The Econic industrial fire engine
on the test stand.

Now things are getting serious: We accompany the Wörth plant fire brigade to Zillertal in the fourth part of our series about the Econic 2635 as an industrial fire engine. The vehicle’s final acceptance takes place at the body manufacturer EMPL in Kaltenbach, where the Econic is put through its paces. Once the final touches have been agreed, everyone involved is certain that the special truck will deliver exactly what it promises: a solution to various perils in any fire-fighting situation.

Each vehicle is one of a kind.

Thirteen months have gone by since the vehicle body for the Wörth plant fire brigade’s Econic was planned at the manufacturer EMPL. This is not unusual, but is rather due to the high demands placed on the unique Special Truck as well as the diligence of all involved. After all, a vehicle that is to fulfil both fire-fighting and logistical tasks needs to be carefully thought out and implemented.

The concept of the new industrial fire engine was developed with an eye on the alternative drive technologies that will be used in the future in the truck plant in Wörth. The design of the Econic with its modular technology allows the plant fire brigade to respond to current and future dangers with flexibility and efficiency. Close coordination between the fire brigade and the body manufacturer is necessary to satisfy expectations for the vehicle.

The Econic shows its best side at the final acceptance.

After witnessing the bodyshell discussion in the last part of the series, the next step was the vehicle’s acceptance by the plant fire brigade. It is important to test the Econic with all its technology, its equipment and structural elements, down to the smallest detail. The EMPL experts can only finalise everything and deliver the vehicle when the very last compartment for stowing equipment has also been inspected.

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A genuine all-rounder.

Initially, the first item on the agenda appears simple, but it is actually the basis for the Econic’s suitability. Together with Thomas Moigg, Fire Brigade Vehicle Sales Manager at EMPL, the plant fire brigade goes through the specifications: Have all additional fittings been installed? Are the equipment and material in the correct positions? Are there any obvious defects? Due to the unique nature of the design, this acceptance phase requires precisely the thoroughness and experience that the Wörth plant fire brigade also demonstrates every day in routine fire extinguishing procedures.

Both the arrangement and the load capacity of the attachment area make the Econic a veritable all-rounder in the plant fire brigade’s fleet. The roller containers stowed in the vehicle can accommodate a wide range of equipment sets. This means, for example, that the Special Truck can take on the load of other emergency services vehicles when they need to be repaired or serviced. To keep loading and unloading as smoothly as possible during operation, every single container is checked for the smallest irregularities during the acceptance procedure.

The Econic is unique in this design, a poster child for us at the Wörth site. With this vehicle, we are taking another step on the road to ensuring future viability.

Marc Knoll, Deputy Head, Wörth plant fire brigade

Special technology for special tasks.

With its wide range of technological features, the industrial fire engine sets new standards. Among other things, the Special Truck has a 360° bird’s-eye view camera, giving the team a full overview of proceedings at all times. A thermal imaging camera positioned at the front of the vehicle makes it easier for the plant fire brigade to locate heat sources and facilitates a more targeted use of the extinguishing equipment.

After the first part of the acceptance procedure, all pumps, aggregates and monitors are tested at EMPL’s practice site. Its innovative extinguishing technology makes the Econic unique as well. This means that the roof- and front-mounted water cannons can be used to extinguish fires from the safety of the driver’s cab. After the body manufacturer has already placed the technology on the test stand, it is now up to the plant fire brigade to test it. Even though this is probably the most playful part of the day, the professionals never lose focus on what counts: the uncompromising performance of the new vehicle.

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Even professionals never stop learning.

Before testing begins, the responsible parties in the plant fire brigade are trained in using all of the new vehicle’s operating controls. Even though a few aspects of the Econic are based on previous vehicles to make the changeover easier for the team, there are some innovations that must be taken into account. Shortly afterwards, they are told, "Water on!" The Special Truck’s extinguishing technology is subjected to a thorough inspection.

The feedback for the Econic is consistently positive with the exception of a few small points, such as the need to adapt some of the equipment brackets. Thanks to the meticulous implementation by the body manufacturer, the Special Truck meets all requirements and satisfies all those involved. The combination of extinguishing and logistical components provides the professionals from Wörth with a real all-rounder.

The final adjustments will now be made by the body manufacturer within one to two weeks, and then finally the vehicle will be transferred to Wörth. All fire-watch departments will then be trained in operating the new all-rounder by EMPL staff. Thanks to the close and conscientious cooperation with EMPL and the unique nature of the Econic, the plant fire brigade is certain that the vehicle will be able to conquer every challenge after commissioning. “With this vehicle, we are taking another step toward ensuring a viable future,” summarises Deputy Head Marc Knoll.

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