Often, an apparatus manufacturer will put a model that is not doing well, or becoming a liability, or has gained a reputation as a problem riddled apparatus - to its death via a slow process of not advertising it anymore and telling its sales people not to push it but sell it if a repeat customer absolutely insists - until it’s faded away. Some examples : the Pierce SKYARM, it’s answer to compete with the Bronto (the last 20 foot section of the aerial platform ladder articulated downward and the bucket could rotate up to 30 degrees left or right off main access (died a slow death after never catching on). Pierce ALL STEER - I don’t know if they will still sell this option whereby the rear axles turn much like a tiller would via a on off switchable computer. I was told a few years ago that after years of hot and heavy advertising, Pierce would only sell this option to a customer who already had an All Steer ( reportedly big issues with reliability, lawsuits from accidents via civilian plaintiffs going after deep pockets, etc). The Pierce JAVELIN - a pumper with a mid mounted engine. The Pierce PACK MULE - a hydraulic hosebed that could be lowered for easier packing. The E-one HUSH and HUSH 2 pumpers - rear mounted engines that had issues with vehicle weight balance, engine access for mechanics and very limited hose bed options. Spartan STEALTH cab, it’s version of a mid mounted engine pumper, Young Fire Apparatus ( no longer in business ) bus style air operated cab bi fold doors. And there are others. Manufacturers being innovative and competitive only to find out that the new product either was not received well by the fire service, or had very limited application, or was rife with reliability problems, or became a legal liability, or was high maintenance. And, in other cases, once extremely popular models gradually become less and less desirable among customers - case in point the Pierce QUANTUM CAB, which is currently being phased out.
