WYDOT retires old rotary plows

New Larues are more powerful, reliable

By Jordan Achs

The Wyoming Department of Transportation is celebrating a few extra retirements this year as the agency began replacing some of its older rotary plows.

Rotary plows are large pieces of equipment capable of cutting through deep snowdrifts using rotating circular blades. WYDOT uses rotaries every winter, not just to clean up after large blizzards but also to help reopen seasonally closed roads throughout the state.

WYDOT’s eight new rotary plows are major upgrade from some of the plows the agency had been relying on; the 12 rotaries being replaced were purchased in the early 1980s and 1990s and were starting to show their age, especially after such a recent harsh winter.

“The older machines had parts that are obsolete,” said Bryan Wenger, equipment program manager. “We were having to get parts special-made to try to keep those machines running.”

The new rotaries were purchased through a request for proposal process. The RFP was issued in summer 2021 and in December 2021, Larue’s proposal was selected. The Transportation Commission approved the purchase at their January 2022 business meeting, and the machines started arriving at the shops in April 2023.

The cost per machine was more than $700,000, but they were well worth the price tag.

“These machines are the best overall value when you consider reliability, consistency, capabilities and customer service,” Wenger said.

Rotary plows are able to move a lot of snow very quickly; the Larues can move nearly 5,000 tons per hour. On a good day, the older machines were capable of up to 4,000 tons per hour.

“We’re all definitely impressed with the new rotaries so far,” said Marty Mayfield, District 1 area maintenance supervisor. “They have a larger cutting head so they’re more powerful, plus it’s nice to have something dependable.”

Beyond more power and bigger machinery, Wenger explained that the new rotaries are more reliable and are easier to maintain. All eight are identical and take the exact same parts, so mechanic crews statewide can share or stockpile parts as needed. WYDOT’s mechanics were also given extensive training by Larue on how to maintain the new machines.

Last but certainly not least, the Larues also have robust safety features. Wenger explained that the equipment has multiple built-in safeguards to protect the rotary operators and settings to protect the equipment itself from potential damage.

Although the new Larue machines weren’t available much of this winter season, they have already made a big difference to the crews using them since the first two arrived in Rawlins and Sundance in April. They’ve been put to work on the seasonal closures in Districts 1 and 4, with great results.

“The Larue walks right through the snow and throws it out like water,” Mayfield said.

The remaining six rotaries will be arriving at the shops in the coming months, with the Lander and Jackson crews each expecting two and the Laramie and Casper crews each expecting one.