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Thomasbus24
Administrator
USA
4544 Posts |
 Posted - 09/13/2015 : 2:18:39 PM
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Anybody have a modern flat floor bus? I'm spec'ing out my first handicap bus and all I have to reference are a 95, 96 and 97 Thomas Vistas (6 row, spring ride) which should NEVER be compared to anything.
This would be air ride, conventional (78 shell), rear lift.
I'm trying to strike a balance between future expandability for multiple chairs and a bus that won't beat the driver and kids to death. I'm also worried about handling with the low pros on it. This bus will run 30-40k miles annually, so I need it to be right.
Any help is much appreciated! |
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Sherm
Top Member
USA
621 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2015 : 04:05:21 AM
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| I was always told to avoid the lo-pro tires. I've never had any problems with a standard 78-passenger size bus with air ride, rear lift and track seating behind the standard wheels (regular size seats where allowed; no half seats.) |
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tigger2
Advanced Member
USA
469 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2015 : 04:24:55 AM
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| We have spec,ed this bus for the last 12 years. We have six three butt seats up front three on each side and six two butt seats down the rt. side a lift in the rear and four wheel chair positions along the lt. wall. The small tires drive a bit wonky for my tastes but the special needs drivers don't complain. The lift in the rear keeps the noise up front down and the air ride makes a very smooth ride. The small seats next to the wheel chairs helps keep the students from being isolated and lets the nurses sit closer to their charges. Also we have dual a/c on all of our special needs units we use dash plus one evap for the front and one evap for the rear. on most of our units I have a steel box that holds a pair of large totes that hold spare wheelchair tie downs and vests and other stuff for restraints. In the top box we put baby wipes toys and books for the students. Along with whatever supplies are needed for the medical conditions of the students. |
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bfaulkner
Senior Member
168 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2015 : 10:44:12 AM
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We swear by flat floor. It is easier to clean the tracks out and more versatile in your set up. I can snap some Pics of a flat floor IC if your would like. As for the Lo-Pro we have bad no complaints, They handle just like the 22's.
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second.flood
Top Member
USA
640 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2015 : 11:34:59 AM
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No flat floor here. I like only stocking one size tires.
Rear lift full of seats. Track behind rear duals. |
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Thomasbus24
Administrator
USA
4544 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2015 : 2:33:39 PM
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Thanks for the input guys.
I HATE to have another tire size...still working on getting everything to 11R22.5 slowly since it looks like they used to buy whatever el cheapo tires they could find that day.
I've got a demo of a flat floor CE and C2 set up soon.
I hope I never see more than 2 wheelchairs on a route but my world is imperfect. |
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Thomasbus24
Administrator
USA
4544 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2015 : 2:36:16 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by bfaulkner
We swear by flat floor. It is easier to clean the tracks out and more versatile in your set up. I can snap some Pics of a flat floor IC if your would like. As for the Lo-Pro we have bad no complaints, They handle just like the 22's.
I'd like to see your configuration if it isn't too much hassle. |
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bfaulkner
Senior Member
168 Posts |
Posted - 09/16/2015 : 09:39:46 AM
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http://imgur.com/a/0yn2m
I included multiple angles from a 12 IC, 09 Vison, and 05 IC. If you need pics of anything else feel free to ask. |
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Topic |
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Flat floor option
