardized and we love it. I can learn one pumper and I know where everything is on all of the others. We did the 10 year lease but plan on replacement at 7 years. Can't beat it

Buck

[MikeE-631]

Our dept. just switched over to a lease program and in a couple of months (or 3, or 4, you know how that goes... <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> ) we will get a completely new fleet! <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> They're supposed to get here pretty much around the same time and will really be identical. Even the trucks are supposingly set up the same way, compartment wise anyways. On top of that, we are supposed to get all the same nozzles and identical extrication equipment. <br />Now, how did that saying go ... "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is" ... <br />regards,

Mike <img src="cool.gif" border="0">

[FireGuyNeil]

I also like the idea of have similar or identical units. Makes the apparatus so much easier for any of your personnel to work from. All equipment is in the same location reguardless of the unit. Maintenance on a fleet is so much easier when alot of the rigs are the same. This will enable your shop to stock more parts and that means less down time. One thing I strongly recommend to your department is before you bid your final specs, form a review committee comprimised of your personnel who did not serve on the committe who designed the spec'd unit. This will give you open minds who will consider all things fairly. Also remeber that not all people are good apparatus people to serve on committees. Alot of sales hype makes todays apparatus components flourish. Talk to departments who may have new things is service before you go out on a limb and try something. This is especially important with a fleet purchase. <br />Only those who ride/drive/use it truely know what might work best. If more Fire Chief's would leave specing apparatus to those who use it daily, more apparatus would be built user friendly. I also recommend to you that if you do a prototype thing take delivery of two units instead of one. Put them in your busiest companies and run them. Then after a set period of time sit down and deside what you will change. Then order your whole fleet. Hope these little bits help you in this process. Be safe and take care. FGN <img src="cool.gif" border="0">

[FireGuyNeil]

What I was refering to Tower was management type personnel who spec and or try to lay out apparatus and they don't even ride it. Maybe you need to reread my post before you start shooting out the comments. Thanks FGN

[fcvfd]

Gee FIREGUYNEIL, I thought I made a good case why the users shouldn't spec the trucks and in most departments don't and the management types should. "Maybe you need to reread my post before you start shooting out the comments. "

You know like understanding bid laws, not eating too many free meals, having a vendor write your specs, etc, etc.