| Pierce’s Arrow XT aerial tiller features a heavy-duty ladder, a Detroit Diesel engine, seating for five firefighters |
Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation company, delivered a Pierce Arrow XT 100-foot heavy-duty aerial tiller to the city of Charleston Fire Department (CFD) in Charleston, SC. The aerial tiller is the first to be purchased by the department in more than 60 years, and was placed into service in early December. Three Arrow XT pumpers, currently in production in Appleton, will join the fleet later this month.
“Charleston is an old and historic city, with narrow streets that are challenging for aerial apparatus,” said Battalion Chief Joey Roberts of the CFD. “We’d gotten away from tillers, but decided to select this new Pierce due to our need for more compartment space and enhanced manoeuvrability. The firefighters are really excited about the new tiller, and they are looking forward to welcoming it to the department.”
“As demonstrated by the Charleston Fire Department – and many others across the country – the aerial tiller is experiencing resurgence in popularity in urban centers and communities with narrow streets,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency. “We’re proud to have been chosen by this renowned fire department to build this state-of-the art aerial tiller, as well as the three pumpers that are near completion.”
Built on an Arrow XT single rear axle tractor, the aerial tiller features a 100-foot Heavy-Duty ladder, a Pierce-exclusive Detroit Diesel DD13 500 hp big block engine, seating for five firefighters, TAK-4 independent suspension, and a light tower located on top of the crew cab roof. The body features 500 cubic feet of body storage capacity. When fully equipped, the trailer will store 250-feet of ground ladders, and will be outfitted with hydraulic cord reels, a full complement of hydraulic tools (including a cutter and spreader), three rams, a full complement of rescue jacks, a cribbing kit, and a complete set of air-lifting bags.
Pierce dealer, Spartan Fire & Emergency Apparatus of Roebuck, SC, provides local service and support. “We have a solid and professional working relationship with Spartan Fire,” added Chief Roberts. “After-the-sale support is very important – no matter what brand or type of apparatus – and Spartan definitely provides that to us.”
The city of Charleston Fire Department (CFD) consists of 19 fire companies located throughout the city. The department operates 16 fire engine companies and three ladder companies, and provides service to more than 120,000 citizens across a service area totalling approximately 109 square miles.