KME Fire Apparatus, an industry-leading manufacturer of fire apparatus, has announced the use of a fully digital gauge and instrument cluster. The 12.3-inch color display is entirely driver-focused – presenting information directly in front of the driver. The gauge cluster is available on any Panther, PredatorTM and Severe ServiceTM chassis model.

The gauge cluster is set to make its public debut at the 2018 FDIC International in Indianapolis, IN, April 26, 2018. The digital gauge display replaces traditional gauges and indicators with digital screens designed to provide a driver with the most pertinent information at a glance. The high-resolution display features easy to read graphics and a wide range of display options. The option is available on any custom chassis cab, and its impact on the interior atmosphere of the cab is substantial. The display can take the appearance of a traditional analog gauge or show animated text, scales, bar charts or symbols or it can switch over to video images either automatically or on demand.

The digital dash display features:

  • High-resolution 12.3” color touchscreen display
  • Automatic adjustment to light condition
  • Flexible options for dashboard designs
  • Multipurpose information display
  • Optional appearance of animated text, charts and symbols or the traditional analog gauge
  • Video feed accessed automatically or on demand

“KME offers this innovative feature in our custom chassis to provide a completely new and enhanced driver experience,” said Bruce Nalesnik, KME Chassis Product Manager. “The design of this display provides a crisp and clean driver dash area. Equally exciting are the possibilities for future options that can be integrated into this display, such as live video, maintenance alerts and schematics.”

The first unit with the digital instrument cluster option installed is the City of Wooster, Ohio Fire Department’s PROTM Pumper, which will be on display at FDIC 2018.