Allison automatics keep fire trucks moving this summer

Australian fire services are equipping the majority of their fleets with Allison fully automatic transmissions to allow greater control of emergency service vehicles, deliver unique applications and ultimately enable emergency workers to focus on the task at hand: saving lives and livelihoods. 

There are more than 10,000 emergency services trucks operating in Australia and the vast majority come with an Allison. 

“Approximately 90% of all metro fire fleets and 80% of rural fire fleets are equipped with one of our transmissions,” said Robert Cavagnino, Australian Sales Director, Allison Transmission.

“We’ve been supplying the country’s fire services since the 1970s alongside a range of OEM partners including Isuzu, Hino, Scania, IVECO, Freightliner, Mercedes Benz and Volvo. We cover a range of vehicle types and applications across a variety of settings – from tankers and pumpers through to logistics and rescue vehicles.” 

Allison has clear market dominance across all fleets because of some key benefits offered by fully automatic transmissions including seamless gear changes and continuous power to provide drivers with superior vehicle control, improved reliability and straightforward maintenance and service. 

“These benefits are of high value to anyone in an emergency setting. Having a fully automatic also means anyone with the applicable vehicle licence can drive the truck. Many younger drivers may not have had much manual experience,” said Cavagnino.

All Allison transmissions incorporate patented Continuous Power Technology™, featuring a hydraulic torque converter that efficiently multiplies peak engine torque whilst also protecting the drivetrain. This results in more power delivered to the wheels compared to other transmission technologies, ensuring optimal drivability in both on-highway and off-road conditions.

Metro fleets particularly benefit from Allison’s superior acceleration, enabling them to get to jobs quickly within congested traffic, with the transmission also playing an important role in the firefighting itself. 

Some of Scania’s metro trucks use a Split Shaft Power Take Off (PTO), which diverts all the engine power of the vehicle – once it’s at the scene and stationary – to raise ladders and provide power to high volume pumps enabling water to reach 7-8 storeys high.

“Those particular trucks are equipped with Allison 3000 Series™ or 4000 Series™ transmissions but, as with all of our OEM partners, we’ve got a range of transmissions to meet the needs of different fire authority requirements,” said Cavagnino. 

In a more rural setting, needs differ again. To assist putting out grass fires, some services use Hino 4X4’s equipped with the Allison 3000 Series ‘pump and roll’ feature – using an engine drive PTO option to allow the vehicle to keep moving whilst also powering the water systems. 

Country fire services are also often fighting fires on steep angles. IVECO’s Eurocargo E6 now comes with the factory option of the Allison 3000 Series transmission with a PTO and retarder as an ideal 4×4 application for fighting fires in hilly areas because it allows the vehicle to creep slowly without roll back.

Another regional issue is the critical nature of water resources. The Isuzu FYX 350-350 is equipped with an Allison 4430P and PTO to enable its onboard pumps to transfer water from its 16,000-litre tank to other firefighting units nearby.

“We are proud to play a small part in helping emergency services work more efficiently – in both the peak summer bushfire season and year-round,” said Cavagnino.