When fire apparatus manufacturer E-One was tasked with coming up with a new apparatus design, they took the word “maximum” to a new level. The new eMax was designed by E-One’s engineers to feature maximum maneuverability, maximum storage, maximum accessibility, maximum performance and maximum safety.
For the Louisville (Colo.) Fire Protection District (LFPD), located near Denver, that new design came just in time, as the department was planning the replacement of a 15-year-old E-One unit.
Keeping It Standard
“Normally, we keep a new piece of apparatus in frontline service for 15 years, then five years in reserve,” says LFPD Chief Tim Parker. “In the case of this new purchase, the older engine that it replaces will serve time with our training division.”
In addition to following the standard replacement cycle, the LFPD stuck with E-One as the manufacturer. “We had other E-One products through the years, so going with them again was a no-brainer for us,” Parker says. “Our department and the neighboring Aurora Fire Department have all E-One fleets. It makes sense for us because of the commonality of maintenance, training and parts. It makes life a lot easier with the operation of all of our units being from the same manufacturer.” The LFPD also favors E-One’s sole-source approach. “Everything they build is done in-house,” Parker says.
The new eMax product was just being introduced when the department started planning for the new engine. “Our committee took a look at it and liked what they saw,” Parker says. “We could keep the overall wheelbase down but have more compartments. The mid-ship pump design and smaller pump panel gave us more compartment space as well.” The LFPD also liked the big, high-side compartments on both sides of the vehicle.
Added features include a 10-kW hydraulic generator with a Super Vac Command light for added scene lighting. “The addition of a 1,000-gallon poly tank and Class A foam provide increased capacity for firefighting until extra help arrives,” Parker explains. “We really have a well-balanced commercial, industrial and residential response district, with coverage of 17 square miles and a population of 25,000. However, we also have a rural and farming area where the extra water capacity comes in handy.”
Finishing Touches
During the build process, the LFPD committee went down to Ocala, Fla., for the pre-build conference and a final inspection. Daily and weekly photos and phone conferences kept them informed about the construction.
“We had some minor fit and finish issues during the build, but E-One pulled in all of the engineers and foremen and corrected all of the problems before we took delivery,” Parker says. “We did change some items before final delivery. We dealt with the E-One factory direct because we didn’t have a local dealer in our area. We found E-One to have great communication, always following up with our every question or needs.”
As it had experienced in the past, the LFPD found E-One to be a good fit. “We’ve had a great relationship with the company throughout the years,” Parker says. “They have excellent attention to detail and workmanship and they are financially in great shape.”
The eMax also offers some flexibility; it’s available on all of the company’s chassis and can be combined with medium, long or extended ALS cabs with severe- or standard-duty interiors. As Parker notes, this could be useful as the company makes future apparatus purchases.
Factors to Consider
A good relationship with a manufacturer is a strong factor to consider when speccing a new vehicle. Although it’s always best to consider all options, trusting who you’re dealing with is equally important. Also consider standardizing your apparatus design. It’s not for every department, but it can make parts selection, training and maintenance simpler.
Some other important items to think about:
- Is the manufacturer you plan on purchasing from financially stable? The LFPD checked this out even though they had dealt with E-One previously. The idea of a performance bond is something you might want to consider.
- Is the manufacturer willing to listen to your ideas rather than designing what they think is best for you?
- How will service after the sale be handled?
- Don’t overload the vehicle with options that you may not need, especially if you have a limited budget.
These are only some of the considerations that you must take into account before you even begin to award a bid. Remember: This will be a very expensive purchase and in most cases, it needs to fit your department’s needs for up to 20 years. Proper thinking and planning will help you decide what is right for your purchase and your response district.
Sidebar: LFPD Specs
- Cyclone II chassis
- 500-hp Cummins ISX 500 engine
- Allison EVS 4000 transmission
- 1,250-gpm Darley PSM pump
- 1,000-gallon poly tank with 30 gallons Class A foam
Sidebar: E-One eMax Features
- Narrow pump panel (less than 24 inches wide)
- Pumps from 1,250—1,500 gpm
- Manual or electric gate valves
- CAFS or ATP, Class A or B, direct-injection foam systems
- Low intakes, low speedlays
- 586 cubic feet of storage space
- High side compartments, rooftop storage compartments, large rear compartments
- Enclosed ladder tunnel
