Iveco Daily 4x4 feels the heat

After its first four months of service, the Belgrave South Country Fire Authority in Victoria says its new Iveco Daily 4x4 has proved its mettle in some tough and unforgiving terrain.

Located in the Dandenong Ranges to Melbourne's east, in carrying out its duties the branch is often faced with steep gradients and thick bushland – country that requires heavy-duty vehicles with heavy-duty capabilities.

The Iveco Daily 4x4 was chosen by Aaron Carlton, a long-term brigade volunteer with 30 years of experience and plenty of four-wheel drive know-how. By day Mr Carlton owns and operates a 4x4 mechanical service and modification workshop – a business he's run for over 20 years.

Mr Carlton said when it came time to select a new CFA vehicle, the Daily 4x4 had plenty of points in its favour.

"The Daily's driveline required no modification; we made some adjustments to the shock absorbers to better handle the high centre of gravity load but that's about it," he said.

"The vehicle's compact dimensions mean it's suitable for fire line work, particularly over the rough and narrow tracks we often have to cover."

Belgrave South CFA's Daily 4x4 is fitted with a customised SEM fire and rescue body that includes a 700-litre tanker coupled to a PTO-driven pump capable of moving 850 litres per minute. Other features of the body include ample storage areas for equipment such as chainsaws and other hand tools.

The Daily 4x4 boasts a GVM of up to 5.5 tonnes, a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes and front, centre and rear differential locks as standard. It's also full-time four-wheel drive, meaning there's no need to stop when conditions deteriorate.

Available in single-cab or dual-cab variants (the latter providing seating for the driver and a crew of five), the Daily 4x4 is powered by a 3-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 125kW and 400Nm.

The Daily 4x4 is equipped with a six-speed synchromesh overdrive manual for a high level of vehicle control.

The diff locks can be quickly engaged by pushing dash-mounted switches, while the Daily 4x4 can handle up to four PTOs to drive external equipment via hydraulic pumps and cardan shafts.

Mr Carlton says the vehicle proved its worth on its first outing.

"On its inaugural call-out we had to get to a difficult-to-access location; it was very steep and when we arrived we had to pump water through six lengths of hose," he said.

"We also use the Daily as a people-mover on training nights and for change-over crew movements. It's crucial that we have vehicles on our fleet that are versatile as well."