Electronic control of aerial devices has been around for several years, and manufacturers have been offering it on many of their products. Yet, there are some departments that still choose manual controls on their aerial rigs. But, aerial makers say that the greater percentage of aerials coming off the production lines today are using electronic aerial controls.

Brett Monahan, aerial specialist for Rosenbauer, says the company has been using its Smart Aerial electronic system to control its aerial ladders and platforms for the past 15 years. “The system uses the sensors that are on the aerials to know where the ladder is located in terms of elevation, extension, and rotation,” Monahan points out. “What we added to the system was removing the limit switch on the outriggers that often clogged with grit and debris and replacing it with a potentiometer that tells the system where the outrigger is located and how far the aerial can go on that side of the truck.”

Monahan points out that the Smart Aerial system controls many other functions on the aerial vehicle, including water flow through the aerial, collision protection that prevents the aerial from striking the truck, and auto bedding of the aerial. “Our advanced controller area network (CAN) electronic system prevents the aerial from damaging the cab and body as well as any additional items protruding off of it, like lights, air conditioners, and hose reels,” he says. The auto bedding function kicks in when the aerial is within 20% fully retracted and less than 20% elevated and rotated.

1 The Rosenbauer Smart Aerial electronic system controls an array of functions on the vehicle. (Photo 1 courtesy of Rosenbauer.)

Rosenbauer also offers a wireless remote that both transmits and receives information, giving the operator continuous readings on key aerial functions. The screen gives the operator a 360-degree view, is highly visible even in bright sunlight, and has backlighting for nighttime operations, Monahan says. The operator can stand up to 500 feet away from the truck and take full command of the rig to set the outriggers; hoist the aerial; and retract, rotate, elevate, and manage the load, he adds.

2 The vast majority of E-ONE’s aerial ladders and platforms are outfitted with its electronic Advanced Aerial Control System. (Photo 2 courtesy of E-ONE.)

Justin Rice, aerial sales manager for E-ONE, says the company uses either its Advanced Aerial Control System (AACS) on its aerial ladders and platforms or, if requested by the fire department, manual controls. “The vast majority of our aerial devices use AACS,” Rice points out. “This system allows the microprocessor to control the aerial better than manual controls and is also a little more forgiving with operators who are not long-time experienced.”

 

Rice notes that E-ONE’s AACS features electric/hydraulic controls, which allow smooth operation of the aerial from the tip to the pump panel. He says the system’s Deluxe AACS features a full-color aerial information display and wireless aerial and outrigger controls. “Body protection and cradle assist are standard,” Rice says, “as well as a feature that allows the operator to select from one of three ramp settings (W ^, and % seconds) as well as a selection of upgrades.”

Chris Breaker, senior sales manager for aerial and electrification products at Pierce Manufacturing Inc., says the electronics that Pierce uses to control it