{"id":1693,"date":"2017-11-08T14:54:38","date_gmt":"2017-11-08T14:54:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.websitepreview.dev\/?p=1693"},"modified":"2020-09-30T13:09:20","modified_gmt":"2020-09-30T18:09:20","slug":"repair-replace-old-fire-apparatus-consider-3-factors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/repair-replace-old-fire-apparatus-consider-3-factors\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Repair or Replace Your Old Fire Apparatus? Consider These 3 Factors"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Having the right fire apparatus in your fleet at the right time can literally mean the difference between life and death for your neighbors.<\/span><!--more--><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">It goes without saying that all of your apparatus must be ready for action on a moment\u2019s notice. They must meet rigorous safety standards and come equipped with up-to-date technology. In addition, your apparatus must also compete with other priorities for a place in your department\u2019s and community\u2019s budget.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">When you\u2019ve had a particular apparatus for several years, the question naturally arises &#8212; should you hang onto it a little while longer, or is it time to put it out to pasture and go shopping for a <a href=\"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/new-fire-trucks\/\">new apparatus<\/a> to meet the needs of your department and community? <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">To help you simplify things just a bit, here are our \u201cBig 3\u201d factors to consider when deciding whether to repair your apparatus or start looking around at new fire trucks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s1\">#1: Safety<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The safety of your crew and community depend on having up-to-date fire apparatus with all of the necessary components on board.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>What is the age and condition of your current fire apparatus?<\/b> According to NFPA 1911, any vehicle <a href=\"http:\/\/www.carolinafirejournal.com\/Articles\/Article-Detail\/ArticleId\/2302\/When-should-you-refurbish-or-replace-your-fire-apparatus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s3\">over 25 years old<\/span><\/a> should be retired from service. Perform a quality assessment to determine whether making repairs would extend the useful life of your apparatus. You basically want to compare the value of repairing your current vehicles as opposed to buying new.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Are critical components up-to-date and in good condition?<\/b> Even if the vehicle itself has no problems, outdated or worn out <a href=\"http:\/\/www.marionbody.com\/fe_blog\/5-indicators-your-department-is-ready-for-a-new-fire-apparatus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s3\">components<\/span><\/a> may hinder your ability to respond to an emergency, putting your whole community at risk. Have all major components inspected on a regular basis. If damage is minimal, simple low-cost repairs may be all that\u2019s needed. If you have major damage to the pump, transmission or other critical systems, a new apparatus may give you the best value. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Does your current apparatus comply with NFPA standards?<\/b> NFPA 1911 ensures that in-service fire apparatus are in <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nfpa.org\/codes-and-standards\/all-codes-and-standards\/list-of-codes-and-standards\/detail?code=1911\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s3\">safe working condition<\/span><\/a> and ready to respond to emergencies at all times. NFPA 1912 specifies strict <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nfpa.org\/codes-and-standards\/all-codes-and-standards\/list-of-codes-and-standards\/detail?code=1912\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s3\">requirements for the refurbishment<\/span><\/a> of automotive fire apparatus. Have your apparatus inspected regularly by a professional who knows the code and can tell you whether a current apparatus can be brought up to standards or a new vehicle is needed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s1\">#2: Technology<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Just like your personal car or truck, the technology on board new fire apparatus changes every year. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">That means the older your current fleet gets, the more trouble you may have keeping them up-to-date with the newer technological requirements of the parts and equipment included.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">If the vehicle is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firerescue1.com\/fire-products\/fire-apparatus\/articles\/1674776-Old-fire-trucks-Repair-vs-replace\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s3\">10 or more years old<\/span><\/a>, you may have trouble finding replacement parts because they simply might not be available anymore. Unlike the consumer automotive industry, firetrucks are not required to have replacement components available for a minimum of 10 years. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">If you select updated parts or equipment for an old fire apparatus, your technician may be required to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firerescue1.com\/fire-products\/fire-apparatus\/articles\/1674776-Old-fire-trucks-Repair-vs-replace\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s3\">rewire and\/or reconfigure<\/span><\/a> the vehicle in order to install properly. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Even if the vehicle\u2019s <a href=\"http:\/\/www.marionbody.com\/fe_blog\/5-indicators-your-department-is-ready-for-a-new-fire-apparatus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s3\">electrical system<\/span><\/a> works fine, it may not be compatible with the power requirements of newer electronic equipment. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">If you\u2019re struggling to find replacement parts and equipment, or if the expense of installing updated components is too high, it may be time to go new.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">In some instances, purchasing an entirely new apparatus may be the more economical option than replacing entire systems or having some functions and features completely redesigned. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s1\">#3: Cost<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">While a new fire apparatus is certainly not cheap, fire truck refurbishment that requires extensive repairs, can sometimes rival the cost of a new vehicle, depending on the type of work required.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Here are a few factors when considering whether to budget for repairing your current apparatus or approving the funds to buy a new one.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Location, location, location.<\/b> If you serve a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.fireapparatusmagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-19\/issue-12\/features\/fire-apparatus-repair-refurbish-or-replace.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s3\">big city<\/span><\/a>, you will run more calls in more difficult driving conditions than in a smaller town. This means you may have to spend more money on fire apparatus repair and, ultimately, replacement, more often. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Maintenance costs become excessive.<\/b> Look at the maintenance needed to bring your current vehicles up to NFPA standards, and compare the cost of that to purchasing new. Generally, fire truck maintenance should cost <a href=\"http:\/\/www.fireapparatusmagazine.com\/articles\/print\/volume-19\/issue-12\/features\/fire-apparatus-repair-refurbish-or-replace.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s3\">no more than 50-60%<\/span><\/a> of the cost of a new vehicle. If you\u2019re above that ratio, a new vehicle that will be safer and last you longer may be the wiser investment. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>High intangible costs.<\/b> Is your outdated equipment becoming difficult to use? If it\u2019s interfering with firefighters\u2019 ability to do their jobs in the heat of an emergency call, that old apparatus may be introducing unnecessary safety hazards and low department <a href=\"http:\/\/www.marionbody.com\/fe_blog\/5-indicators-your-department-is-ready-for-a-new-fire-apparatus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s3\">morale<\/span><\/a>. To avoid the cost of replacing dissatisfied crew members, having up-to-date apparatus could be one factor in creating a more positive working environment. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">It might be helpful to compile a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.carolinafirejournal.com\/Articles\/Article-Detail\/ArticleId\/2302\/When-should-you-refurbish-or-replace-your-fire-apparatus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s3\">report<\/span><\/a> that compares the expected repair bill for current apparatus with the cost and maintenance needs of a new vehicle. Consider how your decision may affect firefighter and community safety, department morale and liability exposure for continued use of an old apparatus.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">If you need help determining whether repair or replace is the best choice for your department, <a href=\"\/contact\"><span class=\"s3\">contact<\/span><\/a> Jon\u2019s Mid America. We\u2019ll go over your options and help you make the best decision for your budget, your crew and your community.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Having the right fire apparatus in your fleet at the right time can literally mean the difference between life and death for your neighbors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1751,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[732],"tags":[745,770],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1693"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1693"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1693\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1751"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1693"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1693"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1693"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}