A few different factors went into the specifications for the 3rd-Generation SFD Mini-Pumpers. They needed better brakes (air brakes were decided on), they needed a better transmission and they needed to be more robust. It was determined that not only was the already-simplified equipment list not going to shrink, it would in all likelihood grow as the years went by. Two units were put out to bid on a heavier-duty GMC chassis in 1977. Vehicle height was no longer as important, as it was determined that (1) the Minis were so heavy that the load they imposed in such a small area on the upper floors of parking garages was deemed inadvisable, and (2) Once they had dumped their booster tank on a car fire, they rose up on the springs enough that they could become "trapped", and couldn't exit until they were refilled. Don't ask me how we found that out. Emergency-One received the bid for these two larger units, and here's one of them:
![[Image: MINI%208%201977%20GMC%20E-ONE_zps9njrlsdh.png]](http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y179/fyreline/MINI%208%201977%20GMC%20E-ONE_zps9njrlsdh.png)
About the only complaint about these two larger Mini-Pumpers was that they were so damned thirsty. They still had gasoline engines, as diesel engine availability for this size of chassis was just starting out. By 1980, there were more and better choices, and it was time for most of the 1973-era Minis to be replaced anyway. And on we go.
![[Image: MINI%208%201977%20GMC%20E-ONE_zps9njrlsdh.png]](http://s5.photobucket.com/user/fyreline/media/MINI%208%201977%20GMC%20E-ONE_zps9njrlsdh.png.html)
About the only complaint about these two larger Mini-Pumpers was that they were so damned thirsty. They still had gasoline engines, as diesel engine availability for this size of chassis was just starting out. By 1980, there were more and better choices, and it was time for most of the 1973-era Minis to be replaced anyway. And on we go.
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