Tower-9, Week 1 Progress Report for 5/20/16
 
By Deputy Fire Chief Steve Stockwell
May 20, 2016
 

As most of you know the Tower-9 has been in line for replacement and this is our first look into the production of the new Tower-9. The Mack has been disassembled and the aerial taken off (also disassembly has started), the cab has hit the production line and is waiting for paint. During this time the new chassis will begin its initial formation while the aerial continues with disassembly, ultrasound (inspecting for any abnormalities, checking welds), the outriggers or "jacks" will be torn down and inspected also. Please stay tuned for more photos in the coming weeks and additional information on the photos below.
 
Units: Tower-9
 
The Mack sits with family... Mack proudly made fire apparatus for over 90 years from around the 1911 to the 2000's. This was taken after removal of the aerial as the front outriggers are gone.
The Mack sits with family... Mack proudly made fire apparatus for over 90 years from around the 1911 to the 2000's. This was taken after removal of the aerial as the front outriggers are gone.
Engine Cover
Engine Cover
 
Cab Driver's Side
Cab Driver's Side
Cab Passengers Side
Cab Passengers Side
 
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Cab facing rearward, as you can see the hole for the scene light in the rear corner.
Cab facing rearward, as you can see the hole for the scene light in the rear corner.
 
Cab facing forward.
Cab facing forward.
Pre-Paint
Pre-Paint
 
Commonly called the Torque Box the Aerial rests on this device. Similar to a tank turret it allows for 360 degrees of travel. The slots on the sides are for the "Tormentors" or Middle Jacks/Outriggers.
Commonly called the Torque Box the Aerial rests on this device. Similar to a tank turret it allows for 360 degrees of travel. The slots on the sides are for the "Tormentors" or Middle Jacks/Outriggers.
This is the Turntable which is what rests on top of the Torque Box hydraulics and gears allows this to spin to all the Aerial Device or on these trucks the "Boom" to rotate. The device attached is a large hinge pin assembly and allows for the boom/bucket to move up/down.
This is the Turntable which is what rests on top of the Torque Box hydraulics and gears allows this to spin to all the Aerial Device or on these trucks the "Boom" to rotate. The device attached is a large hinge pin assembly and allows for the boom/bucket to move up/down.
 
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The Boom Sections - there are 4 on a 75ft. 1- Steel and 3 Aluminum. These are telescoping; slide in and out of each section. The reason for the aluminum sections is also in part to weight but the box design is why these Aerialscope's are so coveted - look familiar they are designed after crane booms.
The Boom Sections - there are 4 on a 75ft. 1- Steel and 3 Aluminum. These are telescoping; slide in and out of each section. The reason for the aluminum sections is also in part to weight but the box design is why these Aerialscope's are so coveted - look familiar they are designed after crane booms.
 
The Boom Sections will have to be inspected and ultrasounded prior to moving on from here.
The Boom Sections will have to be inspected and ultrasounded prior to moving on from here.
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The Bucket - this is the end of the Aerial Device and has personnel that can perform certain firefighting tasks. We are modifiying this bucket for a Catwalk on the outer edges and moving some bracing.
The Bucket - this is the end of the Aerial Device and has personnel that can perform certain firefighting tasks. We are modifiying this bucket for a Catwalk on the outer edges and moving some bracing.
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