No word sums up kennett square (pa) fire Company's newest midi-attack pumper better than versatile. The vehicle is a 2003 Mercedes Benz Unimog U500 4x4 chassis with custom bodywork by General/Rosenbau-er completed in 2004 (photo 1). Although officially recognized by the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association as a quick-attack vehicle, Kennett originally designed the vehicle as a large-diameter hose wagon. It carries 3,000 feet of five-inch and 1,000 feet of three-inch supply line (photo 2). It also has two two-inch preconnect hoselines mounted on the front bumper. The multifunctional unit can operate as a hose tender, a quick-attack brush vehicle, or a light rescue. The Unimog's advanced technology includes a high-performance hydraulic system with quick-disconnect attachments and an in-cab joystick controller. It can accommodate a wide range of implements including snowplows, street sweepers, dozer blades, and cranes. The chassis, which originated in Europe in 1951, is built in Germany. In January 2003, the Unimog was introduced to the North American commercial market. It is now a member of the Freightliner Truck Group, a Daimler Chrysler company, headquartered in Portland, Oregon.
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