When a fire department begins the process of ordering a new fire truck, every part, component and system comes with a choice—the engine selection should be no different.

Offering fire departments the opportunity to choose between several engine options as they build a custom apparatus means the department can determine the best engine for their unique needs.

Pierce Manufacturing offers customers multiple engine choices during the specification process. Fire departments have the flexibility to select between several engine options, including Cummins engines and the exclusive PACCAR MX-13 Big Block Engine.

Pierce Manufacturing has collaborated with PACCAR to make the 12.9 liter PACCAR MX-13 Big Block Engine exclusively available to fire departments on the Pierce® Enforcer™ and Velocity® custom chassis. Learn more about the PACCAR MX-13 and what to look for in a fire truck engine below.

What Fire Truck Engine Qualities are Important to Fire Departments?

Fire trucks are a valuable asset in their respective communities; a great deal of time and research is invested in the order process. Throughout the truck specification development, fire department representatives determine their new apparatus' optimal parts and system requirements.

When it comes to fire truck engine selection, fire departments often consider:

• Quality and Reliability. Engine longevity is a key consideration for fire departments. An engine should last the lifetime of the fire truck without major repairs.
• Performance. Out-of-the-gate performance (rapid acceleration) is critical for drivers who may regularly navigate varying terrain.
• Horsepower. The power produced by the engine is important to accelerate a fire truck from an idle position and to maintain speed in normal conditions.
  
• Torque. Torque capabilities measure the amount of work a truck can produce. High torque capabilities are critical for fire trucks to manage the apparatus’ weight and varying road conditions.
  
• Ease of Maintenance. The optimal fire truck engine offers easy maintenance with extended service intervals.

Pierce products have a reputation for quality and superior craftsmanship, allowing customers to create custom apparatus based on their specific preferences. Engines are the heart of a fire truck, and adding the PACCAR MX-13 as an exclusive offering to Pierce customers is another performance-driven option for fire departments to consider in the truck specification process.

What Features Set the PACCAR MX-13 Engine Apart?

The PACCAR MX-13 Big Block Engine incorporates industry-leading features designed to help fire departments stay up and running with exceptional fuel economy, low maintenance and excellent return on investment.

The PACCAR MX-13 is designed and built by PACCAR and is an exclusive engine offering for Pierce and its valued customers.

“The PACCAR engine has provided our department with reserve horsepower and torque,” said Battalion Chief Steven Battles, Indianapolis Fire Department. “Pierce's commitment to offering customers two engine options in the specification process opens up customization possibilities, ensuring we can tailor each truck to match the service requirements in our community."

PACCAR MX-13 engine features include:

• Optimal Uptime. PACCAR MX-13 engines are built for durability with a B10 rating of over one million miles. This rating means that 90-percent of engines will make it to at least 1 million miles without needing an engine rebuild.  
• Low Cost of Service. With a 30,000-mile oil change interval, the PACCAR MX-13 engine will save money with low-cost maintenance.
• Easily Accessible Service Areas. Saving time starts with easy access to parts which require routine maintenance, like filters.
• Exceptional Out-of-the-Gate Performance. With 510 Horsepower and 1850 LB-FT of torque, the PACCAR MX-13 engine offers power and reliability.
• Quiet and Smooth Operation. Rear engine gear train design reduces noise and offers superior engine braking power over a wide range of speeds, reducing the need for multiple gear shifts.
• Less Weight. The engine provides up to 400 lbs of weight savings compared to a 15L engine.
• Durable and Dependable. Compacted graphite iron castings provide a lightweight and durable design, while weatherproofed and encapsulated wiring protects against cable rubs.

“With several standout features, the PACCAR engine is a great addition to our product line,” said Tyler Mehrl, Product Manager, Customer Cabs and Chassis at Pierce Manufacturing. “We are thrilled to have another exceptional engine choice for our customers and we are confident in the performance and reliability of PACCAR’s exclusive MX-13 engine.”                

Why Does Engine Choice Benefit Pierce Customers?

The collaboration with PACCAR provides Pierce customers with another engine choice to consider in their build specifications. In addition to offering customers more options as they build their custom apparatus, there are other benefits to consider, including aftermarket service, maintenance and support.

“We are impressed with Pierce’s customer and product support as we considered new engine options,” stated Jason Bradley, Asst. Fire Chief, City of Omaha Fire Department. “Currently, Pierce is the only fire truck manufacturer to offer two engine options for fire apparatus, which is important to us to effectively customize our fleet capabilities.”

Aftermarket Support & Superior Serviceability 

Not only is the PACCAR MX-13 engine an exclusive PACCAR product, but it also comes with the backing of the exceptional service teams at Pierce Manufacturing and through Pierce’s network of dealers.

With a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty, PACCAR’s exclusive Pierce fire apparatus engine can be serviced at over 900 maintenance centers across North America.

Serviceability is a critical component of engine longevity and Pierce’s strong network of dealers can self-certify in PACCAR engine repair and maintenance. Additionally, Pierce dealers can order and stock PACCAR parts, helping to reduce fire truck downtime and return apparatus back into service quickly.

“PACCAR engines have been really reliable for us, and we’re seeing great performance across the board.” - Chief Stuart Blasingame, Prosper Fire Department, Prosper, Texas.

PACCAR Fire Truck Engines on the Road Today

Omaha Fire Department - Pumper

The Omaha Fire Department’s Pierce Enforcer™ Pumper is designed for versatility and reliability in urban firefighting. The pumper is equipped with a powerful 510 hp PACCAR MX-13 engine, a 1,500 gpm Pierce PUC™ Midship pump and a 600-gallon water tank, enabling it to handle a range of emergency scenarios. The apparatus also features TAK-4® Independent Front Suspension for enhanced maneuverability. This truck’s advanced specifications and thoughtful design ensure efficient and effective response capabilities for the Omaha Fire Department. View this truck’s specifications here.

Prosper Fire Department

The Prosper Fire Department Pierce Enforcer Pumper is built on a Velocity® chassis and features a 510hp PACCAR MX-13 engine, a 1,500 gpm Pierce PUC™ midship pump and a 750-gallon water tank. The apparatus also includes Command Zone™ and a Husky™ 3 foam system. Take a look at images and specifications now.

Indianapolis Fire Department - Pumper

The Indianapolis Fire Department’s Pierce Enforcer™ Pumper is equipped with a powerful 510hp PACCAR MX-13 engine, a 2,000-gpm Waterous midship pump, and a 500 gallon water tank to manage diverse emergency response requirements. The truck also features TAK-4® Independent Front Suspension. With its advanced engineering and tailored design, this pumper supports efficient, responsive and safe operations for the Indianapolis Fire Department. See images and the truck specifications here.

Choice matters in every decision that goes into a fire truck’s build specifications. The ability to choose the right fire truck engine to support a department’s needs is critical. Pierce Manufacturing is proud to offer customers two options for fire truck engines.

What type of engine will you choose for your next fire apparatus?

Learn more about PACCAR MX-13 engines now, or contact your local Pierce dealer for additional information.