Austin, Tx Fire/Rescue

[TacSupport1]

[quote name='Andy Thomas' timestamp='1312572187' post='451523']

First time looking at all the Austin rigs, why in recent years the Contenders vs Velocity's? Why did they not just stick with Contenders? Dont get me wrong I like them both! Not a big fan of the old Quantum's

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Andy,



The order of Contender's was placed because of the City's current financial situation at that time. They also had engines that ran on biodiesel, which is something that never panned out. The Contender had a limited engine size, and the cab was very cramped.



Austin currently has two Velocity's in service. One servess as Quint 18, a 105' heavy duty aerial quint, and the other is Quint 27, which is basically the same except for Q27 having a PUC pump. They will have three in service once Rescue 20 has all it's tools mounted.



The latest batch of Engines were on the Impel chasis. The Impel, in addition to the Velocitity's, offers more cab room, better visibilty and A/C, easier daily maintenance, and other features found on the Quantum for a significantly lower price. And better fuel economy, etc.



Austin did like the Quantums, however the Velocity and Impel chasis could offer similar benefits to the Quantum. In addition, Pierce can deliver an Impel or Velocity faster then the Quantum, and Pierce bid the Quantum much higher then the Impel/Velocity.



Seth