This from John Tulipano:
New Hanover Park TL 15. November 2017 (2018) Pierce Arrow XT 1500/300 100′ Pierce #30809
John Tulipano
Hanover Park TL 15. November 2017 (2018) Pierce Arrow XT 1500/300 100′ Pierce #30809. John Tulipano photo
Hanover Park TL 15. November 2017 (2018) Pierce Arrow XT 1500/300 100′ Pierce #30809. John Tulipano photo
#1 by CrabbyMilton on January 24, 2018 - 11:27 AM
Can’t speak for the rest but darker colors hide fluid leaks and rust. I guess lighter colors make the inspectors job easier and more effective.
#2 by Brian on January 24, 2018 - 10:52 AM
You are harping that it is a safety issue but is it?
Any facts proving the difference between black and silver/gray ladders?
Do you think the various organizations that do safety ratings, etc for manufacturers would allow for this if safety was a problem?
Just throwing out some thoughts. I am a fan of the traditional look to an aerial or tower vs the new style black look, just for the record.
#3 by CrabbyMilton on January 24, 2018 - 6:33 AM
Yeah there are many department that are adopting the Chicago look. I have no problem with that since imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. To me a department can specify any color for the body they want and we’ve all seen apparatus in just about any color of the rainbow. But when it comes to a component where safety and maintenance could come into question, then I have to wonder what’s going on there.
If the builder is pushing that, then it’s up to the customer to tell them no. If city leadership is pushing this, then they are just plain stupid or dysfunctional.
#4 by Bill Post on January 24, 2018 - 2:05 AM
Crabby I was thinking pretty much the same thing. I wonder if it is the fire apparatus manufacturers that are pushing for the black aerial ladders and towers, the fire chiefs, or even the town officials that are pushing for them to buy black ladders to make their trucks look cool?
I know that quite a few fire departments around the county have been adding black roofs and black trim to their color scheme so they are looking more like Chicago however going to black ladders in my opinion is taking it a bit too far. The money can be better spent or even better saved.
It is interesting that Skokie’s recent chief who was largely responsible for changing from white over red to black over red decided to leave Skokie to take the job in Schaumburg.
#5 by CrabbyMilton on January 23, 2018 - 6:16 AM
I don’t understand the reason the aerial itself has to be black other than cosmetic but the extra lighting should offset that and great point about inspecting it. You have to wonder what goes thru the mind of some when if comes to specing but it’s their money and community.
#6 by Mike C on January 22, 2018 - 9:36 PM
I hate Pierce but I hope it serves the community well.
#7 by Big Moe on January 22, 2018 - 7:02 PM
Black aerial devices are a fashion trend for parade queens. That color choice makes it harder to spot at night, harder to see from the roof, harder to inspect for cracks and worn rubber rung covers (not an issue with aluminum ladders), and very hard to detect hydraulic fluid leaks. Doesn’t help with vehicle visibility in the day or night. Never saw the logic of black safety stripes either as there is no daytime contrast unless the rig is white or yellow.
#8 by Brian on January 22, 2018 - 12:09 PM
All new ladders have the walkway lighting now
#9 by Rusty on January 22, 2018 - 10:22 AM
Chuck I completely agree with you on the fire apparatus. However, the ambulances with the bariatric lifts it is money well spent. They are less then 10k for the lift and that could save one back injury workmans comp claim then it has done paid for itself 10 times over. Some towns have multiple people over 500 plus pounds. There are really no other ways to get the customer to the hospital.
#10 by sebastian on January 22, 2018 - 9:32 AM
Thank you Chuck!!!!!! Couldn’t agree with you more
#11 by Chuck on January 22, 2018 - 5:43 AM
Bill, it seems like the trend in apparatus has gone from “what is this truck going to do,” to “We have to have a cooler truck with more gadgets and fancy lighting than the next town over.” With cities and towns screaming about budgets, you’d think they would be more careful with their apparatus budgets. Just like ambulances with bariatric lift systems. Absolute waste of money.
#12 by Bill Post on January 22, 2018 - 1:40 AM
I agree with you, Chuck. The idea of a black Aerial in the middle of black smoke is scary and it has bothered me ever since Niles has gotten a black tower Ladder that was put in service not that long ago. Since White or SIlver Ladders and Tower Ladders have been working why start using black? It seem to me like it is change just of the sake of change.
#13 by Chuck on January 22, 2018 - 1:09 AM
When they do these black aerials (which look great,) do they offer extra lighting around the bucket edge or along the ladder? Seems like the black would be hard to see in a smoky environment and additional lighting would make finding it a whole lot easier.
#14 by Hunter on January 21, 2018 - 5:25 PM
Nice Tower Ladder. Can’t wait to see that on the new site