Heavy tanker update

After two years of design, testing and roadshows, the first of 40 new heavy tankers has rolled off the production line. 

The trucks are set to start being passed into the hands of brigades in May for training after delivery to district mechanical officers.

Project Manager Karen Barnet said the 4000-litre heavy tankers would continue coming off the production line from now until the end of the financial year.

“One of the main changes members will notice is the switch to an automated manual transmission, which is different to most cab chassis in service currently. Only the ten 4.4R tankers have this,” she said.

“Another difference is the inclusion of a water-cooled fire pump engine which is quieter and more powerful than the current air-cooled model.”

Manufacturing for the vehicles is taking place at Bell Environmental in Sunshine North and the water tanks in Mildura. The cab chassis are imported from Italy.

Two new training units will be developed for the truck encompassing both driver training and a general training unit to cover stowage and operation.

In 2015 a prototype vehicle (the Iveco Eurocargo Prototype Heavy Tanker) was viewed by more than 1200 CFA members as part of a roadshow that saw the truck travel in excess of 12,000 kilometres.

“We went to 100 locations and conducted sessions across every CFA district,” said Karen.

“That gave a huge cross section of members including volunteers, career staff, DMOs and district staff a chance to provide feedback on the vehicle.”

When these vehicles are introduced into service, it will allow the phase out of some of the older heavy tankers which are nearing their end of life.

Specifications include:

CREW CAB CHASSIS (4x4)

•           Iveco Eurocargo 4x4 Crew Cab Chassis
•           Engine – 205 kW/ 950Nm turbo-charged, intercooled, 6 cylinder diesel engine
•           Six-speed Tiptronic automated manual transmission
•           Bucket seating for five crew (all seats fitted with lap/sash seatbelts)
•           200L fuel tank
•           27L Ad Blue tank
•           Air conditioning, electric windows (front only),fog lights, reversing camera
•           Air braking system (incl. ABS)
•           Steel bull bar & electric cab tilt
•           Full cabin internal roll cage
•           Thermaguard radiant heat protection curtains fitted to all cabin windows
•           Vehicle/crew spray protection system (with 2-position switch activation – cabin and ROPS)
•           Vehicle emergency lighting oscillates between all blue and all red
•           Polyethylene rota molded water tank – 4000-litre capacity (including 750-litre for a vehicle/crew spray protection system) c/w baffle bones for         surge protection.

Firefighting body and plumbing

•          Fabricated aluminum tray frame
•          Two-staged GAAM Mk 300D pump/Isuzu 4LE2 water cooled diesel engine (Output: 1200 l/min @ 700 kPa)
•          Electric priming pump
•          Large LED tank level lights on sides and rear of vehicle
•          Little Giant Multi-function ladder  NS mounted between the cabin and body in a locker
•          Dead hose reel (NS rear undertray)
•          50L fresh water tank

Build order and distribution list is subject to change without notice.

Build Number    Brigade               District

Author: CFA News