Even though quint fire trucks have been around for more than a century, there is still some confusion about the quint’s operation, capabilities, advantages and requirements.

A quint can be a valuable apparatus for a fire department, but it is important to keep the department’s needs in mind and know what kind of staffing is required to make the best use of the apparatus.

Below, we outline the NFPA requirements of quint fire trucks, show examples and review some important considerations to keep in mind as your fire department considers adding a quint to its fleet.

A quint fire truck is an apparatus that combines the equipment capabilities of a ladder truck and the water-pumping ability of a fire engine. As its name implies, it features five main tools to carry out firefighting functions:

The quint has been around since the early 20th century. In fact, the first patent for a quintuple combination pumper date back to 1912. But today’s quints are much more stable, maneuverable and capable than their early counterparts, due in part to a single rear axle configuration, longer reach and a higher-powered engine.

According to the National Fire Protection Association and The Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, a modern quint must have:

The main benefit of a quint fire apparatus is flexibility. The quint offers a multifaceted tool that can respond to the fire ground and initiate critical support to match the requirements of the emergency.

With a quint fire truck, you have the capability of a ladder truck and pumper engine. As such, the vehicle can lead the initial fire attack while carrying much of the equipment needed by the department, such as an aerial device, water, hose, ground ladders and more.

In addition to emergency response versatility, the quint can also help fire departments save money. The ability to package both a ladder and pumper engine together means that a fire department can buy one vehicle instead of two.

But keep in mind, there is more to consider than just the firefighting tools at your disposal. Determining if a quint fire truck is right for your department starts with understanding your department's needs and mission as well as the personnel available to operate the apparatus.

Before deciding if a quint is right for your department and what type of quint you need, it’s important to analyze the needs of the department, including:

By determining the functionality and tools you require, your fire department can understand if a quint is the best option to meet the needs of your community.

Another vital issue to keep in mind is staffing. Just because a quint combines a ladder truck and pumper engine functions doesn’t mean a department can accomplish all those things at once with a four-person crew. It’s important to adequately staff the apparatus so that all tasks can be accomplished safely. And remember, crew members will need to be cross-trained in both engine and ladder company functions.

Additionally, it’s important to know your geographical region. A test drive can help you determine how the various models will operate in your coverage area. Focus on the tallest structures and areas where the buildings are set back farthest from the road. Consider the space you’ll need for maneuvering and how much reach is required. These considerations will help you design and develop the best unit for your department.

The Eau Claire Fire & Rescue aerial quint fire truck in an Ascendant® 110’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Platform featuring an Enforcer™ chassis. It includes a Husky 3 foam system, a Pierce PUC™ Midship pump and a 500-gallon water tank with the ability to pump 1500 GPM.

The Southlake Department of Public Safety aerial quint fire truck is a 100’ Heavy-Duty Steel Aerial Platform with a Detroit Diesel DD13 engine. The apparatus includes a Hale Midship pump, a Husky™ 12 foam system and a 300-gallon water tank that can pump 2000 GPM.

The Newtown Square Fire Company No.1 aerial truck is a 105’ Heavy-Duty Steel Aerial Ladder on an Enforcer™ chassis. The quint fire truck includes a Hale Midship pump and a 500-gallon water tank that can pump 2000 GPM.

If you decide to purchase a quint fire truck, Pierce Manufacturing is here to meet your needs. Our flexible options will help you acquire the truck that is best for your department, while our 24/7 service and aftermarket support will help keep the truck in top shape for the life of your apparatus. The quint is available on all Pierce custom chassis, except the Saber, and it can be tailored to Pierce’s 75-foot, 100-foot, 105-foot and 107-foot aerial ladder product lines. Pierce developed the 107-foot aerial ladder to increase the horizontal reach to over 100 feet, giving staff a full operational advantage when fighting fires with larger setbacks while still meeting the equipment requirements for a quint. Quint trucks are also available with both rear-mount platform and mid-mount platforms. 

All quint options have an Ice Rating of up to 0.25".

At Pierce, we are proud to offer the quint to meet the requirements of fie departments across the country and around the world. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss your department’s operational goals and help you find the right quint for your community.

Do you have any additional questions about quints? Let us know in the comments!

Posted: Aug 10, 2021 8:00:00 AM by Pierce Mfg.

Topics: Products, Customers, Pierce Manufacturing, Inc., Dealerships

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

At Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), we make innovative, mission-critical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs more than 14,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common cause: to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG®, Pierce®, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™, Oshkosh® Airport Products, London™ and Pratt Miller. For more information, visit oshkoshcorp.com.

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