Fire-fighters choose MAN and Allison

The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia has made its biggest ever order for fire-fighting vehicles - 109 new LF 20-KatS on MAN TGM 18.340 chassis with Allison 3000 Series fully automatic transmissions.

The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia’s new fire-fighting vehicles

The country’s largest fire department training facility, The Institut der Feuerwehr NRW (IdF NRW), has ordered the vehicles on behalf of the North Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of the Interior.

The Euro 6 emission standard vehicles, on MAN TGM 18.340 BB 4x4 chassis with Allison 3000 Series transmissions, form the largest ever order for firefighting vehicles in the state.

A total of 38 vehicles have been delivered to local fire departments, with another 30 scheduled for delivery by September 2021 and the rest to follow by the end of 2022, reflecting a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Allison said that rather than an automated manual transmission (AMT), the institute selected fully automatic transmissions with a torque converter, allowing the continuous supply of power to the wheels. The key factors behind the decision were the transmissions’ ability to provide improved acceleration, good off-road capability, reduced wear and an increase in driver control and comfort for the vehicle’s nine-member crew, said Allison.

The MAN TGM 18.340 BB 4x4 with Magirus body is driven by an Allison 3000 Series fully automatic transmission and a MAN Euro 6 6-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 251 kW at 2200 r/min and can achieve a maximum speed of 100 km/h.

Allison said the 3000 Series transmission has been specifically designed for the requirements of emergency vehicles. “We recommend fully automatic transmissions for these vehicles, especially since the fire services are largely run by volunteer firefighters,” said Stephan Marker, Germany Market development manager at Allison Transmission. “The easy manoeuvrability of the vehicles simplifies the work of the drivers.”