In the February 2006 issue of Fire Chief, we featured an article titled "Out with the Old," which listed 10 good reasons why departments should replace their old apparatus. In this special report, we list some compelling reasons why departments should buy those replacement apparatus in 2006, rather than waiting until next year.

New engines. Diesel engine manufacturers are expected to introduce new or significantly redesigned engines to meet the 2007 EPA engine emission requirements. Many of the new engines will require new cooling systems, new components, new ratings and other changes. In turn, this may result in installation difficulties for chassis builders, as well as increased costs for the installed engines and related components. One engine manufacturer has already estimated that the new engines will increase the base price of medium-duty model trucks by $5,000 to $6,000 and heavy-duty model trucks by $7,000 to $10,000. The changeover date for the 2007 engines applies to the date the engine is built, not the date the apparatus is ordered, and doesn’t allow manufacturers to stockpile older engines. Waiting isn't the answer either, because there will be another round of engine changes in the near future to meet the even stricter 2010 EPA requirements.

New fuel and oils. To compound the situation, engine manufacturers are counting on having new low-sulfur diesel fuel available to run their 2007 engines. Ditto for new oils. If the new fuel and lubricants aren’t widely available — a distinct possibility — it may be difficult for some departments to use the engines. It's also possible that trying to use the new engines with the current diesel fuel may cause performance problems or result in damage to the system. Even if the new fuels and oils are available, the prices are certain to be higher.

New NFPA standards. The next edition of NFPA 1911, Inspection, Maintenance, Testing and Retirement of In-Service Automotive Fire Apparatus, will go into effect in early 2007. The next edition of the NFPA 1901, Automotive Fire Apparatus, is being drafted now and is expected to go into effect in late 2007 or early 2008. The full cost impacts and equipment limitations of these two standards can’t be predicted at this point, but they may limit the age, configurations and features of apparatus. Departments that want to continue using their current specs should consider purchasing new apparatus before the new standards take effect.

Same old inflation. When was the last time you remember the price of new vehicles going down? Even if everything goes on schedule, the price of fire apparatus is certain to go up. The prices of steel and iron almost doubled in 2004, and the prices of copper and aluminum are expected to rise. The prices of tires and other rubber products are expected to go up as the price of oil continues to climb. The only question is how much? Customers can probably get a firm quote for apparatus delivered this year, but it’s doubtful that any manufacturer can give a quote for next year. If you buy now, you can avoid the financial uncertainty of the future.

Bottom Line: 2006 is a good year to take delivery of new apparatus. Place your order now — by the end of the year, it will be too late.