Many departments are specifying the Pierce Arrow XT cab and chassis for apparatus ranging from pumpers and aerials to urban search and rescue rigs. Pierce designed this model to meet the needs of both city and rural departments, and a look at the specs will tell you this is one tough truck.

Chassis
The frame is the backbone of any apparatus, and the Arrow XT chassis has massive 13.38-inch frame rails made from 120,000psi yield steel to provide high strength, long life and excellent resistance to flex. A pair of bolt-on, cast metal frame extensions in the front provide mounting points for the bumper and the standard lift and tow hooks. The popular Pierce TAK-4 independent front suspension is standard, and customers can select from several other optional front axles and suspensions. Front wheelcuts (cramp angles) up to 45° are possible for good maneuverability. Single and tandem rear axles with spring, rubber block or air suspensions are available and can provide axle weight ratings capable of handling water tanks up to 3,000 gallons or the largest aerial platforms.

Los Angeles City Fire Department runs several apparatus built on the Pierce Arrow XT chassis. (Photo by Chuck Madderom)

Cab exterior
Pierce subjected the Arrow XT cab to the rigorous ECE-29 cab crash testing for both frontal impact and roof crush. It passed both tests, and it also passed the SAE2422 side strike test. The 1,396-square-inch radiator provides more than adequate cooling for the largest horsepower engines. The rear of the engine tunnel is equipped with a large access door to allow easy maintenance checks, and the cab can be tilted to 45°: with a powered system. For engine removal or additional access room, the cab can be tilted to 90°: with an overhead hoist.

Cab interior
Pierce took special care to design a cab interior that is safe, roomy and easy to maintain. An optional air conditioning configuration moves the evaporators and condensers outside onto the roof to give more space inside. The cab is 3 inches longer to provide more leg room for the officer and driver, and the front doors are longer. The glove compartment is extra large and has a flat working surface above it for the officer. Several raised roof options are available. The instrument panel and cab walls are painted aluminum, and the door panels are stainless steel. The door window and regulator assemblies are modular for ease of replacement. For added occupant safety, the Pierce Side Roll Protection system is standard. This system automatically senses when a rollover accident is imminent and lowers the seats, tightens the seatbelts and inflates side air cushions to minimize the potential for injury.

Electrical
Customers who like color-coded and numbered wiring with relays will find the Arrow XT ideal. An optional electrical conduit to enclose and protect the wiring harnesses along the frame rails is available.

Pierce Arrow XT Specifications

• ECE-29 crash-tested cab in two-door or four-door configurations
• Caterpillar or Detroit Diesel engines
• High-strength 13.38-inch steel frame rails with 120,000psi yield strength
• Large 1,396-square-inch radiator
• Up to 15° angles of approach and departure
• Up to 45° front wheel cut (cramp angle)
• Pierce TAK-4 independent front suspension
• Pierce Side Roll Protection system
• Hardwired electrical system with relays
• Seating for up to eight firefighters with SCBA
• Additional leg room in the driver/officer area
• Electrically actuated hydraulic cab tilt
• Optional heat-resistant cab curtains for wildland fire protection

For more information, contact your Pierce dealer or go to www.piercemfg.com/apparatus/arrow_xt.cfm.