The fleet manager must always monitor productivity, quality control, and profitability in cases where the fleet is commercial. Cost effectiveness, whether the fleet belongs to a fire department or is an over-the-road (OTR) private operation, is the name of the game.
When faced with these problems, use common sense and certified technicians and remember to involve the OEM and manufacturer as much as possible, especially with safety-related systems such as brakes, steering, and aerial devices before performing modifications you deem necessary
A good and thorough pretrip inspection by qualified operators will go a long way toward preventing most vehicle fires.
A failure that causes an accident that takes lives or a response time that was lengthened because of a breakdown can result in lawsuits that can typically be very costly. The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) can be held responsible and needs to ensure PM is being carried out to standards and is adequate.
There have also been very important and significant changes in drum and disc brake friction (linings) material over the years and how they function that many may not be aware of that require changes to service procedures.
One of the worst situations an emergency response vehicle (ERV) driver/operator can find himself in, when called on to respond to an emergency, is when an engine won't start because the batteries are low or dead.
In December 2012, I wrote an article titled "Battery Management for Emergency Vehicles" that was basically about charging systems and how important it is to keep batteries properly charged and maintained in emergency response vehicles (ERVs).
Sometime around the beginning of June this year, the Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission (EVTCC) will be offering certification exams for drivers and operators of emergency response vehicles (ERVs).
The fluid many of us refer to as the lifeblood of the engine or motor continues to evolve rapidly to meet ever-changing engine manufacturer requirements.
The steering systems found in most heavy-duty fire apparatus and rescue trucks or emergency response vehicles (ERVs) have not changed much in the past 40 years.