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Fire Engine Photos
Metropolitan FB Fire Rescue vehicle
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade of Melbourne, Australia, has five heavy
rescue vehicles in front-line service. All on an International-chassis.
The vehicle shown here is an International Acco 2350E, built in 1992. At
the time this photo was taken (November 2006), it was based at Carlton
fire station.
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade of Melbourne, Australia, has five heavy
rescue vehicles in front-line service. All on an International-chassis.
The vehicle shown here is an International Acco 2350E, built in 1992. At
the time this photo was taken (November 2006), it was based at Carlton
fire station.
I'm in the Pacific Northwest of the US, not in Australia, but from photos I've seen, most heavy trucks there have big bumpers like that. I think they call them "'roo bars" -- in case you hit a kangaroo. Some North American trucks have them too -- I think we call them "bull bars" here. We don't have 'roos, but we do often get a deer, or moose, or a bull, crossing the road.
Added by Mike Feldman on 21 May 2010.
Added by Mike Feldman on 21 May 2010.
Nex and Mike, now that you mention it you have me wondering too. We call the car fittings roo (kangaroo) bars and the heavier vehicles and trucks, bull (cows/horses/etc) bars. I'm only guessing here but this vehicle may respond to country incidents where a heavy rescue unit is required. If you hit livestock on the road at night you obviously want some protection for the front of the vehicle, to enable you to clear any obstruction (dead beast) from the roadway and continue to the job.
However, having said that, this particular bar appears to be a bit of a 'claytons' (looks nice/possibly useless) in that it is bolted to the front bumper, sort of an afterthought? If you look at picture 2142 you'll grasp straight away what I mean, a bull bar fitted to a Country Fire Authority tanker that will withstand a high speed impact of heavy livestock. This particular type of bull bar is also fitted to all long distance haulage trucks and those heavy vehicles operating in areas where they may come into contact with animals.
Mind you, many operators fit these bars to their vehicles just for the look-good appearance factor.
Added by Pavel - Western Australia on 21 May 2010.
However, having said that, this particular bar appears to be a bit of a 'claytons' (looks nice/possibly useless) in that it is bolted to the front bumper, sort of an afterthought? If you look at picture 2142 you'll grasp straight away what I mean, a bull bar fitted to a Country Fire Authority tanker that will withstand a high speed impact of heavy livestock. This particular type of bull bar is also fitted to all long distance haulage trucks and those heavy vehicles operating in areas where they may come into contact with animals.
Mind you, many operators fit these bars to their vehicles just for the look-good appearance factor.
Added by Pavel - Western Australia on 21 May 2010.
Pavel I think you've given a good explanation on the roo/bullbars thanks.
I also read some info on the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria site which basically says the bars are "designed to protect a vehicle against damage to items such as the radiator and headlights when struck by kangaroos, other wildlife and livestock..."
you can read the full article at www.racv.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/Internet/Primary/my+car/car+safety/safety+equipment/bull+bars/
In Canberra were I live there is a large kangaroo population. rangers commonly record more than 1,000 roadside kangaroo attendances per year and estimate there are twice as many motor vehicle collisions as attendances. There have been instances where kangaroos have entered suburban areas of the city and there had even been a report of a kangaroo that was spotted in the CBD area bounding across the main avenue! So you can understand why many motorists use these bars.
Added by Angelo T. on 05 June 2010.
I also read some info on the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria site which basically says the bars are "designed to protect a vehicle against damage to items such as the radiator and headlights when struck by kangaroos, other wildlife and livestock..."
you can read the full article at www.racv.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/Internet/Primary/my+car/car+safety/safety+equipment/bull+bars/
In Canberra were I live there is a large kangaroo population. rangers commonly record more than 1,000 roadside kangaroo attendances per year and estimate there are twice as many motor vehicle collisions as attendances. There have been instances where kangaroos have entered suburban areas of the city and there had even been a report of a kangaroo that was spotted in the CBD area bounding across the main avenue! So you can understand why many motorists use these bars.
Added by Angelo T. on 05 June 2010.
The reason for the bar being bolted on (hinged type) is that it lets the cab be tilted forward for service.
Added by Ziggy on 20 March 2011.
Added by Ziggy on 20 March 2011.
International
When the image was taken it was actually working as a temporary replacement for their regular truck.
Added by Chris Maxwell on 20 April 2007.