this post was submitted on 06 Jun 2026
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[–] curbstickle@anarchist.nexus 3 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

I misunderstood your question then, sorry.

If you're referring to height, these trucks are a base model fire truck that get modified at order. That particular truck I think is a KME. One of their big claims is around supporting a tight turning radius, and I'm pretty sure thats one that LAFD buys. The same model may carry incredibly different weights, so its designed to the same base but can accommodate a rather wide variety of weights and tires as a result, and a length from around 30' to 75' (very roughly), with the chassis staying mostly the same, but the body accommodating either just 2 in the cab (short one) or an additional 6 or 8 in the back (long one). The only big change is around the weight which can change drastically based on people + equipment, which would then change the tire size & type to accommodate.

Considering this is California, that same truck could be used for brush - and yes, making it through larger vegetation - as well as highways or cities.

Just to mention - the "mad max bumper" is because the bumpers are used for preconnects, intake inlets for drafting, storage for chains, jaws, etc, as well as towing connections, and even ground sweeps on corners. Its all utility design.

Edit: Source here is me, I used to put wet stuff on the red stuff, not engineer the trucks. Others will definitely be more qualified to explain that portion, I'm just noting how these things get ordered from a base design meant to be versatile.