Ladder Company 68 is a 2005 Ferrara Igniter Series Ladder Truck with a rear-mount Smeal 107' aerial ladder. Received only months ago, this apparatus is another departure for the Houston Fire Department. 1 of 2 that were added onto an original order of 5, this apparatus is powered by a Cummins ISM 500hp engine and equipped with an Allison EVS4000 automatic transmission.

“Firsts” for HFD Ladder Trucks include a raised roof cab for the crew members and dual A/C systems. Fitted with a Smeal 107' rear-mount steel aerial device, the apparatus is stabilized by 4 “H” style outriggers with a jack spread of 18’. With a 0 degree horizontal reach of 101’ and 107’ vertically, the aerial is capable of flowing 1250GPM while maintaining a tip load of 500lb.’s and is capable of operating from -6 degrees to +72 degrees. Also onboard is a 10kw PTO generator, a full set of T-N-T hydraulic extrication tools, complete set of high pressure lifting bags, tubular aluminum stabilization struts, two K1200 cutoff saws, two chainsaws, cordless reciprocating saws and many other varying types of tools and equipment.

While this apparatus is a departure from our previous 2 aluminum aerials, this apparatus will certainly allow the personnel of our station to continue being one of the busiest Ladder Co.’s in the Houston Fire Department. 

Write-Up Provided By: Larry DiCamillo - A Shift

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