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Category: Pierce Mfg

Pierce Initiates NHTSA Recall On Pitman Arms

Release Date : October 10, 2007

October 11, 2007, APPLETON, Wis., —  Pierce Manufacturing Inc., North America’s largest manufacturer of fire and rescue apparatus, announced it will be conducting a NHTSA Safety Recall covering Pierce® custom chassis with independent front suspension for the model years 2001-2007.  In particular, the pitman arms installed on the suspension system manufactured from December 20, 2001 through December 31, 2006 need to be replaced. Pierce will begin a field replacement beginning on October 8, 2007, and anticipates completing it by August 2008. Customers of affected units are being notified through Pierce and its dealer network.

Pierce has identified the condition (in the absence of an obstacle) to cause the damage in the pitman arm. The condition requires a full cramp in all instances, and at slow speeds:

      1. At full cramp, drive one wheel INTO and OVER or AGAINST a curb.
      2. At full cramp, drive in reverse AND brake hard in a PANIC stop.
      3. Dry steer to full cramp while applying service brake.

Pierce has had only three breaks without any apparent previous hard strikes against an object (out of a total of more than 2,600 units with 5,200 total pitman arms). The breaks in the pitman arm have all occurred during slow speed maneuvering at full cramp.

“Our goal is to complete repairs in all identified units by August 2008. We see no valid reason to take an affected unit out of service,” said Wilson Jones, Pierce Manufacturing, president. “To ensure that apparatus drivers remain safe, Pierce is asking fire departments to instruct their drivers not to drive over curbs with the front wheels turned full left or right.” When the wheels are pointed straight or the unit is driving on roads, the stress level is low, which is the reason why it is safe to operate an apparatus at normal road speeds in normal manner.

Pierce will replace all the pitman arms on the vehicles subject to the recall with new arms made of thicker and stronger material.  The new pitman arms are being installed in all independent suspensions on vehicles manufactured since January 1, 2007.

“Pierce recommends that Pierce dealers perform the replacement work,” added Jones. “We are providing dealers with the necessary tool and replacement kits and instructions. Otherwise, Pierce Customer Service will work with fire departments to determine who will do the work.” Any questions on affected apparatus should be directed to the local Pierce dealer or to Pierce customer service.

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NYSE: OSK], is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. Products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, minipumpers, elliptical tankers, and homeland security apparatus. In addition, Pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce the Side Roll Protection™ System to fire apparatus. To learn more about Pierce, visit www.piercemfg.com.

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Nov 07, 2007 | 0 comments View Post

Pierce Launches Newly Designed Web Site

Release Date : September 7, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 5, 2007, APPLETON, Wis., —  Pierce Manufacturing Inc., North America’s leading manufacturer of fire and rescue apparatus, launched a newly designed corporate Web site, on-line at www.piercemfg.com.  The site showcases all of the Pierce innovative product line up offerings — including the recently launched Velocity™ and Impel™ chassis — safety features such as the industry’s first frontal air bags, and new customer deliveries.  The site also includes direct links to the Contender® by Pierce and Pierce Homeland Security Web sites.

The new Pierce Web site meets the needs of fire fighters searching for apparatus information.  Navigation through the site has been designed for easier click-through to locate the Pierce dealer network faster, or find information on aftermarket parts, accessories and service centers. Pierce Gear™ — the Pierce clothing and merchandise section — provides greater e-commerce capabilities to order merchandise and collectibles. The History section was enhanced with more information and photography, and the Career sections provides an easier on-line application process.

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NYSE: OSK], is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. Products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, minipumpers, elliptical tankers, and homeland security apparatus. In addition, Pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce the Side Roll Protection system to fire apparatus. To learn more about Pierce, visit www.piercemfg.com.

Nov 07, 2007 | 0 comments View Post

PIERCE – Debuts PUC

New Pierce offering eliminates pumphouse in fire apparatus
Pierce® PUC Modernizes Fire Apparatus Design

The Pierce® PUC debuts in April 2007.
 

April 19, 2007, APPLETON, Wis. – Today Pierce Manufacturing Inc., North America’s leading manufacturer of fire and rescue apparatus, unveiled its newest product – the PUC – at the Fire Department Instructor’s Conference in Indianapolis. The Pierce Ultimate Configuration (PUC) dramatically changes the way the fire service configures apparatus by removing the bulky pumphouse without compromising fire fighting capabilities.The PUC is an industry-changing multi-purpose response vehicle. Pierce considers it to be the biggest news the fire apparatus industry has seen since the invention of the custom chassis.

“Some may find it hard to imagine that you can actually design a truck without the bulky pumphouse. By making better use of this space, the PUC will change how fire fighters do their job better and safer, and has the potential to change the industry,” said John Randjelovic, president of Pierce Manufacturing. To develop this product, Pierce conducted industry research to deliver what fire departments said they wanted and needed in a first response vehicle.

The five most significant benefits of the PUC for fire fighters include:

  • Easier to use
  • Easier to stay safer
  • Easier to store more
  • Easier to service and maintain
  • Easier to maneuverIn addition to eliminating the bulky pumphouse, the PUC features a simplified two-step pump shift operation. It also positions the pump operator next to hose connections rather than over them, and the pump panel is redesigned for easier use. Hosebeds, crosslays and ladder access are lowered for better ergonomic use. The entire pump system is also located above the frame for easier and quicker service and maintenance. With a shortened wheelbase for improved maneuverability (as low as 172”*), the PUC also provides up to 500 cubic-feet of storage.*“The PUC is a dramatic improvement to fire fighting apparatus design. By eliminating the pumphouse, departments can use that extra space and room for equipment and gear,” said Randjelovic. “It provides many benefits to fire fighters and municipalities with a safer two-step pump operation and easier maintenance, which means the truck spends more time on the frontline than in a service bay.”

    The PUC, with patent-pending technology, is available on Pierce custom chassis, has a tank capacity of up to 1,600 gal., a pump range of up to 1,500 gpm, a 6-year standard warranty on the pump, a compartment load rating to 500 pounds each, and a 10-year structural warranty. Wheelbase offerings come in 172” to 212” (depending on body size and chassis).

    * dependent on body size and chassis.

    Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NYSE: OSK], is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. Products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, minipumpers, elliptical tankers, and homeland security apparatus. In addition, Pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce the Side Roll Protection™ System to fire apparatus. To learn more about Pierce, visit www.piercemfg.com.

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    • Apr 19, 2007 | 0 comments View Post
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