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Unfortunately now discontinued. These were widely used internationally as well as being very popular in Germany. 4X4 versions were available, but relatively rare.
Typically, the newer ones had a 1, 000 to 2, 000 LPM pump, but the 8 ton GVW effectively limited the water tank to 1, 000 liters if a crew cab, full complement of ladders, hoses and small gear were included.
A version with a 1, 800 liter tank was also produced, but this larger tank meant that it had very limited additional payload and could only accommodate a crew of three.
Added by Rob Johnson on 24 June 2016.
Typically, the newer ones had a 1, 000 to 2, 000 LPM pump, but the 8 ton GVW effectively limited the water tank to 1, 000 liters if a crew cab, full complement of ladders, hoses and small gear were included.
A version with a 1, 800 liter tank was also produced, but this larger tank meant that it had very limited additional payload and could only accommodate a crew of three.
Added by Rob Johnson on 24 June 2016.
I would also just add that the MB 814 was quite popular as a KLF in Germany, and many are still in service.
The KLF is a unit designed expressly to respond to minor alarms with a three-person crew. These usually have a built in CAFS system with an 800 or 1, 000 liter tank, hydraulic extrication equipment, BA, ladders, a deep lift pump, salvage gear, basic hazmat suits, a generator, lighting equipment, a variety of extinguishers and hand tools. They are also quite popular in Spain.
The concept was to free up personnel and equipment to deal with more serious incidents, by sending this type of unit instead of a full-size pumper with a six person (or even larger) crew.
It is normal practice in many German cities to dispatch the KLF by itself to all automatic fire alarms, most special service calls including minor road accidents, and reported nuisance fires, urban grass fires, car fires and suspected fires. These together account for around 80% to 90% - or even more - of all alarms in most cities.
The KLF concept was originated around 20 years ago, using small vans, which are still the norm in France and Italy. But the German fire services kept adding capabilities, so the vehicles gradually grew bigger, to 3.5, 5.0 then 8.0tons GVW!
I suspect the British TRV concept may also experience this kind of gradual increase in the size of the vehicles being used for these purposes, as there will be increasing awareness of the limitations of really small van and pickup truck based units.
Added by Rob Johnson on 24 June 2016.
The KLF is a unit designed expressly to respond to minor alarms with a three-person crew. These usually have a built in CAFS system with an 800 or 1, 000 liter tank, hydraulic extrication equipment, BA, ladders, a deep lift pump, salvage gear, basic hazmat suits, a generator, lighting equipment, a variety of extinguishers and hand tools. They are also quite popular in Spain.
The concept was to free up personnel and equipment to deal with more serious incidents, by sending this type of unit instead of a full-size pumper with a six person (or even larger) crew.
It is normal practice in many German cities to dispatch the KLF by itself to all automatic fire alarms, most special service calls including minor road accidents, and reported nuisance fires, urban grass fires, car fires and suspected fires. These together account for around 80% to 90% - or even more - of all alarms in most cities.
The KLF concept was originated around 20 years ago, using small vans, which are still the norm in France and Italy. But the German fire services kept adding capabilities, so the vehicles gradually grew bigger, to 3.5, 5.0 then 8.0tons GVW!
I suspect the British TRV concept may also experience this kind of gradual increase in the size of the vehicles being used for these purposes, as there will be increasing awareness of the limitations of really small van and pickup truck based units.
Added by Rob Johnson on 24 June 2016.
Mercedes is now selling the Mitsubshi Fuso Canter as a replacement for the Vario. It is a full forward control design and is much lighter than the older Vario 8 tonner, which means that in firefighting trim it can often accommodate up to a 1500 liter tank. When equipped with CAFS, this provides significant autonomous fire suppression capability. Some fire services are replacing old Varios with these, while others seem to prefer nine ton Ategos, Iveco Dailys, or other Japanese light trucks like Nissan, Hino or Toyota.
As well as compact pumps, these chassis all serve as rescues, command vans, BA tenders and in some cases as 18 meter TTLs.
Added by Rob Johnson on 18 January 2021.
As well as compact pumps, these chassis all serve as rescues, command vans, BA tenders and in some cases as 18 meter TTLs.
Added by Rob Johnson on 18 January 2021.
Mercedes-Benz
Added by Alan Ramsay on 13 February 2015.