Mechanically, the only issue with a tiller platform might be axle load. A bucket at the end of a ladder adds significant weight and requires the entire aerial device be engineered and manufactured to bear that load. A couple other things to keep in mind from an engineering standpoint: First, platforms are generally rated with a higher tip load than sticks with a similar reach (often 750 lbs. compared to 250-500 lbs), which again requires a sturdier, heavier construction. Secondly--but also related to tip load--NFPA 1901 requires a minimum 2:1 structural safety factor for every aerial device; that is, whatever the device's tip load, it actually has to support twice that load to earn that rating. Every manufacturer has figured out how to make all those numbers work with their present offerings (mid-mounts and rear-mounts, on single and tandem rear axle arrangements), and much of the additional load created by a tiller platform could be carried by a tandem rear axle tractor, but I don't know if any supplier offers a steerable trailer axle that would support the additional load of a platform on it. That said, I haven't worked the numbers or explored the supplier options to say for certain whether or not that's actually an issue, but that's one possible reason why you don't see tractor-drawn platforms. The other is simply a matter of operability. Safely steering a tiller from the back seat is an art that requires clear sightlines down the side of the rig in order to avoid traffic and other obstructions. It's something a tillerman can't learn watching videos or slowly cruising around the department's training center parking lot, and that's the reason DeKalb County widened the tillerman's cab to accommodate an instructor. Attaching a a big ol' bucket to the end of the aerial device and nesting it right in front of the tillerman pretty much guarantees that's all he'll see out of his front window. Camera technology has improved markedly over the last decade but I'm not ready to trust a screen to show me what my eyes can't. Finally, Jim Salmi never designed a tractor-drawn platform; at least, he never shared it with the world if he did. If the guru of aerial devices couldn't make a case for such an apparatus then there isn't a case to be made.
@@franklewis6943 ... Thanks. But (not to beat a dead fire horse 😄😄) would it help if the platform was on TOP of the tiller cab?? I think the vid (or it may have been another vid) said something about dropping the back of the "stick" for better sight lines so maybe that would just be making it worse?? Maybe a rear mount tiller?? Thanks and stay safe.
@@tfefire And what about reversing the ladder: putting the turntable at the back and the tillerman's cab on it, but slightly to the side (basically an autocrane layout)? Might require an additional steerable axle at the back to support the increased weight and additional pair of jacks.
@@solarissv777 An interesting thought. As you said, going to need a set of outriggers at the rear. The front original set would need to stay or could be modified to take the wobble off the 5th wheel. Definitely extra weight at the rear (outriggers, torque box for turntable, other structural improvements) so an extra axle may be required. Definitely will cut into ladder storage/compartment space as well; although, rearmount designs have minimized that impact. I think the big design issue will be the height of the turntable and the bucket up front blocking the tiller's view. Offsetting would cause a bad balance issue. Lowering the turntable would lose the ladders through the torque box and therefore place them all on the sides (lose compartment space). Just leaves the bucket issue. Can't lower that due to the 5th wheel. Maybe a Bronto-type design ($$$) which will also lose compartment space. Metz could work but not with their turntable design. Overall I would say cost is the limiting factor. Tillers work financially by sacrificing tip load for maneuverability (and compartment space if spec'd). Heavy-duty ladders already push the limits of the design. A platform would need much more support which comes with exponential costs.
Nice truck...but it is clear the Dekalb firefighter could not climb that ladder if he tried as out of shape as he is... it's sad when firefighters are just fat and obese. Sad. How can you trust an out-of-shape firefighter to save themselves, much less someone else?
Don't understand tillers: for the same money one could buy a European aerial with better maneuverability (32m ladder, low cabin all steering wheels, foldable basket and articulated last section of the ladder is ~$1M) + engine to carry people and equipment, and you'll still have money left to fully equip them.
