Pierce Manufacturing is kind of like the Apple of the fire service (sorry, Android fans): Over the years they’ve released so many innovative apparatus, many of us have come to expect a ground-breaking new product from them every year. But of course that’s not always possible.
But there’s another way that Pierce is like Apple: Both companies understand that sometimes, the most important innovations are small. Just as we don’t get a radically designed new iPhone every year, we won’t always get an earth-shattering new Pierce apparatus. But that doesn’t mean Apple–or Pierce–are sitting back and putting innovation on hold for a couple years.
The good news for Pierce fans: This year, they’re getting a little bit of both. Today at FDIC, Pierce unveiled a cab and chassis that’s actually a completely new version of the company’s most popular model, the Saber. That’s the “big” innovation. But on closer look, this new apparatus has plenty of the “small” innovations that in many ways have just as much of an impact on the fire apparatus industry.
I had an advance look at the redesigned Saber at a special media event held at Pierce’s headquarters in late February. Following are my initial thoughts on the chassis; the June issue of FireRescue will have highlights as well.
Old Made New
The Saber is Pierce’s version of the Ford F-150. It’s the most popular model in their fleet and has been virtually unchanged since 1992–until now.
This will be big news for the fire service. When Pierce premiers a new apparatus, it’s often the cutting-edge of apparatus design which sometimes puts the price outside the reach of some fire department budgets. But the Saber is typically seen as the “affordable” custom chassis option. This new model is sure to get a lot of attention.
So if the new cab and chassis are the big innovation, what about the smaller ones? Like fingerprint technology or improved megapixels on the iPhone, Pierce is proving that attention to the finer details of chassis design can have enormous impact on firefighter safety and effectiveness. Features like improved visibility, ready-reach seatbelts, even the size of the door handles set this vehicle apart. Many of these innovations were first introduced on the Dash CF three years ago (which in turn built on the PUC that came before it) and have since been further enhanced and incorporated into the Saber.
That continual line of innovation in cab and chassis development has allowed Pierce to produce apparatus that have a dramatic impact on firefighter safety and comfort. Following is a look at some of the “new” Saber highlights.
Space and Visibility
The Saber boasts a single-piece bonded windshield, which Pierce first premiered on the Dash CF. On this model, both “A” posts have been reduced in width to further increase side visibility. The result: better visibility for the driver and officer, but also an unobstructed view for crewmembers looking forward from rear seats.
The cab also features a forward roof design for a cathedral-ceiling-like feel. The transition area for the raised cab begins approximately 18—24 inches in front of the jump seats, creating a very open and spacious feeling in the cab. This enhances visibility, reduces the compartmentalization feeling when riding in the back crew compartment and enhances crew communications. The raised roof also allows the air conditioning unit to be tucked up and out of the way of crewmembers looking forward.
Finally, Pierce made several modifications to the Saber’s engine tunnel. By lowering and using a coffin configuration for the engine tunnel (flat on top with both sides angled downward), they freed up additional space in the cab and increased hip and elbow room for the driver and officer. One really neat feature: An adjustable rear wall allows the two forward-facing seats to be adjusted out or in, depending on crew configurations.
Ergonomics
Pierce has been targeting ergonomic enhancements on its apparatus since before the concept became popular. The new Saber continues this focus. Large door handles that easily accommodate a gloved hand pull downward, as opposed to sideway or upward. Stair-style steps, equipped with slip-resistant surfaces, make entering and exiting the cab easier on the knees and safer. The crew cab features a flat floor, which makes movement easier. And Pierce has installed overhead switching that allows the driver to better concentrate on operating the apparatus, allowing the driver to feel more in control because everything is readily accessible.
Another ergonomic innovation: ready-reach seatbelts. The seats are drawn outward, allowing the seatbelts to be easily accessed and lessening occurrences of entanglement.
Reliability and Serviceability
Apparatus maintenance is always an area where improvements in chassis can make a huge difference–and it’s also a frequent area of complaints for firefighters tasked with keeping apparatus in working order. The new Saber cab tilts further forward than previous models, allowing improved access for daily checks. Removable covers allow quick access to the defroster and wiper motors.
Running wires to power new devices is a challenge in fire apparatus, but the Saber addresses this as well. The wire raceways are located in easily accessible panel coverings throughout the cab assembly, and wiring runs to the closest power distribution areas (previously, all wires were run to a single box in the cab). This allows wiring issues to be easily traced and corrected.
Finally, the chassis’ raised air intake and air cleaner prevents water intake during high-water responses, and an improved cramp angle and angle of approach provide better maneuverability.
A Final Word
Like the classic Saber, the new model will offer a host of options and configurations. Pierce displayed three differently configured Sabers at the show. Clearly, Pierce wants fire departments to continue to see the Saber as an affordable custom chassis option that’s easily outfitted for specific department needs. With the host of new features, it seems very likely the industry response will be nothing but positive.
Saber Specs
- 350-350-hp Cummins ISL 9 engine
- Allison 3000 EVS transmission
- 275—320 Amp alternator
- 18,000-lb. GAWR; 31,000-lb. rear GAWR
- Leaf front-axle suspension; Leaf single rear-axle suspension
- 50-degree maximum cramp angle
- 10.25” frame rails
- 96” cab width; 60” or 70” cab length
- 10” raised roof
- 8-person seating capacity
- Barrier or full-height doors
- 45-degree cab tilt
- Hard-wired electrical system
