Dennis DF series
The Dennis DF series was a range of heavy-duty fire engine chassis produced by Hestair Dennis (later Dennis Specialist Vehicles) from 1979 to the early 1990s. Based on the Dennis RS/SS series, the DF has a 16,260 kg (35,850 lb) gross vehicle weight, and was produced primarily as a base for turntable ladder appliances or tanker units carrying either foam or water.[2]
| Dennis DF series | |
|---|---|
.jpg.webp) A Mills-Tui bodied Dennis DF DK of the New Zealand Fire Service | |
| Overview | |
| Type | Fire engine |
| Manufacturer | Hestair Dennis |
| Production | 1979-early 1990s |
| Assembly | Woodbridge, Guildford |
| Designer | Ogle Design |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | Cab over engine |
| Related |
|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,810–5,334 mm (150.0–210.0 in) |
| Length | 6,136 mm (241.6 in) |
| Width | 2,472 mm (97.3 in) |
| Height | 2,640 mm (103.9 in) |
| Kerb weight | 16,260 kg (35,847 lb)[1] |
The DF could be offered in 'Firebird' or 'Waterbird' specification. The 'Firebird' variant could carry up to 1,000 imp gal (4,500 L; 1,200 US gal) of water, while the 'Waterbird' variant could carry 1,800 imp gal (8,200 L; 2,200 US gal) of water.[1]
Operators
Turntable ladder appliances on the Dennis DF chassis were sold to a number of fire brigades in the United Kingdom, including the Tyne and Wear Metropolitan Fire Brigade.[3]
The DF was also sold to fire brigades in Hong Kong, the Middle East and Kenya.[1] DF135s were also exported to New Zealand for use as pump tenders in the New Zealand Fire Service, with some being built with Mills-Tui bodywork.[4][5]
See also
References
- Goundry, Andy (23 March 2020). Dennis Buses and Other Vehicles. Crowood. p. 108. ISBN 978-1-78500-708-8. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
- Hutchinson, Barry (15 October 2015). Dennis Fire Engines. Amberley Publishing Limited. pp. 88–89. ISBN 978-1-4456-4608-4. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
- "Ring a change". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 18 August 1984. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
- "Appliances Currently In Service". Stokes Valley Volunteer Fire Brigade. 16 February 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
This appliance was the only cab and chassis model DF133 that was put into service in New Zealand, as it was a trial version only, and the NZFS eventually opted for the DF135.
- "Appendices to the Governance and Administration Committee, Annual Review 2016/17" (PDF). www.fireandemergency.nz. New Zealand Fire Service Commission. 16 February 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2021.