Downsized fire tender

  • Up to 60% cheaper to operate than conventional truck-based tender
  • Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 5.0t 519 CDI chassis with 190hp Euro Vl engine with auto or 6-speed manual
  • Conversion by Pickup Systems of Burnley
  • Cab for five firefighters
  • 800-litre water tank with Godiva KP2 PTO pump
  • 9-metre roof-mounted  ladder

BUSINESS is hotting up for a Lancashire-based body conversion specialist coming to the rescue of budget-slashed fire authorities.

It has just launched a new concept in fire-fighting vehicles based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter as the answer to downsizing 999 services – promising to be up to 60% cheaper to run than a traditional truck-based fire appliance but with all the kit for fires and road crashes.

Pickup Systems, of Burnley, developed its prototype ‘Compac’ Sprinter fire engine – ideal for country lanes and narrow city streets – on a 5.0-tonne 519 CDI chassis supplied by Dealer Ciceley Commercials, after spotting a gap in the market.

Managing director John McGauley explained: “Fire and rescue services, just like everyone else, are facing pressure on their budgets and looking for ways to operate as efficiently as possible – and that includes running the most cost-effective vehicles.

“At the same time, largely thanks to the excellent work they do in spreading fire safety advice, fitting free smoke alarms, and generally raising awareness, the number of callouts is falling. Yet the standard size of a fire tender has remained the same.

“We believe there’s a growing need for a smaller, lighter, more efficient vehicle, one that provides a high level of fire-fighting ability but with much lower running costs. Our Mercedes-Benz Sprinter conversion meets this requirement perfectly.”

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