As a jack of all trades, quints bring a lot of different capabilities to your fire department. But making sure you’re adding the right used fire truck to your fleet, at the right time, and for the right reason, is important. A good fleet is about more than just the sum of its parts. You want to ensure the fire trucks you own are complementary, and above all: specifically tailored to your local needs.
Quints can be a great piece of that collective puzzle. If you’re trying to pick the right previously owned fire truck – and considering a quint – for your fire department, ask yourself these eight questions to help make the best choice:
1. How often will the quint operate at a fire by itself?
A lot of fire departments like the immediate action a quint can bring. You can use the pump and tank right away while putting the ladder up. Figuring out how often your quint will be first on the scene, operating without the tools the ladder truck offers, can help you figure out of it’s the right way to build out your fleet. If what you really need is more access to storage for other equipment, a quint might not be the best next step.
2. What else is in your fleet – and will that change any time soon?
A quint may very well be the jack of all fire truck trades. But which vehicles in your fleet bring the “master of one element” to the scene? Anytime you invest in a previously owned fire truck, it’s important to take a look at the big picture. What else is in your fleet and, even more importantly, how long of a life do those vehicles have left? If the flexibility of the quint dovetails well, and empowers your fire department with the right tools for the foreseeable future, it could be one of the wisest decisions you’ll make.
3. How much water can a given quint pump?
Capacity, capacity, capacity. It’s everything. Think through the gallons per minute you’ll need to pump with the previously owned quint you choose. Factor in which trucks will be first on the scene, and what each will be doing at the time. Don’t forget to consider access to water in your area. How rural are you? What’s the hydrant coverage like? Do the math before you invest in your next previously owned fire truck, quints included.
4. What’s the infrastructure like in your area?
Multi-tasking is a quint’s superpower. That also means it’s moving quite a load. When you invest in a quint, you’ll be carrying a pump and tanker everywhere you go (and the greater the pump capacity, the heavier you’ll be). Making sure the local infrastructure (think roads, bridges, etc.) can handle this newly acquired used fire truck is essential.
5. Do the road rules change by the season?
Ice, snow, rain, floods. If the spring thaw is a big factor in your area, you’ll want to confirm the seasonal road weight restrictions before you invest in a previously owned fire truck like a quint. If your quint will be sidelined from certain scenes at points of the year, you’ll need a plan for how the rest of the fleet will compensate. Knowing the details before you purchase a used fire truck like this will ensure your fire department is truly ready for anything.
6. What staff will operate the quint truck?
The quint fire truck is a multifunctional vehicle that can be used for various tasks. If planning on purchasing a quint, consider the number of operators you need to get the most out of your purchase. The recommended crew size for a quint is four or more — otherwise, you cannot use all its multifunctional aspects simultaneously.
Before purchasing your quint, closely examine your staffing constraints and the tasks you need to perform to determine whether this vehicle is suitable for your organization.
7. How will you handle operations and training logistics?
With this new addition to your fleet, all relevant crew members will need additional training, such as cross-training between ladder deployment, engine operations and each position within the quint.
When it comes time to train your firefighters, you’ll want to ensure each member thoroughly understands their role in using the quint and how it relates to other positions. You’ll also want them to know how to communicate effectively with their colleagues and how best to manage their time during an emergency operation. If you have the capacity for this training, a quint may work very well for your team.
8. What quint can you buy for your budget?
Not all pre-owned fire apparatuses and quints are created equal, so knowing what features you need and can live without is essential. The manufacturer of the quint also makes a difference in how much you’ll pay for it. We highly recommend shopping around and comparing different models so you can find the best value for your investment.
At Fenton Fire Equipment, our experts can help you find the right quint for your department’s needs.
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Your department deserves the best when it comes to pre-owned fire trucks and other used fire equipment. We’ve assisted companies with finding their ideal trucks and equipment since 2004, and we know how critical it is for you to have the resources you need to help your department positively impact the community.
We offer financing, shipping assistance and more so you can enjoy the benefits of owning lifesaving trucks and other essential gear without having to coordinate finances or logistics. Choose Fenton Fire Equipment Inc. as your one-stop shop for pre-owned fire trucks and other used fire equipment today.
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When you need a quint ready to perform, look no further than Fenton Fire Equipment. We connect you with a wide selection of used quints for sale for virtually any department size and budget.
To find the quint that is right for your fire department, browse our used quints for sale, or start the process of listing your own quint for sale today.