This photo brilliantly illustrates the typical layout of a standard Japanese urban pumper, characterized above all by the long preconnected suctions attached to the mid mounted pump and the large hose cart mounted in the open rear compartment, with its folding ramps so that it can be unloaded quickly.
Note also the very light skeletal ground ladders and the compact overall dimensions of the truck, an important feature in a country where many urban areas have tightly-packed buildings accessible only via narrow streets and alleyways.
This does not leave space for a water tank, which makes the inclusion of long preconnected suctions a prerequisite for quick access to hydrants and/or underground water cisterns. As the pumper needs to be relatively close to the water source, this explains the need for the hose cart too, as it facilitates very rapid deployment of long hose lines if needed.
Note also the very light skeletal ground ladders and the compact overall dimensions of the truck, an important feature in a country where many urban areas have tightly-packed buildings accessible only via narrow streets and alleyways.
This does not leave space for a water tank, which makes the inclusion of long preconnected suctions a prerequisite for quick access to hydrants and/or underground water cisterns. As the pumper needs to be relatively close to the water source, this explains the need for the hose cart too, as it facilitates very rapid deployment of long hose lines if needed.
Added by Rob Johnson on 18 February 2018.