Steeped in tradition, HME's line of fire apparatus employs state-of-the-art technology in its design and manufacturing, creating the ultimate tool for the fire service. Low maintenance, premium materials, high value; HME is leading the industry into another product evolution.

At HME Quality transcends model designations. The HME Ahrens-Fox® and SilverFox® apparatus lines share identical features, content and quality, the distinction being that the Ahrens-Fox® label is reserved for those apparatus built on our flagship 1871-Sle chassis.

Custom built to your needs, HME apparatus are not just another cookie-cutter apparatus line with our logo applied. HME's engineers, using the latest in computer technology, will custom design the apparatus exactly to your specifications. Hinged doors, roll-up doors, through-the-tank ladder storage, hydraulic ladder racks, rescue or traditional style apparatus bodies, you name it; they will design it!

HME Standard features

Pro-Engineer® provides the foundation for designing our apparatus. Experience proven in multiple industries it allows our designers the ability to "see" the complete apparatus entirely before the first piece is touched! The result is apparatus built to order without deviation with proven reliability built right in! All components carry specific part numbers and are catalogued to make replacement parts easy to get!

All HME apparatus is built from durable, low maintenance, high strength stainless steel. Precision laser machined and computer brake formed, our unique bolted design is field proven. The "ISO-mounted" modules roll independently, keeping stress on individual components to within the bounds of design. The beauty of stainless steel shows through the standard brushed panels; painted bodies are an affordable option.

To assure protection from the elements HME offers premium quality Goretite roll-up doors. Equipped with field proven seals and reliable switching they've met our rigorous standards of performance in either painted or brushed design. For those who require full panel doors ours are constructed from 12-gague stainless steel with heavy duty piano hinges and gas cylinder assists. The best of both worlds on your HME apparatus.

High strength Polypropylene water tanks are standard equipment. Cradles are clamped to the apparatus frame as an independent module to prevent contact with any other part of the apparatus assembly. Tanks can be equipped with ladder tunnels, auxiliary dumps and fills as your design directs. Optional foam tanks are independently mounted adjacent to the tank fill tower to allow maximum water volume. Lifetime service warranties are standard equipment!

HME introduces Hyrdo-Technology® in our advanced design pumphouse. Constructed from maintenance free stainless steel our concept of Mass Customization assures a variety of useful configurations integrated into the base design. Thorough pre-engineering assures reliable operation and ease of maintenance on each and every component. Rigid and strong, pump panels are constructed from 10-gague stainless steel and feature easy access to gauges and components in either Side or Top mount models. Standard features include stainless steel valves and schedule 40 piping supplemented by high pressure wire reinforced line to reduce friction loss. Our high standards continue with Class 1components including valve controls, quarter turn drain valves, liquid filled line and master gauges, tank level gauges, electronic Pressure Governor and ENFO III system.

Efficient valve control is by direct linkage, shielded stainless control cable and optional air or electric actuation. Large diameter discharges often require other means, for that we offer hand-wheel control with shielded cable that can easily run through the pumphouse without mechanical binding.. Efficiency and reliability are hallmarks of the HME product.

The overall reliability and efficiency of any apparatus depends heavily on the quality of the electrical system. The Class 1 Es-Key® Electrical Management System provides the high tech components that form the nucleus of the HME electrical assembly. Individual solid state modules use microprocessors to communicate with each other electronically to activate selected circuits, greatly reducing the amount of copper wire compared to the amount used in old-fashioned analog electrical systems. Standard features include advanced load management, sequencing and real-time onboard diagnostic capabilities. Repair parts are available "off the shelf" and can be easily configured in the field via laptop computer, Palm device or phone modem. Troubleshooting a maze of wire is eliminated, downtime is reduced, costs are contained and reliability enhanced. It's the best system in our industry and it's easy to see why!

Fire apparatus is subjected to the rigors of weather and road conditions on a regular basis and we've done our homework. To further address the reliability issue HME heat-shrink seals all terminals prone to moisture in the Custom Cab, pumphouse and apparatus body, neatly packages the individual wires in loom and secures it with protected fasteners tucked away yet accessible if needed. Modules are installed in common-sense locations throughout the unit. All wiring is color-coded and identified, an interactive CD is provided with each apparatus as a diagnostic and service tool.