From Macqueen Emergency:
Job: #36977 | Illinois | Enforcer 107′ Ladder
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#1 by Mike C on August 29, 2022 - 3:50 PM
Retiree – I knew RK was part of Rosenbauer but I appreciate the additional information about the history and the factory size. I have worked on the RK aerials many times and was never impressed. Hydraulic issues, bad welds, etc. Seagrave offered a rear mount tower in the early 2000’s which was an RK aerial. I believe it was called the Towermax or something like that. It didn’t work out well for Seagrave either.
#2 by Chris W on August 29, 2022 - 2:55 PM
Mike C.
I just wanted to make sure you are aware that RK Aerials is now and has been for many years under the Rosenbauer Umbrella of companies. While HME has used RK branded aerials for almost their entire modern era, RK Aerials has been under the leadership, Design and Manufacturing of the Rosenbauer name for almost 15 years.
Excerpt from the Rosenbauer USA Website
“In 1988, Rob and Pam Kreikemeier founded R.K. Aerials with only three employees and a 5,000 square-foot building. Today, the company employs 80 professionals working in a 98,200 square-foot facility. The Rosenbauer Aerials Division produces the highest quality aerial ladders and platforms available”
Your quote “The downside of HME is they use the crappy RK Aerials which essentially is no better than a Pierce aerial.”
#3 by Mike C on August 24, 2022 - 2:54 PM
I won’t argue that! HME is a decent rig for the reasons listed but they’re pretty reliable and the quality is decent too. Just ugly.
Shocker on the Pierce. Biodegradable junk! Just amazes me how they have a catastrophic failure with Pierce, than they buy another one. Pierce has a way of persuading people they’re the best. Pretty amazing!
#4 by Mike on August 24, 2022 - 10:53 AM
Mike C. It’s a piece. The HME cab is actually nice. Lots of leg room and the cramp angle for steering is great. The big windshield helps with visibility also. JMO
#5 by Rob on August 24, 2022 - 10:18 AM
Mike C,
It is your favorite builder Pierce Arrow XT LOL, If memory serves me right it is 2011
Mike thank you for the info.
#6 by Mike C on August 24, 2022 - 8:19 AM
What brand is the T51 with the rusted torque box?
I personally think HME has an ugly cab but they make a decent quality product. Comparing quality from HME and Pierce, I’d take an HME. The downside of HME is they use the crappy RK Aerials which essentially is no better than a Pierce aerial.
#7 by Mike on August 24, 2022 - 4:30 AM
Rob I think it’s going to scrap. I know the torque box is rusted out and I believe the frame was getting there. I think pierce cut them a deal on this new one because truck 51 is only 12 years old.
#8 by Rob on August 23, 2022 - 8:12 PM
I know E53 HME Ahrens Fox chases A51 in that part of the district. Squad 51
is 2003 Pierce Dash. Did they scrap the current T51 or is it being refurbed? it has been gone I think over a year.
#9 by Mike on August 23, 2022 - 7:42 PM
Steve they are supposedly working in specs for a new squad. The HME they have has actually served them well. It will last longer then the ladder truck they’re replacing that has a rotted out torque box and it only 12 years old. The new truck being a single axle turd should probably last around 10 years before it has to go to scrap.
#10 by Steve on August 23, 2022 - 3:18 PM
Atleast it is not a HME, Im surprised they have not replaced their squad
#11 by Harry on August 21, 2022 - 10:33 PM
It will nice to see when it’s done if I am still taking pictures by then time will tell