From the Osage Ambulance website:
Type I Super Warrior F550 ambulance sold to Tri-State Fire Protection District of Darien, IL
Congratulations Tri-State Fire Protection District on your 2019 Ford F550 Type 1 Super Warrior ambulance.
Osage Ambulance photo
Osage Ambulance photo
Osage Ambulance photo
Osage Ambulance photo
thanks Martin
#1 by Marty Coyne on October 31, 2019 - 7:54 AM
Dunno about the E-450’s in the snow. I know in Chicago they get a significant number of ambo’s stuck in the snow each year. When they were in the process of switching from the F series Brauns to the E series WC, the E’s were stuck vastly more than the F series were. They are all 2 WD. Not saying we need 4×4. but the F series definitely has less issues in the snow.
#2 by harry on October 30, 2019 - 10:19 PM
well for instance mike c and cmk boston ma took a 20087 or so gmc 4500 ambo and coverted it to a plow truck all they did was remioved graphics and most lights
and yes most depts. wont keep an ambo after its service life but on the east coast they do and they get far worst snow therefor more rust issues out there but yes what is good for some is not good for all the east coast is 1000 percent better than the Midwest and I will clarify if someones wants to know
#3 by Tim on October 30, 2019 - 8:49 PM
Harry, I think 1 issue is that many depts that always used the E-series (with diesel engines) stayed with them when the diesel was no longer available.
As you probably know the diesel and all the emission BULL$^$T won’t fit in the E-series. Sure, you won’t get the high mileage out of a gasser like you do a diesel. But do you need a high mileage motor when the rest of the rig will be useless in those high mileage years?
Mike C you’re right. The Chicago winters aren’t that bad (although we’ll see this year) to warrant 4×4. A 14,000lb 2 wheel drive E-450 handles pretty good in the snow. But I see guys all the time think they’re in 4 wheel drive and never lock the hubs.
To Cmk420’s comment about what’s good for the east coast is good here. I want to expand on that…… what’s good for the CFD is not neccessarily good for the suburbs.
And to expand on Martin’s post (then I’ll be done) the southwest suburbs are awash with E-series ambos along with many E-series remounts (Palos Heights, Orland, Oak Forest, Alsip. Alsip’s rig is a GM 3500 I believe.
#4 by Martin on October 30, 2019 - 5:58 PM
Osage seems to build good quality modules. The area Roberts Park, Burbank, and North Palos use Osage ambulances. So it’s no surprise that Tri-state tired them.
Robert’s Park since 2008 has been buying ambulances only from Osage.
2008 Ford F-450
2009 Ford E-450
2010 Ford E-450 remount off 2002 Medtec.
Current fleet.
2013 Ford E-450 rechassis off 2009. Station 2
2016 Ford E-450. Station 1
2016 Ford F-450 rechassis off 2008. Spare
#5 by cmk420 on October 30, 2019 - 5:16 PM
Harry is of the opinion that what is good on the east coast of the US is good for this area too. I agree with Tim when he said/asked, “does it really matter?” Harry, most ambulances get so worn down because of use that they can’t be re-purposed. From what I have observed, if the rig is still in decent shape (after its “required” service life), bigger departments will, perhaps, sell it to a smaller department that is not as busy & might be able to get a few more years out of it. As long as it is still safe to use, then keep it for what it was meant to be used for.
#6 by Mike C on October 30, 2019 - 6:14 AM
We need more experts like Harry on this page.
Thanks for the information Markus on the Ferno Cot.
Osage seems to be making some gain in the marketplace around the Chicagoland area.
In my opinion, I don’t think the climate around Chicago warrants 4×4 ambulances. My department went all 4×4 about 10 years ago. I pushed back for multiple reasons. The actual additional expense when purchasing the chassis isn’t much but as the lead EVT I was tired of all the additional headaches. More maintenance, improper use, and less fuel efficient.
A certain person always has to comment on this page about a department getting a F-550. Who cares??? It’s a good chassis just as the E-series chassis. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. I actually think the E-series is a little easier to work on. Let’s focus on some of the more important issues of fire apparatus such as the color lights. HA! For real, lets focus on the quality and craftsmanship of the vehicle, ease of maintenance, parts availability, and unique features. Some constructive debate would be nice to see on this page.
#7 by harry on October 29, 2019 - 10:31 PM
tim thanks for your reply no I am not in the fire police or ems service or even mechanic but I do travel around the us mostly east coast and out there they have mostly f series and they do what I just said repurpose the vehicle and yes chassis gets a lot of ware but I guess if it is fdny they get diesel ambos while Chicago does gas and fdny has on a lot of them 350 000 plus miles u wont get that on a gas ambo
#8 by Tim on October 29, 2019 - 7:35 PM
Harry, that is the longest run on sentence I’ve ever seen in my life. Have you ever worked on an ambulance as a first responder (either F series, E Series, or C3500, C4500)? Ever spec an ambulance on any of those chassis?
Ever drive a 2 wheel drive E-350 or E-450 in the snow?
As far as a brush rig “after” life as an ambulance…well It’s the chassis that wears out before the box (patient compartment) does. Do mechanics enjoy working on an E series? Hell no!!! The real question is……wait for it…… does it really matter?
#9 by Ted on October 29, 2019 - 2:02 PM
I have spec d my ambulances 4 wheel drive not so much because of the drive train, but the chassis sit significantly higher and with that the engine dissipates the heat better in my climate…We have a Demers 170 to be delivered in a week with a F550 4×4 chassis
#10 by michael m on October 29, 2019 - 10:07 AM
Which Ambulance will this replace?
#11 by Markus on October 29, 2019 - 10:01 AM
It looks to be the Ferno Power Cot. Rolling Meadows has them and from what I hear they do not like them at all. Here is a link to it https://www.fernoems.com/us/en-us/ems/patient-handling/ambulance-cots/power-x1
#12 by Mike C on October 29, 2019 - 8:04 AM
The cot doesn’t look like a Styker. Does anyone have any further information on this?
#13 by harry on October 28, 2019 - 10:20 PM
tim well because it seems to be the best choice cheaper price wise option of 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive has further potential after it is an ambulance because if the dept needs a brush truck if it is 4 wheel drive it will make a better brush rig than an e series or ihc or freightliner it has a roomier cab than e series and the chevy version of e series so those are many reasons that I think it makes it a better choice plus most public works depts. use ford trucks for there small truck fleet therefor parts will be easier like for instance Arlington hts fd is getting 2 f550 for sqd 1 and 2 and I would not be surprised if they get f 550 ambulances
#14 by Tim on October 28, 2019 - 8:30 PM
Harry, everytime there’s a new posting about a new F series ambulance you’re excited about it. What’s your love affair with the F series?
#15 by harry on October 28, 2019 - 8:08 PM
glad they are sticking with the f 550