The next build of heavy tankers is about to roll off the production line.
Eighteen new trucks are currently being built and will be completed by the middle of this year, and a further 25 have been ordered for next year.
Project Manager Peter Hill explained that these new vehicles build on the previous production of more than 80. We have incorporated several new features based on considerable constructive and positive feedback including from the most recent summer.
The truck is now fitted with a full automatic Allison transmission that will further enhance on-road and off-road capability.
“we are also extending the trialling of new heat exchangers for pump engine cooling,” Peter said. “A couple of years ago we first fitted one on the Ferntree Gully Fire Brigade vehicle. We found that it improved pumping performance and is noticeably quieter because we have removed the need for the noisy radiator cooling fan.”
This is an entirely new and innovative concept for CFA and other fire agencies are watching this development closely.
The first six off the production line will be put through more extensive field trials over the next fire season under the watchful eyes of our district mechanical officers (DMOs).
But it doesn’t stop there. Many more smaller improvements have been incorporated into the truck such as locker stowage layouts and DMO access and servicing.
The main features of this vehicle are:
- 15T Iveco Eurocargo 4×4 crew cab chassis with Allison automatic
- 4,000-litre water tank
- 1,200 litres/minute water pump
- Class A foam capability
- Full stowage inventory
- 0-450 litres/minute front-mounted monitor with joystick control inside the cabin.
“Our drive is to continually improve, and a number of new and exciting ideas are being considered for the next generation build,” Peter said.
