When wildland firefighters race their fire apparatus to contain a blaze, the battle begins long before they reach the flames. Every mile of rough terrain tests their fire truck suspension, especially in the remote areas where brush trucks operate. Today’s fire crews face longer seasons and more extreme conditions, driving the need for vehicles that can handle increasingly demanding situations.
The Evolution of Fire Apparatus and Brush Trucks
Traditional fire apparatus relied on fire truck suspension systems that, while rugged, couldn’t adapt to varying conditions. Modern brush trucks face more complex challenges — they carry thousands of pounds of water and specialized equipment across terrain that ranges from forest service roads to mountain switchbacks. In these conditions, every bump and turn affects crew comfort, response time, and equipment integrity.
LiquidSpring’s smart suspension system marks a significant advance in how brush trucks handle these demands. At its core, the system uses a five-link structure directed by an onboard microprocessor, monitoring vehicle conditions 1,000 times per second. This constant analysis of speed, steering, braking, and road inputs allows the suspension to adapt instantly, optimizing ride quality through a proprietary compressible fluid mechanism.
Fire and Rescue Applications
For firefighters like Ashley Berg, Owner and Operator of NW Forest LLC in Oregon, the difference is clear: “I love it! My next engine will have LiquidSpring, too.”
This enthusiasm comes from experience with what matters most in the field — reliable performance when conditions are at their worst.
The technology’s adoption rate tells an important story. While initially proven in ambulance service, where 97% of Type 1 units now use the system, brush trucks present unique challenges that make the technology just as valuable. The ability to adjust ride height while moving lets crews adapt to changing terrain without compromising speed or stability. When fighting wildland fires, this capability can mean the difference between reaching a key position or being forced to find an alternate route.
Mastering Dynamic Challenges
What makes this suspension important for brush trucks is its dynamic load carrying capacity that is unique to firefighting. Water, the heaviest and most unstable cargo these trucks carry, shifts constantly during operation. The smart suspension system automatically compensates for these changes, maintaining constant ride height and consistent handling, whether the water tank is full or nearly empty. This same technology helps protect sensitive equipment from excessive vibration, extending the life of crucial firefighting gear.
The system’s True-Earth Leveling® feature transforms how brush trucks operate in mountainous terrain. Rather than struggling to find level ground for setting up operations, crews can position their trucks almost anywhere and let the suspension compensate for uneven surfaces and deliver a smoother ride. When seconds count, you need equipment you can count on.
Long-Term Investment
Beyond immediate operational benefits, departments are finding long-term advantages in reduced maintenance costs and extended vehicle life. The system’s ability to minimize structural stress and vibration means less wear on chassis and body mounts, protecting both the fire apparatus and firefighting equipment. For departments managing tight budgets, this longer service life helps justify the initial investment.
Looking at current brush truck trends, the movement toward smarter, more adaptable vehicles reflects the changing nature of wildland firefighting itself. Climate change has extended fire seasons and increased the intensity of fires, pushing equipment to its limits. Advanced types of suspension systems are part of a broader evolution in firefighting technology, where traditional mechanical systems are giving way to more sophisticated solutions that can handle these growing challenges.
The Right Solution for When Every Second Counts
The importance of this technology becomes clearest when considering what’s at stake. Every minute saved in response time, every piece of equipment protected from damage, and every situation where crews can operate more effectively adds up to better fire control and reduced property damage. The system’s ability to automatically optimize ride quality frees crews to focus on their primary mission — protecting lives and property from wildfire threats.
For fire departments evaluating their brush truck capabilities, smart suspension technology represents more than just an upgrade — it’s an investment in operational effectiveness. As wildfire seasons start earlier, last longer, and see more and more brush fires, having equipment that can adapt to extreme conditions keeps teams ahead of the next threat.
The results are clear: better performance, extended vehicle life, and enhanced capability when every second counts. Contact us at LiquidSpring today to find out how to set your fleet up for success.
