OAFC 2014 Annual Conference

[npfd801]

 

That would never come close to being usable around here.  Most good trucks have 250-300+ feet of ground ladders plus truck co equipment (and no i do not mean heavy rescue equipment, we do not do rescue trucks)

Like everything, it can be adapted to a user's needs to a certain point, but there are places that will never really like the product.  I know there are units out there with an enhanced ground ladder complement, but likely not 250+ feet.  The whole method to the madness of the Metz is a Euro style approach that doesn't always fit how we do things.

 

I would challenge anyone who is given the opportunity to ride the basket in one and experience what every aerial builder in the US should be doing.  The thing is amazingly fast and smooth.  You can program in points of rescue and a landing site and can literally duplicate your pickup and drop off points repeatedly at max speed.  The short jacking capability to operate in an envelope limited by ground pressure sensors, etc. is incredible.  I think Rosenbauer has duplicated this ability on their RK line, but I'm shocked the speed and smoothness hasn't been integrated into a more American style aerial or tower.  If the Metz can go from parking brake being set to full extension at 102 feel in sixty seconds, there's no reason why the stuff over here can't...