By Bill Adams

What can possibly cost more than $15,000 that could decrease a pump’s efficiency by 50 percent, require the purchase of heavier front axle components, increase the overall length of an apparatus, and add more than two feet to a rig’s wall-to-wall turning radius?

It’s a suction inlet on the front bumper of a commercial chassis fire apparatus. Front suction inlets are not common on commercial chassis apparatus and when specified probably should be job-specific. Regardless of whether it is called a front steamer, a front suction, or a front inlet, purchasers should specify if its intended purpose is solely for drafting or will always be used as an inlet supplied by a pressurized water source or both. Defining the purpose of the inlet can help vendors in recommending a layout. There can be a substantial difference in pricing.

There is no intent to disparage fire departments that use front suctions on commercial chassis. A common scenario is in rural settings where the only available water is carried on the apparatus to the scene. Additional water tanked in is usually stored in portable ponds where it’s drafted by the attack apparatus. It is a local decision whether a rig drafts from the sides, front, rear, or any combination thereof. It is one that should be periodically evaluated. Vendors are remiss if they do not inform potential customers of the available front suction options; their costs and advantages; and, just as important, any disadvantages. Fire departments can be equally remiss if they fail to investigate all options. An ideal time to evaluate firematic procedures is just prior to purchasing a new rig. Vendors must use care to not alienate potential purchasers when discussing fireground tactics. Purchasers should be receptive to new ideas and changes.

Grant Spencer, vice president of Spencer Manufacturing; Grady North, product manager at E-ONE; Mike Watts, national sales manager at Toyne; and Jim Kirvida, president and owner of CustomFIRE provided insight on the subject. The prices quoted by the manufacturers are approximate. They are ballpark figures an OEM’s representative could give potential customers. Attendees at trade shows asking for the price of a very basic installation may be perplexed later at the final price when all the desired options are made known and factored in.

The vendors agreed that there are numerous options and unknown factors that require clarification to provide a single price. According to North, “There are too many variables to quote pricing.” S