News

Marion Body Works Unveils Innovative Rescue Pumper at FDIC 2015

FDIC has always been one of our favorite events to attend, and this year is no different. Last year, we unveiled our 50th anniversary demo Pumper and Aerial, as well as a recently delivered Rescue unit for the Sugar Creek Township Fire Department. We’re always excited to show off the new features and innovations that we’ve added to our apparatus arsenal, and this year we have something even more impressive to unveil at Booth 3247.

12 Tips for Designing the Optimal Fire Apparatus Storage Compartments

As we continue to see more and more fire departments purchasing rescue vehicles and multipurpose apparatus, there’s been a lot of discussion about how to maximize these rigs’ storage capabilities. Rescue vehicles are known for having bigger, better, and more diverse storage options than other apparatus types, and basically serve as mobile fire equipment storage lockers.

Custom vs. Commercial Chassis – 10 Key Differences to Consider

With budgets being tight and new apparatus costing well into the six-figure range, fire departments everywhere are looking for ways to save. And when it comes to building a new fire apparatus, one way that fire departments have been able to cut costs is by using a commercial chassis. Commercial chassis can cost less than half the price of their custom counterparts, but does that really make them a better option?

If your department is trying to decide if a custom or commercial chassis makes sense for your next fire truck, here are 10 key comparisons to consider before you make a decision:

Buying an Apparatus: Five Things to Look for in a Dealer

Once you’ve gotten the approval to purchase a new fire apparatus, the next step is finding a dealer to purchase it from. As a matter of fact, you probably have a few in mind already. A new apparatus is a big investment, and you want to make sure you’re buying from the right company.

So when it comes time to choose a dealer, what are you basing your criteria on? Price and apparatus quality are the two important factors, but those aren’t the only things that affect your buying experience. To help you find a dealer that will provide the best apparatus for the best available price and the best overall buying experience, here’s a list of 5 things to look for when deciding on one:

5 Benefits of Buying a Demo Fire Apparatus

Each year, truck manufacturers all over the U.S. build demo vehicles to display at the industry’s biggest trade shows. Builders want you to experience everything they have to offer first hand, and these demo vehicles help them do just that. Like every other vehicle, these demos are built to meet the industry’s highest quality and manufacturing standards, as well as standards for performance in the field. And while these demo vehicles might not have all the exact, customized features your department is looking for, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a specialized vehicle.

Apparatus Answers: How Marion Combats High Hosebed Problems

Have you ever looked at the height of the hosebed on your pumper and wondered, “Why does this have to be so tall?” If so, you’re not alone. However, with more and more customers calling for full-depth, full-height storage compartments without sacrificing tank size, sometimes the only direction to go is up. In order to make these tall hosebeds both safer and more accessible for your department, Marion has come up with an interesting solution.