Apparatus Maintained Under Seattle Program
For years the Seattle Fire Department has been recognized as one of the top departments in the country in regards to fire apparatus and a sound fire apparatus preventive maintenance program. The National Fire Prevention Association has used Seattle on many occasions as an example of an excellent preventive maintenance program. Fortunately, we are blessed with one of the most modern fire garages in the country. The ability to have a mobile repair vehicle traveling from station to station performing minor repairs and quaterly maintenance not only saves us money, but prevents us from having to place first-line apparatus out of service. In order to maintain our “fail-safe” system of fire apparatus, we have a routine four-year major maintenance program.
When an apparatus is brought to the fire garage for major maintenance, the apparatus is given an examination as if it were being built for the first time. Some of the services performed on all apparatus consist of:
- Overhaul siren
- Overhaul starter
- Overhaul distributor
- Overhaul carburetor
- Overhaul hydrovac or power/air brake equipment
- Overhaul master cylinder
- Replace all brake diaphragms
- Retorque all wheel lug nuts
- Check alternator or generator brushes and bearings
- Perform three-way front axle alignment and perform necessary body repairs.
- Tune engine and service Jake brake
- Overhaul brake wheel cylinders
- Overhaul clutch master and slave cylinders
- Inspect clutch facings
- Inspect and repack all wheel bearings
- Inspect brake drums, lining, shoes and linkages for condition and being free of pivots
- Check output and voltage regulation
- Change gear lubricant in differential and auxiliary transmission
- Touch up paint as necessary
- Replace all oil and fuel filters
- Service Allison transmission
- Check fire pump, valves, relief valve and lube
In addition to these items, numerous other routine items are performed. All engine companies receive a pump test prior to being returned. In case of aerial ladders, an aerial ladder test is conducted along with a complete inspection of all ground ladders.
Normally, a four-year maintenance takes between six to eight weeks involving approximately 250 manhours. The cost of this service averages $8125 including parts. However, even with the extensive maintenance program our apparatus cannot survive forever and must eventually be replaced. One might think that the maintenance cost is extremely high, but remember that a new engine costs approximately $104,000. In the final analysis, it is very cost effective to maintain our apparatus to its present status.
One item that has been overlooked is that none of this could accomplished without the mechanics who perform the work. They remind one of a football team, the line is doing the bulk of the work but the backs get most of the credit. Yes, one sometimes becomes upset with the mechanic, but remember, they have a tremendous amount of work to perform and have the same problems everyone has— not enough people. All of these gentlemen are dedicated to providing us with the best equipment they can and it would be nice to say “hey thanks.”
Reprinted from the January 26, 1979 issue of the Seattle Fire Department Newsletter.
