It’s back to the future for Upper Darby Fire Department.
The fire department has recently placed an order for a new tiller ladder truck that will serve the township’s east end, something not seen in the township for many years.
Assistant Chief Robert Callahan said the department had a tiller truck running out of the West Chester Pike station about 40 years ago but sold it and went to rear-mounted ladder trucks.
Recently the township ordered a new pumper and a 100-foot Tractor Drawn Aerial from Pierce Manufacturing costing in the range of $4 million, Callahan said. Issues in firetruck manufacturing have caused extensive delays so Upper Darby expects a four-year wait to see new trucks.
Callahan said to prepare for that time the department has entered into an agreement with Five Points Fire Company in New Castle to “swap” ladder trucks.
Upper Darby will take their 1991 Pierce LTI American LaFrance tiller and Five Points will take Station 37’s 1996 Seagrave rear mounted aerial.
Officials at Five Points Fire Company said that due to staffing issues at the combination career-volunteer department, it was becoming increasingly difficult to staff it with two drivers.
Callahan said crews will train on the tiller, which will start off in a reserve status while their new unit is on order.
They recently held a formal class for drivers. Though the tiller is longer than a rear-mounted ladder truck it is more maneuverable allowing it to better get down tight streets in the township’s eastern end, Callahan said.
Philadelphia has a number of tiller trucks and in recent years Gladwyne and Kennett also have had tiller trucks.
Callahan said both trucks were reviewed by each department with some minor repairs performed.
A distinctive requirement of driving the back of a tiller truck is the driver must turn in the opposite direction the truck is going.
The used tiller is expected to head to Upper Darby on Friday.