This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated
American LaFrance, based in Summerville, South Carolina, manufactured fire engines, aerial ladders and emergency apparatus including ambulances, pumpers and rescue vehicles. They announced Friday, January 17, 2014 that they would cease operations.
The company was founded by Addison Ward LaFrance and his family. He was an engineer for American LaFrance and had developed a spring raising ladder that worked.
Engines
American LaFrance Car Parts offers an array of engines for fire trucks. Their selection includes cab forward and rear-wheel drive models, as well as gas and diesel powered options. Their offerings also include accessories such as pumps, ladders and other components.
The company’s roots go back to 1873 when Truckson LaFrance founded the LaFrance Manufacturing Company, which sold hand-drawn fire engines. In 1904, the company began fitting its equipment to truck chassis.
As the years went by, American LaFrance became one of the most storied makers of fire apparatus in the country. The company built hand-drawn, horse-drawn and steam fire engines.
In the early 1900s, the International Fire Engine Company merged with LaFrance and other fire equipment builders to create a large, unified company. However, the new organization proved unwieldy and in 1904, LaFrance and other fire engine manufacturers were restructured into American-LaFrance.
The company was headquartered in Elmira, New York and operated a Canadian plant in Toronto where it built fire apparatus until 1971. ALF manufactured a variety of different types of vehicles, including chemical engines, combination pumpers, aerial ladders and Aero Chief snorkel trucks.
ALF was a major builder of fire trucks in the 1950s and 1960s. By the 1990s, though, sales had declined significantly and a number of smaller fire truck makers were emerging on the scene.
In 1995, Freightliner, a subsidiary of Daimler AG, bought the remnants of American LaFrance. After resurrecting the company in the late 90s, they continued to produce Eagle custom chassis. This was a line of fire apparatus that were manufactured on Freightliner M2 and Sterling Acterra chassis. These were built in various locations across North America.
Cabs
The name American LaFrance is not a household name, but the company was a major player in fire apparatus design, manufacture and marketing for well over a century. While the company was known for its hefty fleet of pumpers, its most notable achievements were fire engines, ladder trucks and specialty vehicles. It also straddled the line between a large manufacturer and a small niche player. The company traces its genesis to the days of the Great Depression when a group of enterprising New York businessmen set about resurrecting the industry. Eventually a full blown corporate headquarters was established in Elmira, and a smaller but more productive facility in Sanford, Florida. Among the company’s most noteworthy achievements was a laudable record of winning the industry’s largest firefighter and rescue competition.
Ladders
American LaFrance Car Parts offers a wide selection of ladders. These include the aforementioned ladle-shaped one, and also the less-flamboyant but still impressive vertical ladder. They’re made of a durable plastic that should stand up to the test of time and are easy to install and remove. They can be used to access the cabin of a fire engine or as a means of transporting people. Other options on their list include ladders that retract into cabs and ones that can be rolled into the trunk of a car or truck. You can find these and other great products on American LaFrance’s website. It’s well worth the trip if you’re a fan of vintage fire engines and emergency vehicles. You can even find some great deals on reconditioned models.
Pumps
When it comes to fire trucks and emergency vehicles, you don’t want to miss out on a water pump. Not only does it provide cooling power for your engine, but it also helps keep the coolant inside the cylinders at a steady temperature. The water pump is located near the front of the engine, and it has a bearing or impeller that pushes coolant into the cylinders.
If your water pump has failed, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. American LaFrance Car Parts offer a wide variety of pumps, so you can find the one that’s right for your truck. You can also shop for other components, like antifreeze or a radiator hose, to keep your engine running smoothly.
Originally founded in 1907, American LaFrance built thousands of fire engines, ladder trucks, and emergency vehicles throughout the United States. The company eventually moved to Summerville, South Carolina, and operated a Canadian plant in Toronto until 1971. In recent years, American LaFrance has resurrected its legacy and continues to produce custom fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. You can order all the fire truck parts you need from American LaFrance Car Parts online or at a local dealer.
Components
American LaFrance Car Parts offers a range of components to keep your vehicle running efficiently. Browse online to find the right components for your ALF Condor, or visit a NAPA store for all your repair and maintenance needs. You’ll be sure to find the American LaFrance parts you need at a great price.
ALF began operations in 1823 and soon developed a reputation for quality fire trucks, aerials, ambulances and rescue vehicles. Its classic design and innovations led to the development of many popular types of fire apparatus.
The company’s roots were firmly planted in Elmira, New York, where it manufactured apparatus and equipment for over 100 years. In 1985 the Elmira facility shut down, and production was transferred to Bluefield, Virginia. In 1995, truck builder Freightliner Corporation bought the remnants of ALF and resurrected the company.
In 1997, ALF opened a new manufacturing plant in Cleveland, North Carolina. The company continued to build chassis, but also diversified its product line.
ALF’s MedicMaster division manufactures MedicMaster ambulances and RescueMaster rescue vehicles for emergency services. Its Sprinter ambulance, available through dealers, offers distinct advantages in ergonomics, safety, fuel economy and performance to type II ambulance operators. It features a full array of shelving and cabinet configurations, warning lights, and audible alarms. It also comes equipped with a variety of emergency medical supplies and equipment to outfit the vehicle.