Fire Engines Photos

In Germany the one man hose carts are a bit smaller than those typically found on French pumpers. They hold eight 20 metre lengths of 75 mm flat hose, while the common standard in France is for ten identical lengths of slightly lighter 70 mm. In both cases the Stortz type couplings allow the hose to be run out to or from the pumper for supply or attack - or relay - purposes, and they can get a relatively long hose lay accomplished quickly.

In Germany it unusual to have two carts. Usually, if a second is mounted on the vehicle, it is for traffic control equipment, as illustrated here. However, full size pumpers in France usually have two with hoses. One is often equipped with a divider and carries additional 45 mm attack lines, while the other is ready to be deployed to set into a hydrant. Hose carts are also a standard item on pumpers in Japan, where they usually carry flaked hoses, and can even include four wheelers with electric motors and space for a driver! In other countries they are rather rare, but can be found here and there in Luxembourg and Belgium, as well as in Chile and of course a number of former French colonies.

Added by Rob Johnson on 06 September 2025.

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