August 27, 2010

Safe and effective firefighting depends on a department’s ability to be armed with the right apparatus. Yet, in these economic times, almost every department is challenged by shrinking budgets. That’s why KME Fire Apparatus is proud to add the new 79’ AerialCat to our Legacy Line of apparatus. KME Legacy pumpers, tankers and aerials afford the right combination of value, equipment and performance at a price that meets most budgets without sacrificing safety.

This week at Fire Rescue International in Chicago, KME will unveil its new 79’ Legacy AerialCat. It is mounted on a KME Predator Panther single rear axle chassis with 425hp engine. Available with an unrestricted 500lb tip load while flowing 1500gpm and a 750lb tip load version, units start at under $500,000!

Despite an attractive selling price, the new Legacy AerialCat is best in class in several categories. A 1500gpm flow rate is unsurpassed. The ladder is constructed of 100,000psi steel, which is significantly stronger than competitors’ models. The 79’ rated vertical reach and 70’ horizontal reach are unequaled and provide 17% more scrub zone capability, allowing users to reach more on the fire scene! The elevation range of -7 to +80 in conjunction with a “Store Front Blitz” monitor provides unmatched interior attack capability. In addition, the new Legacy is easy to maneuver with a short wheelbase and 14’ outrigger stance w/downriggers to rear of cab.

Lastly the design includes several innovative safety and maintenance features. A knurled stainless bolt-on ladder egress provides a no-maintenance, yet aggressive surface to grasp onto when transitioning off the roof or from a window. The egress is also designed with “Ladder Tip Skid Guards”, which provides an integral round skid plate on the ladder tip to allow for the ladder to slide on a roof or the side of the building without ladder tip hang-up. The new ladder has wider and higher ladder sections for safe easy climbing and photo luminescent rung covers for safety at night. The large turntable and ladder access step makes for safe transition from ladder.

2010 Legacy Aerialcat