A very large factor of these units is standardization, which I am an advocate for. It is such a pain to be detailed to another company and have to spend a considerable amount of time learning their inventory, pump panel, etc... However, in this department where the geographical area is so diverse, I think we have standardized ourselves out of simplicity. We basically are going to have these HUGE units to carry everything we need, for everyone else's situation.
I like the color. I even like the deletion of the white over; not to mention they saved $5,000 per unit. I like the simple pump panel. As a truck driver, I am ecstatic they did away with front intakes. Maybe now I can get the truck to the front of the building. I believe in safety. I even like the chevrons. Although I can see the need for the RV ladder, again, did we put the cart before the horse? Did we build such a big unit that this is why it is required? I don't care how good the unit looks, I will lobby all day long for usability, low hose beds, easy access to tools, etc...
Being a business owner for almost 20 years now, and having a considerable amount of money wrapped up in equipment, this thought comes to mind. Realiable and accessible service, especially during the warranty phase, is absolutely critical. Who is the local area service center for the chassis manufacturer? Better yet, how about Elite? Is there one? Do we have to send these things ALL the way back to Wisconsin to get simple warranty work fixed on say, a door handle? If yes, then this unit is useless.
Again, I applaud our apparatus division. They have had the forsight to not only get a centralized appartus facility and trained service techs to do a lot of this work, but they have also put in the contract an allowance for things such as spare parts to basically build an entire unit; driveline, chassis', hell even a spare cab. But, we need service techs willing to come up to the times. I heard a rumor that the mechanics have complained enough to the point that the vehicles have rotors on the front and drums on the rear. They can't stand multi-plexing. What the hell, it's here to stay. Vehicles of today are run by computers. They need to get up with the times.
I guess time will tell, and again, I am optimistic. I don't care whose manufacturer's tag is on the unit. But as one of the rank in file, I do require, better yet I demand a piece of equipment that spends more time on the job than on a mechanic's rack.
Marshall
I like the color. I even like the deletion of the white over; not to mention they saved $5,000 per unit. I like the simple pump panel. As a truck driver, I am ecstatic they did away with front intakes. Maybe now I can get the truck to the front of the building. I believe in safety. I even like the chevrons. Although I can see the need for the RV ladder, again, did we put the cart before the horse? Did we build such a big unit that this is why it is required? I don't care how good the unit looks, I will lobby all day long for usability, low hose beds, easy access to tools, etc...
Being a business owner for almost 20 years now, and having a considerable amount of money wrapped up in equipment, this thought comes to mind. Realiable and accessible service, especially during the warranty phase, is absolutely critical. Who is the local area service center for the chassis manufacturer? Better yet, how about Elite? Is there one? Do we have to send these things ALL the way back to Wisconsin to get simple warranty work fixed on say, a door handle? If yes, then this unit is useless.
Again, I applaud our apparatus division. They have had the forsight to not only get a centralized appartus facility and trained service techs to do a lot of this work, but they have also put in the contract an allowance for things such as spare parts to basically build an entire unit; driveline, chassis', hell even a spare cab. But, we need service techs willing to come up to the times. I heard a rumor that the mechanics have complained enough to the point that the vehicles have rotors on the front and drums on the rear. They can't stand multi-plexing. What the hell, it's here to stay. Vehicles of today are run by computers. They need to get up with the times.
I guess time will tell, and again, I am optimistic. I don't care whose manufacturer's tag is on the unit. But as one of the rank in file, I do require, better yet I demand a piece of equipment that spends more time on the job than on a mechanic's rack.
Marshall
A large part of my collection was purchased from a GOOD man, John Floyd. I give him FULL credit on his work, although I may miss something. Thanks John. Also Scott Mattson, Warren Jenkins, Michael Schwartzberg, and Mike Sanders. Thanks Guys.
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