New Seagraves

nfd2004 said:
From Herb Eysser - UFA Staff.

As of September 18, 2025, New Seagrave 75' Tower Ladders have been assigned to:
Tower Ladder 1
Tower Ladder 18
Tower Ladder 152

ALSO - Ladder Co 151 is about to receive their new Tractor-Trailer Tiller Rig which will replace a 2012 Ferrara Ream Mount.

Note - The FDNY continues to experience major delays with delivery of new apparatus.
Click to expand...
Isn't 152 a 95' footer?
 
Dumb question #578:

Seagrave supplies most of FDNY's apparatus now. In the distant past (think 1920s - 1930s) they supplied some, (especially Model 66 TDAs with the waterfall grille) but certainly not all, and not the majority. But my question is: Did FDNY ever buy a single Sweetheart grille (1935-1951) or a single Anniversary series (1951-1970) Seagrave?
 
Any idea why they prefer rear mounts. We had a hand full at one time and they were in the out lying areas of the city where you could make wide turns. Philly has some really small steets and the tiller pieces have an easier time making turns.
 
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The main reason FDNY has reservations about Tiller aerial ladders is because to many accidents have happen with tillers. As a former L.C.C. =Ladder Co. Chauffeur and tillerman. coordination between the LCC and tillerman is vital. If the LCC accelerates before the Tillerman has time compensate a minor accident is common and sometimes, a major accident. It is very critical on NYCs tight streets, often with many illegal parked or double-parked cars. The key is communication between the Tiller and the LCC. TRUTH Be Told NYC streets are a horror for responding safely. But in some areas Tillers are necessary.
Captain Bob Rainey FDNY Engine 26 retired
 
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I could never understand how a tillerman could get confused and turn the steering wheel in the same direction as the cab. Since the idea is to turn the trailer AWAY from an obstacle, why would you turn into it? Now backing up is definitely tricky until you practice it a lot. My 1st ladder officer officer would often have us back into quarters just to keep our skills sharp. Amazing the places that a tiller can go that a straight truck could never make it thru, plus the compartment space!
 
It is not a matter of the Tillerman getting confused. What happens is if the tiller wheel is not centered and the Ladder Co. Chauffer= "Guy in the front" accelerates too rapidly the tillerman does not have enough time to position the tiller so it does not strike something = Parked Car, or anything else. The answer is the L.C.C. should drive the rig as if it was a trailer truck and as if there was no tiller. Also, the L.C.C. must signal the Tillerman whenever he is ready to move the rig. Captain Bob Rainey FDNY Engine 26.
 
I've seen a few LCCs back into quarters much too quickly with a novice tillerman, resulting in damaged coat racks and pairs of run-over shoes.
 
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