Snorkel - Who is still using them?

[tomwnh]

Bronto

GTRider245 that is a Bronto not a Snorkel.

[RFDACM02]

GTRider245 that is a Bronto not a Snorkel.

Indeed, if we're expanding into all articulating aerials, I'm betting we can add hundreds to the list.

[rmcatee1]

Not that I'm not interested in the articulating aerials, but I'm more interested in the Snorkel product.

Back when I was still selling apparatus, I had a customer who was interested in a refurb. Because of a possible lack of parts and qualified people to service the device, it limited the life span of the unit. So, the customer opted not to do it.

I'm thinking that these vehicles that we still see in service are the last of the breed. I did find them interesting and useful for their time. But they will be history in the very near future. Much like the steamers.

What do you think?

[jfTL41]

I think Philly still has two on KME chassis.

[GTRider245]

Indeed it is, good catch.

[Rescue101]

Indeed it is, good catch.

Slippage,hehe T.C.

[dano313]

Here is Lawrence, MA's Snorkel off of firenews.org

[npfd801]

Not that I'm not interested in the articulating aerials, but I'm more interested in the Snorkel product.

Back when I was still selling apparatus, I had a customer who was interested in a refurb. Because of a possible lack of parts and qualified people to service the device, it limited the life span of the unit. So, the customer opted not to do it.

I'm thinking that these vehicles that we still see in service are the last of the breed. I did find them interesting and useful for their time. But they will be history in the very near future. Much like the steamers.

What do you think?

I think Rob is right. The problem with the Snorkel line in my opinion is that to re-engineer them to keep up with current competition and standards, for how few are sold, would never make sense financially.

[donethat]

When you at the two pictures it's obvious why the Snorkle product is fading away.
A 100' Bronto that is considerably shorter in road mode than an 85' Snorkle.

[rmcatee1]

I sent a message to ALF asking when the last unit was built and where it went. This is the response I got:

From: Rob McAtee [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2010 11:30 PM
To: Customer Support
Subject: Question about the snorkel

Hello,

I have a question about the snorkel. When was the last unit built and which department purchased it?

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Hi Rob,

There were three 55’ Snorkels built for Chicago IL roughly 10 years ago. I believe these units are still in-service today.

Thanks

Scott D. Hackman

Design Engineer

American LaFrance LLC.

[email protected]

Phone: (717) 859-7321

[LaFireEducator]

Minden, LA is still running a snorkel mounted on a Mack CF chassis.

I've been told it's been in service since the early 80's.

[rmcatee1]

Thank you

To all that responded to my post, thank you! I really do think that we are seeing the end of the Snorkel. Although I will miss her, I do think the fire service is better off. As Joel stated, financially, it just doesn't make sense to do anything more with the concept.

So, my next question: What's next to go?

[Command6]

The multi-stage pump (except in areas that serve high-rises).

C6

[npfd801]

Front mount pumps. I believe Waterous discontinued theirs.

[WoodbridgeFFII]

Seagrave Snorkel

The city of South Amboy, New Jersey has a 1990 Seagrave 85' Snorkel with a 1250gpm pump.