American LaFrance Trucks For Sale
American LaFrance fire trucks for sale: pumpers, ladders, and rescue units. Compare pumps, aerial lengths, drivetrains, and maintenance needs before buying.
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About American LaFrance Trucks
Cabs are usually ALF Eagle or Metropolitan four-door crew cabs with 10 to 12 inch raised roofs, room for 6 to 8 firefighters, and NFPA-compliant seating. Drivetrains often feature Detroit Series 60, Cummins ISM or ISL, Mercedes MBE 4000, or CAT C12 and C13 engines paired with Allison 3000 or 4000 EVS automatics. Expect 4x2 single-rear-axle pumpers in the 35,000 to 48,000 GVWR range and tandem-axle aerials and towers that push 60,000 to 80,000 GVWR. Air brakes with ABS are standard; many units have engine brakes or hydraulic retarders, automatic tire chains, and rear air-ride for smoother apparatus handling. Typical rubber is 12R22.5 or 315/80R22.5 with heavy-duty aluminum or steel wheels.
Fit and function matter as much as condition. Verify wheelbase, turning radius, and overall height for station doors and urban routes. Ladder trucks should list jack spread, tip-load ratings, and waterway flow, along with aerial certifications and last dielectric or NDT inspections. On pumpers, look for gated discharges, large-diameter steamer ports, preconnect layouts, scene lighting, and generator specs. Many American LaFrance units were built with multiplexed electrical systems, LED light upgrades, and PTO or hydraulic generators in the 6 to 20 kW range, which can reduce idle time and fuel burn on scene.
Supportability is a key advantage despite the brand’s closure. Core components are widely serviceable: Cummins, Detroit, CAT, and Allison driveline parts are readily available; pumps, valves, and foam systems are supported by their OEM networks; aerial hydraulics, cylinders, and controls can be handled by apparatus specialists. Focus inspections on corrosion at body mounts and torque boxes, ladder sections and turntables, frame flanges, and outrigger boxes. Request NFPA 1911 pump test results, ladder certifications, ECM hours, and maintenance logs. For non-fire repurposing, confirm local regulations on CDL, weight, and outrigger use, and budget for lighting, seating, or equipment changes to meet your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of American LaFrance trucks are commonly available?
Most listings center on structural fire apparatus: pumpers and rescue-pumpers with 1250 to 2000 GPM pumps and 500 to 1000 gallon tanks, plus aerial ladders and platform towers in the 75 to 110 foot range. You may also see tankers, light or heavy rescues, and occasional specialty units. Configurations often use ALF Eagle or Metropolitan cabs with stainless or aluminum bodies and multiplexed electrical systems.
Are parts and service still available for American LaFrance trucks?
Yes. While the manufacturer has closed, core components are widely supported through their OEMs and distributor networks. Engines, transmissions, pumps, valves, foam systems, and many electrical parts are off-the-shelf service items. Aerial hydraulics and controls can be maintained by apparatus specialists. For proprietary body or cab parts, buyers often source from aftermarket suppliers, fabrication shops, or apparatus dismantlers.
How do I evaluate the condition of a used ALF pumper or ladder?
Request recent NFPA 1911 pump test results and, for aerials, a current certification with any NDT or dielectric reports. Inspect ladder sections, turntables, torque boxes, outriggers, welds, and pins for wear or corrosion. On pumpers, check for valve leaks, packing condition, priming performance, and foam or CAFS operation. Review ECM engine hours, transmission service history, and look for frame and body corrosion, electrical faults in multiplex nodes, and generator output under load.
What drivetrains and performance should I expect?
Common powerplants include Detroit Series 60, Cummins ISM or ISL, Mercedes MBE 4000, and CAT C12 or C13 paired to Allison 3000 or 4000 EVS automatics. These drivetrains deliver strong low-end torque for pump operations and urban response. Expect highway speeds in the 60 to 70 mph range, with engine brakes or retarders assisting in control. Tire and axle choices vary by GVWR, with tandem-axle aerials offering higher payload and stability.
What licensing or regulatory issues apply when buying for private or commercial use?
Most American LaFrance apparatus exceed 26,001 pounds GVWR and use air brakes, which typically requires a CDL Class B with air brake endorsement unless exempt under local emergency-vehicle rules. Private buyers should verify registration class, insurance, bridge and route restrictions, height limits, and any emissions requirements for non-emergency operation. Rules vary by state, so confirm with your DMV and insurer before purchase.