Lyons, SD --(June 4, 2007) Rosenbauer launches a new articulating platform that allows fire departments to decrease set up time and increase fire fighter safety when accessing parapet roofs or performing difficult below grade rescues from bridges and waterways.
Offering an aerial height of 102' and equipped with a 2000 gpm pump, 300 gallon water tank, Class-A Foam and room for 115' of ground ladders, the new Rosenbauer-Metz articulating platform helps decrease property loss by setting up in an industry best 25-30 seconds. Marketed in North America as "T-Rex," the new articulating platform incorporates Metz's renowned electronic technology for smooth, agile movements.
Since it's unveiling in March, three departments have placed T-Rex orders; Cochrane, Alberta, Canada; Chestermere, Alberta, Canada; and Craig, Colorado. Deputy Chief David Humphrey, of the Cochrane Fire Department, notes that safety and ease-of-use were primary reasons for purchasing a T-Rex.
"We're a combined Fire/EMS department that's both part-time and full-time, so for some of our personnel, they don't have the opportunity to work with a specific piece of equipment all day, every day. That's why we have to choose the next best thing; a piece of equipment that allows our firefighters to become comfortable with it in just a few minutes of routine weekly or monthly training. I was very impressed on how easy the T-Rex was to operate and how safe I felt."
"Another big selling feature for me is the platform collision avoidance feature. I waved my arm underneath the basket just before it came to a resting position on the ground. The basket sensed my movement and stopped so that the aerial operator knew something was moving underneath. That's a wonderful feature for any operator to have."
Craig Rural Fire Protection District purchased their T-Rex because of its ability to provide alternatives to roof access. "We have a lot of metal roofs and T-Rex gives us several options of not having to put firefighters on these slick surfaces during the winter. Once we compared its ability to operate in a short jack mode on both sides, our work group was sold," said Deputy Chief Bill Johnston.
Dave McAlice, Rosenbauer's new aerial sales manager notes, "The T-Rex is NFPA compliant as either a platform or quint device. The platform offers an impressive 1,400 lb. tip capacity (four firefighters with 400 lbs. of gear) and pivots a full 96 degree uninterrupted. It allows firefighters to secure a Stokes-type rescue basket, and has three full height easy-access gates. That's why we're calling this our 'all-purpose aerial.'"
Manufacturing high quality aerials is nothing new for Rosenbauer, who in 1998 purchased German aerial manufacturer Metz. The Metz family started producing fire fighting and rescue equipment in 1842 and by 1924, had designed their first steel aerial. By 1935, the family held a patent on their first hydraulically operated aerial device.
T-Rex is one of two new aerials offered in the Rosenbauer-Metz product line. The "Raptor" is a 102' rescue-platform based on the previous L32 model and features a larger cage, advanced electronic controls and also offers the fastest aerial speed in the industry.
###Rosenbauer is the world's leading manufacturer of firefighting vehicles and equipment. In North America, Rosenbauer incorporates the international strength and innovation of a global company with top American manufacturing firms; Central States, General Safety and Rosenbauer Aerials. For more information, please visit the company's website - www.rosenbaueramerica.com.
