Another LF8, this time a newer van based Opel. Just as in earlier years, volunteers who had limited funds, or had had bad experiences with Mercedes, often bought these Opels instead. It must be said though that Mercedes were much more numerous and usually the first choice. For small town and village volunteer firefighters the LF8 was a very popular choice. It was inexpensive, could be driven by anyone with a psssenger car license and had enough pumping power to handle most incidents, with an output of 800 LPM @10AT. This could supply two 52mm C hoses delivering 400 LPM each, or one 75mm B hose with a 800 LPM branch.
The PP, with the same output, was usually deployed at the hydrant if it was far from the incident or at an open water source - to supply the pumper at the fireground. However many volunteers in communities with dense hydrant networks often deleted the PP as it was not really needed. Both types had nine seats, but actual staffing depended of course very much on the number of people who could respond.
The PP, with the same output, was usually deployed at the hydrant if it was far from the incident or at an open water source - to supply the pumper at the fireground. However many volunteers in communities with dense hydrant networks often deleted the PP as it was not really needed. Both types had nine seats, but actual staffing depended of course very much on the number of people who could respond.
Added by Rob Johnson on 05 September 2026.