Pumper Specs

[osh599]

I'm currently working on specs for a new rescue pumper. We currently have 4 Pierce and 1 ALF both of which as of late I'm not happy with.

I've been thinking of Spartan/Crimson. I've heard nothing but good things about the two companies in the past and have attended the Spartan Fire Truck Training Conference in the past will be attending the upcoming one in August and I must say, they have their act together at Spartan.

I'm looking into some different ideas for what would work on our department to have on our new rig but need some assistance in writing into the specs these special add-on's.

I've seen pictures of an oil dry hopper that is built into the body of the truck. Can anyone share how to write up the specs for this addition?

Also, have seen some departments put rope anchor devices in the wheel well void area. This is an excellent idea that would work well with our dept.

I would like to use as much of the void space as possible on the new rig to make it more functional.

Some of the highlights that are already included with my specs;

Detroit Diesel 430hp Series 60 or Mercedes MBE 900 350hp (preferences?)
Allison EVS4000, 5 speed
4 person cab
EMS compartment in cab along back wall
Air Conditioning
1250 gpm Waterous Single Stage Pump
750 gallon tank
Will-Burt Nightscan Lightmast
12,000lb Front Winch
Automatic Tire Chains
All LED lighting for both chassis & emergency warning
6500 Honda Generator

What are the opinions on pump governors? We use Class 1 Captain models but have seen other models out there that are comparable.

I'm using an existing spec that already has some of the above highlighted items in place but would like to add more, just unsure how to work everything.

I would also like to throw in the spec to have chevron striping added to the entire tailboard area, again I have no idea as to how to write this in the spec.

Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

Email me if you need further information........osh599@yaho o.com

Thanks to all that respond.

[neiowa]

...

Detroit Diesel 430hp Series 60 or Mercedes MBE 900 350hp (preferences?)
Allison EVS4000

Thats similar to comparing a Mustang with 2.3l 4cyl vs a 302ci V8

The DD 60 is a 14l the MBE600 is only 7.2l (mouse motor). Typically going to see a 3000 series Allison with the MBE600

[ChiefDog]

I'm currently working on specs for a new rescue pumper. We currently have 4 Pierce and 1 ALF both of which as of late I'm not happy with.

I've been thinking of Spartan/Crimson. I've heard nothing but good things about the two companies in the past and have attended the Spartan Fire Truck Training Conference in the past will be attending the upcoming one in August and I must say, they have their act together at Spartan.


Some of the highlights that are already included with my specs;

Detroit Diesel 430hp Series 60 or Mercedes MBE 900 350hp (preferences?)
Allison EVS4000, 5 speed
4 person cab
Air Conditioning
1250 gpm Waterous Single Stage Pump

6500 Honda Generator


I would also like to throw in the spec to have chevron striping added to the entire tailboard area, again I have no idea as to how to write this in the spec.

Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

Email me if you need further information........osh599@yaho o.com

Thanks to all that respond.

Couple of thoughts and a question:

Honda Generator: Another small engine to maintain. Is that what you really want or could you get a hydraulic generator?

1250gpm: Is this the small case or large case pump? You may want to look at the use and cost to go bigger if it is the large case. for maintanance and PM issues (1250-2000) HALE? Another possibility to look at.

A/C: Get the A/C and heater combo since you are in cold weather.

Motor: Yes, big blocks are nice, but do you need it with only 750 water? It adds lots of $$. If you can afford it, get the big block.

4 person Cab: Could this ever need 6? or is the added space needed for EMS?

Chevron on rear: Good thought

Add 12V Scene lights controlled from the cab, first on, last off for scene.

BrowLight: ??

Question: With HME not that far away from you why are you sold on Spartan?

All thoughts above are just that, thoughts to make you think.

YOUR LOCAL SERVICE TRUMPS ALL COOL-AIDE Drinks

[toddmcbr]

If you want a Spartan, you can rule out the MBE. It's not offered.

I would recommend the new FRC InControl 400 series PSG. It incorporates your master intake and discharge gauges. The new model also incorporates a control knob that is similar to all the old throttles. It appears to be very easy to increase/decrease pressure or RPM's with a gloved hand.

[BlitzfireSolo]

If you want a Spartan, you can rule out the MBE. It's not offered.

I would recommend the new FRC InControl 400 series PSG. It incorporates your master intake and discharge gauges. The new model also incorporates a control knob that is similar to all the old throttles. It appears to be very easy to increase/decrease pressure or RPM's with a gloved hand.

I'll second this. I just wish that they'd offer it in a vertical orientation (no, not a la PUC).

Good comments by ChiefDog. A few more notes:

Lightmast is good, but make sure you have fixed floods in all four directions (all switched from the cab) before you invest in the mast. Dollar for dollar, the 360 degree fixed floods are immensly more valuable and important than the light mast.

If you can get the hydraulic generator, go with 120 or 240V lighting. If you stay with the Honda, the 12V HID's are a good choice.

Extra ground (underbody) lights are good, too. Activate with parking brake (when headlights are on), turn signals, and reverse.

With only 750 gallons, I would definitely limit myself to 425hp (small block) until you have enough money for every other important option. With most manufacturers, you need to go to their top of the line cab to get the big block, and there is typically a huge price difference. The big block is preferable, but consider the bang for your buck first.

Also, since you're only at 750 gallons, have you considered a 60-66" high hosebed? All preconnects off the front and rear? Donut rolls? Attack lines, a blitz line, and at least one long line? A split bed for your supply line?

Enclosed, on-beam ladder storage is an excellent choice, in my opinion (protection of ladders, increased available compartment options, and most importantly: the ladders are in the position you want them in when you carry them).

MIVs, TRVs, 4" tank-to-pump, and handwheel valves are nice options for your pump. Look at Elkhart's new (Unibody) valves, especially if you happen to get electric.

If you're sticking with only 4 or 5 seats, have you considered putting the EMS compartments where the rear-facing jump seats normally are, and mounting the two (or three) seats to the rear wall? This allows all of the crew to face forward and allows for easier communication from front to back.

Headsets (David Clark!) are great, IF you have the money.

Class A foam - a must. Look at CAFS.

Take a look at Zico's (new) mechanical SCBA brackets - the older mechanical model is better than the standard brackets, but it looks like their new model should be far superior (much easier to use, reduced tangles).

ABTS seats - Some Mfgrs are doing this standard, others aren't. I think they're much easier to find the seatbelt.

Disc brakes, painted (C-channel) steel bumper, and roll stability control (RSC) are all good safety options.

Chevrons - might as well go all the way - get Battenburg, too! (just a joke - unless you want to...). Of course, if you're into breaking with tradition, consider a rearmount pump, too.

If you're considering roll-ups, seriously look at Amdor.

If you have a high topside, get a Zico ladder (Awesome!)

Fisheye lookdown mirror over OS winshield

Cornering lights (white halogens, front bumper tails and rear wheelwell areas, activated with turn signal and/or reverse).

Britax flexible rubber marker lights for rear corners

Take time to layout your pump panel.

Mount tools so that crews can go to work quickly (e.g. PAC Ironslok brackets are great for cab).

Gas struts instead of latching devices for roll-out trays.

Lots of compartment lighting. Amdor (or ROM) LED track lighting, if you can afford it (big bucks).

Custom Machine Works reels, if you have any type of electric, hydraulic, or air reels.

Put together your equipment list before you spec the rig. Determine your compartmentation needs based on this list. Get full height, fully depth only if you need to (many full height compartments aren't even practical to use the top portions of, and compartment depth is rarely used to the fullest extent). Try to mount all equipment by task association. Mount heavy stuff low. Spend as much time and money on equipment mounting as possible.

There are plenty of other things I'm sure we could add to this thread. Look for some of the threads that feature very time-intensive apparatus (e.g. Toyne wins, Monster Bumper, New Engine Bid awarded, etc). There are also several threads (some much older) that have a lot of good ideas. Here's one that comes to mind:

http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?t=61705

Didn't somebody else gather a list of good threads with apparatus spec suggestions? Links might be helpful, if anybody finds them.