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A historical look … from NYC The Super Pumper System
A reader thought this article might interest others, so forgive the slightly "out of area" nature of the piece:
In the early 1960s, the New York City Fire Department was grappling with a growing number of challenges. As the city’s skyline rose and buildings became more densely packed, fire risks escalated dramatically. At times, the water supply that firefighters relied on simply stopped flowing, and their equipment often failed to handle the intensity of fires that should have been manageable. This led to devastating blazes that destroyed homes, businesses, lives, and millions in property.
One such event occurred in April 1963 on Staten Island, a fire that pushed the city’s firefighting resources to their breaking point. The day is still remembered as “Black Saturday†by those who lived through it. Due to a severe drought, many of the usual water sources had dried up, causing the fire to grow far beyond what it should have been. This disaster ultimately led to the creation of the most powerful land-based fire truck ever built: the Mack Super Pumper System.
The Mack Super Pumper was a revolutionary system consisting of five trucks working together to tackle the worst fires the city could face. From 1965 to the early 1980s, it responded to over 2,200 emergency calls, with more than 900 firefighters involved in its operation. The system included a massive central pumping unit, a tender truck loaded with hoses and gear, and three satellite trucks that acted as support units. When it was first purchased, the system cost the city $875,000 — an investment that proved invaluable in keeping New York safe.
At the heart of the system was the central pumping unit, powered by a Napier-Deltic diesel engine. This unique engine, originally developed during WWII for British ships, delivered an impressive 2,400 horsepower and immense torque. It was mounted on a trailer and pulled by a Mack tractor. The engine was known for being loud and fuel-hungry, consuming 137 gallons of diesel per hour at full power. Despite its size and noise, it was incredibly efficient, capable of pumping over 10,000 gallons per minute at low pressure or 8,800 GPM at 350 psi.
This incredible power allowed the Super Pumper to supply multiple fire engines, operate a high-pressure water cannon that could shoot water over 600 feet, and even support tower ladder trucks during major incidents. The system’s six-stage DeLaval pump was designed to handle extreme pressures, with hoses tested to withstand 1,000 psi — far beyond what modern fire trucks typically use.
The Mack Super Pumper was not just a machine; it was a symbol of innovation under pressure. It never failed, always delivering the water needed to save lives and property. Today, the original truck can be found in a museum in Michigan, serving as a reminder of human ingenuity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Thanks, Dan.
For more details and photos, check out the article on bangshift.com.