Front mounted pumps were not the most popular design in Germany in the thirties, but were by no means uncommon either. They offered two advantages. First, they were easier to position when using open water sources, and secondly they were also a bit easier to maintain and repair as they involved a much simpler transmission system. The big disadvantage was that they were very easily damaged in even the most minor collision, and this was quite a deterrent for municipal fire services who tended to experience more crashes.
The plentiful supply of suction hoses on this example may suggest it was expected to draft water quite often, perhaps explaining why it was a front mounted pump design.
The plentiful supply of suction hoses on this example may suggest it was expected to draft water quite often, perhaps explaining why it was a front mounted pump design.
Added by Rob Johnson on 10 December 2025.