Yonkers Debating Between Single Axle And Tandem Axle For New Rescue

[x635 4,066]

Maybe one of our Yonkers guys could elaborate more, but I'm told through a credible source that Yonkers FD is in the planning stages for their new Rescue 1, and there is debate between sticking with a tandem axle, or going back to a single axle.

[dwcfireman 656]

I have a couple of questions, just out of curiosity:

 

1.  I saw a picture of an older R1, which was single axle.  What was the reasoning for expanding to a tandem axle chassis?

 

2.  How much equipment is the new rescue going to carry?  I ask this because YFD has a bunch of support/task oriented units such as the collapse rescue and USAR trailer that I know carry extra equipment that can respond when necessary.

[vodoly 535]

University Hospital in Newark Nj switched back to single axle Heavy Rescue

[fdalumnus 165]

Doesn't tandem axles give better braking and weight distribution ?

[61MACKBR1 222]

On 6/27/2016 at 10:45 PM, dwcfireman said:

I have a couple of questions, just out of curiosity:

 

1.  I saw a picture of an older R1, which was single axle.  What was the reasoning for expanding to a tandem axle chassis?

 

2.  How much equipment is the new rescue going to carry?  I ask this because YFD has a bunch of support/task oriented units such as the collapse rescue and USAR trailer that I know carry extra equipment that can respond when necessary.

 

Back in 2000, when YFD Rescue 1 was recommissioned, I suspect that the amount of equipment that YFD originally thought that they would need to carry on the 2000 ALF Heavy Duty Single Axel Rescue Rig (now Rescue 2) probably ended up being a lot different than what they actually needed to carry, 5 to 6 years later. (Such as Water Rescue Equipment, HAZMAT and USAR equipment, extrication equipment, cold water suits, medical gear, traffic signage, back boards, portable lights, ropes, and much more ). So when YFD ordered the current 2007 ALF Tandem Axel Heavy Duty Rescue, they went with a Tandem-Axel rig. With a larger load, there is a greater need for more weight distribution thus, more axles.

 

Also, in my opinion, Tandem Axel HD Fire Rescue Rigs are safer than a marginal or max'd out single axle rear end. They (Tandem Axel) provides the added benefit of double the braking and greatly improved stability. Wheels can be adjusted for your configuration to accomodate turning radius's that are equal to that of a single axle, but again, the configuration of the vehicle needs to be narrowed down. Once that is done, any apparatus manufacturer can do a detailed weight analysis of whatever particular design any Fire Department requires, once they know what that department is looking for. 

 

As a side note, all of the FDNY Rescue apparatus are all Tandem-Axel rigs (albeit 'Walk Thru's), thus maybe another reason why YFD, in 2007, went with the Tandem Axel rig (PS - YFD's 1961 Mack B Rescue Rig was a Single Axel/Walk Thru Rescue Truck)

 

Just my two cents

Edited July 8, 2016 by 61MACKBR1
update

[dwcfireman 656]

8 hours ago, 61MACKBR1 said:

Also, in my opinion, Tandem Axel HD Fire Rescue Rigs are safer than a marginal or max'd out single axle rear end. They (Tandem Axel) provides the added benefit of double the braking and greatly improved stability. Wheels can be adjusted for your configuration to accomodate turning radius's that are equal to that of a single axle, but again, the configuration of the vehicle needs to be narrowed down. Once that is done, any apparatus manufacturer can do a detailed weight analysis of whatever particular design any Fire Department requires, once they know what that department is looking for.

 

My mind was kind of leaning towards the same thing, that the necessary equipment changed and what not.  But you bring up a good point about weight distribution versus turning radii.  I don't know Yonkers too well, but from what I've seen they have some narrow, winding streets that even in my pickup truck are difficult to navigate, let alone a 30 tone fire truck!  Thankfully, with technology like automatic rear counter steering, larger rigs with single or tandem axles can navigate the tighter spaces better, and tandems can be configured in a tight formation to make the rig feel and drive as if it were a single axle.  What ever the case, I can't wait to see what YFD specs!

Edited July 8, 2016 by dwcfireman

[vodoly 535]

Same here