While the industrial access has been using large truck-mounted aerial platforms for wind turbines and such for a long time, the fire & rescue aerials have been limited to the heights of about 100-135ft. North America fire services commonly use aerial ladders, that tend to have lower heights than the articulated aerial platforms with a solid steel boom as the main structure. Another limiting factor has perhaps been the size of larger, over 200-foot aerials, that can be bulky and difficult to navigate through ordinary city streets. 

Breaking the boundaries of reach

The aerial offering is now radically changing, as Bronto Skylift introduces a 230-foot articulated aerial platform, the Bronto F230RPX, commonly known as The Beast. The working height is 230ft, which is equivalent to 20 floors, and the aerial is compactly mounted on a Mack chassis. The previous maximum height of North American aerials, 135ft, corresponds to about 11 floors. In other words, the F230RPX enables nine floors more vertical reach for fire departments all over North America. 

While there is a big increase to the operational rescue height, the reach can be seen in many different ways. Also the horizontal reach and so called up-and-over are much improved from what has traditionally been offered. Maximum horizontal reach is 105ft, while most of previous models offer less than 90ft. The capability to reach up and over for example the parapet walls and lower roofs is 34ft. Reach below grade from river banks and bridges is about 20ft.

 The first unit was developed, designed, built and delivered in collaboration with 1200 Degrees, an experienced Bronto Skylift partner in Canada. 1200 Degrees will be the local service provider making sure the unit remains safe and ready to serve during the years to come

Versatility for fire and rescue operations

The biggest benefit of an articulated aerial platform is the operational versatility. This is partly enabled by the articulation, that offers versatile reach in all directions, but a big part of the versatility is enabled by the spacious rescue platform with 1000lbs safe load. The platform allows access with a wheelchair or a stretcher and still allows space for the operator and a paramedic. The platform can be equipped with breathing air outlets, as well as hydraulic and electric power outlets for different tools needed during an operation.

There is also an Integrated, corrosion resistant telescopic waterway with 1000GPM capacity, which enables efficient fire fighting without compromising the safety of fire crews – even more so as the platform and the water monitor can be fully remote controlled.

This 230ft aerial platform is mounted on a commercial Mack chassis, which makes the configuration compact and easily maneuverable. As every fire department operates in different environment, the F230RPX and it’s equipment can be tailored to customer needs.

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Posted: Mar 10, 2022

Photo of the Day: March 10, 2022

KME—Muncie (IN) Fire Department walk-in rescue. KME Severe Service XMFD cab and chassis; Cummins X12 500-hp engine; 20-foot 5-inch walk-in rescue body; two Will-Burt NS Vertical 7-25 VRT Sirion light towers; Onan Protec 20-kW generator; Girard armless power awning; four-bottle 6,000-psi cascade system with Appleton Space Saver fill station. Dealer: Jim Castellano, Fire Service Inc., Indianapolis, IN.

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