Best-in-Class Ascendant 100’ Aerial Tower Unveiled at Fire Department Instructors Conference

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, today introduced a new, uncompromising addition to the Pierce^Ò Ascendant^Ò Class of Aerials at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Ind. The all-new Ascendant 100’ Aerial Tower includes best in class features including superior maneuverability, drivability, operator functionality, and serviceability. Answering the demand for the innovative Ascendant ladder to be available on additional configurations, the 100’ Aerial Tower offers heavy-duty capabilities and the highest level of dependability.
Reaching heights of 100′ vertically and 93′ horizontally, the Ascendant 100′ Aerial Tower packages a 5-section heavy-duty steel tower onto a vehicle with a low overall ride height of only 10’8″ and length of only 41’ 3”. Its 160″ rear overhang minimizes tail-swing offering superior maneuverability and even greater visibility than that of a rear-mounted tower.
“We listened to our customers’ feedback and incorporated elements that exceed expectations with the innovative features of the new Ascendant 100’ Aerial Tower,” said Lisa Barwick, director of business development, Pierce Manufacturing. “Exceptional horizontal and vertical reach capabilities, combined with superior maneuverability, drivability, operability, and serviceability functions, address firefighters’ essential aerial apparatus needs.”
This new aerial tower outperforms with a 1,000 lb tip load capacity, up to a 20-degree below grade operation, and a below grade 50-degree scrub area. All of this is accomplished with the truck at a mere 20′ set-back from the building. Its integrated ground pads eliminate time spent throwing ground pads, so setup is streamlined and faster than any other aerial on the market.   The apparatus will be ready for aerial operations in under 30 seconds.
“Last year we introduced a class of aerials that set a new benchmark for performance in the industry, and we didn’t stop at taking the platform options and apparatus features a step further,” said Barwick. “The all-new Ascendant 100’ Aerial Tower is ideal for customers in the market for a mid- or rear-mounted platform and is unlike any other aerial apparatus available.”
The Ascendant 100′ Aerial Tower is available on a variety of custom chassis and body styles to meet fire departments’ needs. Additionally, the apparatus can be configured with a rear axle rating as low as 48,000 lbs. providing all of the benefits of a lighter weight vehicle such as shorter stopping distances and better performance from the chassis drivetrain. For a comprehensive review of the Pierce Ascendant Class of aerials, visit www.piercemfg.com/AscendantClass for complete specs, video and images.