New FTS 4x4 prototype truck hits the 2016 AFAC show
Isuzu Australia has demonstrated its new firefighting concept at the 2016 Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) conference and exhibition in Brisbane.
The result of a collaboration with emergency services safety equipment specialist Bell Environmental, the new Isuzu FTS 139-260 4×4 prototype truck features a four cylinder, direct injection 4LE2PW10 water-cooled ancillary engine, coupled with a GAAM MK 300 pumpset.
The new concept also sports a custom-built safety cabin with rear access, which Isuzu says is “able to withstand a roll or burn-over”, and comes with a compressed air foam system (CAFs).
The FTS 4×4 is the second vehicle to feature the fire suppression technology.
While the FTS 139-260 4×4 Crew has a history as a firefighting platform, Isuzu Australia national fleet sales manager Les Spaltman says the prototype vehicle brings a different shape to AFAC.
“At IAL we’ve worked hard in recent times to continue to diversify and improve our Special Purpose range and especially those proven models such as our NPS 75/45-155 4×4 and of course the larger FTS 4×4,” Spaltman says.
“The AFAC prototype has a re-rated GVM of 14.2 tonne, up from 13.9, which essentially equates to greater load capacity.
“And when you’re fighting wildfire, any advantage, whatever shape it may take, is always welcome.”
Spaltman says the concept comes on the back of a “mutually beneficial association with the emergency services sector over the years and we’ve taken on their feedback.”
“We’ll continue to respond to the needs of the industry, and we’ll continue to deliver the sort of reliability and dependability our customers have come to expect and indeed demand,” he concludes.