All About the PUC

Pierce’s industry-changing design is easier & safer to use

After teasing the fire service leading up to its FDIC announcement in 2007, Pierce released the PUC—the Pierce Ultimate Configuration. Pierce has made a name for itself as the fire apparatus industry leader in new engineering feats, and the PUC was no exception.

The PUC features easy access to the pump and related mechanical areas.

The PUC is an industry-changing, multi-purpose vehicle designed to eliminate the need for a bulky pumphouse. The PUC also features a simplified two-step pump shaft operation and an easier-to-use pump panel. Hosebeds, crosslays and ladders are all accessible at lower levels, giving the vehicle a more ergonomic layout to help reduce firefighter injuries. The chassis has a shortened wheelbase for improved maneuverability and also provides up to 500 cubic feet of storage space.

The consensus of most fire departments today is that they must carry more equipment for the wider range of emergencies they respond to. They also must do more with less manpower and fewer vehicles. The PUC fits this mold. It’s available on all of Pierce’s custom chassis—the Quantum, Velocity, Impel and Arrow XT. Depending on the chassis, the wheelbase is 172–212"; aluminum is the standard body material but 304L stainless steel is an option. Pumps are available in 1,000–1,500 gpm capacities. A host of other options are available, including 500-lb. sliding floor trays, dividers, tilt-out shelves and the Pierce jump-out compartment that’s 62" wide, 26" deep and 60" tall, located near the rear of the rear of the officer’s side.

At this year’s FDIC, Pierce introduced a whole new lineup of PUC apparatus that gives firefighters additional options in selecting a truck that meets the specific needs of their department. The expanded Pierce PUC product line includes:

• Top-mount PUC—takes the pump operator off the street and into an elevated position on the apparatus for better safety and visibility. Wheelbase is reduced 3–4 feet and offers increased safety with enclosed access steps, lowered crosslays and ease of use with true pump-and-roll capabilities.
• 75' aluminum ladder PUC—features 22 percent more storage space and up to 5 inches shorter wheelbase than traditional 75' aluminum ladders. The PUC design lowers crosslays, provides storage for bulky items such as Stokes baskets and backboards and utilizes a simple two-step pump shift operation.
• Custom Contender PUC—allows fire departments to customize their rig cost-effectively and still obtain all the benefits of the PUC design. The Contender PUC also features a redesigned cab with more interior space for crew and equipment.

The PUC features easy access to the pump and related mechanical areas.

Where the PUC really shines is the ease of maintenance for mechanics. With a full-tilt cab access, you have full access to the pump housing above the frame. You can repair the pump wear ring, impeller and mechanical seal without lying on your back and working under the vehicle, or putting the truck on a lift.

PUC sales have begun to take off, not only in single orders, but multiple orders as well. The San Bernardino (Calif.) Fire Department was the first in the United States to order the PUC; in May, it’s due to receive seven PUC pumpers built on the Arrow XT chassis. The department serves a population of roughly 220,000 and its response areas is 59 square miles with 19 square miles of wildland/urban interface area, a major rail yard, an international airport and two major interstates. The department wanted a vehicle with a shorter wheelbase that could carry more equipment.

After attending several fire service shows around the country last year, I saw a lot of interest in the PUC. Pierce displayed the vehicles built with different chassis, but all had the same great, rear PUC configuration. Seeing first-hand how easy maintenance would be and the advantages the short wheelbase provides sold me on the new design. With the PUC, Pierce has scored another good idea for the fire service

Bob Vaccaro has 30 years of fire service experience. He is former chief of the Deer Park (N.Y.) Fire Department. Vaccaro has also worked for the Insurance Services Officer®, the New York Fire Patrol and several major insurance companies as a senior loss-control representative.