Los Angeles County Fire Department's New Water Tender is Project Pilot for Fire Service Rated Transmission

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The Los Angeles County Fire Department's newest water tender, a 2008 Peterbilt Model 365, is the project pilot for a fire service rated transmission that will revolutionize the fire apparatus industry. LACoFD's Fleet Services and Apparatus Committee consulted with and assisted the Eaton Corporation in developing the Eaton/Roadranger Ultra Shift Plus automated manual transmission, which provides from 10 to 18 forward gears, improving acceleration and uphill performance of ultra heavy apparatus. The close gear ratios allow the engine to operate in its optimal performance range under all conditions, while still allowing the operator to drive the vehicle just like an automatic transmission.

Although early versions of the transmission were not well suited for the rigorous stop and go operations of the fire service, this new generation incorporates a fully automated clutch matched with Eaton's proven "Auto Shift" technology. Additional features include a "Hill-Hold" start which keeps the vehicle's brakes applied for 3-5 seconds after the brake pedal is released preventing roll back on grades of three percent or greater, improved Jake Brake retarder operation that stays engaged down to engine idle speeds, including in reverse and minimal heat rejection introduced into the engine's cooling system due to the elimination of the torque converter and internal shift clutches found in traditional automatic transmissions.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department's 2008 Peterbilt Model 365 is equipped with the 10-speed version of the transmission. It has proven itself during final acceptance tests and the new transmission was a $12,000 savings to the Department over the comparable automatic transmission! The six-wheel drive conversion was completed by Marmon Herrington in Louisville, Kentucky, along with a stepped frame which allows the water tank center of gravity to remain low. The tank, fire pump, plumbing, body and emergency lighting installation were completed by Kovatch Mobile Equipment (KME) in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania. Operator training is expected to take place mid-October and the apparatus should be in service and fighting wildland fires by November 1, 2010.

Republished with the permission of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Photo:  Pictured is the new water tender. Chassis by Peterbilt; transmission by Eaton; six-wheel drive conversion by Marmon Herrington; tank, fire pump, plumbing, body and emergency lighting installation by Kovatch Mobile Equipment. (Photo provided by Fleet's Chief Craig Weeks)



Author:Los Angeles County Fire Department