Pierce® PUC – The Pierce Ultimate Configuration

April 19, 2007 , APPLETON , Wis. , ­­ – The PUC – the Pierce Ultimate Configuration is an industry-changing multi-purpose response vehicle. The PUC dramatically changes the way the fire service configures apparatus by removing the bulky pumphouse without compromising fire fighting capabilities.

The PUC, with its patent pending technology, is available on Pierce custom chassis. The PUC has a tank capacity of up to 1,600 gal., the pump offers a 6-year standard warranty and has a range of up to 1,500 gpm, it has a compartment load rating of up to 500 pounds each, and comes with a 10-year structural warranty. Wheelbases are offered from 172” to 212” (depending on body and chassis).

The five PUC industry changers include:

• Easier to use
• Easier to stay safer
• Easier to store more
• Easier to service and maintain
• Easier to maneuver

Easier to Use

Ease of use can cover many aspects from the chassis to the fire suppression systems, to the body. The PUC elevates ease of use to a whole new level because of its simple two-step pump operation and also its “single touch” water-foam-CAFS selection that has the chosen system up and functional before the operator is out of the cab. Additionally, the PUC features large handled-lever-style valve controls providing leverage that makes opening and closing valves easier. The multi-function Pierce pressure governor features a built-in water level gauge, extra large letters, a 20-character message display and enlarged buttons – all features that enhance simple operations around the operator’s panel. Basic pump and roll capabilities are also standard and a 1500 gpm pump provides the flexibility to ensure fire departments are always prepared for what ever they may face.

Easier to Stay Safer

Increased safety is exemplified in simple and expected ways, like positioning the pump operator next to hose connections instead of over them. In addition, items that fire fighters consistently need but often find ergonomically unfriendly are now within a better distance. The crosslays and ladder storage are at chest height; the hosebeds are 8”-12” lower; the stokes/backboard storage can be reached from the ground; and the ladder access to the hosebed is via an angled ladder. These features are coupled with other industry leading safety systems such as side roll and frontal impact protection and the Electronic Stability Control system that protects the occupants in an accident; the VLH caps that release pressure before the cap is removed; and a tire protection system that helps maintain control of the vehicle in a tire blowout. Working together, these components allow Pierce to provide some of the safest fire apparatus on the market today.

Easier to Store More

Greater compartmentation space is an ever-increasing need of today’s fire departments. As firefighters are continually being asked to do more in an ever-changing world, their equipment and gear multiplies. The PUC was designed with significantly greater compartment space (as compared to similar wheel-based trucks). The PUC offers up to 500 cubic-feet of compartment space in its longest body configuration, and up to 400 cubic-feet in its most popular mid-sized body length. The PUC also features Pierce’s exclusive “jump-off” compartment located directly adjacent to the officer-side rear cab door with dimensions of 62” wide x 26” deep x 60” tall. This large compartment can be configured to handle EMS , rescue, ALS or other rescue needs, and places large amounts of equipment in a convenient place for the firefighters when they exit the rig.

Easier to Service

Serviceability is another area where the PUC excels. Comprehensive access to all the plumbing and the pump is as simple as tilting the cab and removing the crosslay trays. Valve repair or pump maintenance no longer requires hours of maintenance to disassemble a pumphouse in order to get to the issue. Located above the frame, the entire pump is strategically located where the routine and preventative service can be completed quickly. This provides a safer and faster means for the maintenance crew who are no longer required to slide under the truck and stay there for days. This common sense approach to providing unparallel service access dramatically reduces costly repair time and helps to keep the apparatus on the front line and less time in the shop. The PUC also comes from a single-source provider.

Easier to Maneuver

Enhanced maneuverability is something that comes standard with every PUC. Unlike traditional apparatus that compromise maneuverability if compartments are enlarged, crosslays or hosebed are lowered, or serviceability is enhanced, the PUC comes in wheelbases as short as a 172” (depending body size). To further improve maneuverability, a fold-up rear work platform is cleverly designed into the tailboard compartment that keeps the overall length to a minimum while improving the angle of departure. Short wheelbases, without traditional compromises, coupled with 45-degree cramp angle makes the PUC one of the fire industry’s most maneuverable vehicles.

Pierce PUC Specifications

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.