Nesquehoning, PA – KME is pleased to announce the City of Boston’s Fire Department has awarded KME and its sales representative Bulldog Fire Apparatus, an order for three 109’ KME AerialCat™ rear-mount ladders.
These aerials will join the ten KME pumpers and two rescues already in service in Boston.
The aerials were specifically designed to meet the demands of a challenging urban environment with tight streets and numerous obstacles. The apparatus will be built on KME’s Predator Severe Service™ chassis with a 475hp engine, automatic traction control, engine brake and transmission retarder for extended brake life and superior braking capability. The 109' steel ladders have a 2.5:1 structural safety factor and are manufactured using 100,000psi steel, the strongest in the fire service. They also include a 1,500-gpm pre-piped waterway and a 750-pound tip load.
Given Boston’s famed historic streets and challenging turns and hills, the truck offers a short 14’ jack spread, has a 208” wheelbase and is only 41’ in overall length. The body corners at the rear are also mitered to offer an unsurpassed turning radius. Other unique body features include a combination of rollup and hinged doors, a coffin compartment with both top and side access and ladders accessible from the side of the body for easy
access at crowded fire scenes.
According to John Kovatch III, KME’s CEO, “We are pleased that these AerialCat ladders will be joining the KME pumpers and rescues in Boston. Over the last few years, it’s been a pleasure working with our nation’s first professional fire department. These 109’ ladders include options specifically designed by the fire department for their unique challenges yet still include all the fire service best features of our rear mount ladders.”
KME is a leading custom manufacturer of a full range of specialty vehicles for military, industrial, commercial, aviation and municipal markets. Additional information on KME can be found at www.kovatch.com or by emailing to [email protected].
