New 'stroke @ work

[Big E]

Well, we've had the new F550 in service for a couple of months now. So far it is performing well. (the "check engine" light only came on a couple of times. :-laf ). It's great to have the larger chassis to handle the weight that we carry. I had the opportunity to drive it a couple of times. The power is impressive, although it is more like a gasser than a diesel. The 5 speed auto was also very nice.



Under the hood is a mechanics nightmare. Just changing the air filter is a PITA. I'm glad I don't have to work on it.



This is the third out of four that we are getting. It also will be the most abused since we have the largest area to cover in the Dept. Time will tell.

 

[Big E]

This is the rig it replaced. This is a '96, auto with a commiefornia egr engine. It's been run hard. Been through several sets of front brakes, a couple of transmission rebuilds, got rearended on the freeway amongst other things.



In it's defense, it is loaded down to its gvwr. The engine still runs good tho.



It will be going in reserve, to cover for the Fords when they break down.

 

[Blufrog]

Excellent backup, your gonna need it!

 

[JyRO]

I would expect that backup unit to still get plenty of use.

 

[911RAM]

BIG E



Where did you get those wheels for the F-550 they look great I would like to get a set for ours thanks

 

[Big E]

The wheels are 19. 5 inch Alcoa's. They were spec'ed by the dept. and put on by the builder. The inner rims on the duals are steel.



The smaller tires don't provide much protection for the rims. We have already put some dings in them going off road.

 

[Big E]

Here's the rig I usually drive during the summer. It's an '96 International 4800 4x4. It's got a 250hp P-pumped DT466 and an Allison MT653 5 speed. This thing is embarassingly slow on the hills. I wish we could get the power up on it, but I don't think the cooling system could handle it since it does tend to get hot climbing grades during hot weather. It does fine off road in low range, it will climb anything as long as long as it has traction. It's slated to be replaced in a couple years. We've had a lot of plumbing and electrical problems with the build up on it. The chassis itself has held up pretty well.



Ok, I confess. I'm playing with my new digital camera.

 

[ppfd]

Hey E, lest you got a Q on on your Summer ride! Is the F 550 a brush truck? Looks like your dept. handles alot of brush/forest fires.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

man, that 550 is a good lookin' ride!!! who signed off on the aluminum wheels?



I drool over my buddy's 550 Crew Cab often... 'course... I always envision it w/ a Cummins in it, but still

 

[smartineau]

Big E,



Be glad that is all that has gone wrong. Our mechanic got a new F-350 on the state bid even though I showed that we could buy the Dodge/Cummins for the same price or less. But Government and rules intervened, (yes he is a Cummins fan). He has gotten a new transmission and some other parts, he has also had a major oil leak.



I would post a picture but I am computer illiterate. My ride at work is a Pierce Quantum, one huge pavement queen. I wish we had got a Lance super command or a Seagraves.





steve

IAFF L-1747

 

[ppfd]

Pierce is real nice! We are 95% E-One.

 

[Big E]

The 550 and the Dodge are both "brush trucks" We call them "Patrols" in this area. Our station (we have 19 total) covers mostly rural ranchland areas. We get a lot of grass fires during the summer, as well as calls that require going off road. The engine shown is a Type 3 wildland engine.



We also have a Cummins powered Westates Type 1 engine here. We use it during the wetter months and for structure fires. I was too lazy to pull it out and get a pic. It is slated to be replaced with a Pierce Quantum some time next year. The Quantum has become the department's engine of choice. I think they drive nice, and have a lot of cab room, but they are too tall, too big, and are butt ugly. We have several older Pierce Arrows that still are most of the crew's favorites.

 

[smartineau]

It is slated to be replaced with a Pierce Quantum some time next year. The Quantum has become the department's engine of choice. I think they drive nice, and have a lot of cab room, but they are too tall, too big, and are butt ugly. We have several older Pierce Arrows that still are most of the crew's favorites.

I AGREE!!!! TOO DARN BIG!!



The sad part is I believe that they have less room to store equipment than our old Lance Super Command engines. The Quantums are Big $$$$ we have 4, 2002's and just got a 2004 (I think we paid $340,000) and are about to order a 2005. So far they have been basically trouble free for all the bells and whistles that they have. But I believe in KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid, that is why I wish I could have gotten a 12 valver in my 03. '



steve

 

[jarsong]

man, that 550 is a good lookin' ride!!! who signed off on the aluminum wheels?



I drool over my buddy's 550 Crew Cab often... 'course... I always envision it w/ a Cummins in it, but still

Yep that's your tax dollars hard at work. What exactly is the justification for the alcola's? This kind of stuff pisses me off. :-{} Sorry, but Since I'm tax poor this just rubs me wrong... Thought the big ole state of CA. was in a buget crisis? I'm done now.

jarsong

 

[Big E]

"Yep that's your tax dollars hard at work. "



Yep, it sure is. Mine also.



"What exactly is the justification for the alcola's?"



The ALCOA's do shave some of the weight off of a very heavy rig that is driven very hard. They also help disipate some heat from the tires. And last but not least, They look good.



"This kind of stuff pisses me off. "



I'm sorry to hear that. A lot of things many govt. agencies do pisses me off also. Aluminum wheels on fire apparatus is not one of them.



"Thought the big ole state of CA. was in a buget crisis?"



I do not work for the State of California.



Frankly, the added cost of the Alcoa's is only a tiny fraction of the total cost of a new fire truck. If you do a net search for new fire apparatus, you will see that many do have Alcoa wheels on them. Fire trucks have historically always been flashy. Even in the days before Alcoa wheels there was lots of chrome, polished brass, and gold leaf lettering. Many communities take pride in thier fire departments, often leading parades and being on display at local festivals.



Our department's motto is "Dedicated to providing superior service". We follow through with that on every call we go on. The department also sends out an annual customer service survey to those that we served. The response back is always overwhelmingly positive. We have never had any complaints (that I know of) about our wheels.



"I'm done now. "



So am I.

 

[jarsong]

"Yep that's your tax dollars hard at work. "



Yep, it sure is. Mine also.



"What exactly is the justification for the alcola's?"



The ALCOA's do shave some of the weight off of a very heavy rig that is driven very hard. They also help disipate some heat from the tires. And last but not least, They look good.



"This kind of stuff pisses me off. "



I'm sorry to hear that. A lot of things many govt. agencies do pisses me off also. Aluminum wheels on fire apparatus is not one of them.



"Thought the big ole state of CA. was in a buget crisis?"



I do not work for the State of California.



Frankly, the added cost of the Alcoa's is only a tiny fraction of the total cost of a new fire truck. If you do a net search for new fire apparatus, you will see that many do have Alcoa wheels on them. Fire trucks have historically always been flashy. Even in the days before Alcoa wheels there was lots of chrome, polished brass, and gold leaf lettering. Many communities take pride in thier fire departments, often leading parades and being on display at local festivals.



Our department's motto is "Dedicated to providing superior service". We follow through with that on every call we go on. The department also sends out an annual customer service survey to those that we served. The response back is always overwhelmingly positive. We have never had any complaints (that I know of) about our wheels.



"I'm done now. "



So am I.

Alcoa's is only a tiny fraction of the total cost of a new fire truck



WHile this is true now you have to figure how many fire stations there are upgrading their equipment. Which by the way the "Oldie" looks just fine.



A lot of things many govt. agencies do pisses me off also. Aluminum wheels on fire apparatus is not one of them.



We'll sure it doesn't, it's being spent on "You". How about we fit the whole damn motor pool with nice red shiny crew cab powerstrokes, with alcola's. No problem with that.





Even in the days before Alcoa wheels there was lots of chrome, polished brass, and gold leaf lettering. Many communities take pride in thier fire departments, often leading parades and being on display at local festivals.



That's fine, if YOU want to take donations to spiffy them up from all the "Supporters" of your local district go for it.



"Dedicated to providing superior service".



Extracting unessessary tax funding for you fancy wheel's is NOT doing this. And, just to throw this in, it rarely stops at the wheels. I've done the volunteer deal for my local dept, I know the games, I know the responsibility and the award for a job well done. Our first responders/EMT's are the best people there are and there service is priceless. Alcola's won't affect this at all and frnkly I'd rather have that money spent on real stuff like trianing, Bio suits and such. No one have ever complained yet in this small thread 2 people have raised an eyebrow, one tounge in cheek. I bust my A$$ to make ends meet and have a very nice house on 18 acres. My better half and I BOTH have to work just to cover the taxes alone, so yes I'm a little uppity when I see this.

jarsong

 

[RCCola]

Big E

proud of you and job your crew does.

Hang in there and keep on kicking

Best bumper sticker i ever saw :

yellow shirts, green pants ,Black faces and

white smiles





at boy ata boy be careful and rock on



Summer 97,98 Salt Lake County Wildland type 2 crew...

we had 4900 IHs crew buggies 530 power...

 

[ndurbin]

Jarsong why dont you take your beef up with somebody that makes the decisions on the budget, instead of on Big E?



Nathan

 

[Big E]

Jarsong, I don't necessarily disagree with you on the wheels. As mentioned above, I do not make the purchasing decisions, nor do I have any say in specifications of our equipment. I understand your frustation when it comes to taxes. Our department does cost the local taxpayers a lot of money. We understand that, and in turn try to provide the best service possible to them.



This thread was supposed to be a discussion about trucks. It wasn't my intention to offend anyone. So I will apologize, and refrain from posting such offensive material in the future.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

dang, I didn't mean to light the brush fire!!! LOL!



Forrest