What distinguishes a medium duty fire engine from a heavy duty fire engine?

A medium duty fire engine is characterized by its lower water-carrying capacity compared to a heavy duty fire engine. Heavy duty fire engines are typically built with larger tanks to hold more water, enabling them to tackle larger fires or situations requiring a sustained water supply. This distinction in water capacity reflects the intended use of these vehicles; medium duty units are often designed for urban or suburban environments where the density of fire hydrants allows for more strategic water usage, while heavy duty units are utilized in rural areas or large-scale incidents where a greater amount of water is essential.

The differences in design philosophies also contribute to the overall structure and performance of these trucks, where medium duty engines might be optimized for agility and quick response, rather than maximum capacity.