Fire Truck Manufacturing: Inside the Largest Factory | FD Engineering

[@BW12149]

I spent the last 12 years of my 48 year career as a firefighter/EMT writing fire apparatus bid specifications. I had to deal with the sales representatives and the manufacturers who were aware the various bids. We had one Quint that was being delivered that blew up its diesel engine long before arriving. We had so much trouble getting it repaired and delivered that it became what we nicely term it our “ shop queen”. It wasn’t a Pierce. After that we went with Pierce exclusively because the actual build and after the sale service was superb. What goes in to fire apparatus is extensive and with updated safety requirements Pierce always met and exceeded the requirements and we never had any defects. They put lots of effort into making everything right and then lots of testing before it leaves the factory. The great part of Pierce is that they build everything, from the frame up. The diesel engines and transmissions are not built there, but they have to meet the stringent requirements the fire service demands. If the frame isn’t right, then the truck will have problems.

[@rp1645]

Thank you for being a worker at the custom built Fire rigs factory 😊❤ People wonder "WHY" a Fire engine costs are so expensive, it's simple all hand on work. No massive assembly lines.

[@justanotheraviator2357]

Honestly the only downside is that its damn near 3 to 4 years for a new truck now!

[@rp1645]

@@justanotheraviator2357 Is that when the Department Rig committee sits down and design what the Rig should be set up too. Or is that the build time. There is so much human hand work done on them. Just like a custom built very expensive sports car. Just asking. I remember spending Hours with the Chief about how the radio should be mounted on the dash or mounted from roof Inside the cab.

[@justanotheraviator2357]

​@@rp1645 wait time with a spec sheet in hand. I forget who the mfg (probably Spartan) was but I believe they're all doing it.

[@rp1645]

@@justanotheraviator2357 Thank you for the comments. It's interesting that you say Spartan. I am in the purchase stages of a 1989 Spartan Gladiator pumper I am going to buy. It has a big crack on the Tank to the pump valve. ( Am going to fix) Everything works on her. It is an Allison Automatic with a 92 Series DD with turbo. The ladder rack is a hydraulic swing down from top of compartment Both sides of the body were spec. Out to be a full height compartment. It has an enclosed 4 person jump seats with air pack holders. The first thing I will do is remove the officer seat air pack. Set up. My wife hates that set up in the seat for her when riding ( she is the Admiral And also is a money financial boss. So I must keep her happy. My dog ( blaze) loves sitting on the engine cover between us, looking out the front window. It's really his Fire Engine 🚒

[@moniquemcpherson6927]

This was the original video I saw about Pierce. Thanks for editing and reloading this. I remember seeing the original video in pieces, and now it's all together. I tip my "helmet" to all men and women who serve in the fire service. ❤

[@mattfoley4654]

Amazing that firetrucks are built to better standards than a Boeing aircraft. :/

[@freezerguy]

I’d even go so far as to say a wheelbarrow is built to higher standards than Boeing is currently using.

[@moniquemcpherson6927]

This goes to show you how seriously firefighters take safety. They don't fool around about profit over safety.

[@waqasrasool6494]

🖐👎

[@moniquemcpherson6927]

@@mattfoley4654 To all firefighters everywhere, thank you for the tough job you do. The Firefighters Prayer says it best. 👨‍🚒

[@DMSparky]

Not even remotely close to the build quality of any jet liner literally ever built

[@muzaaaaak]

Made in America. Lots of respect for these skilled workers. Beautiful finished trucks.

[@davidcerullo7976]

Why are the music and the background effects so loud? I cannot hear the narrator.

[@RealJeep]

I have been to that factory a few times doing acceptance checks. Only factory I have ever seen where you can walk around and pester the employees and they will answer every question. Super nice people at Pierce!

[@johnnester2340]

Use the scrap panels from laser cutouts as fence panels. Sell them for more than selling them for scrap.

[@MUCKFOOT399]

ok

[@Waterboy831]

This is the second video i have seen of the Pierce fire truck factory and i have to say it truly is a work of art that these men and women build every day. Great pride and detail goes into all these trucks they build. Its funny how now when im out driving around and see a fire truck, i always make it a point to look and see what kind it is. 😁 🚒🚨 🇺🇸 💯

[@dscott130]

Wow! That was one MASSIVE advertisement! 😂

[@larrygriffin3171]

Love the Pierce products.. Dash, Arrow xt aerial, was two I personally worked on.. also the budget friendly contender. Great support and parts availability

[@steakandkidney3142]

Size and maneuverability issues make these the greatest fire appliances in the world.

[@2010zagadka]

Actually, the contrary is true. US firetrucks consistently lose to firetrucks from the rest of the world in maneuverability. They are simply to big.

[@Jimterrero44]

Just want to point.. it's not the fire truck that puts out the fire and rescues the victims, it's the men and women put on the uniform. Thank a firefighter when you get a chance.

[@robertbissonnette4411]

Wow pretty interesting

[@charlesharnois3684]

My Department Operates 3 Pierce Trucks, Simply The Best!

[@chakagillis]

Not even close

[@balongride3169]

Amazing fire truck 🇺🇸 👌👍👍💕

[@cidworks8711]

A truck that hauls freedom fuel is my type of truck.

[@shermanhatch2716]

My favorite chassis are the velocity and the saber from pierce

[@Tully3674]

Nearly an hour of Pierce advertisement.

[@LucasDrabek-km3hj]

The best truck plant in Wisconsin 😊and know a few firefighters myself

[@asyahrilz]

respect firemen, they come to save people

[@mitchellbliss3828]

Wait so your telling me that's gold on every Pierce fire truck across America??? Hmm....

[@bb2fr253]

If you want, go see the KZbin video "how firefighters kill" by "not just bike" it is really really interesting and make you rethink many things as a firefighter

[@kere1188]

can’t belive how many comments there are complaining about metric beeing used. First, wyd by it’s made in america so imperial should be used, however produces the doc can choose. Moreover, i hope one day all of u complaining ever research about metric system and why it’s way better ;)

[@oahubro]

Would be nice to see a newer version of this documentary. You know its old once they mention still outfitting trucks with Series 60 and Caterpillar motors.

[@danielmkubacki]

So cool!

[@chandrachurniyogi8394]

strongly recommend a documentary on the European Rosenbauer fire truck manufacturer . . . PHEV hybrid is the future of next generation fire trucks . . . a 568 bhp 12.4 TDI I6 backed up by a 183 kW battery pack . . .

[@NatitleAlexander]

bring and help use build our largest factery fire🔥 truck factory to My country of Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹

[@toddsimpson9164]

I did I.T. for Emergency-One (aka E-One) factory in Ocala FL back in 1999, they do the same but their separate factories are in different parts of the city.

[@kevinvoeks7422]

Go Pack!

[@vdub1955]

= 💯💯💯‼️

[@KOBIELWOODS]

Good job......

[@ET_Explorer]

Pierce seems to be an all male workforce.

[@jack333p]

very interesting

[@LatitudeSky]

The Jim Cutler sound-alike narrator is cracking me up. It's like such a blatant knockoff but at the same time, like knockoff shoes that are both left feet only. In other words, this guy is no Jim Cutler. Y'all should have just hired the real voice.

[@mham1330]

The Firemen and women should not be earning less money than someone flipping burgers at a fast food joint.

[@Scooter3333333333333]

Now, show us the fire trucks build in this decade, not these ancient models

[@josephbennett3482]

These models are the ones still built today , they have never changed their design except for the front nose design of some.

[@malice6081]

We have a 2020 model at my station. They just never change the overall look of the trucks as American firefighting is a lot of tradition mixed with improvements. Our helmets have stayed the same general shape for tradition and our trucks have stayed the same general shape after American Lafrance came out with the cabover design for fire trucks.

[@Unknown_Ooh]

They're still built the same 😂

[@washingtonstatebodycam]

They will all be electric

[@deanthonymims3095]

Magnificent 🫡 43:59 very detailed talented

[@ClareHuyck]

I enjoyed your program, I worked in the U.S 39 years 23 as a Heavy Duty Mechanic so I understand what was being done. But why have you started using Metrics instead of standard U.S. measurements. We have not crossed the Ocean to Europe.

[@bonnaventuremwela9859]

Please don't flame me in the comments. I'm just curious about the size of the fire trucks, because the is a video on KZbin talking about American Fire trucks being too huge. On top of that, roads need to be too wide for them to fit. In other words they cause more harm than good.The have to reduce their size to smaller fire Trucks like their counterparts in Europe and Asian countries. I DIDN'T SAY SO, it's the Narrator of that video. The channel is (NOT JUST BIKES) and the title is..."How American Fire Departments are Getting People Killed). On top of that, most people in the comments including Fire fighters agree. So anyone watching this video, what are your thoughts??

[@MUCKFOOT399]

I make the brackets that hold the mirrors on my cousins car, and his friends neighbor makes the heater vent luvers.

[@mhodge2752]

Cool video, but y'all need some subject matter vetting. Pretty sure the water tank isn't wholly housed in the pump house💁🏼‍♂️

[@ronwade2206]

Loud Rock Music Too!? 🎸 🔊📽️

[@CynthiaBaidoo-d6v]

Welcome Home Ghana Accra Kotoka International airport and Nigeria Abuja to meet Father and mother Steve and Cynthia Baidoo Crown, Thanks

[@hishamw6755]

I love that the US thinks that it has the gold standard or best in the world 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@webdev217]

No Country on Earth would say hey our stuff sucks.. we solely depend on country X for our stuff.

[@spencer72567]

I'm surprised the frame rails are not fully boxed with the cross members thru welded and from the video it looks like the rear brakes are drum brakes. It's 2024 not 1970.

[@snakeinthegrass7443]

This was great but where are the hoses? Are they coming on another truck? I didn't even see a hose to hook to the hydrant.

[@sr6894]

They come from someone else.

[@Trashman702]

Trucks don’t carry hose. Engines do

[@LatitudeSky]

The end purchasing departments have their own standards about the gear they want to carry. So a new apparatus will be delivered to the purchasing department and then their maintenance staff will outfit it with tools, hoses, radios, and other equipment to the department's standards. All of that is done after delivery.

[@rp1645]

​@@Trashman702 I knew someone would say what your comment means. I have been corrected on comments when I use the "Term" Fire truck. I started just writing "RIG" as a standard term. I OWN a 1971 SeaGrave ( Fire ENGINE) And looking to buy a 1980 SPARTAN. I use them for showing at events. The Spartan is neat, the whole cab raises forward tilt, to expose the 92 Series DD. Whole engine is fully accessible 😊

[@saltyhumansWX]

Pierce used to be the Caddy of firetrucks, but have gone down hill in the last 5 years...

[@chakagillis]

It's closer to 15. They have definitely been going downhill in quality.

[@alvinsterk2918]

Loved the video but more inches and feet and less metrics

[@ryanthompson180]

And this company charges 20 percent more than other apparatus building companies screw pierce they sucj

[@Trashman702]

Quality don’t come cheap

[@malice6081]

Quality doesn’t come cheap, if we want something we trust to work every single time a tone goes out we will gladly pay the extra price

[@chakagillis]

Charge more but the quality has gone into the toilet over the last decade. They are simply living off of the good ol boys and riding their name. These days there are much better options out there

[@ryanthompson180]

@@malice6081 to be honest the quality just is t there anymore and I seen other manufacturers outlast the expectation’s of pierce it’s just not the same and you expect fire companies to wait 3-4 years for a engine to be built when you can go to other manufacturers that have it done in 8-10 months

[@tysonb1486]

I was shocked to see they use body filler. That's a crappy manufacturing job I think.

[@malice6081]

Well remember how large these panels are, they are handmade they will have tolerance. It’s not an inch thick layer it’s a skim coat to make it perfect like how you’d do on a car you’re doing a paint job on.

[@Muddybagclean]

Jesus Loves You

[@charlesgreco6964]

Good old American know how.

[@Trashman702]

Why are you taking in meters and liters when covering American trucks manufactured in America? So annoying

[@malice6081]

It’s most likely because it’s how engineering documents are written. They get written in metric because it’s smaller units of measurement so it’s a bit more precise. When it’s outside of engineeeing it’s all in imperial units but yeah welcome to the world of engineering

[@LatitudeSky]

The show was produced in Canada. It's too bad Americans hate the metric system. It's far more logical, scientific and organized than the Imperial system.

[@thomasswearingen6971]

So when I was in kindergarten metric was going to replace imperial. 40 years later and we still don't understand metric. You say that it's simple and I still have to use imperial to understand what is going on with the metric stuff. If you understand what all imperial measures are based on then they make more sense than metric. How did you get cm,mm, m and things. Inch, foot and yard are all things that you can measure without anything more than your own body. I think that is why we are still using it and will continue to use it. So how do I measure metric with my body?

[@jamesburnette4120]

Had to stop watching. No metric for me.

[@ayushthefriend]

Lol do you want democracy per 🥪😋

[@robertbissonnette4411]

Since some police department has a pink patrol car for cancer awareness why don't the fire department one a pink fire truck

[@josephbennett3482]

Some fire departments do have pink apparatus , there's some departments that have pink , purple, blue , orange , yellow, green ,black..... the color of fire apparatus aren't restricted to just red only , a department can choose what color they want.

[@chanragutmorya]

हिंदी video बनावो सर

[@David-yy7lb]

Why can't you use inches MPH,LBS, FT and gallons for units of measurements

[@josephbennett3482]

Because this show is available to other countries not just the US , and since other countries don't use MPH , LBS, and FT for measurements they choose to use the opposite.

[@David-yy7lb]

@@josephbennett3482 Well since the video was made in the U.S. the narrator should have used the imperial system who cares what other countries use make them do the conversion

[@fuorisagoma]

As Italian I can say the same you

[@tonybevilacqua2266]

I would agree don't use metric in the videos we use it any other time

[@matstarcher7630]

Welcome to America. Whats with the metric system. The cross barrs are probably 13 inches 😂

[@markconner6078]

Stop talking in metric! The company is in the USA! We use the English measuring system! Not metric

[@webdev217]

Are you sure?

[@denisduford5351]

There is more metric in the world. Stuck up American

[@edwardross4767]

This was terrible. Here we have a US made product in a US factory and you are talking meters and liters. Here we talk gallons and feet.

[@fuorisagoma]

Because it has to be comprehensible by allora over the world

[@edwardross4767]

@@fuorisagoma We are talking about American fire trucks.

[@fuorisagoma]

@@edwardross4767 and so? It's forbidden to see it overseas?

[@charliepress6629]

Very nice video, but it would have been even better without the metric measurements. Just saying...

[@kokusnussen]

Whats going on? I hear lots of metic units, no freedom Units

[@davidstratton9161]

Talk with US measurements not metric

[@vonmcmullen619]

Quality of a Pierce sucks,great parade peace only!

[@retrostarmusic]

Was this video made by Europeans? Everything in meters and kilograms.

[@stanthurman9008]

So sick of hearing metrics and meters here in America ! Sad !

[@nils1953]

Still busy being Britains little kid?

[@khairulhamdan7073]

ADD BAHASA MALAYSIA LOLL..

[@jespermadsen7436]

Dinosaur😂😂👎💭

[@mrfixit7047]

factories are in Appleton, WI (87.5% white) and Bradenton, FL(60% white). I was wondering where the minority employees were. I apply there to be the first minority.

[@BoerneEmergencyResponse]

Racist

[@mrfixit7047]

@@BoerneEmergencyResponse observation and goal setting

[@BoerneEmergencyResponse]

@@mrfixit7047 BS we All know White people created this country

[@deanthonymims3095]

Wow magnificent 12:46 design

[@deanthonymims3095]

28:54 🫡 magnificent system

[@jackgibsxxx0750]

~7:15+.... I hope that is a demo. No FD should ever drive like that!!!