On 4 January 1892, Big Ben arrived in Sydney on the S.S. Port Douglas and was tested on February 19, 1892, at Man-o-War Steps, Fort Macquarie before being placed in service at Headquarters on 12 March 1892. Extracts from the Brigade's Eighth Annual Report for the year 1891 boasted that "…it stands unrivalled as the most powerful land steam engine that has yet been produced." Also, "At the tests made at the works, prior to shipment, 100 lb of steam were obtained from cold water in 9 minutes 55 seconds; and from a steam pressure of from 110 to 120 lb a 1 ¾ inch jet of water was thrown horizontally to a distance of . This engine… is calculated to work at a steam pressure of 100 to 125lb per square inch, but is capable of being worked much higher; it discharges of water per minute, and will project a 1 ¾ inch jet to a height of ." On 28 February 1899, "Big Ben" took part in a spectacular demonstration with another "new" Brigade steamer (No. 25) at Town Hall, and to the cheers of the crowd, Big Ben threw water above the clock tower. "When the trial was finished the firemen gave the front and sides of the municipal building a much-needed wash. The trials were made under the supervision of Superintendent Webb and Deputy Superintendent Sparkes…." On the occasion, Superintendent Webb said: "… The trials of this morning show that we cold throw water over the highest building in Sydney, which is the Hotel Australia, high." In 1901, Big Ben was involved in the extinguishment of one of Sydney's major fires, the "Anthony Hordern's fire", which threatened the three gasometers of AGL. One hundred and seventy fireman and ten steamers were required to extinguish this fire, which claimed the lives of five men. By 1915, big Ben was "… now pulled by truck." In July 1919, a report from the Principal Mechanic refers to the possibility of purchasing "Front Wheel Drive Tractors for Steam Fire Engines - nos. 18 and 25 respectively". After receiving quotes from "American La France", "Wedlake - Lamson and Co" and "American and British Mfg Co." ranging from £1952 to £3090, it was decided that: "As the cost is prohibitive, it would be better to procure a motor pump, and make and rely on towing arrangements for the present." Big Ben and No. 25 were to perform together again years later at the George Hudson Timber Yard fire on 8 March 1928.