SnowPro May/June 2019 by GreenIndustryPros.com

Snow PRO PRO

Five tips to prep your wheel loader for winter

NO. 1 2019

Six steps to successfully adding anti-icing

Why A Contractor Might Want A

WING PLOW For contractors that need to plow big, open spaces while also maintaining a certain degree of versatility, a wing plow can be a great addition to the snow removal fleet. An AC Business Media Supplement

SNOW0519_01_cover_rw.indd 1

5/29/19 9:58 AM

REDEFINE THE ABILITY

OF YOUR 1/2 TON TRUCK *

REDESIGNED VMD & MD

s le m

Agile for Driveways.

Fortified for Commercial Use. RAPIDLINK ATTACHMENT SYSTEM: ON or OFF in ONE MINUTE or LESS TM

GRADE 50 BOXED LIFT FRAME for STRENGTH

*Plow compatibility dependent on truck make, model, and package. **MDII pictured with optional SNOWDOGG® IlluminatorTM LED lights.

304 SS BLADE for ULTIMATE LONGEVITY

FLOATING A-FRAME to CONTOUR the ROAD

NOTHING WORKS LIKE A DOGG™

BUYERSPRODUCTS.COM

Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10155727

SNOW0519_02-03_TOC-rw.indd 2

5/29/19 10:00 AM

ME he

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

Number 1 - May/June 2019

Anti-icing is all wet

aking the plunge into the use of liquids while facing the challenge of dealing with snow and ice opens the door for innovative contractors to position themselves on the leading edge of the snow fighting business. I’ve learned quickly in my introduction to the industry that use of liquids is not meant to replace plowing or spreading salt, but when used in conjunction with those other two types of services, they can significantly increase the overall sustainability of operations. Through some schooling by Douglas Dynamics sustainability manager Pam Buckley, I’ve found that use of the liquids can lead to more efficiencies including reduction in overhead costs and labor by pursuing a more preventative approach. The liquid applications are primarily used by going out before a storm even starts and laying down a protective barrier to make sure that the snow and ice never bonds to the pavement. Buckley equates the practice to the use of frying pans. Those who utilize the nonstick or treated pans (pavement) and cook with them find cleaning them is relatively simple. Conversely, if an untreated pan (driveway, parking lot) is used, the cleaning process becomes an exercise of scrubbing endlessly and potentially damaging the surface of the pan. It seems one of the things holding some contractors back from utilizing an anti-icing program is the idea that salt is cheaper. Let me share something I’ve learned in my first month: Salt itself does not melt anything. It is the salt brine that does the work. Any contractors that use salt regularly, technically are already using liquids. Moving to a liquidbased anti-icing program would just make that liquid use more intentional. In an industry where slips and falls can be a serious issue, looking at preventative use of liquids is a way to provide a much safer surface until you can get there to clear it off.

Let me share something I’ve learned in my first month: Salt itself does not melt anything.

OGG™

Ryan Whisner (920) 542-1238 rwhisner@acbusinessmedia.com

04 IN THIS ISSUE

Why a contractor might want a wing plow For big, open spaces and versatility, a wing plow can be a great fleet addition.

Five tips to prep your wheel loader for winter It’s time to think about preparing your wheel loader for winter operation.

10 Six steps to add anti-icing to your business Follow these tips to optimize storm management and deliver level of service goals in the timeliest manner.

16 Snow & Ice

Removal Equipment

Manufacturers recommend these items for landscape contractors entering the snow business.

18 Advertisers Index

SNOW PRO | MAY/JUNE 2019

SNOW0519_02-03_TOC-rw.indd 3

5/29/19 10:00 AM

By Gregg Wartgow

Why a contractor

might want a wing plow

For contractors that need to plow big, open spaces while also maintaining a certain degree of versatility, a wing plow can be a great addition to the snow removal fleet.

wing plow is a straight blade-style plow, but also has individual extending wings on each side. Those wings are hydraulically controlled from the truck cab, either individually or in tandem. As a result, an operator essentially gets four blades in one: straight blade, expanded straight blade, scoop and windrow. “When it comes to total versatility for all snowplowing conditions or applications—or simply moving the most amount of snow—the adjustable-wing plow is unmatched,” says Tyler Jones, Fisher product manager. One way to look at a wing plow is as a hybrid between a straight blade and the scoop functionality of a V-plow. “If the application calls for the abilities of a straight blade, the winged plow can be adjusted to accommodate,” says Bob Iverson, SnowEx product manager. “If the job calls for more snow-carrying capacity, the blade wings can be angled forward into scoop mode. Furthermore, the width of the snowplow can be increased by expanding the blade wings outward.”

Ideal applications for a wing plow There are two main types of job sites that clearly illustrate the value of an adjustable-wing plow: larger areas that require more clearance and areas with widely varying operating room. “With larger areas, you not only want to be able to push a lot of snow with one pass, but also likely need to move snow around on the site,” Jones says. “This is where an adjustable-wing plow really shines as you’re able to expand the wings to move larger volumes of snow, but you can also use the scoop mode to push piles of snow around the site. Also, you can put the wings in a windrow position, with the leading wing moved forward and the trailing wing straight, so the leading wing directs snow into the moldboard. That allows the operator to take bigger cuts on every pass.” The larger the area, the more useful an adjustablewing plow can be. Why? Jones says it can typically cut 30% of the time needed to clear an area compared to other types of plows. Of course, if it only takes a few minutes to clear a site, that 30% time savings isn’t very significant. “But if you’re on a site that takes 45 to 60 minutes, the time savings can really make a difference in your overall operation,” Jones says. A large parking lot is a great example of where a wing plow can be a good match. Jen Strelcheck, a product manager with BOSS Snowplow, says that since a wing plow can be configured to operate like a box plow—with the wings pitched forward—it can handle a lot of volume.

SNOW PRO | MAY/JUNE 2019

SNOW0519_04-07_PlowReport_rw.indd 4

5/29/19 10:14 AM

in order to get that box plow-like carrying capacity,” Strelcheck said. Nonetheless, a slightly narrower V-plow with wing extensions can still be just what a snow contractor needs. A good example is when servicing contracts like “The snow won’t roll off like it would with a typical a shopping mall with connecting roads where excepstraight blade,” she adds. At the same time, it is still a straight blade, giving contractors a little more plowing tional windrowing capability is desired. width than, say, a V-plow. “The BOSS EXT wing plow can also windrow, just For example: not as well as a V-plow because a V-plow has that slight curl on each end of the blade,” Strelcheck said. • The BOSS EXT dedicated wing plow extends from 8 Contractors in markets that tend to get really to 10 feet. BOSS’ V-plow offering ranges from 7’6” to heavy snow events could also benefit from a V-plow 9’2”. with wing extensions. • Western’s Prodigy wing plow extends from 8’7” to “It’s always nice to have a V-plow to cut through 9’8”, and the company’s new Wide-Out and Widereally deep snow,” Strelcheck said. Out XL extend from either 8 to 10 feet or 8’6” to 11 With wing extensions, the operator is simply getfeet. Western’s widest V-plow is 9’6”. • Fisher’s XLS wing plow is offered in two versions ting that extra productivity-enhancing plow width. expanding from 8 to 10 feet and 8’6” to 11 feet. The Again, that can come in handy on big properties. The company’s widest V-plow is 9’6”. bottom line is that when it comes to wing plows, it’s all • The SnowEx Power Plow is also offered in two about flexibility. versions expanding from 8 to 10 feet and 8’6” to 11 “A wing plow is adjustable on the fly, both in terms feet. The company’s widest of blade width and angling,” V-plow is 9’6”. Fisher’s Jones reminds. “Yes, The Fisher XLS Winged Plow is offered in In addition to big, open you can add wing extensions two models: 8 or 10-foot width, and 8’6” spaces, adjustable-wing plows to a straight blade in order to or 11-foot width. Photo Credit: Fisher are also ideal for areas that have increase the plow width or widely varying operating room. achieve scoop ability. But if Why? The plow can be adjusted you want to adjust the current on the fly to accommodate mode, you need to get out and whatever the circumstance manually remove or adjust the wings. A V-plow is a great tool dictates. for contractors, especially with “The versatility of a wing its ability to break open lots on plow really comes into play that first pass in the V position. when you can pull those extendBut to achieve angling requires able wings back right from the reconfiguring the wings instead cab,” Strelcheck says. “You don’t of just angling left or right.” have to get out of the truck and physically remove the wings. Say you’re plowing a bank parking What to look for when lot. You eventually have to plow comparing plows the drive-thru lanes. You can According to Doug Clark, simply retract the wings right Western product manager, from the truck cab.” adjustable-wing plows have In addition to its EXT become very popular recently, dedicated wing plow, BOSS also which has led to many more offers wing extensions for use models being introduced to with its 9’2” V-plow. But with that the market. plow in the V position, the plow “Because efficiency and is slightly narrowed. flexibility are the main reasons The SnowEx Adjustable-Wing Power Plow to use adjustable-wing plows, “Most contractors will want is offered in two models: 8 or 10-foot width, a snow removal contractor the V-plow in the V position and 8’6” or 11-foot width. Photo Credit: SnowEX The BOSS EXT can plow at 8 feet for tighter cuts, but the extending, pitched-forward wings can expand that plowing swath to 10 feet. Photo Credit: BOSS Snowplow

SNOW PRO | MAY/JUNE 2019

SNOW0519_04-07_PlowReport_rw.indd 5

5/29/19 10:14 AM

should look for features that enhance these abilities,” Clark advises. “With the most advanced winged plows, you can control each wing independently, providing the ability to switch from a straight blade to expanded straight blade to a windrow mode and to a scoop. These adjustments allow you to either maximize snow carrying capacity (i.e. efficiency) and allow you to achieve the most possible plow configurations (i.e. flexibility).” When comparing one adjustable-wing plow to another, bear in mind that some have fixed wing angles, meaning they are locked in scoop mode and only allow for the ability to slide the wing out or in. “So just because they are all technically in the same adjustable-wing category, flexibility isn’t always an apples-toapples comparison,” Clark says.

Operation and maintenance According to BOSS’ Strelcheck, operation of a winged plow is fairly simple. “The controller is very similar to the controller for our V-blade plow,” she explains. “With a V-blade, you’re either going forward or back on the wings. With a wing plow, you’re either going in or out.”There are also two additional buttons that allow the wings to either extend or retract. Still, the simple push-button operation is intuitive and easy for most operators to grasp. SnowEx’s Iverson agrees that wing plow operation is rather straightforward. “Like a traditional straight blade, you have a simple control to move it up, down, left and right,” he says. “The difference is you have buttons to control the wings. There’s a left button to extend/retract the left wing, right button to extend/retract the right wing, a ‘scoop’ button to move the wings forward together, and an overall ‘retract’ button to

move both wings together out of ‘scoop’ mode back to a straight blade. All of these are simple one-touch operation. Essentially, if you can operate a V-plow, you can operate an adjustable-wing plow.” And if you can maintain a V-plow—or any snowplow for that matter—you can maintain a wing plow. Western’s Clark says that just like with any snowplow, a contractor should adhere to a regular maintenance schedule. This will help ensure ongoing peak performance and maximum service life. “An adjustable-wing plow does have at least two more hydraulic cylinders and some additional moving parts, but the type of maintenance needed is comparable to other plow types,” Clark says. BOSS’ Strelcheck says it is a good idea to wash everything down at the end of the year. Contractors should also re-grease all electrical connections with dielectric grease. “Change the hydraulic fluid once per year,” Strelcheck adds. The plow itself is pretty maintenancefree during the season, though. Of course, you can never rule out the possibility of a spring or hose failure. “It’s a good idea to keep an extra spring with you in the cab,” she said. Gregg Wartgow is the former editor in chief of Green Industry Pros magazine, SnowPRO, greenindustrypros.com, and related print and digital products.

The Western Prodigy Multi-Position Wing Plow is popular for both trucks and heavy equipment such as this skid steer. Photo Credit: Western

SNOW PRO | MAY/JUNE 2019

SNOW0519_04-07_PlowReport_rw.indd 6

5/29/19 10:29 AM

From dusting to blizzard, from sidewalks to parking lots, Wacker Neuson skid steers, wheel loaders and telehandlers easily manage what Mother Nature delivers. Standard universal attachment plates on all machines make changing a variety of snow removal attachments fast and hassle-free. So, when the snow starts blowing, you have all it takes to clear the way.

To find a dealer near you, visit www.wackerneuson.com

Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10156012

SNOW0519_04-07_PlowReport_rw.indd 7

5/29/19 10:30 AM

FIVE TIPS to prep your wheel loader for winter

Following these tips can help keep your machine running strong all winter

ith winter quickly approaching, it’s time to think about preparing your wheel loader for winter operation, specifically snow removal. Before the first snow arrives, it’s important to ensure your wheel loader is properly maintained and prepared to push, lift and dump snow. Mike Stark, Doosan wheel loader product specialist, provides five tips to help you get the most out of your equipment this winter.

1 Review the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance manual It may seem like common sense, but it can’t be overstated. Review your machine’s operation and maintenance manual for recommended intervals and a checklist of seasonal maintenance items, as well as oil and fluid recommendations. Ideally, you and your loader operators should request maintenance training and assistance from your local equipment dealer on proper techniques, and familiarize yourself with decals and key maintenance points on the machine. The loader operation and maintenance manual should instruct you on what machine components should be inspected regularly, including fluids and filters, the battery, tire pressure and heating and defrosting systems.

2 Check fluids and filters

Make sure snow pusher attachments interfacing with a bucket are properly secured prior to use. Photo Credit: Doosan

Colder temperatures can affect a loader’s ability to run efficiently, especially if it does not have the proper engine oil. That is why it is important to match wheel loader fluids to the proper ambient temperatures. Most wheel loader manufacturers recommend CJ-4 engine oils. “If you use incorrect diesel engine oil, it can cause costly damage to the machine’s internal components,” Stark says. “These components can become plugged, corroded and ultimately not work efficiently. Make sure to refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on filling your machine at the recommended intervals with the appropriate fluid in the correct increments.” Also verify the quality of fuel you are using from your provider, checking to make sure water and other contaminants are not present. “Switching to a special winter blend fuel — typically No. 1 and No. 2 diesel — can help you prepare for cold temperatures,” Stark says. “Investing in quality fuel that is blended appropriately for the climate and season may give you better peace of mind, lower your consumption, provide fewer filter changes and deliver long component life.

SNOW PRO | MAY/JUNE 2019

SNOW0519_08-09_EquipFocus_rw.indd 8

5/23/19 12:48 PM

Cool Down After Working “It’s a good idea to top off the diesel tank at the end of the day or shift,” he advises. “Overall, it’s a good practice to follow year-round. It reduces the air in the tank. The wheel loader heats up during the day. When the operator turns it off, it cools down, and no matter what, you start getting condensation in the tank.” Another item to consider is the type of aftertreatment system, especially those machines equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to meet Tier 4 emissions standards. SCR components require diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). This aqueous solution is susceptible to variations in hot and cold temperatures. “In very cold temperatures, DEF can freeze so wheel loader owners should make sure they keep DEF in storage during the winter months,” Stark says. “Purity and concentration are critical with DEF, so make sure to work with a local dealer to better understand how to store and handle DEF.” Stark also recommends inspecting the air filtration system and using the correct replacement filter to reduce the risk of premature engine failure.

Going through a cool down procedure after a shift is a good practice to follow, says Mike Stark, Doosan. “If you’re working hard, even in very cold weather, everything heats up. If you let it cool down, it benefits the engine life. “A lot of people immediately stop the machine when they are done working,” he notes. “Wait a few minutes before you shut off your engine.”

the battery, so unless the battery has been maintained or disconnected while stored, it will slowly run down and will need to be charged before use,” Stark points out. For batteries that need to be charged, a trickle charger can be connected to help build the voltage at a slower rate, improving battery life. Battery connections should also be inspected and cleaned at this time. Corroded terminals can cause hard starting and charging issues. In addition, check the cab door and window seals to ensure there are no leaks or cracks. Install a new windshield wiper blade and add low-temperature washer fluid. Replace any burnt-out bulbs to ensure your operators have the appropriate lighting when working in low light or at night. As part of winter prep, check the heating and defrosting system, install a new windshield wiper blade and add low-temperature washer fluid. Photo Credit: Doosan

4 Store the wheel loader inside

3 Inspect tires, batteries and components Winter maintenance also means checking the tires, batteries and other components before using or storing the loader. Undetected leaks or improper inflation can lead to premature wear and potentially tire failure over time. “Low tire pressure can decrease push capabilities, which is not ideal for snow removal applications,” Stark says. “Using L3 radial tires may be best during winter because they provide good traction in snowy conditions. Inflating tires with Nitrogen gas is a good alternative to assist in maintaining proper tire pressure.” He recommends contractors and operators become familiar with the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance manual for proper psi and inflate the tires accordingly. Before cold weather hits, inspect the loader’s battery and charge it if needed. “There is always a draw on

Cold weather requires batteries to generate nearly twice as many cranking amps in order to turn over. If possible, when the temperature falls below 0° F, keep the loader in a heated facility; it’s easier on the machine. “If owners are not able to keep wheel loaders inside, it is important to park the machine out of the wind,” Stark says. “It is also advantageous to keep the equipment out of direct sunlight, if possible.” If you are unable to keep the loader inside a building, consider using a block heater. A block heater will help keep the machine’s engine warm, making it easier to start while reducing wear on engine components.

5 Prepare attachments Wheel loaders are valuable fleet assets during winter for a number of reasons, but one of the most prominent is their ability to be fitted with applicationspecific attachments. Attachments such as quick couplers, buckets, pallet forks and snow pushers deserve the same attention as the machine. Perform visual checks of attachment components such as hoses, cylinders, guards and cutting edges for damage. Make sure snow pusher attachments interfacing with a bucket are properly secured with chains.

SNOW PRO | MAY/JUNE 2019

SNOW0519_08-09_EquipFocus_rw.indd 9

5/23/19 12:48 PM

By Pam Buckley

Steps to Successfully Adding Anti-icing

Anti-icing is an essential tool of the trade, follow these tips to optimize storm management and deliver level of service goals in the timeliest manner.

f you’ve been considering whether or not to add anti-icing to your snow and ice management operations, you’re not alone. Many other contractors have been debating the same question. In most cases, the answer is straightforward: antiicing is an essential tool of the trade, allowing snow professionals to optimize their storm management and deliver level of service goals in the timeliest manner. Used appropriately, anti-icing will increase operational efficiency, reduce material cost and boost profits. The challenge is in effectively integrating it into your operations. Anti-icing is one of three fundamental snow fighting strategies: anti-icing, deicing and snow removal. It is a proactive, pre-emptive strategy of spraying a light application of a liquid deicer directly to the pavement just prior to or at the onset of a storm. This bottom-up strategy inhibits ice from bonding to the pavement, similar to the way butter coats a frying pan and keeps food from sticking. It is commonly reported that it takes four times more salt and 50 percent more resources to break an already established ice-to-pavement bond than to prevent it in the first place. In most cases anti-icing has been proven to significantly reduce the time, labor and materials required to clear the surface after a snow event. So why are many contractors reluctant to adopt this essential tool? Some will tell you salt is cheap and works fine, the equipment is too costly, that it won’t work in their region, or their customers won’t buy-in when actually it is fear of change that is the primary obstacle. No matter the excuse, it’s time to park your misperceptions and follow these six steps to anti-icing success.

S10

SNOW PRO | MAY/JUNE 2019

SNOW0519_10-15_DeIcing_rw.indd 10

5/23/19 12:51 PM

1. Get the Necessary Training As with any profession, the snow professional has to know the tools of his trade, how and when to use them, and stay abreast of innovation in technology, or he is setting himself up for failure. Anti-icing technologies have been around for decades and their value validated thoroughly. There is an abundance of information out there for the forward thinking professional. Most of it originates in the municipal sector, but private sector industry associations and leading manufacturers are beginning to offer value added training and educational resources on liquid applications tailored to the commercial market. All the commercial contractor has to do is tap into them.

2. Educate Your Customer to Get ‘Buy-In’ There is a long list of benefits to the property owner from anti-icing which are a good starting point for a discussion and to obtain their ‘buy-in’ for using liquids on their properties. Here are a few tips for approaching the subject with the property owner:

• Assess the property with the customer, identifying priority target areas and concerns. • Understand the customer’s real motivation, and prioritize their needs. Even though a customer may stress cost, it is often not their primary concern. • If cost really is their top priority, ask them to consider the potential cost of lost business due to slower result times, increased risk of slip-and-fall liability, and increased costs from property damage resulting from excessive salt usage, all mitigated by anti-icing. Anti-icing also provides a huge benefit for LEED certified properties. • Discuss the types of materials to be used, as well as the timing of operations and outcomes the customer can expect. It often helps to have pictures that show the difference between a surface that has received an anti-icing treatment and one that has not. As a professional you should retain the right to use the best tool for the job, especially when using it improves the outcomes for the customer, so obtaining property owner ‘approval’ may not always be necessary, depending on the type of contract involved. Utilizing anti-icing strategies provides the contractor a wider window in which to execute snow fighting operations and affords greater flexibility

With a wide range of tank sizes available, the Liqui Maxx spray system offered by SnowEx is fit for use on many types of vehicles—large or small. This system can handle most standard commercial applications, making it a versatile and valuable tool in any operation’s winter maintenance toolbox. Photo Credit: SnowEx

SNOW PRO | MAY/JUNE 2019

SNOW0519_10-15_DeIcing_rw.indd 11

S11

5/23/19 12:51 PM

Anti-icing helps Wisconsin contractor cut costs, expand sales By Ryan Whisner With salt prices skyrocketing and clients looking to control costs, some snow and ice management contractors are pre-wetting their granular deicers with a brine solution before spreading them. Using the same equipment, many are also trying the anti-icing approach, spraying brine onto pavement before a snow event. Milwaukee-based David J. Frank Landscape is one such contractor. According to the firm’s snow services manager Brad Frank, they began utilizing liquids about 10 years ago on a large medical facility. “Our choice to start utilizing more liquids was mainly driven by the industry encouragement and the unpredictable salt pricing and availability,” he said. “We wanted to be able to lower our overall bulk salt usage while still achieving the same goals.” Product utilized or blended depends on a customer’s needs and pavement temperatures at specific sites. “Our main product we utilize is a 23.3% salt brine (sodium chloride) which we make in house, but when temperatures are expected to be under 15º F we will add 10-20% liquid calcium chloride,” Frank said. “We also utilize some organic and nonchloride products as additives to our salt brine and this helps promote an even more environmentally friendly product to our clients.” He pointed out that the liquids are being utilized on small and large properties. “Whether it is a large medical facility or a small mom and pop business we want to share the benefits of liquids with all of our customers,” Frank added. The snow services manager said clients have responded well to the firm’s liquid anti-icing and deicing practices. “Over the past four years I have worked hard on educating them as much as possible on the benefits of utilizing liquids and liquid blends and this has helped contribute to our success,” Frank said. “Overall it helps our customers to trust that we, as a professional snow and ice management contractor, will do what is best both for their safety and what is most economical for them, at their property. “

S12

within some types of contract structures to deliver level of service goals at an equivalent or lesser cost. Time and Materials: This is the most challenging contract type to incorporating anti-icing services because, if billed in the customary way, both materials and time decrease. However, if executed properly, the contractor should be able to service more accounts in the same time frame. Establish a rate and determine if it is an applied or unapplied rate. Per Push/Per Event: Liquid applications can be priced in a similar manner as other services. Regional supply of certain deicers may be a factor in pricing. Seasonal or Lump Sum: This is the easiest contract type to include liquid strategies without major changes. Be sure to include provisions for seasons that fall short or exceed a reasonable threshold.

3. Choose the Right Tools for the Job Ultimately, successful snow fighting depends on utilizing the right tool for the job at the right time. Although liquid deicers are extremely effective when used properly, they are not intended to replace solids. Anti-icing expedites plowing and deicing strategies, and is just another tool in the toolbox. Liquid Deicers: It is important to know your tools, as well as when and how to use them. To select the best liquid deicers for the application, the contractor needs to know the eutectic and effective temperatures, chemical properties, and functional capabilities of the

SNOW PRO | MAY/JUNE 2019

SNOW0519_10-15_DeIcing_rw.indd 12

5/23/19 12:51 PM

BOSS designed its EXACT PATH drop spreader to precisely drop deicing material while protecting grass and landscaping. Photo Credit: BOSS

deicer he intends to use. From a cost perspective it is also important to understand the regional availability of various deicers. As a general rule of thumb, magnesium chloride is more widely available west of the Mississippi River and in the Northeast. Calcium chloride is more readily available in the Great Lakes region. Use Purpose-Built Equipment: Deicing liquids and brine solutions have different compositions than other liquids, and they can cause pump failures, clogged nozzles and other issues in sprayers not designed to handle them. Agricultural sprayers may seem like a cost-effective solution, but many have tried and failed going this route for winter usage. Purposebuilt sprayers for winter applications are specifically engineered for deicing chemicals and application rates, and most importantly for winter temperatures and conditions. They typically offer features tailored to ice management needs such as multiple independently controlled spraying zones for surface and curb applications and hose reel spray wands for treating areas inaccessible to trucks.

Small business is no small task. So Progressive offers commercial auto and business insurance that makes protecting yours no big deal. Local Agent | ProgressiveCommercial.com

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & Affiliates. Business and Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Compensation coverage provided and serviced by affiliated and third party insurers.

Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10915742

SNOW PRO | MAY/JUNE 2019

SNOW0519_10-15_DeIcing_rw.indd 13

S13

5/23/19 12:51 PM

Entry ice meltâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a chloride-free, biodegradable deicing and anti-icing fluid is manufactured by Branch Creek. Photo Credit: Branch Creek

4. Know When to Utilize Anti-icing Strategies

or rain turning to snow, or very cold temperatures with dry blowing snow, although with advanced knowledge and the presence of other factors it may be possible.

5. Start Small â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Think Big

It is important when integrating new methodologies into your winter operations to not bite off more Every storm is different and presents unique chalthan you can chew. This is especially true when thinking lenges. When deciding to utilize anti-icing strategies, it of adopting liquid strategies. A phased approach prois essential to monitor storm specific conditions prior vides the snow contractor an opportunity to get used to to and during the event. Those conditions include surthe new tools and applications gradually. For instance, face temperature, the amount of moisture present and SnowEx suggests starting with stockpile treating and anticipated, the time of day and impact of solar radiapre-wetting solids at the spinner when deicing before tion on the surface, anticipated traffic during the applimaking the move to incorporate anti-icing strategies. cation timeframe, the type of deicing chemical being When you are ready to make that move, sidewalks are a used, and duration of the coming storm. good place to get your feet It is a best practice to wet. Sidewalk equipment is execute anti-icing measures more affordable and provides just prior to or at the onset feature capabilities such as of a storm, paying very close treating curb-to-sidewalk attention to the amount transitions, unattainable with of moisture present to solid deicer applications. The minimize premature dilution. application scope is smaller, Anti-icing with salt brine is the risks more manageable most effective at surface and the potential ROI greater. temperatures between 15 Once comfortable with hanto 32 degrees Fahrenheit. dling the new materials and Blended enhanced brines, equipment the next step will calcium and magnesium be much less daunting. It is chloride brines can be often easier and involves less effective at lower temrisk to begin by purchasing peratures. Anti-icing is typireputable brine or engically not recommended for Use of liquids for snow and ice control has the neered liquids that offer relievents with high moisture ability to be effective, before, during after after winter storms. Photo Credit: Douglas Dynamics able supply and consistency. content, freezing rain, mist

S14

SNOW PRO | MAY/JUNE 2019

SNOW0519_10-15_DeIcing_rw.indd 14

F c t c

5/23/19 12:51 PM

Pam Buckley is the sustainability manager for Douglas Dynamics, LLC, which manufactures and upfits commercial and municipal vehicle attachments and equipment, including snow and ice control equipment, under the Dejana, FISHER, Henderson, SnowEx , SweepEx, TurfEx, and WESTERN brands. For more information visit https://www.snowexproducts.com/training.

Frost Inc. introduces its liquid icecontrol truck skids with dual-nozzle technology with automatic rate control and GPS speed sensing. Photo Credit: Frost Inc.

This approach involves less initial start-up cost and offers maximum flexibility to learn the ropes. Over the long run, and with the proper equipment, the contractor who learns to make and store his own brine will optimize cost effectiveness.

6. Train Your Crews There are increasing resources and training programs on antiicing in the industry. Seek them out and use them to train your crews. Hand in hand with this training, implement monitoring and control mechanisms to track material usage. If your team doesn’t understand the value of the process and how it works, and if you don’t track the amount of material used, they won’t dial back on the amount of salt spread, and you will not reap the savings you should by incorporating anti-icing into your operations. Education is the key to success. For manufacturer, property owner and contractor alike, anti-icing offers a ‘win-win’ for all concerned.

The HLA SnowWing is built for those who like to lead the assault against snow. Designed to fly in different formations the SnowWing is adaptable to any snow clearing task replacing a variety of other snow blades with a single tool. It features patented Rotary Actuators, Tire Protection System, and an exclusive removeable wing tip for clearance under low overhangs such as trailer pins. Contact your local dealer for more information.

(519) 291-4162 www.hlasnow.com Contract # 080818-HOR Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10155831

SNOW PRO | MAY/JUNE 2019

SNOW0519_10-15_DeIcing_rw.indd 15

S15

5/23/19 12:52 PM

PRODUCTS

SNOW & ICE REMOVAL Ventrac SSV designed with the snow removal professional in mind The Sidewalk Snow Vehicle (SSV) from Ventrac is specifically designed to provide snow contractors and other professionals with all of the tools needed to clear snow and manage ice from sidewalks as narrow as 36 inches. Key features include:

Move big snow in less time with heavy-duty snow pushers Torwel recently upgraded its heavy-duty snow pushers to feature: • A heavy–duty 8- by 1-1/2-inch continuous rubber cutting edge for smoother, quieter operation and greater contouring to the plowing surface, which yields better surface material removal. • Availability in widths from 8 to 18 feet. • Adjustable skid/wear shoes made of AR400 hardened steel. • A 3/8-inch side plate that adds strength to the snow pusher by maximizing the support of the reinforcement corners. • Compatibility with loaders, backhoes, utility tractors and skid steers. • Easy-to-use attachment systems that include the universal skid-steer mounting system and the versatile utility tractor/loader global mounting system. • All-steel, made-in-the-USA construction and no moving parts for durability and low-cost maintenance.

• Four-wheel drive skid-steer style, stand-on machine • 36” working width of machine and all attachments • 18HP Kawasaki Commercial Engine • Multiple attachments available • 38” poly bristle broom with adjustable speed and reversing capability • 42” & 54” snow plows with hardened steel cutting edge (poly edge optional) • 34” snow blower • 20 gallon brine tank • 100 lb. stainless steel drop spreader For more information visit https://www.ventrac. com/products/tractors/ssv to learn more about the machine and find a dealer near you. www.greenindustrypros.com/21067494

www.greenindustrypros.com/21059811

BOSS expands SK-R plow line-up for compact equipment BOSS Snowplow is adding the SK-R 6 to join the SK-R 8 and SK-R 10 in its line of box plows for tractors, skid steers and other compact vehicle equipment. The new SK-R 6 features a reversible 1 ½-inch rubber cutting edge designed for quieter plowing operation and protection to sensitive surfaces. SK Box Plows from BOSS are designed to put the full force and maneuverability of compact vehicle equipment into getting the pavement back to black. www.greenindustrypros.com/21068942

S16

h a T w

SNOW PRO | MAY/JUNE 2019

SNOW0519_16-20_products_rw.indd 16

5/29/19 8:42 AM

SNOW051

For additional snow-handling products and equipment, visit the Product Guide at GreenIndustryPros.com

Contree Sprayer and Equipment Co. 925 gallon brine-deicer

STORM SEEKER LED headlamps offer superior lighting for snow plows The new SnowEx Storm Seeker LED Headlamps with EdgeView technology offers more durability and superior illumination for users of SnowEx truck plows. According to the company, features of the new lamps include:

Contree Sprayer and Equipment Co., LLC provides custom-built sprayers and service for a wide variety of applications. This 925 gallon poly tank includes the following features:

• Full 180 degrees of light visibility from plow edge to plow edge. • Sealed, weatherproof housing to stand up to harsh weather conditions. • Compact design less prone to jarring shocks and vibrations from plow tripping events and general use.

• • • • • • • • • •

EF7000 Everflo 12V diaphragm pump Stainless steel frame w/fork channels Hannay manual reel Texas Industrial Remcor, Inc. controller Raven electric valve Top-mounted mounted suction tube draws from bottom Liquid-filled gauge and pressure control system Tank valve and suction strainer Hose swivel to prevent kinks at handgun Quick fill connection

www.greenindustrypros.com/21068269

www.greenindustrypros.com/21068892

Buyers Products Company