The Vienna Fire Department has added six new Tatra Force T815-7 4×4 fire trucks, each equipped with Allison 4500 fully automatic transmissions, to its fleet. These vehicles were chosen for their exceptional off-road capability, durability, and high performance in disaster response scenarios and rugged terrains.
Founded in 1686, the Vienna Fire Department is not only the oldest professional fire brigade in the world, but also one of the most advanced and well-equipped. Its 415 km² jurisdiction includes both the city center and challenging terrain such as the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald). These new Rosenbauer-bodied Tatra Force trucks are designed for wildland fire response and emergency missions where roads are either damaged or submerged.
Allison Transmission 4000 Series
To achieve maximum mobility and crew safety, Vienna required vehicles that provide full torque delivery to the wheels—even in the most difficult terrain. The Allison 4500 automatic transmission, with its torque converter and seamless full-power shifts, delivers smooth acceleration and optimal traction in any condition.
Chief Thomas Huber of the Vienna Fire Department emphasized the importance of dependable vehicle performance:
“For us, uncompromising performance and immediate readiness are essential. Automatic transmissions make the job easier for our emergency crews. Intelligent shifting logic supports drivers both on and off the road.”
The TLFA 3000 Tatra Force 815-7 4×4, equipped with a 6-cylinder Cummins diesel engine producing 291 kW (approx. 391 HP), is paired with an Allison 4500 transmission. This 18-ton truck can reach up to 100 km/h, features 120 cm water-fording capability, and climbs grades up to 68%. It includes a 3,200-liter water tank and a 300-liter reserve tank, with pump-and-roll functionality allowing firefighting while driving.
The Vienna Fire Department has used Allison transmissions for over 40 years, trusting their durability and reliability. Huber adds:
“Allison’s torque converter technology offers superior traction and rapid acceleration—crucial in urban traffic where response time matters.”
According to Robert Kerschl, Head of Tatra Center at distributor Tschann Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH:
“Because the transmission is integrated into the powertrain, chassis, body, and pump systems work together efficiently. The power-shifting gearbox allows Cummins engines to deliver peak torque, offering unmatched traction and acceleration for emergency response.”
The Allison 4500 series was specifically developed for emergency vehicles. Christian Bock, Allison Regional Sales Manager, explains:
“These transmissions offer effortless driving and allow responders to fully focus on their mission. There’s no need for manual shifting, and the torque converter enables strong starts, even fully loaded and off-road.”
Helmut Sonnendorfer, Customer Service Manager at K&W Drive Systems, an Allison distributor in Austria, adds:
“Since our first deliveries in 1985, Vienna’s fleet has used over 100 Allison automatics with minimal issues. We’ve seen nearly no transmission failures. When needed, our partnerships with OEM workshops and our in-house technicians ensure fast service.”
Allison fully automatic transmissions are engineered for exceptional toughness, dependability, and longevity, ensuring that first responders can always count on their equipment—even in the most extreme environments.
