Courtesy Orem city

In 2021, the Orem Fire Department requested, and was granted by the city council, a major purchase for the city — a tiller fire truck.

Tiller trucks are the most maneuverable type of fire apparatus in the fleet of fire trucks. They also come with a hefty price tag.

Orem’s truck is being built to custom specifications and ,when completed, will cost about $1.6 million, according to Jason Earl, deputy fire chief.

The truck will give the department increased compartment space, faster set-up time — which will, in turn, improve response times — improved visibility and safety.

Because it is lighter than a typical fire engine, there is less wear and tear on the vehicle and the streets.

Courtesy Orem city

“When the truck is finished a few employees from the fire department will fly out to Wisconsin and drive it home,” Earl said.

The “tiller” is the small cab at the back of the trailer with a fifth-wheel articulation and the ability to steer the rear of the trailer around obstacles, according to Earl

The truck has two drivers, and firefighters will begin training as soon as the truck gets to Orem. The truck will be housed at fire station No. 3, next to Orem’s Skate Park at 350 N. 1200 West.

“The capability of this vehicle and being the most maneuverable aerial apparatus on the streets will provide the opportunity to get in and out of congested areas and allow firefighters to get closer to a structure for access to upper levels and rescue opportunities,” Earl said.

The origins of a tiller apparatus go as far back as the 1800s. The tiller driver works with the front (tractor) driver, as a team, and can maneuver the vehicle around obstacles and into positions that will make it effective to support firefighting operations.

Courtesy Orem city

At 61 feet, 11.5 inches long and 11 feet, 2 inches tall. The aerial ladder is 107 feet at full extension with an inclination close to 70 degrees.

“The unique attribute of this vehicle besides the articulation is the exceptional storage capacity which will allow us to transport speciality tools and equipment such as battery-powered spreaders (Jaws of Life), cutters, rams, airlift bags, and more,” Earl said.

The configuration allows the firefighters to be self-sustaining, as it has tool maintenance capabilities such as battery charging, Earl added.

“This allows us to respond quickly to the technically challenging emergencies that this equipment is used for. The apparatus will also have a fire pump and firefighting hose making it one of if not the most versatile vehicles in our fleet,” he said.

The tiller truck is expected to be completed around mid-June. The firefighters will be training with the vehicle over the summer, and the city can expect to see it in service by early fall. Residents are welcome to drop by the fire station and check it out.

Courtesy Orem city

Pierce Manufacturing, based in Appleton, Wisconsin, was commissioned to build this custom tractor drawn aerial truck.