Vienna Professional FF Chooses Tatra with Allison
The Tatra Force 815-7 4x4 as TLFA 3000 with a body by Austrian manufacturer Rosenbauer is powered by a 6-cylinder diesel engine and an Allison 4500 fully automatic transmission. Powered by a Cummins engine rated at 291 kW (around 391 hp), the 18-ton truck reaches a (limited) top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph). The all-wheel drive delivers off-road capability at all times. The vehicle has a water passage capability (fording depth) of 120 cm and a superb hill-climbing capability of 68%. The extinguishing water tank holds 3,200 litres plus 300 litres for self-protection. Thanks to the pump-and-roll function, the extinguishing process can also be continued while the vehicle is driving.
The Vienna Professional Fire Department has been using vehicles with Allison fully automatic transmissions for over 40 years and is convinced of their performance and robustness. “These torque converter transmissions are the perfect solution for fire service. They provide excellent traction and thus rapid acceleration, which is especially crucial in city traffic to prevent vehicles from being left behind,” says Thomas Huber.
The integration of body and pumping equipment is also key to the effectiveness of a fire truck. “With an Allison transmission as part of the driveline, the chassis, body and pump work together efficiently,” explains Robert Kerschl, Head of the Tatra Center at the Austrian Tatra importer, Tschann Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH. “In addition, the torque converter powershift transmission enables the Cummins engines to develop their full torque power. As a result, the Tatra Force chassis deliver uncompromising traction and acceleration to emergency vehicles.”
The integration of Allison transmissions into Tatra vehicles is carried out by NIMDA, the official Allison Authorized Distributor in the Czech Republic.