TASMANIAN VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADES ASSOCIATION
"Representing volunteer firefighters throughout Tasmania"
The introduction of the initial ‘vegetation concept’ Canter proved very successful, with feedback from the relevant Brigades leading to the formulation of changes to the configuration and the evolution of the ‘urban’ Canter with structural capability.
Engineering Services are currently building 30 new Canters with structural capability. These vehicles are fitted with a GAAM pump set incorporating a twin cylinder Ruggerini diesel engine fuelled directly from the vehicles fuel supply. This engine is coupled to a GAAM Mk 125 pump. The vehicle is fitted with A class foam induction.
The BA locker is larger and than previous models and has the capacity of holding 4 complete sets with 2 spare cylinders. Two of the sets are now mounted on swing out brackets. The locker also has a slide out drawer for miscellaneous equipment. The hose/ small gear locker is larger than before and is fitted with several shelves and a hose flaking tray.
Both side lockers now have LED strip lighting as a standard feature. There is locker incorporated in the Roll over protection bar on front of the tray designed to carry suction hoses, any long gear as well as 2 fire extinguishers.
The vehicle fitted with high visibility LED emergency lighting and has a rear mounted high intencity gas discharge worklight.
To meet the emission requirements of Euro 3, Mitsubishi have developed a turbo four cylinder engine which will be standard in the new model Canter chassis. As well as the extra 25kw of power, the chassis has been upgraded to 6 tonne GVM, allowing the water capacity to be upgraded to approximately 1,500 litres, enhancing the versatility of the appliance once again.
Since the introduction of the Mitsubishi Canter as a ‘vegetation’ fire fighting appliance in 2000, Engineering Services have been working to develop the Canter concept, subsequently promoting its evolution from a vegetation type appliance into what it is today, a versatile, dual role appliance, targeted at replacing an ageing fleet of ‘ex-Melbourne urban pumpers’ and single cab medium tankers. The motivation to develop the Canter to fulfil this role has been driven by a combination of an ageing fleet, as well as occupational health and safety reasons associated with vehicle mass and crew carrying capacity.