Ted Corporandy

There is nothing more exciting to the public than watching a tractor-trailer aerial apparatus weave through traffic, negotiating sharp turns and dodging cars. The fascination and curious stares are almost always directed at the lone firefighter at the rear of the truck.

While the oddity of a vehicle with two steering wheels may elicit comments from the inquisitive public, firefighters know there is a lot more to tiller operations than just holding on and following the tractor.

Tiller operations begin the moment the shift starts. This is the time for exchange of information. What events occurred the day or days before that may effect operations? Confer with the officer and tiller operator from the previous shift. To ensure nothing was accidentally omitted, check the company journal. Between these sources you should get a good idea of what tools were used and what transpired prior to coming on duty. Because the tiller operator is responsible for all equipment stored in the trailer, this information is especially important. It will give an indication as to what equipment may need special attention. If an equipment failure should occur at an emergency, the first person to be blamed will be the tiller operator. Have SCBA’s been checked and are they full? Are PASS devices operating correctly? What is the condition of gas-powered saws? Do they have fuel? Are the blades in good condition? Do they start? Are axes sharp and clean? Are the handles cracked? What is the condition of the ladders? Are the halyards frayed? Are the rungs, beams, and trusses in good condition? I think you get the point! It is hoped you also understand that it takes an intimate knowledge and understanding of how each piece of equipment operates. The tiller operator should possess the ability to tear down, clean and inspect all of them, in darkness as well as daylight. Power tools should come with an operator’s manual. Read the manuals. If unable to locate them, write to the manufacturer for a copy. Refer to books, periodicals, and manuals to learn alternative uses for the various tools.

The tiller operator should know the precise location of every item carried. An exercise I found to be helpful was to create my own inventory list. Make a diagram of the truck with the location of each compartment. Remove and inspect every item, one compartment at a time. Make a list of the equipment in each compartment. You will be amazed at how quickly tool location will become etched on your mind.

Understanding the equipment, having the ability to properly care for it and the initiative to keep up on the maintenance of the trailer are all admirable qualities. However, some of the best tiller operators I have seen were not satisfied with this level of competency. They excelled to a higher level. They were actively involved in improving and even inventing better tools and methods to stay on top of their unique trade. The trailer, with all of its tools and equipment is your domain. Be the master of your domain.

When the alarm comes in, it’s time for the hard drive to boot up and kick in. Where are you going? If you know your district, you will know the streets you will be traveling. Are the streets one-way, multiple-lane or single-lane? Will there be many turns? Knowing your district and response routes minimizes surprises. As you prepare to climb into the tiller seat, glance at the position of the apparatus, paying particular attention to the direction the trailer wheels are pointing. (See Photo 1.)

Photo 1. — Whether the truck is in quarters or outside, always check the tire position as you climb into the tiller seat. These tires are not inline and will need to be turned to the right during departure. If you failed to catch this, don’t be surprised if you hit an object on the left side.

They should be inline with the apparatus. If not, you will have to make corrections as you leave the firehouse. If you miss this important step and the wheels are not inline, you may find yourself in front of an accident review board. Once you are seated, you need to let the driver and officer know you are onboard, ready to go. The communication systems between driver and tiller operator differ with apparatus. In older apparatuses, there is only one method, the buzzer. A tap of the buzzer pedal signals the driver. The signal system is as follows:

A signal can originate from the driver or the tiller operator. The receiver acknowledges the signal by repeating it. The only signal that does not require an acknowledgment is the STOP signal from the tiller operator. In this instance, the driver must understand that “stop” means “STOP NOW”! It does not mean at the driver’s convenience or as soon as possible. Newer apparatuses are provided with headsets and an intercom system. This allows for constant verbal communication between all members. Another feature found on newer apparatus is a pedal located at the tiller seat that must be depressed in order for the engine to be started. In the past it was not unusual for the truck to leave the firehouse without a tiller operator. Needless to say, it usually did not get too far. The pedal is a safeguard that prevents such accidents.

The biggest mistake tiller operators make is over tillering. There seems to be a burning desire to do something with the hands. In normal day-to-day driving, the tiller operator does little turning of the wheel. For the most part it is simply a matter of holding the steering wheel in the position that keeps the trailer wheels inline (pointing straight ahead). When the wheel is turned to the right, the trailer will swing out to the right and when the wheel is turned to the left it will swing left. It is important to remember that once underway; when the wheel is turned from its inline position it must be brought back inline. To help monitor the steering wheel position, mark the bottom of the steering wheel with a piece of white tape.

When swinging the trailer out in a given direction, count the number of times the steering wheel is turned. To bring the trailer back inline, turn the wheel in the opposite direction the same number of turns. This process begins about halfway through the turn. If you wait until you got through the turn before you start turning the wheel back to its inline position, you are guaranteed to hit parked vehicles or vehicles in the adjacent lane. Make sure the white piece of tape is at the bottom once you have completed the turn. Another aid to keeping the trailer in line may be the antenna or red light on top of the tractor cab if it is mounted in the center. From the tiller seat, look down the aerial ladder; and if the antenna or light is centered between the rails of the aerial, the trailer will be in line. (See Photo 2.)

Photo 2. — From the tiller seat, looking down the aerial ladder, find a permanently mounted object on top of and in the center of the tractor cab to assist in keeping the trailer in line. In this photo, the small beacon mounted on top of the cab provides an excellent reference point.

Once you have become a seasoned tiller operator, you will stop counting turns and the tape will have long since dropped off. Veterans are so fine-tuned with the tiller, they feel the wheels on the road and instinctively know when the trailer is in the desired position.

Once underway, in most cases, the tiller operator will be required to do more work when encountering right-hand turns than with left-hand turns. The turns here are generally sharper. (See Diagram 1.)

Diagram 1. — In the United States we drive in the right hand side of the street. The diagram clearly indicates why this will result in tighter right hand turns than left hand. One-way streets are an exception.

In making a turn (let’s use a right turn as an example), the driver will assist the tiller operator by driving out into the intersection as far as possible and safely make the turn. This is not a Volkswagen. The driver should not cut corners. Because the driver will turn the tractor to the right, the trailer will need to swing out left to avoid the curb or parked cars. When the turn is completed the trailer wheels should be inline. If the turn is dissected, you will see that during the first part of the turn the tiller wheel will be turned “x” times in the opposite direction the tractor is turning. The number of turns will be dictated by the tightness of the turn and any obstacles that need to be avoided. By the time the turn is completed the trailer steering wheel must be turned back “x” times to bring the trailer to its inline position. Failure to do so will find you hitting cars in the oncoming lane and appearing before the accident review board.

An action taken by the tiller operator whereby the trailer is moved into another lane to block vehicles is called “cheating.” There are times when you know a turn is approaching but the driver has not yet moved into the lane from where the turn will be initiated because of inattentive motorists. To keep vehicles behind from entering that turn lane, the tiller operator can block them out. (See Diagram 2.)

Diagram 2. — Blocking vehicles from a lane in anticipation of the tractor making a turn or blocking vehicles from a lane to allow the tractor to enter it is called “cheating.”

Once on the scene, it is important to keep the rear of the truck clear of obstacles in order to facilitate the removal of ladders. This may require the trailer be situated in a jackknifed position. Additionally, overhead wires, trees, light standards, vehicles and debris boxes are a sampling of the obstacles which may need to be negotiated if the aerial is to be raised for successful operations. The tiller position offers an excellent vantage point for the tiller operator to assist in the placement of the apparatus.

Backing tillered aerial apparatus can be a little tricky. With the apparatus in reverse, the trailer swings left when the tiller wheel is turned to the right, and when the tiller wheel is turned left the trailer swings right. An easy way to keep track of the direction the trailer will travel is to place your hands at the bottom of the wheel with your thumbs pointed outward. (See Photo 3.)

Photo 3. — When backing, the point of reference should be the bottom half of the steering wheel. When the wheel is turned left, the direction the left thumb is pointing, the trailer swings left and when turned the direction the right thumb is pointing the trailer swings right. Note the tape at the bottom of the wheel.

Use this hand location as your point of reference when backing. When the wheel is moved in the direction your thumb is pointing, the trailer will move in this direction. This is a tip that will also fall by the wayside once you become adept at tillering. Those firehouses that do not allow for apparatus to enter from the rear will of course require backing in. When the apparatus approaches the firehouse, the tractor should be in line with the direction of normal travel while the trailer is swung into a jackknife position to facilitate easy backing. (See Diagram 3.)

Diagram 3. — The truck comes to a complete stop in this position preparatory to backing into quarters. Note the position of the trailer wheels.

As soon as the apparatus begins to proceed in reverse, the tiller operator will have to begin turning the tiller wheel in the opposite direction. Now is the time to place your hands on the bottom of the wheel, thumbs out, and begin turning towards the direction of the firehouse (your right thumb in this case). The driver must not cut the turn but make a smooth deliberate arc with the tractor. (See Diagram 4.) A mistake often made by drivers in backing is to concentrate on the movement of the trailer. While the driver must be aware of the trailer, the bulk of concentration should be on the movement of the tractor. Let the tiller operator worry about the trailer.

Diagram 4. — As the truck backs in, the tiller wheel is turned in the opposite direction. The driver must make a smooth, deliberate arc. Note the position of the trailer wheels.

Hang a short length of rope, with a tennis ball secured to the end, from the center of the ceiling in the apparatus bay as a reference point to help keep the apparatus inline as it is backed into quarters.

Practicing these basic maneuvers will help maintain your tillering skills. To enhance them, refer to IFSTA’s Fire Department Aerial Apparatus. It lists several excellent driving and tillering exercises.

In many departments the tiller operator is assigned roof duties. Once the building comes into view, the tiller operator should consider the location of the fire, if visible; roof construction; penthouse (bulkhead) doors; and other building features that will affect roof operations. Is the roof peaked or flat? In most instances, peaked roof operations involve getting access to the roof, cutting a hole in it, pushing down the ceiling, and getting off. If the roof is peaked, try to operate from the aerial, as this provides the safest point from which to work. A flat roof is another story. The penthouse door needs to be opened. Lightwells and the rear and sides of the building need to be checked for trapped occupants, fire location and extension. Skylights may need to be broken and vent caps removed. If the fire is on the top floor or in the attic, the roof will need to be opened. Horizontal ventilation should also be conducted from the roof location. Whatever your department determines is standard protocol for tiller operators, he or she must have the experience and knowledge to perform these duties sometimes without supervision.

As you can see, the tiller operator performs many functions that require a degree of skill, intelligence, ingenuity, initiative and decision-making ability. It is not a job entrusted to rookies. If you are assigned to this position, it will require constant training in addition to remaining up to date on the latest equipment, innovations and procedures.