Fire and refuse role for low ERF EC8 cab
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by Brian Weatherley • ERF is developing a range of Low Height Cab EC8 rigids for fire and refuse vehicle applications. The first in the series, for use with fire access platforms, has been designed to fit inside old fire stations with the minimum of modification.
According to ERF's municipal sales manager Tony Sullings: "It can take a full Alp or Bronto Skylift platform and still fit under a 12ft lintel without having to trough the roof."
The EC day cab has been moved forward 610mm and lowered by 300mm to give a 400mm first step height. However, ERE has retained the standard chassis frame and front suspension components; only the mudwings have been modified with a srriall rear panel added below the standard doors, This cab will also feature on a B-Type fire appliance.
Power is provided by the 8.3-litre Cummins C-Series rated at up to 300hp. To fit the engine under the lowered cab ERF has used a floor with a higher engine tunnel normally used with 14litre EC models. Behind the straight-six CSeries sits an Allison World Series WT automatic gearbox with the option of an integral retarder for fire chassis. The Allison box adds around 35kg to the 17-tonne EC8 chassis.
The Low Height Cab will be available on a variety of chassis (see tint box, below).
It has also been used on a yard shunter for Martin Retail and will form the basis of a new municipal high-roof crew cab for refuse trucks with an interior standing room of 1.75m and room for a driver and four-man crew.
The high-roof extension will be made out of GRP.
A two-axle version of the low cab powered by the Cummins B-Series is also in the pipeline.
(RI Lew Height Cab range at a glance • EC8 Fire chassis: 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4.*
• EC8 Refuse chassis: 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4.*
• Fire chassis cab height: 2.65m {with 315/80 R22.5s on front axle).
• Refuse crew-cab height: 3.35m.
• Gross weights: 4x2, 17 tonnes; 6x2, 21-26 tonnes; 6x4, 26 tonnes GVW.
• Engine: Cummins C-Series (Euro-2) rated at 245, 280 and 300hp.
• Gearbox: Allison WT automatic.
Henchiduon HN402 Tubber suspension on the reor bogie).