[quote name='SrFireOfficial' timestamp='1353700972' post='503785']
I like the spirited discussion on this topic and yes, I know there are plenty of tillers in the metro-DC area and up and down the East Coast. My comment focusing on the West Coast tiller cities was based on seeing the tandem rear axle on the tractor in the DCVFD Paint version got me thinking of the tiller's in Portland (tiller rescue w/crane coming soon) and Seattle (and yes, I know there are some in Columbus, Ohio). Also note, that one long time user of TDA's, Boston, has gone to totally rear mount aerials and tower ladders. The FDNY operates fewer and fewer tiller ladder trucks with each successive new order for ladder company apparatus.
Today's rear mount aerials have the ability to be as maneuverable (improved cramp angles) as TDA's, especially when the TDA's become the size of pocket battleships. The RM's only require one driver which might make staffing easier and produce better response times rather than waiting to assemble a qualified tractor and tiller drivers during periods of all volunteer staffing.
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Sr. someones drawing on MS paint doesn't mean that this is what anyone is getting but it has created quite the discussion. Now you talk about 2 departments that went or are going to TDAs for whatever reason but look how many have gone back or just getting in the truck business chose a TDA.
MoCo. DC, Alex, Leesburg, and many Md. companies come to mind. The question should be why instead of why not or just killing the idea with no real data to back up why not. Now just because "its cool" isn't a reason to buy one but there are a ton of good reasons some one could use to justify buying a TDA but two very big issues always remain... Staffing and bay space.
Now I can tell you that although cramp angles have improved on straight trucks but also improved on TDAs so even though they are longer the maneuverability on a TDA hands down is still better. Plus tip loads on TDAs have greatly improved without additional out riggers so they are just as capable as a straight truck.
Again everything has its place and many factors needed to be research to truly qualify or disqualify based on area, cost,maintenance costs, function, and capability on what a FD should buy vs. what they always did in the past.
Again I think someone over heard someone's discussion on a TDA and ran with it. As for me I act like I'm from Missouri and folks need to "show me" why with practical logic and data not drawings or dreams. Unless it's a Quint and a Quiller wins hands down <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
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