4x4 Sprinters can go to off-road blazes13 May 2010

Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service has increased its operational capability in rural areas by investing in four 4x4 Mercedes-Benz 5.0-tonne Sprinter vans.

Ray Willett, transport and engineering manager at Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service, explains that the new vehicles are for fighting fires on rough grassland.

He cites their raised ride height – up 110mm at the front and 80mm at the back – and the factory-fit 4x4, which employs rear-wheel drive for road use but Mercedes' selectable all-wheel drive for off road.

Unlike conventional 4x4s, with mechanically operated differential locks, the 4x4 Sprinter uses a development of the Mercedes-Benz 4-ETS (electronic traction system), integrated with its Adaptive ESP anti-skid technology for better traction management.

"Safety is always our number one priority and ESP is a brilliant system. So much so we'll now specify it at every opportunity," says Willett.

Willett also points to the Sprinters' flexibility – indicating the on-board fogging machine, which delivers a continuous water for 40 minutes from a 700-litre on board tank, and the fact that his new units can access areas such as railway embankments, bringing specialist equipment.

All are medium-length 515CDI vans fitted out by Walsall-based specialist Macneillie & Son and were supplied by Intercounty Truck & Van. So, in addition to the removable seats, water tank and fogging machine, the vehicles also have stowage lockers and trays and can carry an inflatable dinghy.

"We've been running a standard Sprinter as a mobile workshop and also have a Special Rescue Unit, which is based on a 17-tonne Mercedes chassis… Although the truck is now 13 years old, it remains superbly reliable," says Willett. .

"So I have every confidence that in these new 4x4 Sprinters we are buying well built vehicles that offer the best combination of performance and operational capability at this size and weight. They're certainly a great improvement on the four multi-role vehicles they are replacing," he adds.

The first two were put through their paces during a Mercedes-Benz event on the off-road course at Millbrook proving ground, where the crews also received training on how to get the best from the vehicles.

Although Mercedes-Benz does not claim 'severe off-road capability' for its 4x4 Sprinter, Bedfordshire and Luton's driving instructor Steve Spring comments: "I was hugely impressed with the vans' ability to negotiate hilly terrain that was wet, sticky, and deeply rutted in places. They maintained grip in all but the very worst areas, and – amazingly – they did so on standard tyres."

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

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