Designed for Comfort and Safety: The Panther™
The KME Panther offers an unbeatable combination of safety, ergonomics, reliability and maintenance. Available in multiple cab styles with seating up to 10 and engine horsepower options up to 500 hp, the Panther chassis offers a full range of options to accommodate your crew.
In today’s tough economic conditions, many fire departments are being forced to sacrifice features and functionality on their apparatus to meet strict budgetary constraints. This chassis was created for the fire service desiring the same benefits and options available with a custom cab and chassis, at a price point that fits their fiscal limitations.

Engineered for Custom
The KME Panther is available in a variety of configurations that offer plenty of space with seating for up to ten firefighters. The raised roof extends over the driver and officer, making it easier to maneuver within the cab and ergonomic controls help ensure safe and easy operation of the vehicle.
Safe and Spacious Cab
KME provides the most spacious and ergonomic cabs in the industry with flat floors, low step heights, and taller, wider cab doors. An optimized engine tunnel offers increased leg and hip room for the front seats, while giving more floor space to the rear crew.
Best-In-Class Safety
Designed and purpose built for firefighters, KME’s TOP (Total Occupant Protection) System provides rollover and collision protection systems. Blind spot detection systems are now available on KME custom chassis to create the ultimate safety system package.
Chassis Specifications
Engine |
Cummins Diesel L9 or X12 |
Engine Horsepower |
380-525 HP |
Transmission | Allison 3000 EVS or 4000 EVS (Retarder Available) |
Front GAWR (max) |
24,000 lbs. |
Rear GAWR (max) |
58,000 |
Axle Configurations |
4X2, 6X4 |
Front Axle |
I Beam, fabricated beam or IFS |
Front Suspension |
IFS or leaf spring |
Front Axle Turning Range |
35°, 42°, 43°, 44°L / 42°R, 48°, 48°L / 44°R, 50°, 53° OR 53°L / 50°R |
Rear Axle | Single or Tandem |
Rear Suspension |
Air, Rubber or Spring |
Breaks | Disk or drum |
Break Systems |
ABS / ATC / RSC / ESC |
Wheelbase |
136″ – 303.5″ (1/2″ increments) |
Bumper Extensions |
6″ / 8″ / 12.5″ / 14″ / 16″ / 18″ / 21″ / 24″ / 28″ / 31″ |
*Output Retarder Available