International Harvester Loadstar Firetruck | |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Class | 4×2 dump truck |
| Production | 1962-1976 |
| Built | 940000+ |
The Loadstar was a medium-duty short-hood conventional introduced in 1962. When introduced it had a grey grill and “butterfly” hood but in 1971 a one-piece tilting hood became standard. The cab, also used on the Fleetstar, had been introduced on the A series in 1957. Cab-over-engine models were also available until replaced by the Cargostar in 1971. The Loadstar was used for local delivery, construction, farming, and as a semi-tractor. With all wheel drive it was also used for fire engines, snow-plows, and utility work. Schoolmaster chassis were used for vendor school-bus bodies. The Loadstar conventionals were replaced by the S Series in 1977.
Source: International Harvester Loadstar Firetruck on Wikipedia
| International Harvester Loadstar 1890 Firetruck Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Vladimir Yakubov |
| Localisation | Black Chasm Cavern, Volcano |
| Photos | 61 |
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General Characteristics and Role
The International Harvester (IH) Loadstar is a series of medium-duty trucks produced from 1962 to 1978, which became one of the most popular chassis for fire apparatus in North America. The Loadstar was designed for versatility, ruggedness, and a tight turning radius, making it ideal for both city and rural fire departments. It was often configured as a pumper (carrying water and hoses) or a tanker (carrying large volumes of water). The specific models used for fire trucks, such as the Loadstar 1700 and 1800, were prized for their dependable V8 gasoline engines and robust chassis, capable of handling the heavy loads of water tanks and pumping equipment.
| Property | Typical Value (Loadstar Fire Chassis) |
|---|---|
| Role | Medium-Duty Fire Apparatus (Pumper/Tanker) |
| National Origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | International Harvester (IH) |
| Production Era | 1962–1978 |
| Chassis Models | 1600, 1700, 1800 series |
| Drive Layouts | 4×2 standard, 4×4 optional (common for forest service) |
| GVWR Range | Typically 18,200 to 30,200 lbs (8,300 to 13,700 kg) |
| Cab Type | Conventional (short bonneted cab), often with optional crew cab |
Powerplant and Firefighting Capabilities
- Common Engines: IH V-304, V-345, or V-392 overhead valve gasoline V8s.
- Power Output Range: Approximately 150 to 230 hp (112 to 172 kW).
- Transmission: Typically featured 4- or 5-speed manual transmissions, often paired with a 2-speed rear axle for heavy hauling. Automatic transmissions were also available.
- Pumping Capacity: The chassis could accommodate pumps with capacities ranging from 500 to 750 gallons per minute (GPM), with some heavy-duty setups reaching higher.
- Key Design Feature: The short hood and wide-track front axle provided an excellent turning circle, crucial for maneuvering in tight urban streets or rough rural terrain.
Legacy and Variations
- Durability: The Loadstar was highly regarded for its robust, all-truck components and simple design, making it reliable for emergency service applications over decades.
- Variations: Fire trucks were built using many different Loadstar models. The Loadstar 1700 4×4 was particularly popular for forest service and off-road applications, often carrying smaller tanks (e.g., 500 gallons) for mobility.
- Appearance Changes: Early models (1962-1971) had a distinct curved fender and “butterfly” hood. Later models (1972 onwards) introduced a squared-off, one-piece fiberglass tilting hood.
- Current Status: Many Loadstar fire trucks remain preserved today by collectors and museums, a testament to their long service life.
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