SPARTAN VS HME CHASSIS

[fire boy 038]

OUR DEPARMENT HAS RECENTLY HAD BOTH CHASSIS AT OUR FIRE HOUSE AND STILL CANNOT CHOSE WHAT TRUCK TO BUILD OUR BODY ON.IF ANY ONE HAS A IDEAL OR COMMENT ON THIS PROBLEM I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU .
THANKS FOR HELP
TOM BRUNELLE
KINGSBURY HOSE CO 1

[Older&Wiser]

Niether... Whenever you mix manufacturers (i,e, someones body on anothers chassis) you are opening up yourself to a myriad of problems and finger pointing if something malfunctions or breaks down in the future. It's ALWAYS the other guys equipment that caused the problem... Although there are always exceptions, it's best to stick with a single manufacturer that builds the body, cab, and chassis.

[LtStick]

I'm inclined to agree with Older&Wiser on this one. Your better off with someone who builds the whole truck rather than a Chassis from one and a fire body from someone else. There are always exceptions but, I think that its best to go with a single manufactory. It definitely simplifies warranty issues. Good Luck with whatever your department decides on

[13thFireDog]

I wouldnt be so quick to rush to the previous statements. Saulsbury has probably been known as the "Highest" quality fire apperatus builder for sometime and I dont recall them building there own Chassy.
There are plenty of quality independent body builders out there. You just have to be care full in how you spec your rig and understand how to write your spec.
A big problem can be making your spec's to specific or not looking at other manufactures equally. Its better to spend a little extra time in the begaining looking at a number of manufactures before a decision is made or you might be stuck making comprimises that you didnt intend to make.
"WLTDO"

[Fyresq50]

Get a Pierce now, instead of wishing you did later.

There are 2 kinds of fire apparatus. There are Pierce's, and those that wish they were Pierce's

Jim

[johnusn971]

Originally posted by 13thFireDog:
I wouldnt be so quick to rush to the previous statements. Saulsbury has probably been known as the "Highest" quality fire apperatus builder for sometime and I dont recall them building there own Chassy.
There are plenty of quality independent body builders out there. You just have to be care full in how you spec your rig and understand how to write your spec.
A big problem can be making your spec's to specific or not looking at other manufactures equally. Its better to spend a little extra time in the begaining looking at a number of manufactures before a decision is made or you might be stuck making comprimises that you didnt intend to make.
"WLTDO"

[johnusn971]

Originally posted by 13thFireDog:
I wouldnt be so quick to rush to the previous statements. Saulsbury has probably been known as the "Highest" quality fire apperatus builder for sometime and I dont recall them building there own Chassy.
There are plenty of quality independent body builders out there. You just have to be care full in how you spec your rig and understand how to write your spec.
A big problem can be making your spec's to specific or not looking at other manufactures equally. Its better to spend a little extra time in the begaining looking at a number of manufactures before a decision is made or you might be stuck making comprimises that you didnt intend to make.
"WLTDO"

Eh. Our Rescue Companies are using HME/Saulsbury rigs since '96. They break down often, and are the Dept. is considering replacing all five, again.

PS- Sorry for the double post, hit the wrong key.

Doc DC3

[This message has been edited by johnusn971 (edited 03-11-2001).]

[M G]

This is a classic example of why it can be a waste of time to post inquiries here. The man would like to know which chassis is better, he didn't ask about Pierce or any of that other crap. Will someone just tell him about their expierences with HME and Spartan chassis!!

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The information presented herein is simply my opinion and does not represent the opinion or view of my employer(s) or any department/agency to which I belong.

[LadderPipe]

My Department has 4 HME/Smeal engines. THey are 2-1/2 years old. Although there were minor kinks in them, which were fixed quickly,they have been good rigs.The turning radius is outstanding. My city (pop-200,000)is very hilly, and our rigs get beat up pretty good running around. We were a 100% Mack MC department until they went out. So far so good with the HME. I seem to like them.(Although I rather have Seagrave). Hope this helps....Stay Safe!!

[redrocket]

I would definately stay away from the HME chasis. I have seen many of them and they are junk. Cab mounts break, broken frames, and the list goes on.

[Fyresq50]

>"This is a classic example of why it can be a waste of time to post inquiries here. The man would like to know which chassis is better, he didn't ask about Pierce or any of that other crap. Will someone just tell him about their expierences with HME and Spartan chassis!!"<

You are kinda missing the point. This is a forum. A place to post opinions and share experiences, not just one or the other. If you do not like my reply, just say so, but unless you are the moderator of this forum, do not tell me how to post.

Jim

[pwc606]

I think if I HAD to go with either I would go with the Spartan. They offer different chassis at varying prices to meet your budget needs. The Gladiator will start about 140k I think. That is the top of the line model. I think it come standard with the 460 HP engine. It has been awhile since I had to price them. The Metro Star is about 100k. Again these are older figures, 1999 to be more accurate, so they are a little off.
As for me and mine, sorry MG we are Pierce all the way.

[Neptune 33]

When we were building our new engine, we had HME, Spartan, Pierce, and Seagrave either visit us, or we visited depts that had them for a while. We found each had there pro's and con's, so I suggest you visit a few departments that had them for a while, ask to look at them, and even take a short ride. We first looked at the Spartan, but we didn't like the turning radius on it, or the engine options. (yes i know, we could've worked around that) they told us they had no major problems, so we considered that. Next we had a Pierce visit us. We rode in that, but we just didn't care for the ride or the comp. room. The turning radius also didn't satisfy us. but again, they could tell us no problems. Next was an HME, we rode in that and found it had a very good turning radius and we found no complaints on it. Finally the Seagrave, yes i like them too, but this one was a lemon. They broke the rear axle on it at least 3 times, and it still isn't fixed right, it drives down the road at a slight angle. but we still listened, and didn't hold this one unit against the company. We knew we would never afford a Pierce (as we are a small volly company) So we then looked at the final three, we liked what HME was offering so it came down to them and Seagrave. The bids came in, and we would have never affored the Seagrave, so the rest is history, we went with an HME/New Lexington, and have had no complaints about it what-so-ever. So, my suggestion is, sit down with your comittee, and list the pros and cons of each, visit or have somemore visit you, and call companies that have had there units for a few years.

Too bad Mack's not in business.......then it would have been easier........

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Neptune 33

[LFD2203]

we have several HME SFO's i think, almost all have had cracks (one broke all the way through) in the a post just above the hinge. they came in a couple of weeks ago and welded a brace across the grille opening.
have 3 spartan glads, the engine cover gives us problems. constant breaking of the alt. bracket on them also.
go with single source.......seems to have a lot less problems, and when you do, the dealers aren't pointing fingers at each other trying to dodge the blame.

[BFD847]

Well we have only been running our Spartans for about a year now. So as far as durability I can not vouch for this yet. But we have been very pleased with there proformance. Maybe a bit underpowered on the low end. Turning radius has worked out for us. But our first out pumper before these was a tandem axle 2000 gallon monster. Did have a few small problems while preparing to put them in service but had no problem between the pumper manufacture (Precisoin Fire Apparatus, Camdeten MO) or Spartan.
Has a 6" raised roof, plenty of room to put you gear on inside.
A/C and heat work great for rehab area
Overall ride not to bad for a fire truck.

Hope this helps you.