New Pierce offering eliminates pumphouse in fire apparatus
Pierce® PUC Modernizes Fire Apparatus Design

The Pierce® PUC debuts in April 2007.
 

April 19, 2007, APPLETON, Wis. – Today Pierce Manufacturing Inc., North America’s leading manufacturer of fire and rescue apparatus, unveiled its newest product – the PUC – at the Fire Department Instructor’s Conference in Indianapolis. The Pierce Ultimate Configuration (PUC) dramatically changes the way the fire service configures apparatus by removing the bulky pumphouse without compromising fire fighting capabilities.The PUC is an industry-changing multi-purpose response vehicle. Pierce considers it to be the biggest news the fire apparatus industry has seen since the invention of the custom chassis.

“Some may find it hard to imagine that you can actually design a truck without the bulky pumphouse. By making better use of this space, the PUC will change how fire fighters do their job better and safer, and has the potential to change the industry,” said John Randjelovic, president of Pierce Manufacturing. To develop this product, Pierce conducted industry research to deliver what fire departments said they wanted and needed in a first response vehicle.

The five most significant benefits of the PUC for fire fighters include:

  • Easier to use
  • Easier to stay safer
  • Easier to store more
  • Easier to service and maintain
  • Easier to maneuverIn addition to eliminating the bulky pumphouse, the PUC features a simplified two-step pump shift operation. It also positions the pump operator next to hose connections rather than over them, and the pump panel is redesigned for easier use. Hosebeds, crosslays and ladder access are lowered for better ergonomic use. The entire pump system is also located above the frame for easier and quicker service and maintenance. With a shortened wheelbase for improved maneuverability (as low as 172”*), the PUC also provides up to 500 cubic-feet of storage.*“The PUC is a dramatic improvement to fire fighting apparatus design. By eliminating the pumphouse, departments can use that extra space and room for equipment and gear,” said Randjelovic. “It provides many benefits to fire fighters and municipalities with a safer two-step pump operation and easier maintenance, which means the truck spends more time on the frontline than in a service bay.”

    The PUC, with patent-pending technology, is available on Pierce custom chassis, has a tank capacity of up to 1,600 gal., a pump range of up to 1,500 gpm, a 6-year standard warranty on the pump, a compartment load rating to 500 pounds each, and a 10-year structural warranty. Wheelbase offerings come in 172” to 212” (depending on body size and chassis).

    * dependent on body size and chassis.

    Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NYSE: OSK], is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. Products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, minipumpers, elliptical tankers, and homeland security apparatus. In addition, Pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce the Side Roll Protection™ System to fire apparatus. To learn more about Pierce, visit www.piercemfg.com.

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