Aerials

Pierce offers a complete line of aerial fire apparatus, including aerial ladders, aerial platforms, tractor-drawn aerials (tillers) and Sky-Boom Aerial Water Towers. 

Departments can choose configurations based on operational needs, staffing requirements, response areas and desired aerial reach.

Pierce aerial fire trucks are available in multiple configurations with varying vertical and horizontal reach capabilities. Depending on the model, aerial ladders and platforms can provide up to 110' of vertical reach while maintaining the performance, stability and safety firefighters expect from Pierce fire apparatus.

Selecting the right aerial fire truck depends on factors such as building heights within your response area, street width and maneuverability requirements, staffing levels, water flow needs, storage requirements and rescue capabilities. 

Fire departments should evaluate their current and future operational demands to determine whether an aerial ladder, platform, tiller or aerial water tower is the best fit.

You can learn more about aerial fire trucks on our blog:  3 Types of Aerial Devices: A Comprehensive Overview or How to Find the Right Aerial Fire Truck for Urban Fires 

Both aerial ladders and aerial platforms are designed to provide elevated access for firefighting, rescue operations, ventilation and elevated master stream applications. 

The primary difference is an aerial ladder features a ladder extending from the fire apparatus, while an aerial platform includes a basket or platform at the tip of the aerial device.

An aerial ladder offers excellent reach, maneuverability and access to rooftops and upper floors. An aerial platform provides many of the same capabilities but adds a stable work area which can accommodate multiple firefighters, equipment and rescue victims.

The right choice depends on your department's response area, staffing, operational needs and the types of incidents you encounter most frequently. Pierce offers both aerial ladders and aerial platforms in a variety of configurations to help departments select the fire apparatus best suited to their needs. 

Learn more about the differences in this comparative blog: Ladder Fire Truck vs Platform Fire Truck

Third-party testing for aerial fire trucks means an independent organization, separate from the manufacturer, evaluates and certifies a product to meet established safety and performance standards. It's an unbiased verification confirming the fire apparatus performs exactly as claimed.

A Pierce, all aerial fire apparatus undergo testing with Underwriters Laboratories (UL). UL testing ensures each apparatus is ready to perform at its best, giving fire departments peace of mind knowing the fire truck and required components were properly manufactured and assembled. 

Aerial devices undergo rigorous testing which can last up to 12 hours. The devices are tested for functionality, control performance and cylinder reliability. The ladder functions are tested to see how fast the ladder extends, retracts and how it manages creeper controls.

Pierce aerials include tiered structural and component warranties designed to protect your investment across the life of the fire apparatus. Standard aerial warranties include: 

• 3-yr aerial hydraulic cylinder seals

• 5-yr aerial hydraulic cylinder structural

• 5-yr multiplex electrical

• 10-yr aerial waterway

• 20-yr aerial structural

Yes. Pierce aerial fire trucks are available through four major cooperative purchasing programs: Sourcewell, HGAC, NASPO and NPPGov. Cooperative contracts allow fire departments to bypass the traditional competitive bid process, saving time and administrative processes while still meeting public procurement requirements. Contact your local Pierce dealer to confirm which contract best fits your department's needs.

You can learn more in our Fire Truck Purchasing Guide for Procurement Committees

The Ascendant Class of Aerials is Pierce's most innovative aerial lineup; a family of heavy-duty ladders, platforms and tillers engineered for high performance.

The Ascendant Class of Aerials includes six configurations:

• Ascendant 100' Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower
• Ascendant 102' Heavy-Duty Tiller Aerial Ladder
• Ascendant 107' Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder (Single or Tandem Rear Axle)
• Ascendant 107' Heavy-Duty Tiller Aerial Ladder
• Ascendant 110' Heavy-Duty Aerial Platform

Whether your department faces weight restrictions, tight streets or needs full rescue capability in a single apparatus, the Ascendant Class offers a configuration to match. Every Ascendant aerial is third-party inspected and certified to fully meet NFPA 1900 standards.