The City of Milwaukee Fire Department has chosen a Hackney DDT1082 Drop-Deck Trailer to move their vast array of technical rescue and USAR equipment. The trailers primary mission is collapse rescue and is thus designed to transport a huge complement of 12-ft shoring timbers ranging from 2” x 4” up to 6” x 6” and 2” x 12”. To facilitate safe retrieval of this heavy equipment, a drop-down ramp was designed. The ramp is a two-section design that provides an angle of ascend that is safe in inclement weather. The ramp can be easily deployed by a single person using a calibrated counter-balance.
Because of the weight of the equipment load, plenty of horsepower was required. This was accomplished using a Freightliner Columbia CL-120 tractor equipped with a MBE4000 engine rated at 350 hp and 1350 ft.lb. torque. This is coupled to an Allison 4000EVS transmission.
The 32-ft trailer all features Hackney roll-up doors on the left and right side ahead of the huge rear tunnel compartment. Each compartment is equipped with slide-out trays and shelving specifically arranged for the dedicated equipment. Two slide-out tool boards are provided for vertical storage of airshores.
The trailer is 100% multiplexed and interfaced to the multiplexed tractor through Hackney’s exclusive umbilical connections that prevent stress fatigue and minimizes the number of cables and harnesses typically required to power and control all NFPA 1901 requirements on the trailer. Controls are provided on the cab console via a VISTA color display panel. The display also provides a textual message center for warnings as well as pertinent chassis and trailer data such as serial numbers, fluid levels, recommended PM cycles, filter numbers, etc.
All warning lights are Federal LED. Halogen scene lights are provided on both sides and rear.
The vehicle will serve not only Milwaukee but surrounding jurisdictions on a mutual-aid agreement.
The rear storage is accessed by a drop-down ramp using counter-balancers for ease of operation. The anti-slip surface permits safe access and retrieval of 12-ft timbers, wheel cutting torch set, shoring panels and wheel barrows. The drop-deck trailer design is low-to-the-ground with the floor below the wheels. Axles are 22,000 lb. each with Super Single tires, providing maximum interior clearance between wheels. The axles are equipped with air suspension.
All side compartments are 43” deep from lower floor to top of compartment. Not also the low ground clearance permitting easy access to equipment and wall-to-wall door clearance – no wasted space.
