Fire Engines Photos

In these years 3 axles ladders were not common

Added by Jacques PETER on 09 October 2025.

Very true. Especially as this was a 30 metre example, and not one of the longer versions. The only reason I can imagine for it was that perhaps this volunteer outfit may have had some pretty bad roads in its area, so the extra traction of a 6X4 might have been a reason for it. It could have been useful in snow or muddy conditions.

Added by Rob Johnson on 09 October 2025.

Well analyzed Rob! However, I don't think there were bad roads in Sindelfingen, this is one of Mercedes-Benz major production factory town

Added by Jacques PETER on 14 October 2025.

Ahah! With this knowledge I have another idea. Perhaps it was a chassis gifted to the fire service by Mercedes? It was not uncommon for German vehicle manufacturers to present local townships with their products for use by municipal departments…..

Added by Rob Johnson on 14 October 2025.

I always found it interesting that 30 metre ladders in Russia and the old USSR countries were invariably on tandem axle chassis, and very often 6X6 versions too. Having seen winter snow conditions in some of the roads around their typical monster apartment blocks, which are not always plowed, I can understand why.

Added by Rob Johnson on 14 October 2025.

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