This from a reader:
Was down at SLD getting ready to put a new batch of ambulances in service. 7,49,9,70,67,13,50,
New CFD ambulances.
New CFD ambulances.
New CFD ambulances.
New CFD ambulance.
New CFD ambulances.
New CFD ambulances.
New Chicago FD ambulances (more)
#1 by FARTIN' FRED on June 15, 2017 - 9:01 AM
Well how about some feedback & insight from the paramedics actually driving these alleged shittboxes, & the mechanics that work on them?
#2 by CrabbyMilton on June 13, 2017 - 8:38 AM
I understand that Marty. I’m just trying to get into the mind of those that think that buying a lower cost chassis will save money over time. Obviously they don’t think that way.
The reason the E SERIES is no longer diesel is because the diesel engine used became garbage and the new 6.7 POWERSTROKE which by most accounts is good won’t fit in the E SERIES. Someone at FORD wasn’t using their brain on that one. The V10 gasoline is a proven engine but it sounds like the rest of the chassis isn’t beefy enough for emergency service at least longer term.
#3 by Marty Coyne on June 13, 2017 - 7:59 AM
Rob they’ll probably junk they Braun’s (except maybe the remounts and the F-450’s) and use the first gen wheeled coach rigs as the spares
#4 by Marty Coyne on June 13, 2017 - 7:48 AM
Crabby the Braun’s had the crap beaten out of them for seven years. These two and a half to three. The cost of one F series is far less than the two E series they’re buying for less time than the one F series lasted.
#5 by Mike on June 13, 2017 - 7:31 AM
The E series worked well when they were diesels. There are still firehouses that are single bay so they have to stack the rigs or its real tight side by side. 99, 98, 78, 93, all those houses have an engine and an ambo and it’s tight. The F series is pretty long compared to the E series so they’re harder to maneuver. The commercial chassis will never be seen in the city because of the clearance and drivability issues.
#6 by CrabbyMilton on June 13, 2017 - 5:59 AM
I’m sure FORD is happy. All kidding aside, perhaps the thinking is that everybody is going to beat the living crap out of these things anyway so why not buy a lower cost chassis? I too have said why not a heavier chassis such as that SPARTAN but I guess some of the stations are too small to fit those.
#7 by Rob on June 12, 2017 - 11:14 PM
These newer ambulances are junk. And in all honesty, they should have paid a little more for at least an FSeries. The older ambulances lasted longer. Speaking of FDNY I’ve seen they got the new Fseries. They also have newer Internationals which I heard they don’t make anymore because of it being replaced by a new truck. Maybe Chicago should invest in medium duty ambulances? Anyway we shall see how long it will take until these new ones are trashed. I’ll be excited to be in a spare..
#8 by harry on June 11, 2017 - 9:07 AM
fdny uses f series and dodges and they hold up fine and at that they are wheelcoach and hortons and the oldest frontline in nyc is a 2008 that is 9 yr old so that show it works for them
#9 by Marty Coyne on June 11, 2017 - 12:05 AM
The Braun’s lasted 6-7 years, about 2 years too long but they still held up. They’re still running as spares and run better and are more reliable than the new junk.
#10 by Tim on June 10, 2017 - 11:44 PM
They should buy a Ford f550-f750 those are heavy duty
#11 by Michael M on June 10, 2017 - 10:44 PM
Does anyone have any thoughts on if a Ambulance can be built that can handle Chicago EMS? I have heard rumors that many of the 2014 rigs have been trashed. What does the city need to do to get a Ambulance that can handle the call volume?
#12 by Rob on June 10, 2017 - 5:30 PM
13 was the firsthe and I believe 7 has had theirs around 2 years? There are still 2009/2010 Fseries in the front line. Maybe they will get the hand me downs?
#13 by Tim on June 10, 2017 - 3:30 PM
No heavy duty bumpers
#14 by Sebastian on June 10, 2017 - 5:31 AM
wasn’t 13 the first to get these type of rigs 3 years ago???
#15 by Marty Coyne on June 9, 2017 - 7:52 PM
They all have the newer rigs. They’re already trashed after three years or less. These will be trashed shortly too. They’re not made for Chicago level EMS
#16 by harry on June 9, 2017 - 7:32 PM
they should have stuck with the f series and diesel at that but I don’t live in Chicago so it really does not matter
#17 by Mike on June 9, 2017 - 3:42 PM
Didn’t ambulance 7 already have one of the newer type of ambulance?
#18 by Fred M on June 9, 2017 - 3:19 PM
Maybe I missed the discussions on this in the past, but does the “rank & file” like these “van type” ambulances better than the existing?? Any reason for the change over besides $$$$?
#19 by Marty Coyne on June 9, 2017 - 12:05 PM
More taxpayer millions wasted on two-three year throwaway crap.