Snow Manager Issue #1 2013

Protecting Your Team PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40934510

From providing the appropriate clothes, to proper rest, keep

Out of the Snow, Not out of Mind Proper post-season maintenance is key to

your snow management

optimum performance

crew happy and healthy

next season

all season long

$200

discount

For mentioning this ad in Snow Manager. *when placing an order*

FOLLOW

THE LEADER

from SEASON TO SEASON Our innovative spirit and 75-year heritage of forward thinking have resulted in a dependable, innovative product line of lawnmowers and snow blowers that provide manicured lawns in summer, clear driveways in winter and peace of mind all year long. Only a leader has the vision to provide trusted all-season reliability without compromise, that’s Ariens.

To find more information and a local dealer to help you choose the right product for all your needs, visit www.ariens.com.

WWW.ARIENS.COM

Table of CONTENTS Protecting Your Team From providing the appropriate clothes, to proper rest, keep your snow management crew happy and healthy all season long.

6

Out of the Snow, Not out of Mind Proper post-season maintenance is key to optimum performance next season. 10

Rent, Own, or Bid-Out How some Canadian cities run their snow management programs.

12

Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation’s salt brine plant was built from the ground up.

14

18

EQUIPMENT SHOWCASE 19 22 24 25 26 27 28 28 30

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Ariens ��������������������������������������������������������������������3 Bonnell Industries, Inc. ������������������������������������� 24 THE Boss Snow Plows ������������������������������������� 16 Cargill Deicing C/O Linnihnafoy Advertising ������������������������������� 21 Cirus Controls C/O Creative Communications Consultings Inc. ��������������� 23 Cubex Limited ��������������������������������������������������� 14 Del Equipment �������������������������������������������������IFC Fort Garry Industries Ltd ���������������������������������� 15 Horst Welding �������������������������������������������������� IBC Kage Innovation ����������������������������������������������� 22 4

Publisher Jason Stefanik Managing Editor Carly Peters carlypeters@mts.net

Advertising Sales Cheryl Ezinicki | Jennifer Hebert Gladwyn Nickel | Michelle Raike Magazine Consultant Gladwyn Nickel

Snow Post-Show

Cargill Metar Weather Ariens Cintas & Carhartt Bay Lynx Viking Cives Bonnell Industries Snow Dogg Boss Plow

President David Langstaff

Sales Manager Dayna Oulion

Manitoba Mix

Snow fighters united prior to 2012-2013 snow season.

Published by: DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 0G5 Fax: (204) 668-4641

Kleysen Group LP ��������������������������������������������� 20 Ledex Industries ��������������������������������������������������5

Production services provided by S.G. Bennett Marketing Services www.sgbennett.com Art Director Kathy Cable Layout/ Design Julie Weaver Advertising Art Caitlyn Haier | Dana Jensen Subscription information available.

Please contact DEL Communications Inc. Two issues for $12.00 © Copyright 2013 DEL Communications Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written consent of the publisher.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein and the reliability of the source, the publisher in no way guarantees nor warrants the information and is not responsible for errors, omissions or statements made by advertisers.

Opinions and recommendations made by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher, its directors, officers or employees.

Reist Industries Inc. ����������������������������������������� 29

Publications mail agreement #40934510 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, MB R3L 0G5 Email: david@delcommunications.com

Snow Wheel System Inc. ��������������������������������� 11

Printed in Canada 02/2013

Maclean Engineering ��������������������������������������� 13 Nsc Minerals ���������������������������������������������������OBC

Trecan Combustion Limited ����������������������������� 30 Viking Cives Group ������������������������������������������� 27

DEL

Communications Inc.

Weldco Beales ����������������������������������������������� 9, 10 ISSUE 1 - 2013 | SNOW MANAGER

AVALANCHE OPTIMUS

A ‘one-pass’ plowing tool with Strength and Sophistication Combined Braced side panels

24” blades float and trip Self-leveling wear shoes Problem - A steel blade is level, a parking lot is not. Steel blades are great for cutting through hard-packed snow right to the pavement, that is, when the pavement is relatively flat. However, even new sites will have dips around catch basins and older asphalt often has peaks and valleys from years of traffic wear. This can mean follow up work after the first push to get the snow left behind in those areas. The brand new Optimus solves this issue with floating blades that contour to the surface gradients, allowing ‘one-pass’ cleaning even when plowing over unlevel ground. The Optimus pusher combines sophistication and strength to make your job easier.

• • • • •

U.S. and Canadian patents pending

24” Floating blade sections contour to the ground Steel compression springs drive blade motion Braced side panels maintain build strength and protect against impacts Self-leveling shoes allow ‘drop and go’ plowing and reduce uneven wear Available fall 2012 for loaders, back hoes and skidsteers

See the OPTIMUS in action at www.avalancheplow.com Call for a quote toll free: 800-232-6950

Protecting Your Team From providing the appropriate clothes, to proper rest, keep your snow management crew happy and healthy all season long.

By Doug Freer, CSP

T

here are a lot of factors we cannot control when we work outdoors in the worst of winter weather.

Dedicated snow professionals know that awareness and preparation is the best defense against those variables.

While we can’t control the weather, we can prepare our crews to know and to understand how best to care for themselves and their fellow team members while out in the elements. Making a mistake, which can be costly, is much more likely when we are exhausted after working long hours.

Incorporate the following topics into your training to better prepare your crews: Proper PPE Personal protective equipment (PPE) will vary depending on your crew member’s activity. Truck drivers or equipment operators may not need the same caliber of outside weather gear as your hand labour crews. However, anyone operating equipment or working in the elements needs to be properly prepared to avoid injury related to the cold.

Working outdoors without proper protection from the cold, wind, and precipitation can further weaken immune systems 6

that may already be under stress. Beyond the need for traditional PPE, such as hearing and eye protection, the goal for winter PPE is warmth. Cold weather can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Appropriate winter weather gear and awareness of how frostbite and hypothermia can occur will reduce the risk of your staff becoming injured as a result of the cold weather.

The cold stress equation: Low temperature + wind speed + wetness = Injury and Illness. Regulating body temperature and staying warm in cold temperatures is exacerbated by wind and moisture. It doesn’t take long for your body, or skin especially, to become impacted by the cold weather when combined with wind and water. Consult the cold stress chart to gauge how long it takes before flesh can become injured under certain weather conditions.

Fortunately clothing technology has come a long way in the past 10 years and high end gear is more affordable and accessible. Look for outdoor sporting and hunting gear as a starting point for good winter weather gear. Consider the following when selecting gear:

Waterproof Remaining dry is critically important but is challenging when it continues to snow, or when rain or sleet mixes with the precipitation. A breathable waterproof layer is ideal. Gortex-style waterproof linings are expensive, but can make the difference between being wet or dry. Wear an outer layer or shell with a waterproof liner over warmer clothes to prevent clothes from getting wet. A shell or jacket should have a waterproof hood. Look for gear that incorporates pants or bibs to ensure your legs remain dry. The canvas/fabric style insulated work bibs are good for warmth, but will fail long-term in a continuous snow event if they get wet.

If cost is an issue, the one place to invest your limited dollars is in waterproof boots. Because your feet are in the snow and slush for extended periods they will get wet and cold faster than any other part of your body. For less than $100, today’s waterproof hunting boots are a good investment.

Dress in layers Dressing in layers is the best method to ensure comfort in the outdoors. Each layISSUE 1 - 2013 | SNOW MANAGER

er has a function. The base layer (against your skin) manages moisture; the insulating layer protects you from the cold; the shell layer (outer layer) shields you from wind and rain. You can add or subtract layers as needed.

Footwear Keeping your feet warm begins with keeping them dry. A waterproof boot is absolutely a necessity when working in snow, ice, and slush. To keep your feet warm you can use SmartWool type socks, as well as using insulated boots. A second pair of boots is a nice luxury when your primary pair gets too wet to dry out sufficiently before the next storm event. Select footwear that provides good support and has good traction in slippery conditions.

Heat, hands and neck Consider different gear options available to keep the rest of your body warm.

Fleece turtlenecks or tubes are good protection for your neck and can be pulled up over your lower face to keep your face protected if windy. Ski goggles will protect your eyes from the wind, blowing/drifting snow and are particularly important if opSNOW MANAGER | www.snowmanager.ca

erating an ATV or snow blower in cold and windy storms.

When it comes to head and hand wear, have extra hats and gloves on hand in case the ones you have get wet. Your extra hats could be different materials to give you options depending on the temperature and the needs of the storm event. Having a hat that will keep you too warm may cause you to perspire unnecessarily. Have a wool, fleece, and synthetic hat in your gear bag.

Waterproof insulated work gloves are ideal, but can be bulky. Handling wet, cold steel on equipment or chains can chill your hands quickly, causing you to lose dexterity and the ability to work effectively. Handling de-icing chemicals should be done when wearing gloves only, otherwise severe damage can occur to your skin. Keep a pair of rubber, waterproof gloves for handling wet equipment, and bags of de-icer and while spreading materials. Consider insulated ski gloves while shovelling or snow blowing and a lighterweight pair for shorter periods of light work outdoors.

Having different styles of gloves and multiple pairs available during a storm event will ensure your hands can stay warm and dry.

Staying warm During extended working hours take occasional breaks in a sheltered and warm environment to allow your body to warm up. This is an ideal time to check your gear and make sure you’re properly dressed for the storm event, making adjustments as the storm event changes.

While not always possible, if your budget allows, buy better quality fabrics for your winter gear. Pay particular attention to footwear and outer shell layers.

Staying warm can also mean getting a warm, carbohydrate-filled meal like pasta.

Warm beverages and food will help bring up your body temperature.

Have a “go-bag” ready at all times so you aren’t delayed when you get called out. Your change of clothes and extra gear will give you options when the weather changes.

Nutrition Eating nutritional foods will give you more energy. Trying to sustain a body for a prolonged period of work on prepackaged snack foods from the convenience store is less than ideal. Prepackaged foods are often heavy in sugar and refined car7

bohydrates. A quick burst of energy will quickly give way to a feeling of being tired.

Instead, prepare fresh vegetables and fruits along with cheese and other natural foods. Keep protein, granola or snack bars on hand in case you run out of fresh food.

While stopping for a meal during a storm event is often a good way to get a break from the action, it’s not always possible. To keep up your energy levels, have healthy options available.

Hydration Drink plenty of fluids to ensure you maintain the natural systems in your body.

Mild dehydration can drain energy and make you feel tired. How much water or fluid should you consume? It depends on your age, health, where you live, and activity level. The Institute of Medicine has determined that an adequate intake for men is roughly three litres (about 13 cups) of total beverages per day. For women it is about 2.2 litres (about nine cups) per day. Your sidewalk crews, particularly hand labour crews, are likely in need of more fluids than equipment operators, given their increased level of activity.

Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated. Consider the affects of caffeine in your choice of fluids. Research has shown that there is a diuretic effect if you consume large amounts of caffeine— more than 500 to 600 milligrams (equivalent to five to seven cups of coffee)—per day. Too much can make you jittery, sleepless or anxious. Find the right balance between liquids for the type of work you do and hours you operate.

Proper rest Your body needs seven to eight hours of rest per day. Studies have shown that less than six hours of sleep per day will triple your risk for a car accident. Sleep has a cumulative effect, which means that if you miss sleep one day, you’ll feel it the next. Miss sleep for several days in a row and you’ll build up a “sleep deficit.” Snow and ice management professionals are prone to building up sleep deficits. Training should include a discussion about getting enough rest prior to being called in for work.

According to the Traffic Research Cen8

ter, the following occurs when you are sleep deprived: •S leeplessness slows your reflexes, reaction time and prevents you from identifying and stopping in times of danger.

• When you are overly tired, your attention span decreases. Most people suffer from a decrease in attention every 90 to 120 minutes; however, sleepiness makes this decrease more pronounced and can cause accidents when you fall asleep at the wheel or you are less aware of your surroundings.

•S leepiness is very much like being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When you are sleepy, your mental and psychomotor skills diminish. In one study, a group of subjects were kept awake for 28 hours, while another group was given alcoholic beverages every half hour. When both groups were tested for hand-eye coordination, the sleep-deprived subjects performed equally as poor as those with a 0.5 blood alcohol level.

Power naps Beyond sleep deficits, our body’s natural circadian rhythm is disrupted when working long hours and at night. There are several strategies for dealing with periods when we feel tired and drowsy. Pulling over and taking a brief nap is one option that is often overlooked. In the go-go rush of a long storm event, it may not seem appropriate to stop and recharge the batteries, but it can make all the difference.

When your eyelids begin to feel heavy, you are not alert and are at risk of injuring yourself or others. Stop your vehicle, get out and stretch or get some brief exercise. Grab a snack or something to drink.

Or, take a brief nap. A NASA study found that a 40-minute nap increases alertness by 100 per cent. Other studies have found that a 20-minute nap is more effective than 200 mg of caffeine or a quick bout of exercise.

Many experts advise keeping naps between 15 to 30 minutes. Sleeping longer than 30 minutes puts you into a deeper sleep stage, making it more difficult to wake. When you waken from a deeper stage of sleep, you will feel the effects of sleep inertia, which is a physiological state characterized by decreased motor dexter-

ity and feeling of grogginess.

Taking a short power nap will have many positive benefits including increased alertness, improved memory, reduced burnout and overload, reduced stress, heightened senses, and improvement of your health and mood. Factoring short naps and breaks into your staff’s production schedule will help keep your crew and the public safer during long storm events.

Germs are sickening During a storm, contractors may not have access to facilities to wash their hands, leaving them prone to spreading or catching colds or other illnesses.

Prior to or after a storm event, when servicing trucks and equipment, incorporate the use of antibacterial wipes as a part of the cleaning process. Wipe down steering wheels, plow and equipment controls, door handles, and all other items in the cab that crews may touch. Antibacterial wipes and lotion are inexpensive and can be made readily available to your crews to encourage their use when soap and water are not available. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hand washing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infections.

Include in your training the importance of good sanitation and how it will help prevent yourself and others from becoming sick. A cold or flu virus will reduce peak performance and may knock some of your staff out of the game so they are not able to work in a storm.

Maintaining safe working conditions is challenging when you consider all the risks inherent with providing snow services. Our responsibility to the public begins with ensuring that we take care of ourselves first.

This article was originally published in Snow Business magazine, the official publication of the Snow & Ice Management Association. To learn more about SIMA, visit www.sima.org. Additional snow & ice resources from Snow Business are located at www.GoPlow.com. ❆ ISSUE 1 - 2013 | SNOW MANAGER

IN STOCK! 12’ Hydraulic Angle Snow Blades with Trip Moldboards Call Today!

BUILDING SNOW REMOVAL ATTACHMENTS FOR OVER 65 YEARS www.weldco-beales.com

Edmonton, AB PH: 1 800 661 0378 Barrie, ON PH: 1 877 320 4286 Langley, BC PH: 1 800 665 0511

Out of the Snow, Not out of Mind

Proper post-season maintenance is key to optimum performance next season.

By Randy Strait President, Arctic Snow & Ice Control Products

F

ollowing winter’s last hurrah, long after the snow diminishes from the forecast and the snowdrifts melt away, the last thing most people want to think about is more white stuff. Snow and ice contractors, however, are not “most people.”

These professionals eat, breathe, and live snow, and as a result, aren’t necessarily happy to see winter come to an end. But, most do look forward to giving their pushers a well-deserved break come spring. Before parking the winter workhorse, a post-season maintenance program should be performed.

Although pushers are designed to be as close to maintenancefree as possible, common wear-and-tear items are bound to need attention at some point – depending on the level of usage and application for which the pusher is utilized. A snow pusher is a major investment. Simple maintenance is the easiest, most inexpensive way to protect that investment and ensure years of reliable use. But perhaps more significantly, post-season maintenance is the key to being productive and poised for action when the first flakes fly. Proactively addressing maintenance immediately after the season ends, ensures valuable training and safety discussions won’t get pushed aside in order to prepare the equipment in the fall.

Though the maintenance is essential, it’s also minimal. The checklist requires a few simple steps and a small amount of time.

SALES & PARTS

Edmonton, AB 1-800-661-4155

Shellbrook, SK 1-306-747-3558

Barrie, ON 1-877-320-4286

The Maritimes 1-709-764-5054

Langley, BC 1-800-665-0511

Tacoma, WA 1-800-547-6357

www.weldco-beales.com

10

Cleaning It Up Universally recognized as the end to the snow season, April 15th is the target date for initiating the post-maintenance program.

The first, and perhaps simplest, step in a solid post-season maintenance plan is giving the pusher a good cleaning. A thorough power wash removes salt and debris, preventing corrosion and rusting.

After cleaning, allow the pusher to dry for a few hours, and then apply a standard penetrant to pivot points, fasteners, nuts and bolts.

Each pusher features a unique design and likewise requires specific attention to key components. In pushers that feature moving and forgiving parts as part of the design, extra lubricant should be applied to those areas such as springs, joints and edges to prevent paint chipping and rusting.

Once the pusher is cleaned, a detailed inspection can alert the operator of any issues. Again, because each type of pusher is built differently, the full inspection should be tailored to suit the equipment. While there is no “one-size-fits-all” maintenance plan, there are basics for most standard pushers.

Inspect, Repair, and Replace Proper and timely maintenance is essential in order to optimize performance and avoid accelerated wear. In general terms, pushers are designed to be fairly easy to care for and service. In the event a repair or full replacement is needed, most steps are relatively quick and easy to perform. In fact, most servicing can be completed in less than 30 minutes.

Every pusher has a cutting edge, either rubber or steel, that should be inspected and replaced if necessary. Rubber edges tend to have a life only 1/5 that of steel, thus requiring more frequent maintenance and replacement. Regardless of the edge type though, replacement does come at a cost. The size of the edge and the time required for replacement can cause costs to add up in a hurry. Some plows that feature sectional moldboard designs minimize time and expense by allowing individual sections to be replaced as needed.

These sectional designs typically feature 32-inch independent moldboard sections, each mounted on the pusher’s mainframe with a mounting block. Those blocks should receive a quick postseason inspection and replacement if they show cracks or damage. A critical element to the safety of the plow, the property and the operator, the mounting blocks are designed to handle a lot of ISSUE 1 - 2013 | SNOW MANAGER

pressure and impact with little damage and may last in excess of five years. However, if signs of stress or damage occur, it is important to replace damaged blocks to ensure safe and proper operation. Also, check to be sure bolts are tight and the blocks are firmly secured to the pusher.

All pushers have wear shoes that should be inspected at the season’s end, and replaced if severely worn. Wear can occur quickly and unevenly with standard hitch designs requiring precise placement by the operator. Understandably, when it’s 3:00 a.m. and there is a lot to be cleared, time is of the essence and operators may not take time for the necessary adjustments. New to the market, “drop-andgo” hitch designs remove operator error by self-adjusting to the pavement and ensuring even wear on both shoes for longer life and fewer replacements. These designs also permit the shoes to “float” rather than drag during operation, further extending life. Regardless of the type of hitch design, a quick check is in order to make sure the wear shoes are in proper working order.

Having successfully checked and completed the major components, there are still several smaller parts that impact the overall performance of the pusher. Constant movement of the center and outer springs can lead to breaks or stress points. Carefully inspect those areas. If any part of the spring or pin is broken or appears to be rusted to the point of weakness, a replacement spring should be installed. Finally, check to be sure all cotter pins, nuts and bolts are intact and tighten any that may be loose.

To perform a thorough inspection, be sure to read the owner’s manual for specific maintenance on specific makes and models of pushers. In addition, this post-season inspection is a great opportunity to take inventory and order any parts that may be needed for the next season. Just as taking care of maintenance and repairs now will ensure the pusher is ready to go next season, being proactive with inventory management will ensure unforeseen issues that arise next season won’t develop frozen profits.

considerably. The best rule of thumb is always to use common sense when scheduling inspections, and simply replace when the part appears worn.

While simple maintenance will go a long way in extending the life of a pusher, proper operation also has a significant impact. Never shake the pusher or hit it on the pavement to remove snow. Though this may be the natural reaction, that violent jarring can result in added stress on joint and components – especially in frigid weather.

It’s also crucial to remember a pusher should never be treated as a bulldozer when stacking snow. Proper stacking requires that the pusher be lifted as the machine engages the snow pile. Plows are designed to stack snow endlessly but must be used properly.

Lastly, proper positioning is pivotal to the pusher’s longevity, so avoid too much forward or down pressure. Mentioned earlier, certain manufacturers offer special “drop-and-go” hitch designs to aid in positioning. They’re designed to take the guesswork out by automatically adjusting to the pavement grade.

Post-season maintenance is the best way to extend the life of a snow pusher and guarantee years of reliable performance. Owners should find it encouraging to know that yearly maintenance, depending on usage, can cost operators as little as $5 for a can of penetrant. Best of all, taking care of maintenance and repairs now will ensure the pusher is ready at the first sight of white next year.

The flurries can come at any time, so be ready to push through old man winter’s first arrival. ❆

A Quality Product for Over 30 Years!

Model 6006 Dual Snow Wheel w/ 6511A Dual Adjuster

Simple Storage Most people lack shop or garage space large enough to store pushers during the off-season, but it’s perfectly fine to keep them outside during these months. One key thing to consider is the effects of mother nature. Protect against rust and moisture damage by spraying penetrating oil onto rust-prone areas.

Be Proactive Keep in mind that one solid evaluation at the end of a season doesn’t equate to an adequate preventative maintenance program. Snow pushers require – and deserve – TLC throughout the season. Besides protecting the investment and increasing the longevity of the pusher, preventative maintenance throughout the year is among the best ways to reduce off-season work.

Most manuals outline maintenance intervals based on mileage, fuel consumption, service hours or calendar time. But just as snow is completely unpredictable, maintenance intervals need to be flexible to accommodate each unique event and season. For example, standard guidelines may specify replacement intervals for parts as monthly. However, if it has been an unusually brutal month with day after day of consecutive use, this interval may shorten

SNOW MANAGER | www.snowmanager.ca

Model 6509 Swivel Snow Wheel w/ Adjuster

Extra Heavy-Duty Snow-Wheels for all types Snow Removal Equipment for Highways & Airports

This system was designed to replace the conventional Shoe.

It eliminates the cost of frequent replacement and extends the life of cutting edges by four or five times.

• No more Shoes to buy!

• Cutting edges last for months NOT days!

• Cuts down time significantly!

• Saves Fuel!

• Keeps Gravel on the road, not in the ditch!

• Built to Last!

• Adaptable to Loader & Truck mounted blowers!

Snow Wheel System

P.O. Box 528 - 212 Home Street - Fairmont, MN 56031 Phone AND Fax - (507) 238-1980 Email - wheel @snowwheel.com Website - www.snowwheel.com

11

Rent, Own, or Bid-Out

How some Canadian cities run their snow management programs.

By Mark McAvoy

G

etting a contract for a Canadian city’s winter maintenance is guaranteed work, but, like many things, landing the contract may come down to who can do the job the cheapest.

Plus, depending on where you’re bidding a variety of models may affect your chances at the work. Here’s a look at how some cities handle their snow removal, and what you need to do to get hired.

Winnipeg uses a utilization model. If a truck or grader can get enough annual usage, the city will buy it; but if it will only be used during the winter months, then it is more cost-effective to hire a grader from the private sector. About 90 per cent of their snow and ice control equipment is private equipment.

Winnipeg’s contract work goes to the lowest qualified bidder. If the city is not familiar with the contractor, and they happen to be the lowest bidder, there will be a pre-qualification meeting to make sure the contractor meets the criteria: being experienced, being financially capable, having the proper insurance, and being an established organization.

Winnipeg’s contract work is separated into two categories: area work and hired hourly equipment. For area work, contrac-

12

tors bid on particular zones in the city.

The contractor is responsible for clearing streets and repairing all damages that occur in that area. Area contracts have to meet time requirements or are subject to penalties. Also, inspectors check the work and provide the contractor feedback with any deficiencies noted.

Hired hourly equipment is used to supplement city-owned equipment. Large and small contractors bid individual pieces of equipment at an hourly rate and get on a call-out list.

Area contracts are paid a guaranteed minimum, while hired hourly contracts are paid a lane/kilometre rate. The rate changes depending on the level of operation: regional, collectors, or residential.

Winnipeg maintains its own graders to ensure a rapid response to emergency operations and to help keep prices competitive.

“It gives us experience. We know what the price is and what the price should be,” says Ken Boyd, Winnipeg’s manager of street maintenance.

Edmonton uses a system very similar to Winnipeg’s. All of their plow trucks are city-owned and operated, but they only own 20 motor graders. Private graders are

brought in for peak periods and for the removal of windrows.

Edmonton did an analysis of equipment costs and rejected the idea of purchasing more graders because anything beyond the 20 they already own would get very low usage. They also rejected contracting out the trucks because they get yearround usage out of them.

“I don’t need more than 20 in the summer, but when it comes to the winter we need 45 to 50. Why would we buy the additional [equipment] to use for part of the year? We aren’t going to get the value out of it. We pay for it whether we use it or not,” says Bob Dunford, Edmonton’s roadway maintenance director.

For the graders they own, Edmonton gets about 1,800 hours of annual use out of them at about 80 per cent of the cost it would be to contract the work out. But Dunford says if they were to buy additional graders, those graders would only get about 200 to 250 hours of annual use.

Edmonton posts all of their contracts on Alberta Purchasing Connection, a website used by the public sector in Alberta to post any tenders on. Those interested in working for a municipality in Alberta can find what they need on that site.

ISSUE 1 - 2013 | SNOW MANAGER

Edmonton requires their contractors to have proper insurance as well as a certificate of recognition from the Alberta government Occupational Health and Safety.

This year, the city of Edmonton had 189 graders-for-hire on their list. Only 96 responded to their calls and all 96 were used.

“We called everybody that we could.

We’d like to get 130 responding,” says Dunford.

Hired graders work in groups, in Edmonton. They are assigned one yard (or area) each. Contractors are paid according to the Alberta Road Builders and Heavy Constructors Association Rate Guide. The rate guide is updated annually by the industry, not the Alberta government.

With so many open spots, contractors should look to Edmonton for snow removal work. Edmonton has a cross-border agreement with Saskatchewan and British Columbia stating they won’t use location as a basis for who they select, so out-ofprovince contractors should look there, too. Of course, someone coming from another province will need people in Edmonton to operate the equipment, as well as a place to store it.

Unlike Winnipeg and Edmonton, who will hire individual machines, Toronto’s contracts specify how many pieces of equipment are needed based on what area the contract is responsible for. Currently, none of Toronto’s contracts accommodate a single truck and operator.

Toronto has nine winter maintenance depots across the city. Contractors have trailers and operators standing by so they can provide salting and plowing within minutes.

For in-house equipment, the city handles some of the local streets and bus stops, sidewalks, and steps – the locations that are more labour intensive and are a lesser priority in terms of road classification.

“We feel that mix also provides the city with the most effective cost-value for money for residents and the corporation: to contract out the highest priority, where the bulk of the equipment cost would lie were we to provide it in-house,” says Peter Noehammer, director of transportation services with city of Toronto.

Like Winnipeg and Edmonton, Toronto

SNOW MANAGER | www.snowmanager.ca

sees no sense in owning equipment that is only used in the winter months.

“To purchase a lot of equipment and then have it idle during the non-winter months doesn’t make a lot of sense. A contractor is often able to use that [equipment] for the non-winter months for other construction activities they undertake,” says Noehammer.

Toronto signs seven-year contracts for winter maintenance. Their next contracts will be tendered in 2015. Toronto, like Win-

nipeg, operates on a low-bid system. Contractors are responsible for damages, and are subject to penalties if requirements aren’t met.

The amount of winter maintenance work these cities contract out is staggeringly higher than the work they do inhouse. There is always going to be work available. The question for Winnipeg and Toronto is: can you outbid your competitors? The question for Edmonton seems to be: do you have equipment? ❆

THE ULTIMATE ALL-SEASON MUNICIPAL WORKHORSE

WWW.MACLEANMV.COM Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada

519-370-2999

13

Manitoba Mix

Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation’s salt brine plant was built from the ground up.

I

n 2002, Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation started looking into adding liquid to the dry salt and winter sand laid down on provincial streets and roads. They started looking and testing different kind of liquid depressants, and Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation chose Sodium chloride to be the depressant of choice.

“We then had to start looking at the right equipment to introduce the liquid Sodium chloride to the material.

When this process was done we started to build the salt brine plant,” states Darrel Link, area work supervisor, for Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation. “We brought a couple guys in from the Elie yard to do the concrete work in Carberry. Once this was done we started to build the plant. We started looking for different ways we could mix water and salt. We looked on the internet and found a lot of different mixing practices and we decided to make our own plant.”

CUBEX

®

CUBEX LIMITED has over 30 years of industry experience and is committed to the Municipal, Construction, and Public Works industries via distribution of quality new and pre-owned equipment. Our mission is to supply, service, and make available, technologically superior equipment to our customers.

.

Bulk spreaders featuring pre-wetting and anti-icing combination capabilities.

The MacLean’s MV is a versatile and agile articulating municipal tractor designed to accommodate multiple implements for all seasons.

Snowplows, heavy duty snow removal equipment, hitches, loaders, graders, and attachments for trucks.

The SNOWBLAST Tractor-mounted Series Snowblowers is your answer to blowing in all types of snow conditions from wet slushy snow to hard compacted frozen snow

BRANCHES ACROSS CANADA 14

1888GOCUBEX ISSUE 1 - 2013 | SNOW MANAGER

First, they needed a hopper to dump the salt in, so they started to look around the country side. They came upon an old fertilizer hopper which had slanted walls and a stainless steel chain on the bottom.

“We felt that this would work perfect for what we had in mind. We had to build a conveyor belt to transport the salt from the fertilizer hopper to the funnel that was connected to a hose that went through the wall of the plant and into the mixing tank which was a 9,000 litre polly tank,” he explains. “The fertilizer hopper and the conveyor belt are powered by a diesel hydraulic motor. This motor had an on/off switch inside the plant so the operator could have control of how much salt he needed in the mix tank.”

They also put in a sand point that would supply enough water for are mixing operation.

“We hooked the water supply up to a meter so we would know how much water to salt ratio we were using,” says Link.

Once this was complete MIT had to find a way to mix the product properly to achieve a 23.3 per cent by mass. They purchased a three-horse-power centrifuge pump with an elbow inside so the brine would swirl around and dissolve the salt.

“This practice worked for awhile but we needed to make brine a lot faster to keep up with the demand. So we added another three-horse-power pump on the mixing plant this seemed to work for us,” he explained. “We now are mixing around 12,000 litres in an eight hour day.”

MIT had the salt, the water, and the mixing all figured out, now they needed to look at the storage.

“This step was a little more complicated, so we had to figure out what we needed for plumbing, how many tanks we needed for the demand we were going to get for the product,” stated Link. “So we put a valve in the line of one of the threehorse-power pumps that we were using to mix, so we could transfer the sodium brine into the storage tanks that were interconnected by tees and valves. We also put a transfer pump in so we could fill the tanks on the plow trucks and the 25,000 litre salt brine delivery truck we use to deliver to all Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation Yards.”

SNOW MANAGER | www.snowmanager.ca

Building from the ground up not only ensured the plant was on spec with the needs of MIT, but it became a point of pride for the crew.

“This whole process was built by the employees of the Carberry Yard. These employees had no idea of how salt brine was made and how a salt brine plant looked.

These guys were used to fixing and plowing roads not building plants and becoming scientist. These guys were asked by the de-

partment to take on this challenge because they like to lead the way in new initiatives and to help reduce salt from leaving the roads. I think by building this plant from the ground up any municipality, government, or private person could build this plant at a reasonable cost. That is just not the cost of the plant that they have to consider the cost of the environment and the safety of the motoring public is a cost that nobody can ignore.” ❆

Snowlutions...

Authorized Sales/ Service Centres: Thunder Bay: (807) 577-5724

1-800-465-5044 Winnipeg: (204) 632-8261

1-800-282-8044 Regina: (306) 757-5606

1-800-552-8044 Saskatoon: (306) 242-3465

1-800-772-4599 Calgary: (403) 236-5502

1-800-661-3126 Red Deer: (403) 343-1383

1-866-297-0022 Edmonton: (780) 454-4880

1-800-663-9366 Surrey: Equipment (604) 888-5522

1-800-663-4115 EMAIL: truckequip@fgiltd.ca We are proud to hold and promote the use of the National Safety Mark. This mark is your assurance that our completed vehicles conform to all Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

www.fgiltd.com

15

© 2013 BOSS Products/Northern Star Industries, Inc.

MOVE AT THE SPEED OF THE STORM.

At THE BOSS, we’re dedicated to making your job easier. We’ve listened year after year to the needs and concerns of snowplow professionals just like you. That’s why we’re able to address the very real challenges you face when it’s your turn to open up those frozen roads. At THE BOSS, we’re working harder than ever to deliver the toughest, most reliable snow and ice removal equipment. We want to make sure you can always move at the speed of the storm, no matter how bad the weather gets. This snow season, look to THE BOSS. We’ll always be there to back you up.

GO TO BOSSPLOW.COM AND:

Snow Post-Show Snow fighters united prior to 2012-2013 snow season.

O

ver 250 “snow fighters” from jurisdictions across western Canada and the United States participated in the CPWA hosted Snow Conference and Trade Show in October at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg. Timing was perfect, presnow season, for the conference which focused on learning, improvements in maintenance practices, and networking for those individuals involved in snow and ice control operations in winter.

The program for the conference was highlighted by powerful and inspirational keynote presentations, and was kicked-off by business leader, and award winning humanitarian, Ian Hill who brought a powerful message about the often-under-recognized value of public works efforts, plus key points about how to effectively deal with change. Ian Hill has been recognized for being a catalyst for positive change throughout the United States and Canada. Ian is best known to Public Works audiences as the keynote speaker for the 2011 International APWA Conference held in Denver Colorado and inspirational creator of the APWA’s popular online professional development series: Leadership in Changing Times.

Topics for the two days of technical presentations ranged from winter weather with local meteorologist and Winnipeg personality, John Sauder, to Effective Media Relations for Snow Fighters with Ken Allen, to insights from Province of Manitoba’s Director of Operational Services, Mike Knight, to a panel discussion about the Benefits of Fleet Life Cycle Costing.

Simultaneously, while the learning sessions were going on, a snow plow rodeo and heavy equipment trade show were also underway in the exhibition hall and parking lot at the Victoria Inn, which proved to be the perfect setting for participants to network

18

and learn about the most recent industry innovations, the latest technologies in snow fighting equipment, and to cheer on their favorite snow plow operator from the city or province, as truck plows skillfully navigated the test track and obstacle course.

The conference ended on a high note with a closing keynote presentation and positive message for conference attendees, delivered by Mark Devries. Mark has presented at Snow and Ice seminars all across North America, including a number of municipalities across the midwest. Mark is a trainer for the Illinois LTAP and has been published in every major industry magazine including the inaugural issue of the Journal of Public Works and Infrastructure. Mark is the recipient of the 2012 APWA Presidential Leadership Award.

On day three, the APWA accredited Winter Maintenance Supervisor Workshop was delivered to 75 winter maintenance staff.

Snow Conference and Trade Show Chair, Jim Berezowsky praised the team effort it took to make the conference a success, “it took an incredible amount of preparation and effort from our volunteers to make the conference run so smoothly, and there is no doubt that it was the participation from the snow fighting industry and community that made this conference value-added for our attendees.” Berezowsky emphasized, “the overall success of the conference and trade show can be attributed to the participation of all the agencies, exhibitors, sponsors, guest speakers, presenters, and volunteers” Twenty-one exhibitors participated in the trade show in the shadow of towering front-end wheeled loaders that narrowly missed the crystal chandeliers hanging from the ballroom ceiling. ❆ ISSUE 1 - 2013 | SNOW MANAGER

Product Showcase

Reformulated, pre-wetted deicers recognized by EPA Cargill dedicates years of R&D to develop eco-friendlier formulas.

W

hen Cargill, Inc. officially decided to increase their environmental commitment, they weren’t making empty promises. They backed up it up by earning an EPA recognition for their ClearLane® enhanced deicer and Diamond Crystal® Early Melt™ packaged ice melter products.

“These are products our customers have come to trust and depend on, and now they have an even greater environmentally friendly formulation without adding cost or reducing performance,” says Debby Capela, marketing manager with Cargill Deicing Technology. “The EPA recognitions are a win-win-win situation: a SNOW MANAGER | www.snowmanager.ca

win for the environment, a win for our customers, and a win for the public.”

Called the Design for the Environment (DfE) label, the EPA recognition stems from a partnership between Cargill and the EPA that seeks to promote innovative chemical products, technologies and practices that benefit human health and the environment.

“In our business, there are many misconceptions about how our products affect the environment,” says Jackie Van Norden, product line manager with Cargill Salt.

“Having support from the EPA with this recognition helps us educate customers and the public on how our products help increase safety and reduce environmental impact.”

From chemical to more natural: The R & D process The Cargill deicer products that earned the DfE label are enhanced deicers used by municipalities and private contractors to help prevent dangerous conditions for motorists and pedestrians. Considered a “treated salt” or “pre-wetted salt” product, these types of deicers are already recognized as a more environmentally friendly

alternative to standard salt because they can be used at lower application rates, which means fewer chlorides are being released into the environment. Reformulating ClearLane® enhanced deicer to earn the EPA recognition involved making the environmentally friendly products even greener while maintaining critical deicing performance. These reformulation findings were also applied to create Early Melt™ packaged ice melter with the same environmental benefits.

“Our new formulations are the result of several years of research and development into further increasing the environmental safety of the products by developing alternative additives that would not compromise the deicing properties,” says Scott Koefod, Ph.D., principal scientist at Cargill.

Pre-wetted salt has been available for the past 10 years to treat winter roadways and walkways, and the product is most commonly blended with a liquid or dry magnesium chloride, or calcium chloride brine to encourage faster melting and help the product stick to the surface. This type of treated salt typically contains other performance enhancing additives such as 19

Product Showcase freezing point depressants, corrosion inhibitors and colorants. Cargill’s reformulation process involved replacing traditional additives with natural materials while achieving similar performance.

“A major goal in developing more environmentally friendly products is always trying to do as much as possible with as little as possible,” says Koefod. “With the deicer reformulation we sought to identify performance enhancers that would be effective at the smallest addition rates possible so the less chemical we have to add to a product, the less chemical is going out into the environment.”

Throughout the research and development process, Koefod and his team made several advancements to the products by replacing chemical additives with natural substitutes. Often the results were more effective than the traditional chemicals, such as the corrosion inhibitor, a performance additive that helps reduce corrosion on application vehicles.

“We identified a safe, food-grade natural corrosion inhibitor which is produced by fermentation,” says Koefod. “It is up to 20 times more effective than other com-

monly used corrosion inhibitors for these types of products, which enables us to greatly reduce our additive levels. This in turn reduces the product’s environmental impact.”

Other natural additives in the reformulation included a food colorant additive that helps winter maintenance workers see how much product is on the surface, and allows the public to see that a road or walkway has been treated. A food-grade, viscosity-modifying additive which virtually eliminates leaching was also developed, as leaching is a common problem associated with pre-wetted deicing products.

Throughout the entire reformulation process, Cargill worked closely with EPA staff to understand their expectations for qualifying the deicer under the DfE recognition. Koefod and his team collected a variety of data to substantiate product performance and environmental characteristics, which was then sent, with full formulation information, to a third-party, independent reviewer.

“The third-party reviewer performed a toxicology profile on all of the ingredients

“We make our customer’s (and their customer’s) Safety our Business” For over four decades, we have been supplying road deicer to customers in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Northern U.S.A. Our products meet all government specifications for medium and coarse salt.

Rail Logistics

Inventory Management

YOUR SINGLE SOURCE SOLUTION

Storage Management

Road and Rail Services

Learn more at kleysen.com or call 888-452-9929.

20

and processing aids,” states Koefod. “Processing aids are basically anything that is either in or comes into contact with the product. The final report was then sent to the EPA DfE office for final evaluation. We received confirmation of being awarded the recognition in the summer of 2011 for ClearLane® enhanced deicer and in the summer of 2012 for Early Melt™ packaged ice melter” EPA-recognized: Just in time for winter Part of rolling out the new formulation for Cargill involved educating municipalities and contractors on the performance of the products, environmental benefits and application use. One characteristic of the products is that they achieve desired results by using less of the product per application when compared to traditional salt.

“We want to make sure our customers are aware of the new formulation of ClearLane® enhanced deicer and reassure them that there will be no change in performance, and so far the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Capela. “We are also working to educate end-users and the public so everyone can understand the science behind the products that help keep them safe on winter roadways and walkways, and how those products are now even better for the environment.”

A greener future The DfE recognition for ClearLane® enhanced deicer and Diamond Crystal® Early Melt™ are only the beginning for Cargill and their environmental commitment.

Partnering with the EPA provides Cargill the opportunity to work with EPA chemists, environmental scientists and risk reduction staff to investigate materials to further improve the health and environmental impacts of their products, now and in the future.

“Not only are we striving to continually research and improve the products we sell, we additionally work with our customers to encourage best practices that will give optimal performance and the least possible environmental impact,” states Van Norden. “Our overarching goal is to create a family of deicing and anti-icing products that ensure public safety, customer satisfaction and reduce harmful effects on the environment.” ❆ ISSUE 1 - 2013 | SNOW MANAGER

Greener solutions. Better results.

From streets to sidewalks, Cargill’s deiCers deliver.

ClearLane® enhanced deicer for bulk applications

diamond Crystal® Early Melt™ for smaller surface areas

• Less scatter for fewer applications

• Pre-wet ice melter for deicing and anti-icing

• Continued melting at lower temps

• Less bounce and wind dispersal

• Free flowing, reduced clumps

• Fewer applications for reduced costs

• Pre-mixed, non-leaching formula

• Attacks ice formation beneath snow cover

• Reduced cost per lane mile

• Helps provide easier shoveling and faster plowing

• Greater corrosion resistance

• Patented residual effects extend anti-icing

• Lower impact on watersheds and vegetation

• Melts at temperatures down to -5° F

Eco-friendly ice melters for all your slippery surfaces.

Recognized for Safer Chemistry www.epa.gov/dfe

You have plenty of choices when it comes to ice melters. And whether you need bulk or bagged quantities, you don’t have to compromise on effective melting and your environmental conscience.

Designated by the U.S. EPA with the Design for the Environment label, Cargill’s ClearLane® enhanced deicer and Diamond Crystal® Early Melt™ ice melter help provide superior melting, safer winter conditions and greener winter maintenance.

Learn more about Cargill’s eco-friendly winter maintenance solutions.

AvAiLAbLE in buLk And pACkAgEd quAntitiEs. www.cargill.com/greenersolutions ClearLane® enhanced deicer: U.S. Pat. No. 7,309,451, U.S. Pat. No. 7,507,349. Other patents pending.

A Cargill Product

Product Showcase

Full Coverage

Protecting profits from winter volatility with new weather coverage solutions.

By Richard Nemet, CEO, Metar Weather

E

veryone plans for an average snowfall, but the average is just that, and it rarely ever happens. In other words, no one can predict winter weather with any degree of accuracy. Compounding the problem for the snow and ice removal industry, as well as for the ski industry, is that climate change may be causing an increase in the frequency and severity of abnormal weather. Snow removal professionals are increasingly facing tough decisions on how to improve their business models in an industry known for its unpredictability.

In cases where snow and ice removal companies have seasonal contracts, they can lose money in seasons with heavy snowfall. During heavy snowfall years, many snow removal companies on seasonal contracts fail to perform services and worse yet, just fail. Most snow removal professionals try to hedge the weather by diversifying contract types, but that is a less-than-perfect solution.

In some cases, a snow removal company with a seasonal contract will simply fail to perform during a season of heavy snowfall with the result that its clients’ profits are adversely affected by lack of customer access or by slip and fall claims. Worse yet, a snow removal company can

Just seconds between plowing, pushing, and profit!

KicK the trucK habit

ow with the Kage System, snow removal N companies can utilize skid steers, wheel loaders and tractors in a manner that completely eliminates the need for truck plows.

Kage Innovation LLC | (651) 433 - 4628 | www.kageinnovation.com | 22

Patented ISSUE 1 - 2013 | SNOW MANAGER

Product Showcase

simply fail. Conversely, a snow removal company that is working on a per occurrence-type contract will not make money during a mild winter, which may force it to seek out other sources of income or just close down.

Fortunately, there is a more effective and less stressful way for snow removal professionals to hedge the weather through the purchase of a weather risk protection plan. In the past, such plans were non-existent or ineffective due to the lack of products and the lack of access to weather data, which made it difficult, if not impossible, to accurately assess risk. Access to complete data, which draws on historical records at the area code level, has provided a foundation for the development of innovative weather risk protection plans.

Such plans protect both revenues and expenses. Here’s how they work: snow removal professionals with seasonal contacts can purchase policies that protect their businesses against the heavy expenses - i.e. additional costs for labour, equipment, and supplies such as salt, that can severely cut into profits during a season of heavy snowfall. The protection plan sets the equivalent of a cap on seasonal snowfall, providing them with a minimum profit floor.

Similarly, they can purchase protection on per-occurrence type contracts against revenue losses during seasons of light snowfall, which amounts to the cash equivalent of a minimum snowfall.

With revenue protection, snow removal professionals have the peace of mind of knowing that their protection contracts will deliver a target minimum revenue without having to give up the potential revenue upside of a per-occurrence contract during a season of heavy snowfall.

Being unable to predict whether the season will bring too much or too little snow is a big challenge for the multi-billion dollar snow and ice removal industry and its clients. Those who are looking ahead to the winter of 2012/2013 can consult the Farmer’s Almanac, fall squirrel activity, or the bands on the coat of the woolly caterpillar. They can follow the SNOW MANAGER | www.snowmanager.ca

turning to a weather risk protection system to meet the budgetary needs of their clients as well as differentiate themselves among the competition.

For more information on Metar Weather’s snow removal protection products, visit www.PlowFlex. com. For corporate information visit www.metarweather.com. ❆

winter outlook predictions of weather experts such as the following: “an equal chance for above or below normal temperatures.”

Or they can sleep well at night knowing they have winter weather protection to protect both revenue and expenses.

As knowledge within the industry grows, more snow removal professionals are

H y dr aul i c s

|

c o n t ro l s

|

t e l e m at i c s

Effective winter maintenance solutions

stay aHead oF tHe storm

optimize spreading. improve reliability. save money.

Cirus Controls offers complete snow and ice mobile hydraulic systems — when you need them.

• SpreadSmart Rx™ precision spreader controls • Adaptable proportional plow controls • Intuitive GPS/AVL and data collection capabilities • Powerful hydraulic systems

Want to learn how GPs/aVl can help make your fleet more efficient? call 763.493.9380 or email info@ciruscontrols.com © 2013 Cirus Controls, LLC

www.ciruscontrols.com

23

Product Showcase

Go Thro

Ariens® introduces Hydro Pro Sno-Thro® Line featuring Ariens’ first hydrostatic transmission in a snow thrower for infinitely variable speed selection.

A

riens® Company introduces the new Hydro Pro Sno-Thro® featuring Ariens’ first hydrostatic transmission in a snow thrower. The durable hydrostatic transmission allows for infinitely variable speed selection and maintenancefree operation, making the Hydro Pro an efficient snow thrower for professionals.

The Hydro Pro Sno-Thro series allows operators an infinitely variable speed selection from zero to the full speed of the machine. Because the speed can be adjusted while the snow-thrower is in-use, the operator doesn’t need to stop the machine, even when going from forward to reverse speeds. This feature greatly enhances the efficiency of getting a job done, which is ideal for professionals with multiple properties to clear.

The new hydrostatic transmission was engineered in partnership with HydroGear® specifically for the Ariens Professional Sno-Thro, making the partnership and application a company first. The Hydro Pro Sno-Thro series features the Hydro-

Gear RT-310™ transmission. The transmission, coupled with the Sno-Thro’s drive system, is enhanced by synthetic oil and a thermal management system to prevent overheating during use. The hydrostatic system is also maintenance-free, because the synthetic oil does not break down like conventional oils, can sustain higher loads and can run in higher ambient temperatures than other hydrostatic snow throwers.

“Our new Hydro Pro Sno-Thro line takes Ariens to a new level, further enhancing our top-end line of snow throwers and providing consumers a significant value on true commercial-grade snow removal equipment,” says Angela Raddant, snow product marketing manager for Ariens Company.

The Hydro Pro line features four hydrostatic drive models including the Hydro Pro 28, 32, and 36 and the Hydro Pro Track 28. The variable speed improvement for the new snow blowers allows operators to complete jobs at appropriate speeds for their specific conditions. Speeds are infinitely variable up to 2.7 mph on wheel-drive

Call today and have a conversation with us about your organization’s work truck needs.

We’re committed to providing the absolute highest quality end product for our customers and we will not cut any corners to get there.

Plows.

Spreaders.

Bodies.

TRUCKS. 24

800-851-9664 www.bonnell.com info@bonnell.com

Searching for distributors!

models and 2.2 mph on track-drive models.

Additionally, the hydrostatic transmission enables operators to adjust the speed at any time and in any increments. They are also cold-start capable, requiring little to no warm-up time.

The machines have a 50-foot discharge range to ensure snow lands outside of the clearing path of the machine. Automatic traction control optimizes maneuverability, and with no levers or triggers, steering is effortless. Commercial-duty cast-iron gear cases with alloy steel gears, L-3 synthetic severe-duty gear oil and an industryleading five-year warranty ensures durable, long-lasting performance. The fluid speed control also makes operation simple.

Additional Hydro Pro Sno-Thro features include: • 420cc Ariens Polar Force Pro engine powered by Briggs & Stratton • 200-degree Quick Turn remote chute control • Commercial-duty, 0.5-inch-thick steel skid shoes and boron steel scraper bar • Handwarmers • In-Dash Halogen headlight • Drift Cutters The Hydro-Pro Sno-Thros are covered

by Ariens Company’s three-year consumer and one-year commercial warranty with an industry-leading five-year consumer and commercial warranty on the cast-iron gear case. Visit www.ariens.com for more information.

Established in 1933 in Brillion, Wis., Ariens Company is a leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment for both consumer and professional use. The company’s premium international brands include Ariens Sno-Thro® and Ariens lawn and garden products for consumers; Countax® and Westwood® lawn tractors; and Gravely® and Parker® commercial equipment for the landscape management, facilities maintenance and sports field sectors. Ariens’ affiliates, Stens Corporation, J Thomas and Ariens Pty Ltd. (Australia), supply replacement parts to the outdoor power equipment industry. Ariens Company employs more than 1,400 people, with operations in Wisconsin, Nebraska, Indiana, Alabama, Michigan, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Australia. Visit www.ariens. com for more information. ❆ ISSUE 1 - 2013 | SNOW MANAGER

Product Showcase

Join the Cold Crew Cintas & Carhartt Still Searching for the Toughest Winter Workers in 2013 Cold Crew Contest.

D

ave is a bus mechanic that relies on Carhartt in the winter months to get children to school safely in below-zero temperatures. Nancy from Wisconsin wears Carhartt while she does maintenance on outdoor industrial pipeline tanks. In Manitoba, Armand battles -50 degree wind chills to inspect power and gas lines, battling frostbite.

These are just a few of the Cintas & Carhartt Cold Crew Contest entries received in 2012. With less than two months left to enter, Cintas and Carhartt are still looking for this season’s toughest cold weather worker. Will it be one of these tough individuals, or is the toughest of them all still out there?

Cintas Corporation launched the second annual Cintas & Carhartt Cold Crew Contest to recognize individuals in Canada and U.S. who withstand the toughest

SNOW MANAGER | www.snowmanager.ca

winter working conditions. Entries will be accepted through February 28, at which time Cintas and Carhartt will select finalists and begin public voting at www. cintas.com/customer_applications/carharttcoldcrew/. The grand prize winner will be announced in April, and he or she will enjoy a trip for two to the 2013 CMA Music Festival in September.

“Carhartt is synonymous with outerwear, so with colder months approaching, we are thrilled to re-launch the Cold Crew Contest,” says Brad Heizman, National Director of Garment Strategy for Cintas Corporation, North America’s largest uniform supplier. “Last year’s contest generated amazing stories from men and women who brave extremely brutal working conditions during the winter months, and we are looking forward to another opportunity to acknowledge them.”

The Cintas & Carhartt Cold Crew Contest was first launched in December 2011 in conjunction with the release of the Carhartt Rental Active Jacket, offered exclusively by Cintas Corporation as part of the Carhartt Rental Workwear line. Hundreds of entries were collected, and the public selected Brooke Boyer, a wastewater treatment plant supervisor from Mt. Shasta, CA, as the grand prize winner.

“Mt. Shasta is at a high elevation, and

when I’m on equipment 30 feet in the air with icy wind blowing around, I can’t imagine not wearing Carhartt,” says Brooke. “If only my employer had the Cintas rental program, we’d have fresh, durable Carhartt apparel to wear year-round. And to have them cleaned by someone else would be nice. When you’re in wastewater all day, you want to make sure your clothes are cleaned properly.”

Cintas Corporation, North America’s largest uniform supplier, introduced the Carhartt Rental Workwear line in 2010 as part of a partnership with Carhartt, which was founded in 1889 and is a global manufacturer of premium rugged apparel. In addition to the Carhartt Rental Active Jacket, the line includes a Carhartt Work Shirt, a Carhartt Carpenter Jean, a Carhartt 5-Pocket Work Jean and a Carhartt Dungaree Pant, all of which are available exclusively through Cintas.

Workers appreciate the styling, durability and rugged performance one would expect from Carhartt with the added benefits of laundering, repair and replacement that accompany a Cintas Rental Program.

Businesses can now supply Carhartt, a brand that workers recognize and trust, in a cost effective manner, while increasing morale and exuding a professional company image. For more information about Carhartt Rental Workwear, visit http:// www.cintas.com/carhartt. ”We’re excited for round two of the Cintas & Carhartt Cold Crew Contest, a competition that truly highlights the hardworking spirit of men and women across the country and look forward to the continued success of our rental work wear partnership with Cintas,” says Rick Fecowicz, director of Carhartt Licensing. ❆ 25

Product Showcase

Sweeping Into The Line Up Bay-lynx introduces a 60-inch power sweeper to the Machinability Product Line. the sweeper keeping the dust from rising.

Now you can sweep up your job site leaving your customers smiling with satisfaction at the final product as the day comes to an end. The Machinability Sweeper can be customized in other ways as well, some of the other standard and optional features of the Machinability Sweeper are:

B

ay-lynx introduces the newest member to the Machinability product line - the 60-inch and 72-inch Power Sweeper. It only makes sense that Bay-lynx would want to add this product to its already impressive mix of snow moving equipment, filling even more needs of both the municipal and contracting market. The Machinability Sweeper will fit perfect with your other Machinability products or be a great way to get to know how Machinability products can grow your business. It is built and designed like all the rest of the Machinability family. You know that you can depend on the Machinability Sweeper to perform for you.

Whether it be sweeping up the job site, cleaning up the dirt from the city streets or making that lot or side walk snow free in the winter, the Machinability Sweeper is perfect for all your sweeping needs.

Using the wire bristles the Machinability Sweeper allows you to get a pristine snow cleared look when the first snow-fall comes. How will this help your percep-

26

tion as a snow removal contractor? The sweeper equipped with wire bristles can easily brush off a light snow fall of four to five inches before it compacts in no time.

Using the sweeper for a light snow fall will provide savings to the wear and tear on your snow plows cutting edges. The sweeper also will get a cleaner first pass and reduce the amount of de-icing material needed for clearing a light amount of snow fall especially at the beginning and end of the snow season.

The great thing about the Machinability Sweeper is that it is functional for more than just the winter season. By simply switching out the wire bristles to poly your snow sweeper quickly becomes a dirt sweeper. This is great for any landscape contractor or construction contractor who works all season long because the Machinability Sweeper can serve you all year round. The Machinability Sweeper can also be outfitted with a 25 gallon sprayer system. This system allows water to be sprayed on to the debris in front of

Standard Features: • Direct Hydraulic Drive Motor System • Robust Frame and Body Construction • Designed for 10-inch Wafer Type Brush Sections • Hydraulic Angling Cylinder • Full 1 Piece Top Shroud • Easy Brush Remove and Replacement • Pin Lock Parking Stands • Optional Features • Various Mounts (Skid Steer, Loader, Trackless…)

• 60-inch or 72-inch Brushing Width • Choice of Bristle: Poly, Wire, or Poly/ Wire • Selector Valve to Select Between Sweeping and Angling Cylinder • 25 Gallon Sprinkler System – Tank, Spray Bar with Nozzles, Electric Pump and Hoses • Casters for Float Assist One of the great things about the Machinability Sweeper is its robust construction and design, just like the other products that Bay-lynx produces in the Machinability family, the sweeper will not disappoint. You don’t have to fuss with chains, sprockets or belts on this machine, the Machinability Sweeper features a directly linked hydraulic motor; the main spinning bristle axle which provides more torque and less moving parts which means better sweeping and less maintenance.

Remember “Quality doesn’t Cost. It Pays.” You can look forward to what Baylynx will add to make Machinability your “Paying” choice. ❆ ISSUE 1 - 2013 | SNOW MANAGER

Product Showcase

Join The Vikings V

iking Cives Group is North America’s innovative leader in snow and ice control equipment manufacturing in Canada for Canadian winters for 27 years. With an extensive network of dealers and distribution centres across North America Viking can deliver all your snow and ice equipment requirements.

From rugged one way plows, to innovative hydraulically extendable speciality plows Viking has what you need. From roll off systems, to combination sander/ dumps, Viking builds all lengths and sizes to suit a variety of chassis. The Viking TP26 towplow is transforming the contract snow plow business, as well as becoming an essential part of larger snow fighting fleets. Contact any one of our branches or dealers for more information on any of our products for more information, specifications or for a quotation. ❆

V IK IN G - C I V ES LT D .

Y O U R I N N O VAT I V E L E A D E R I N S N O W A N D I C E C O N T R O L

ISO 90

The Viking Proline Combination Spreader Dump Body is essential to snow and ice removal.

8 01:200

European technology for North American roads with the Expandable Assaloni Plow.

VIKING-CIVES LTD. Mount Forest, Ontario Gerald Simpson PH# 519-323-4433

SNOW MANAGER | www.snowmanager.ca

GIN-COR IND. Mattawa Ont. Rob Kent PH# 1 705 744 5543

Let one of the Viking Tow Plows do the work of two trucks.

PRAIRIE HYDRAULICS Calgary, Alberta Earl Farmer PH# 403-279-2070

Plow more snow. Spread less salt with the Viking Under-body Salt Saver.

MAXIM INTERNATIONAL Winnipeg, Manitoba Troy Gording PH# 204-790-6507

REDHEAD EQUIPMENT Regina, Saskatchewan Ron Duda PH# 800-667-7710

27

Product Showcase

Pushing On B

onnell Industries, Inc. has produced a new attachment for their Push ‘n Plow products. The product was designed in conjunction with Walmart Distribution Center in Sterling, IL. Bonnell Push ‘n Plow systems have been available for years now and have proven themselves as a reliable solution to situations that require a box plow. These situations include times when snow removal, not just snow plowing, is the end goal.

Bonnell has worked in the past with snow removal contractors, farmers, airports, and other organizations with large, complicated lots in need of snow removal.

Walmart Distribution approached Bonnell with a very specific need. They needed an efficient way to remove snow from around and underneath their trailers. In doing so, it would make it easier for trucks to back up to the trailers and hitch up. To achieve this, Bonnell developed a wing attachment for the current Push ‘n Plow line that is shorter in height, allowing the operator to sweep underneath the tongues of the trailers lined up at the distribution center.

Bonnell Industries is excited to receive feedback from Walmart Distribution Center once the snow starts flying this winter.

Bonnell Push ‘n Plow products are available in widths anywhere from six-feet to 30-feet, and heights from 36-inches to 48-inches. Each unit is built with convenience in mind so that attachment and detachment is very speedy. Push n’ Plow units are available for skid-steers, loaders, back-hoes, and Bonnell can work with anyone wishing to explore options for their unique piece of equipment.

Please call Bonnell and ask for JR Carlson at 800-851-9664 to discuss Push ‘n Plow options, the new wing attachment, and their entire product line. ❆

Side-By-Side Comparison Charts are Available from SnowDogg®.

C

ustomers can compare features and benefits of multiple brands in one location SnowDogg®, made by Buyers, offers comparison charts for direct product comparisons of snow plows.

The charts allow customers to review construction and features of comparable SnowDogg, Blizzard®, The BOSS™, Fisher®, Meyer® and Western® snow plows on one website.

CompareSnowPlows.com is a single source of information on same-level snow plows from five different brands. On the website, users can find side-by-side prod-

28

uct information for medium-duty, 7 1/2and 8 1/2 -foot contractor, 7 1/2- and 8 1/2foot V-plow and expanding plow models from leading brands.

“When considering a snow plow purchase, we think it’s important for customers to be able to see how SnowDogg products measure up to the competition,” says Brian Smith, marketing manager at Buyers Products. “We did the legwork so that they can compare them ‘apples-to-apples’ without scouring several websites for the information.”

Buyers also offers comparison charts for equal class salt spreader models at

CompareSaltSpreaders.com.

About Buyers Products Established in 1946, Buyers Products Company is a leading manufacturer of products for the mobile equipment industry. Buyers manufactures a full line of truck accessories and equipment including its SnowDogg® line of snow plows, ScoopDogg™ line of snow pushers, SaltDogg® line of salt spreaders, DumperDogg® dump inserts and a comprehensive line of toolboxes. For more information, visit www.buyersproducts.com.

Email: sales@buyersproducts.com ❆ ISSUE 1 - 2013 | SNOW MANAGER

and get it RIGHT!

Get T S I E R

…for a big throw on small machines REIST Single-Stage Snow Throwers draw 20% less power than Two-Stage • High-efficiency design for smaller tractors, skid steers and telehandlers (>15 HP) • Models for PTO and hydraulic drives • Auger diameters 16" to 30"; cutting widths from 48" to 108"

1000 SERIES

2000 SERIES

3000 SERIES

3000 SERIES

…for big-time power to clear more, faster!

REIST Two-Stage Snow Blowers built to work with heavy-duty equipment • Heavy-duty augers are chain driven through a REIST-manufactured gear box • Large diameter 6-blade fans deliver snow to the wide discharge chute, or optional rotating fan housing for left or right side discharge • Available in 9' and 10' widths with many factory-installed options

4000 SERIES

6000 SERIES

8000 SERIES

Learn more at www.reistindustries.com Innovation Working For You

100 Union Street, Elmira, Ontario, Canada N3B 2Z2 Tel: 1-519-669-1501 Toll-free 1-877-467-3478

Product Showcase

Be The Boss

T

HE BOSS Snowplow Adds to Growing Box Plow Lineup; New B-8 & B-10 Box Plows Feature Universal Coupler System New for skid steer applications, THE BOSS Snowplow introduces B-8 (eight foot, four inche) and B-10 (10 feet, four inch) box plows adding to its growing box plow product lineup. Built to last, the new B-8 and B-10 box plows are designed to attach to any skid steer vehicle using a universal coupler system.

“Professionals who want to broaden their fleets with just the right box plow featuring the BOSS durability and dependability they’ve come to expect can now choose from our expanded family of

products,” says Mark Klossner, marketing director for THE BOSS Snowplow.

“Whether at work on the job site or at home, these new box plows are built with BOSS’ commitment to quality to provide skid steer operators with the versatility they need in size and weight to meet the task at hand.”

The B-8 and B-10 models trip-edge design protect the plow and skid steer when obstacles are encountered, maximizing performance and protection from impact.

Adjustable trip springs let the operator adjust trip-edge tension.

To keep the blade on the ground at the optimal scraping angle while negotiating rough terrain, these plows feature a built-

Snowmelters

COMBUSTION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

30

in float and pivot system. This feature also makes the box plow easier to maneuver for less experienced operators.

A unique bolt-on wing design will keep these plows in extended operation for many years. If a wing is bent because of impact, a new one can easily be bolted on.

Heavy duty plow shoes are made of abrasion resistant steel providing wear resistance to keep the plow performing at its best.

Both plows feature THE BOSS’ exclusive SmartShield® finish to deliver durable corrosion protection and a longlasting, high-gloss shine.

Since 1985 THE BOSS Snowplow has made snowplowing efficient and easy with innovative products that set new industry standards for quality, reliability, craftsmanship and performance. All BOSS Snowplows are designed, built and put to the ultimate performance test in Michigan’s rugged Upper Peninsula where winters — and deep snow — are a way of life.

THE BOSS snow removal products and accessories are manufactured in an approved ISO 9001:2008 registered facility and are available to professionals and homeowners through the company’s nationwide network of distributors. For more information on THE BOSS Snowplow and the full line of BOSS accessories, call 800-286-4155 or visit the company’s website at www.bossplow.com. ❆ ISSUE 1 - 2013 | SNOW MANAGER

Self Loading