All American Foward Engine
(D3FE)
The new All American Forward Engine (FE) school bus extends Blue Bird's legacy of leadership by setting new industry standards for driver ergonomics and productivity, safety, serviceability, passenger comfort, and life-cycle value. From its 33% larger, bonded-for-strength windshield to its recessed LED rear lighting, its new features rest on our time-honored foundation of school-bus-specific design, superior materials, and cut-no-corners construction. Thanks to its unequaled, better-than-ever maneuverability, coupled with a flexible array of body plans and seating configurations accommodating from 54-90 students, the new All American FE is an ideal transportation solution, especially in densely populated areas and along highly-trafficked and/or tight and windy routes.
Literature
What's New
Full wrap-around driver's area offers better access to all switches |
Large 2-piece bonded windshield offers world-class visibility and adds strength to the vehicle. |
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Access to the front engine area includes a pantographing front grille with LH and RH side compartments that swing away to provide complete access to the engine compartment for maintenance and service. |
The rear emergency door on the front engine product includes bonded glass for added strength, and a concealed hinge to minimize exposure and corrosion. |
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Chassis Advantages
- Dedicated, purpose-built Blue Bird All American Forward Engine Chassis delivers high levels of durability, optimization, and safety for extended life cycle value.
- The All American's Shorter Wheelbase combined with its Hendrickson Front Axle and 50º maximum cut steering gear provide increased maneuverability and superior handling/steering, allowing drivers to navigate tight turns and to negotiate more tight spots without backing up.
- Cummins engines cater to customers' specific market needs with a variety of horsepower options, providing smooth, quiet, powerful performance and commendable fuel economy, while meeting or exceeding current emissions standards.
- Easily adjustable tilt/telescoping steering column improves driver ergonomics and accessibility.
- Optional 100-gallon diesel fuel tank between frame rails in rear overhang ensures maximum protection while offering increased range and greater flexibility in routing.
- Premium components such as maintenance-free Huck Spin fasteners on all permanent frame fixtures contribute to the Blue Bird All American Forward Engine's strength and durability.
- Our 3/16-inch thick, 12-inch high bumper with Blue Bird's signature "A" frame bracing on corners adds strength and reliability to the All American's chassis while protecting bodywork.
Body Advantages
- Blue Bird's Panoramic Sightline, now including an enlarged driver's side window, increases the driver's view around the loading/unloading zone, increasing the safety of the All American Forward Engine Type D School Bus.
- Blue Bird's trademark one-piece roof bows, now made with High Strength Low Alloy steel provide maximum roll-over strength.
- Wiring is numbered and color coded for easy service, reducing downtime of the Blue Bird All American Forward Engine.
- A variety of seat plans and configurations, including track seating and special needs options, offer customers optimal flexibility to meet specific passenger needs. Available capacities on the All American Forward Engine range from 54 to 90 students.
- One-piece roof sheets from window top to window top and riveted construction add extra strength and durability to the Blue Bird All American FE.
- Four full-length, 16 gauge exterior side rub rails are positioned to offer optimum strength and protection and are specifically designed to resist penetration on side collisions; rails are dimpled at bottom fasteners to facilitate drainage and prevent corrosion.
- Drip molding visors embossed in the Blue Bird All American's roof sheets over each window minimize corrosion by eliminating a need for an additional metal joint and permitting ventilation during inclement weather.
- Full-length, 16-gauge exterior side rub rails are positioned to offer optimum strength and protection and are specifically designed to resist penetration on side collisions; rails are dimpled at bottom fasteners to facilitate drainage and prevent corrosion.
- The All American's ergonomic wrap-around driver's area put key functions, gauges, and switches where drivers need them the most. This accessibility ensures that driver attention remains focused, further contributing to the safety of the vehicle.
- Blue Bird's integrated Comfort Aire A/C offering provides greater efficiency and quality than competitor aftermarket systems because the Comfort Aire system is designed in harmony with other OEM installed components.
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Mineral Wool Insulation provides better vertical integrity than the fiberglass competitive buses use, and does not wick corrosive moisture into body cavities as fiberglass can do, adding to durability and total life cycle value.




