TEXAS RIGS

[MFD76]

Rick,

 

Why did they get rid of such a new rig?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Great Question,

 

They had two issues. They had ongoing issues with the Cummins ISL motors. Engine 83 made trips to various factorys a few times. Eventually the problems were repaired and all had been good since. The second problem was these were speced by a previous adminstration with little firefighter involvment. The previous chief also wanted dark ALF red. The high travel height has resulted in damage to the ladder racks a number of times on various objects. Also the top mounted pump was not user friendly for two reasons. First when standing on the top mount your view is blocked by various items mount high on the body and cab. Second the folding steps hung in the roadway and made tender operations diffcult on two lane roads when drafting. They also did not like the tall hose bed height. The fire board and Pierce worked out a deal for the four new engines. The new engines have a much lower hose bed, Also they have beside the tank ladders, with side mount puc pump panel.They have returned to candy apple solid red with black stripe. Also the previous chief would not allow Federal Q2b sirens. The new engines have Federal Q2b's at the request of the firefighters.

 

They have not had any issues with Quint 84 the fifth machine in the 2009 order. It is a Pierce Impel PUC-PAL 75ft Quint. It is very seldom used and will be retained for structural fires, heavy rescue, and reserve at fire house 4.