Alf Eagle vs. Pierce Saber

[James Reider]

Our department is looking at replacing an engine. Our quotes are in and Pierce is a lot higher on quotes. Alf Eagle meets or exceeds all parts of our spec. The Saber meets the bottom end of our specs. I need some information on the two rigs. What is good about each truck and what isn't. Any problems with the rigs, service, etc. I already know and have researched the Detroit issue and realized it was a maintaince issue.

------------------


[This message has been edited by James Reider (edited 05-05-2001).]

[TCFire]

We own a 1999 ALF Eagle chassis/General Safety pumper, took delivery in August of 1999. Overall, up to this point, it's been a good truck. We have the shorter cab rather than the 148". We preferred it after looking at HME and Spartan, although there is nothing wrong with either. It cost more than the others, but so far it's been money well spent. The initial paint job was average, had some nasty orange peel on the back of the cab. Had to take it to have the back repainted at a local dealer. Mechanically it's been sound, one minor problem with a pressure switch that was affecting the hydraulic generator, resolved by removing the switch (with manufacturer blessing). Also had an odd engine stalling problem that was resolved by our local Cummins dealer. Right now it's at our local ALF dealer getting some self-inflicted paint damage repaired. They found some minor problems that will be corrected under warranty (minor corrosion starting under the doghouse, insulation glue problem under the doghouse, replacement of the 'door open' light in the cab).

Don't have any first hand experience with Pierce. I don't believe there are many Pierce users in Niagara County where I am located. Adjacent Erie County, including the City of Buffalo, has quite a few Pierce users.

[EFDems841]

My dept just took delivery of a Pierce Saber 4X4 in March. We love it. The area I'm in is predominatly a pierce area. This is our 6th pierce in the dept. Any questions about it, just email me. You can see pics of it at www.geocities.com/egremontfd/engine1.html
We got the raised cab to protect the hydraulic ladder rack. Instead of having a 6 man cab, we got rid of the 2 forward facing seats in the rear and put in a cabinet for our med supplies

[This message has been edited by EFDems841 (edited 05-03-2001).]