MetalFab Blog
What Fire Departments Should Consider Before Expanding Their Fleet
As communities grow and emergency response needs evolve, many fire departments reach a point where they need to evaluate whether their current fleet can continue meeting operational demands. Increased call volumes, new developments, and changing service areas are all factors that can place additional pressure on existing apparatus. Adding a new fire truck is a…
Built On Trust: Tom York, K&T, And Metalfab
Roots In Island Falls When Tom York talks about K&T Fire Equipment, he doesn’t start with himself. He starts with the fire departments he serves and the trust that’s been built over more than three decades in the fire service business. From Island Falls, Maine, K&T has grown into a familiar name across Maine, New…
Why Ergonomic Design Shapes Better Fire Trucks
When departments start thinking about fire truck design, they usually focus on the obvious things first. Things like pump size, storage space, seating, and the arrangement of compartments. All of these matter. But another piece sits underneath all of it and often gets less attention: ergonomics. In fire truck manufacturing, ergonomics is about building the…
End Suction vs Full-Bodied Fire Pumps: How to Choose the Right Fit for Your Pumper
When departments spec a new pumper, most of the attention usually goes to tank size, hosebed layout, compartment space, and cab configuration. Those are all important decisions, but the pump itself plays just as big of a role in how the truck performs on scene. Two pumps can have the exact same rated output on…
Budgeting for Your Next Custom Fire Truck: What Fire Departments Should Plan For
A custom fire truck is one of the most important purchases a fire department will make. It’s not just a vehicle. It is a long-term operational asset that must support your crew, your response profile, and your community for years to come. Because of that, planning for a new apparatus should start a long time…
Choosing Between Walk-In and Walk-Around Rescue Units
When your department begins planning a new rescue apparatus, one of the first major decisions is the body configuration. The two most common options are walk-in rescue units and walk-around rescue units. Both are effective platforms. The difference is not about which one is better overall. It is about which one better supports how your…
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