Many truck customers already recognize International Truck and Engine Corporation’s trucks for their quality, durability and high performance, but they also have an added feature that has not been talked about – cab strength. When fire trucks are racing to the scene of a fire or accident, or when they need to venture off-road, the risks of a rollover increase and the integrity of the fire truck cab is essential to crew safety.
International’s cab for fire trucks – and all International® DuraStar and International® WorkStar models – have met the roof strength requirements of the tough European ECE R29 and the SAE J2422 rollover crash tests. These tests evaluate the structural strength of the cab of these trucks and the roof to ensure they can withstand forces from different directions as well as a 180-degree rollover to protect firefighters from injury. The strong, durable International truck cabs have been in the market since they were introduced in 2001.
“These are industry standard crash tests and the results underscore how safe the cab and roof are to fire personnel as they go about their often life-threatening duties,” said Bob Neitzel, Fire/Rescue Segment Marketing Manager, International Truck and Engine. “International truck cabs feature many other safety features to give fire personnel an extra margin of safety.”
Cab Roof Strength Testing to Provide Occupant Protection in Rollovers
The International cab structure was developed to meet the roof strength requirements of European ECE 29 and SAE J2422. These requirements were developed to insure adequate occupant protection in the event of severe rollover crashes – the most frequent type of injury-causing accident.
In the International cab, high-strength steel is utilized in key load-bearing areas such as the A-pillars, door hinge pillars, dash panel and rear sill, in order to deliver consistent quality, strength, and durability. In addition, the windshield and back glass are bonded to the cab structure to provide a fully integrated cab structural design.
The International Crew Cab has been tested and certified to meet and exceed the roof strength requirements of ECE 29 and SAE J2422. With standard seating, as well as with SCBA seating, the International Crew Cab will provide the required occupant survival space when tested with roof loads up to 25,000lb. This exceeds the maximum requirement of 22,000lb by a comfortable margin.
Federal Safety Certification
Besides passing the crashworthiness tests, the cab also is certified to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 104, 206, 207, 209 and 210 and has a cab-mounting system designed for 20g frontal-impact loading. In addition, its rollover and safety features include a bonded windshield, non-slip steps, door-opening angles of 60 degrees for the front door and 85 degrees for the rear door, and a five-point corrosion-protection system that delivers excellent corrosion resistance.
The crashworthiness test results are important because International DuraStar and International WorkStar fire trucks are built with an understanding that there is no more important job a vehicle can be asked to perform. Because they’re built for fire service, the DuraStar and WorkStar trucks deliver unmatched reliability and durability. The roomiest cab in the industry enhances the crew productivity and comfort. And both offer an outstanding turning radius that allows for better maneuverability.
About International Truck and Engine Corporation
International Truck and Engine Corporation is a leading producer of medium trucks and heavy trucks for various markets including over-the-road, pickup and delivery, construction, utility and governments. Based in Warrenville, Ill., International offers its products, parts and services through a network of nearly 1,000 dealer outlets North America and from more than 60 dealers in 90 countries throughout the world. Additional information is available at www.InternationalTrucks.com.