Quality-Luverne-Crimson-Spartan ERV

[Guest]

What kind of service does the Dallas metro area get out of the Crimson/Spartan-ERV apparatus? We have only one(a commercial cab pumper) here locally(a neighboring volunteer dept), and it has not been that great of an apparatus. Numerous pump issues, electrical issues, etc. No service center near hear and no current dealer in the area. They must be decent pieces since Dallas & Chicago pretty much run these things exclusively. Just curious.

 

Dallas' maintenance facility is (or at least used to be) a "qualified/certified" (or whatever you'd call it) service center for our apparatus.  As old age has crept upon me, I cannot recall if that arrangement was with Quality, Crimson, or both.  I do recall our maintenance facility performing work on other local department's apparatus (built by Quality and Spartan) as our mechanics were trained to perform the warranty work.  I believe that Quality and/or Crimson was billed by our maintenance facility to do the work on other department's apparatus.

 

As far as how good or bad Crimson is... like any manufacturer, they'll build a decent vehicle if you spec a decent vehicle.  Likewise, if you spec junk, that is exactly what you get.  I really liked the Quality apparatus form the 80's.  If you will recall, Shreveport piggy-backed on an order with Dallas in the late 80's for several pumpers built to our specs.  Those were the best engines we ever had (and I believe the Shreveport folks will agree).  

 

I hope this answers your question (or at least points you in the right direction towards your answer).