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Are you thinking about buying a fire truck? Maybe you work for a volunteer fire department, or you are part of a municipal fire department budget team. You want your people safe. You want the right fire apparatus, but you also have to think about the cost of buying a fire truck. So, how much does a fire truck cost? The answer may surprise you!
At CLW GROUP, we care about your fire department, your city, and your needs. We know about fire engine cost, and we are here to help with custom fire truck cost, vehicle delivery, after-sales, and technical consulting services.
Let’s look together!
Why Fire Trucks Cost Different
Fire trucks do not all cost the same. Sometimes, a pumper truck cost is low. Sometimes, a ladder truck price is high! Let’s find out why.
Fire apparatus cost can change if:
- The truck is new or used fire truck price
- You need a big or small truck (cost of a small fire truck or cost of a large fire truck)
- The truck has special parts, like a fire truck pump cost
- You want to change things – custom fire truck cost
- Different chassis manufacturer cost fire truck
- Extra safety gear or tools
Why is knowing this so important? Because you need to plan. You want the best for your department, and you don’t want to spend too much.
Types of Fire Trucks and Their Prices
There are many kinds of fire trucks. Each one helps put out fires, but in different ways.
- Pumper Truck (Engine)
A pumper truck is a workhorse. It has a big water tank, hoses, and a pump. It helps fight fires fast!
- New price: $500,000 – $900,000+
- Used price: $50,000 – $300,000+
- Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Main cost parts:
- Pump capacity
- Chassis size
- Tank size
- Ladder Truck (Aerials)
The ladder truck can reach tall buildings. It has a big ladder or a platform for rescues.
- New price: $1,000,000 – $1,500,000+
- Used price: $150,000 – $600,000+
- Lifespan: 20 to 25 years
Main cost parts:
- Aerial length
- Ladder type (straight vs platform)
- Body material (aluminum vs steel)
- Tanker Truck (Tender)
A tanker truck brings water to fires in places where there are no hydrants.
- New price: $300,000 – $600,000+
- Used price: $40,000 – $150,000+
- Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Main cost parts:
- Water tank capacity
- Chassis size
- Rescue Truck (Heavy & Light)
A rescue truck brings tools and gear for saving lives. It can be heavy or light.
- New price: $600,000 – $1,000,000+
- Used price: $80,000 – $350,000+
- Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Main cost parts:
- Storage space
- Big tools like the Jaws of Life
- Quint Truck
A quint truck is a mix of ladder and pumper. It can do five jobs!
- New price: $1,200,000 – $1,800,000+
- Used price: $200,000 – $700,000+
- Lifespan: 20 to 25 years
- Brush Truck / Wildland Fire Apparatus
A brush truck fights wildfires out in the woods.
- New price: $100,000 – $250,000+
- Used price: $20,000 – $80,000+
- Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Main cost parts:
- 4×4 chassis
- Off-road parts
See The Cost in a Table
| Fire Apparatus Type | New Price | Used Price | Main Cost Drivers | Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pumper Truck | $500,000–$900,000+ | $50,000–$300,000+ | Pump, Tank, Chassis | 15–20 |
| Ladder Truck | $1M–$1.5M+ | $150k–$600k+ | Ladder, Platform, Body | 20–25 |
| Tanker Truck | $300k–$600k+ | $40k–$150k+ | Tank, Chassis | 15–20 |
| Heavy Rescue Truck | $600k–$1M+ | $80k–$350k+ | Storage, Equipment | 15–20 |
| Quint Truck | $1.2M–$1.8M+ | $200k–$700k+ | Combo of Ladder & Pumper | 20–25 |
| Brush Truck | $100k–$250k+ | $20k–$80k+ | 4×4, Off-Road, Tank | 15–20 |
Other Costs to Think About
Buying the fire truck is just the start. There are hidden costs of buying a fire truck and operational costs of a fire truck too! Here’s a quick look:
- Outfitting cost: $50,000 – $200,000 for hoses, nozzles, SCBA, fire truck equipment
- Annual maintenance: $5,000 – $20,000+ per truck
- Insurance: annual cost needed
- Fuel and fluids: every truck needs fuel!
- Training: cost of training on new fire truck
You also want the truck to be up to NFPA 1901 compliance. Safety matters!
Should I Buy New or Used?
New fire trucks are nice. They have the newest gear. They come with a warranty. You can pick the custom features you want, like LED lights, new thermal imaging camera cost fire truck, or special storage.
But a used fire truck price can be much lower. Sometimes, a used fire apparatus with low hours can serve you well.
Check these before buying used:
- Maintenance history
- Refurbishing fire truck cost
- Is it up to all safety codes?
How Can I Pay for a Fire Truck?
Fire trucks cost a lot! But there are ways to help.
- FEMA fire truck grants
- AFG grant fire truck
- Lease fire truck cost (like lease-purchase agreement)
- Bond issues by the city
- Donations and fundraising for volunteer fire departments
At CLW GROUP, we show you all the funding sources. We help with your fire department apparatus budget so you can compare fire truck prices and stay worry-free.
See What Fits Your Needs
Do you need a small brush truck for wildfires? Maybe you want a big aerial ladder truck from a top brand like Pierce Manufacturing or Rosenbauer? We help you look at the specail trucks factory and see what is right.
Our team at CLW GROUP offers:
- Customized production for any fire truck or rescue truck
- Chassis and body design to fit your work
- Vehicle delivery fast, on time, where you need it
- After-sales support so your truck always works proper
- Expert technical consulting services
Want to learn more about different truck options? You can see our full range, including tipper truck options for heavy hauling or custom water tank truck designs for fire and emergency use. If you plan on other needs, check out our material handling cranes for rescue trucks or browse all our special trucks at our factory.
Let’s Work Together!
When thinking about the true cost of buying a fire truck, look beyond the price tag. Count the cost of fire truck parts, fuel efficiency fire truck, and even the cost of emergency lights and siren. Choose a partner that knows the business.
CLW GROUP will help you every step of the way. Want a good price? Want a truck that works for years? Want real support? You have come to the right place!
References
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1901)
- U.S. Fire Administration and FEMA (fire truck grants, AFG grants)
- Industry leaders (Seagrave Fire Apparatus, E-One, Sutphen Corporation, KME, Spartan Motors, Cummins Engine Company)
We are ready when you are. Let’s build your fire truck together.
