- FAQs

HOW DO I GET A DEMONSTRATOR UNIT TO VISIT MY FIREHOUSE?

Sutphen has various demonstrator apparatus available throughout the year. Product types tend to vary depending on what has or has not been sold. Sutphen demonstrators sell quickly. It's best to contact your local sales representative to schedule a demo. You can locate your representative on the "DEALERS" page of this web site. Sutphen also attends most major national, regional and local trade shows. A list of these shows can be found on the "EVENTS/LINKS" page of our site.

HAS SUTPHEN EVER MANUFACTURED A REAR-MOUNT AERIAL?

No. The Sutphen organization has always believed whole-heartedly in the mid-mount design. The lower center of gravity and simplicity of aerial operations provide the highest level of safety for fire fighters, which is our foremost concern.

DOES SUTPHEN HELP WITH SPONSORSHIPS?

Sutphen does provide sponsorships for various charities and fire training events. However, there are far too many to be involved in every one of them. Please contact your local dealer to get the process started, and to see if your event can be included in the coming year's budget.

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET PARTS FOR OUR SUTPHEN TRUCK?

The Sutphen web site contains contacts for all Sutphen products. Contacts for service parts are divided into two groups. For aluminum-bodied pumpers, Model 95' aerial platforms, 100' aerial platforms, 110' aerial platforms, 61' water towers and HeavyRescues, call 800-848-5860. For stainless-steel-bodied pumpers, 75' aerials, 70' aerial platforms and 104' aerial ladders, contact 800-343-2712.

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO HAVE OUR OLDER SUTPHEN REFURBISHED?

Sutphen operates a 5,000-square-foot service and refurbishment facility in Springfield, Ohio. To receive a quote, contact Dareth Fowler or John Rideout. Their email and contact info can be found on the "CONTACTS" page of this site.

Sutphen Mid-Mount Platforms
(Model 95', 100', Magnum 110')

WHAT ARE THE WIDTHS OF EACH LADDER SECTION?

The widths of a Sutphen aerial differ depending on the model. The widths are listed below. Handrails are mounted on stanchions approximately 3 inches wider on each side of the boom for climbing purposes.

	SP 95 and SP 100'	SP 110'
Section One	37" wide	30" wide
Section Two	33" wide	26.125" wide
Section Three	29 1/2 " wide	22.875" wide
Section Four	26 1/2 " wide	19.625" wide
Section Five		17.125" wide

WHAT MATERIAL ARE YOUR LADDERS CONSTRUCTED OF?

The Sutphen mid-mount platform is constructed using heat-treated T-6061 aircraft aluminum, box boom design that utilizes aircraft style Huck bolt technology. With the four-section box boom design Sutphen provides a 3:1 safety factor.

WHAT ARE THE VERTICAL REACHES OF YOUR LADDERS?

The vertical reach of a Sutphen SP 95 is 93' 7" at an 80-degree elevation.
The vertical reach of a Sutphen SP 100 is 100' at an 80-degree elevation.
The vertical reach of a Sutphen SP 110 is 110' at an 80-degree elevation.

WHAT ARE THE HORIZONTAL REACHES OF YOUR LADDERS?

The horizontal reach of a Sutphen SP 95 is 82 feet.
The horizontal reach of a Sutphen SP 100 is 90 feet.
The horizontal reach of a Sutphen SP 110 is 99 feet.

WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS OF YOUR PLATFORMS?

The Sutphen bucket (either two, or three door) is 60 inches wide x 42 inches deep x 42 inches high.

WHAT IS THE TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE OF YOUR PLATFORMS?

The Sutphen bucket is 17.5 square feet. The Sutphen bucket is 61.5 cubic feet.

WHAT ARE THE JACK SPREADS OF YOUR TRUCKS?

The jack spread of a Sutphen SP 95 mid-mount platform and a 100' platform is eighteen (18) feet.
The jack spread of a Sutphen SP 110 mid-mount platform is twenty (20) feet.

CAN YOUR TRUCKS BE SHORT JACKED?

Yes. All Sutphen tandem axle mid-mount platforms can be short-jacked allowing operation of the aerial over the non-short jacked side. This operation is accomplished by using an interlock override that requires two personnel to operate.

WHAT ARE THE SLOPE LIMITS YOUR TRUCKS CAN BE SETUP ON?

All Sutphen mid-mount platforms can be operated safely with the apparatus in a position of 10 degrees front to back and 5 degree side to side.

DO YOUR TRUCKS HAVE TO BE LEVEL FOR OPERATION?

No. All Sutphen aerial apparatus are capable of operating on non-level surfaces safely and efficiently as stated above.

DO YOUR TRUCKS HAVE SAFETY STOPS TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE CHASSIS WHILE SWINGING THE LADDER? IF YES, WHAT DOES THIS DO?

Yes. All Sutphen platforms are equipped with a smart boom system. This system shall warn both audibly and visually of impending contact with either the cab or the body of the truck. When in an area of impending contact, the system shall shift the aerial controls into a reduced speed "creep mode" but shall not limit travel of the aerial. Both rotation interlock and the smart boom warning system shall display information on a visual LED information center mounted at the turntable control pedestal and in the platform. Although this system has been installed to prevent contact with the cab or body of the truck, it is possible to damage the vehicle with the boom and/or bucket. Sutphen believes that there may be circumstances where measures such as preventing the boom from moving when it is operated near a crush zone of the apparatus could cost the lives of both firefighters and/or civilians in a rescue situation. A few inches at the base section translates into a few feet when the aerial device is fully extended, Sutphen therefore allows the firefighter to be able to continually operate the aerial device.

CAN YOU MANUALLY OVERRIDE THE ELECTRONICS TO BED THE LADDER IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRONIC FAILURE?

The Sutphen SP 95 and SP 100 platform do not utilize electronics to operate the aerial device. Operation is accomplished through manual hydraulic controls. Additionally there is an emergency hydraulic pump that allows the bedding of the aerial in the event of a hydraulic failure.

Although the Sutphen SP 110 Magnum is operated by an electrically multiplexed system, it is equipped with manual hydraulic backup controls that are capable of complete operation of the aerial device should the electrical system fail.

WHAT ARE THE CAPACITIES OF YOUR PLATFORMS, WITH AND WITHOUT WATER FLOW?

All Sutphen mid-mount SP 95 AND SP 110 platforms have a tip load of 1000 pounds dry at any angle, and the mid mount SP 100' platforms have a tip load of 800. The tip load reduces to 500 pounds at any angle when the waterway is wet or flowing water.

WHAT ARE THE STYLES, NUMBERS AND LOCATIONS OF YOUR JACKS?

The Sutphen SP 95 and SP 100 mid-mounted platform utilizes a jack system with jacks located in three locations. The stabilizer jacks are mid mounted and have a jack spread of 18 feet. They consist of a single "H" style out and down outrigger on each side of the apparatus. They are individually operated allowing the ability to short-jack the apparatus when necessary. The second set of jacks is located behind the rear duals. They are a down jack only and extend to the ground directly behind the rear dual. A third set of jacks is mounted on the frame rail underneath the cab. They extend downward to the front axle to provide rigidity to the front suspension. (This set of jacks is only needed when the apparatus is equipped with a climbing ladder.

The Sutphen SP 110 mid-mounted platform utilizes a jack system with jacks located in three locations. There are two sets stabilizer jacks mid mounted in a patented "X" pattern stabilizing system with a jack spread of twenty (20) feet. The jacks are individually operated allowing the ability to short-jack the apparatus when necessary. The second set of jacks is located behind the rear duals. They are a down jack only and extend to the ground directly behind the rear dual. A third set of jacks is mounted on the frame rail underneath the cab. They extend downward to the front axle to provide rigidity to the front suspension. (This set of jacks is only needed when the apparatus is equipped with a climbing ladder.

WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU USE FOR BODY CONSTRUCTION?

All Sutphen Aerial apparatus bodies are constructed of bolted, heavy duty, 304 stainless steel. This provides longer life and less maintenance. The body is constructed in a modular fashion that allows for easy repair in the event of an accident.

WHAT ARE THE OVERALL DIMENSIONS OF YOUR TRUCKS?

The Sutphen SP 95 mid-mount high rail platform with a wheelbase of 252" has a maximum overall length of 47' 7" and an overall height of 11' 4".
The Sutphen SP 100 mid-mount high rail platform with a wheelbase of 252" has a maximum overall length of 48' 10" and an overall height of 11'4".
The Sutphen SP 110 mid-mount platform with a wheelbase of 252" has an overall length of 47' 8.5" and an overall height of 11' 5".

ARE LIFTING EYES AVAILABLE ON YOUR PLATFORMS FOR USE AS A HIGH POINT ANCHOR FOR VERTICAL OR CONFINED SPACE RESCUES? IF YES, WHAT ARE THEY RATED FOR?

Yes. Lifting eyes are standard on the all Sutphen mid-mount platform has two lifting eyes located on the bottom of the last fly section behind the platform bucket. Each lifting eye has a rated capacity of 250 pounds.

DO YOU HAVE A BRACKET AVAILABLE FOR SUPPORTING A STOKES BASKET ON YOUR PLATFORMS?

Yes. Sutphen offers, as an option, a bracket for supporting a stokes basket on the top center of the bucket so that the stokes basket can be tended to from personnel on both sides of the bucket.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A STOKES BASKET STORED ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE BED SECTION OF YOUR LADDERS?

Yes, it is possible to mount a stokes basket on the on the outside of the first base section.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A ROOF LADDER STORED ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE BED SECTION OF YOUR LADDERS? IF YES, WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM LENGTH AVAILABLE?

Yes. Sutphen can mount a roof ladder on the outside of the first base section up to 18'.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM TANK SIZE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR MID-MOUNTS?

All Sutphen mid-mount platforms can accommodate a 500-gallon water tank.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF 5" HOSE STORAGE AVAILABLE?

5" Hose load depends on the size of the water tank that is used with the apparatus. The following hose bed capacities are available with the corresponding water tank size.

300 gallon: 1500
400 gallon: 1200
500 gallon: 1000

WHERE ARE YOUR GROUND LADDERS STORED?

Ground ladders are stored on the upper right side of the apparatus. They are mounted above the low side compartments. This allows for removal off ladders from the side of the vehicle that prevents the possibility of the ladders being "blocked in" by another apparatus.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO STORE A 20' ROOF LADDER IN YOUR GROUND LADDER STORAGE AREA?

Yes. Because Sutphen mounts ground ladders on the upper portion of the low side of the apparatus, ladders can be mounted the entire length of the apparatus body.

DO YOUR MID-MOUNT TRUCKS HAVE AN AUTO LEVELING FEATURE FOR THE OUTRIGGERS?

No. Sutphen aerials do not have an auto-leveling feature. Sutphen believes that with proper training fire department personal can setup the apparatus in a shorter amount of time as well as more safely without the use of an auto-leveling device. In addition, as stated in question nine, the Sutphen apparatus does not need to be level to safely operate.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM WIND SPEED THAT YOUR LADDERS CAN BE OPERATED SAFELY?

Sutphen aerials can be operated in winds measuring up to 50 miles per hour.

WHERE ARE THE OUTRIGGER CONTROLS LOCATED?

Outrigger controls on all Sutphen aerials are located within 3 feet of the pump operator's panel for ease of operation for the firefighter as well as allowing for setup by only one person. On the SP 95 the outrigger controls are located in the front left side compartment. Outrigger, rear jacks, front jacks, and fluid transfer valve are all located in this compartment.

DO YOUR OUTRIGGERS NEED TO BE PINNED?

Yes. For safety reasons Sutphen aerials do require that pins be install following the placement of all outriggers and jacks. An audible warning will sound until a pin is placed in each of the out and down stabilizers. An interlock is provided once the pins have been set and the fluid transfer valve has been switched to aerial operations that will not allow the operation of any outrigger or jack until the aerial has been properly bedded and the pin has been pulled from each outrigger.

ARE YOUR BASKET CONTROLS FIXED, MOUNTED, OR ON A TETHERED CORD?

Sutphen bucket controls are mounted in two locations. Operation of the aerial device can be achieved from either of the locations. One set of controls is mounted in the bucket either in the center of the bucket (three door bucket) or on the right side of the bucket (two door bucket). The second set of controls is located on the pedestal. This allows for a firefighter to control the operation of the bucket as well as a way to prevent firefighters in the bucket of coming into contact with hazards not in their view.

WHAT IS THE FLOW CAPACITY OUT OF YOUR BASKETS?

By utilizing dual nozzles mounted on each side of the bucket yolk, all Sutphen mid-mount platforms can flow over 1500 gallons of water per minute. (with the appropriate pump and nozzles)

CAN YOU INSTALL AN ELECTRIC VALVE ON THE MASTER STREAM DEVICE?

Yes. Sutphen can install dual electric monitors on the bucket yolk. They will be able to be controlled at two locations, in the bucket and at the pedestal. By adding 1 or 2 electric monitors on bucket yolk you allow the operation of an elevated master stream without committing a firefighter or firefighters to the bucket.

WHAT SCENE LIGHTING IS AVAILABLE ON YOUR BASKETS?

There are two lighting options that are available on the Sutphen bucket. Telescopic floodlights can be mounted in the bucket. They will have a switch at the light head for to turn on the light and they can be wired for operation from the pedestal. The second option is to mount 1 or more floodlights on the bottom of the bucket. These lights can be wired for operation from both the bucket as well as the pedestal.

DO YOU HAVE LIGHTING AVALIABLE TO ILLUMINATE THE RUNGS OF THE LADDER?

Yes, lighting is available to illuminate the climbing ladder. The lights are located on the underside of the climbing rail.

DO YOU HAVE LIGHTING AVAILBLE FOR THE INSIDE OF THE BASKET? IF YES, WHAT KIND?

Yes. Lighting in the bucket can be achieved by installing 4-inch rectangular compartment lights on the bucket walls.

CAN YOU SET THE BOTTOM OF YOUR BASKETS ON THE GROUND?

Yes. Many manufactures will instruct firefighters to set the bucket on the ground to keep the bucket from twisting side to side while entering. As a result of Sutphen's box boom design and extendable egress ladder it is not necessary to place the platform on the ground. With the aerial fully retracted the bucket is easily accessible by lowering the entrance step. However, the Sutphen bucket can be placed on the ground. By extending the aerial device you will be able to set the bucket on the ground.

WHAT MATERIAL ARE YOUR BASKETS CONSTRUCTED OF

The Sutphen bucket is constructed using an extruded T-6061 aluminum tubing frame with an aluminum treadplate perimeter shell.

WHAT IS THE GVWR OF YOUR APPARATUS?

The GVWR of a Sutphen SP 95 is 61,500 pounds.
The GVWR of a Sutphen SP 110 is 73,500 pounds.

WHAT IS THE CU. FT. OF COMPARTMENTS ON YOUR MID-MOUNTS?

The total cubic feet of compartmentation will depend on the body configuration selected. The average body configuration on a Sutphen SP 95 and SP 100 platform with a pump and a high rail will yield 215 cubic feet of compartmentation. A Model 95 or 100' platform without a pump can have upwards of 380 cubic feet of compartmentation.

The total cubic feet of compartmentation will depend on the body configuration selected. The average body configuration on a Sutphen SP 110 with a pump and a high rail will yield 207 cubic feet of compartmentation.

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