There is great excitement about the new Cat 10 pumper. Engineering Services Manager, Andrew Canderle here explains some of the reasons for the excitement. The technical name for the pumper is the ‘urban appliance Category 10’ and it was developed to replace the old Category 11 truck. Those familiar with the Cat 11 will feel very at home on this new and improved version, given the layout is almost identical, however, that is where the similarities end. Innovative and useful new features have made their way onto the Cat 10 and are sure to impress those lucky enough to use it. The improvements were incorporated following a comprehensive review of the Cat 11. The new Cat 10 has been broadly accepted as one of best trucks ever developed by Engineering Services and many are eagerly awaiting their chance to jump on board. It is being built in mid-2016 and is available for brigades to order.
Pumping and capacity
Cab Chassis
The tank can hold 2,000 litres of water and is is fitted with a power take-off pump capable of delivering 2,000 litres per minute at 1,100 kPa with an electric primer.
Members will find the new cab easier to access because it sits closer to the ground. This also means firefighters will have safer access to the cab and better access to the body stowage than the previous 4 x 4 version. For those interested in the finer engineering details: the new cab chassis is a 4 x 2 Isuzu FTR 900. This also makes for safer on-road manoeuvrability and handling.
The Cat 10 is fitted with a 100 litre foam tank filled using the Hale ez-fill foam transfer pump and an electric rewind hose reel (with auto hose lay) has 40 metres of high pressure hose. With no shortage of useful features, the new Cat 10 may indeed have earnt the label ‘best truck ever built’. You be the judge.
Auto transmission The engine and transmission are matched to provide better use of the available torque and horsepower. It is fitted with an ‘Allison five speed automatic transmission’ and those familiar with a Cat 6 will recognise the hydraulic transmission retarder.
External power Another impressive feature of the new truck is an external power supply and on-board wiring for charging portable devices and radios. This will be an excellent addition when crews are on the road, or even at the station.
Easy access to Positive Pressure Ventilator
Slide out to access standpipes
Generator and Portable pump access
Extinguishers on slide out mechanism
Access ladder on slide mount
BUSH FIREbulletin //ENGINEERING 15