SnowPro Number 2 2018

Snow PRO

Four Ways a Safety Program Can Benefit your Snow Removal Business

NO. 2 2018

› Page 8

Don’t Want to Feel Snowed when Financing New Equipment? › Page 18

WISCONSIN WANTS TO

GET PLOWED

What once started as a way to fund a clear winter driveway is now a thriving Midwestern snow removal business. › Page 4 A Supplement to Green Industry Pros

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OVER A COLD ONE

Number 2 - September/October 2018

Don’t Be Left out in the Cold …

Especially without Salt

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now is already falling in parts of the United States, so hopefully you’re ramped up for the season.

But there’s even more reason to be prepared now that the Farmers’ Almanac is predicting a cold and snowy winter. Then again, for the second year in a row, the Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting the opposite—a warmer-than-usual winter for most of the U.S. (Do they do this every year just so their collective bases are covered?)

“A number of snowstorms are predicted for the end of November and December. Several storms are forecast for March. The middle of the U.S. will receive the most snow [whereas] the Great Lakes and New England regions will see above-average snowfall ... The winter season is expected to wrap up in late March,” according to a USA Today article entitled “Will this Winter Be ‘Teeth-Chattering’ Cold?”

Another thing to be aware of in advance of this snow removal season is the possibility of running into a salt shortage. You should start planning to acquire rock salt now and ration it later if possible. Another best practice is to not only conserve the resource, but also find alternatives using other snow and ice management techniques not based on salt.

“The salt inventory shortage affects the Eastern United States as well as Ontario,” according to the Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association.

“Supplies are very low due to a number of factors: a summer strike at the world’s largest salt mine in Goderich, Ontario, reduced capacity at another important mine and depleted stockpiles after the late spring ice storm of 2018.”

The association says that salt producers typically allocate scarce supplies to municipalities first, which implies that snow removal contractors may have a harder time attaining rock salt later in the season. If this salt shortage does come to fruition, there are going to be other inconveniences to bear in the way of escalating prices.

In the end, it’s going to depend on how global suppliers respond to the shortfall. Either way, it doesn’t hurt to stock up now to keep your customers happy.

Carrie Mantey (920) 542-1238 cmantey@acbusinessmedia.com

4 IN THIS ISSUE

4 Wisconsin Wants to Get Plowed What once started as a way to fund a clear winter driveway is now a thriving Midwestern snow removal business.

8 Four Ways a

Safety Program Can Benefit your Snow Removal Business

Here are four reasons why every small business should implement a safety program and keep it in place.

8

12 How Financially Healthy Is your Business?

An array of accounting software tools makes it easy to keep track of money coming into and going out of your business.

18 Don’t Want to Feel Snowed when Financing New Equipment?

Each financing option offers an opportunity to generate revenue while paying down the balance of new snow and ice removal equipment, but how do they compare?

22 Snow & Ice Removal Equipment 26 Advertisers Index SNOW PRO | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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By Carrie Mantey

Wisconsin Wants to

GET PLOWED What once started as a way to fund a clear winter driveway is now a thriving Midwestern snow removal business.

E

dwin Bublitz III started his snow removal company, EB3Snowremoval, as a way to pay for a plow for his driveway one winter in Madison, Wisconsin. But 10 years later, the company is still going strong. Using his initials and being the third Edwin in his family, EB3Snowremoval seemed like a natural name for the new enterprise. He owes the simple, yet cheeky tagline, Want to get plowed?, to his wife. The double meaning works well for a state that is known for its beer brewing and love of spirits.

Edwin Bublitz, In 2008, a hailstorm damowner of aged Bublitz’s house and two EB3Snowremoval, vehicles—one of which was his loves the wintertime and beloved half-ton Ford truck, Wisconsin cold. which he ended up selling. He just bought it the year before after watching his wife shovel the driveway. He realized the now family of seven grew to depend on the truck to plow in the winter. So he decided to purchase a new three-quarter-ton 1999 Ford F-250 7.3-liter diesel. It wasn’t much later that he added the plow, which was not cheap, to help clear the driveway. To help fund the plow, Bublitz thought it would be wise to start plowing for others as well, while continuing to hold down his full-time manufacturing job.

Bublitz has since gone full time into landscaping and snow removal contracting. In fact, EB3Snowremoval now has approximately 100 snow removal accounts that are covered with five to seven employees over the long Wisconsin winters. Meanwhile, Bublitz now owns three Ford 3/4- to 1-ton trucks and just purchased a fourth. In the wintertime, he geographically compresses as many

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accounts as he possibly can into a tight area, so he’s not wasting time driving from job to job, but you can still find him all over Madison.

EB3Snowremoval’s most popular service is snow removal, although the business also offers landscaping services in the offseason; it probably comes close to an even 50/50 split between landscaping and snow removal. His snow removal services menu includes: • Snow plowing.

• Snow blowing.

• Shoveling.

• Salting and prewetting.

• Skid-steer operation.

• Snow removal from site.

It’s All about the Equipment The landscaping side of the business differs from snow removal because it’s more regular work—five or six days a week. Meanwhile, in winter, Bublitz is always waiting on the next big snow. “A lot of people hate snow removal. All my guys love landscaping with a passion because you’re working all day. Wintertime is my time.

I’m a cold guy. When we’re plowing snow, it could be -10 degrees [Fahrenheit], and I’ll just wear a hoodie and a pair of snow pants. And I’m still sweating,” he says.

Bublitz, obviously born and raised in Wisconsin, a state that lovingly calls its football stadium the Frozen EB3Snowremoval has four 3/4- to 1-ton Ford trucks in rotation during snow removal season.

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The WIDE-OUT plow is Western Products’ tallest winged plow at 31 inches. It comes equipped with flared wings to allow operators to be more efficient on their jobs by carrying even more snow with every pass.

Tundra, scoffs at a heated cab. “If we’re using the Bobcat, I take the door off,” he confirms.

Because Bublitz loves the winter, it’s nothing but the best machines for EB3Snowremoval. “When it comes to snow removal, I’m buying the best. I love plows,” he proclaims. “The WIDE-OUT plow goes from 8 to 10 feet and its wings kick out on the end. You can kick out with this wing if you want and you can kick out that wing if you EB3Snowremoval keeps three Western WIDE-OUT plows on hand, in addition to a Western Striker spreader with a wet kit.

want, or you can just make it straight. Then you can kick them out both at the same time and it scoops.”

The WIDE-OUT plow, which is manufactured

by Western Products out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is Bublitz’s favorite piece of winter equipment. He has three of them, in addition to a Western Striker spreader with a wet kit. Because the WIDE-OUTs are so versatile, they’re efficient to have in his snow removal fleet, not just because you can use them for many different applications, but also because that versatility speeds up the process of plowing overall. There’s less need to switch out equipment.

When it comes to snow removal, I’m buying the best. I love plows. The WIDE-OUT plow goes from 8 to 10 feet and its wings kick out on the end.

– Edwin Bublitz III, EB3Snowremoval EB3Snowremoval prizes efficiency in its equipment, too. Bublitz’s salter has a wet kit so he can use less salt and he frequently mentions the company’s efficient salt use to his customers to help close a deal. “I always throw that I am greener on salt [than my competitors] in my sales pitches. You don’t need to overdo the salt,” he says. “But again, if the customer wants a white parking lot, I’ll give them a white parking lot, even though I’m reluctant to do it.”

Bublitz stresses the importance of a reliable piece of equipment in the harsh conditions of a Wisconsin winter: “It really depends on the equipment. You can be out there for a while [with the wrong piece of equipment].

Everything should work like a well-oiled machine” when you’re using the right equipment correctly. For snow blowing, the company employs some Ariens 21-inch commercials.

No Winter Worries Bublitz doesn’t worry so much about his business being dependent on the weather, although he wasn’t always as EB3Snowremoval strives to be sustainable, even when it comes to reining in excessive salt distribution.

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A Five-Star Rating EB3Snowremoval boasts a five-star rating online— on Google, Facebook, Thumbtack, etc. Bublitz actively asks his customers to review the company, but some also take the time out to do it on their own. He partially attributes this perfect rating to punctuality, prioritizing customer feedback and service and, when it comes down to it, fixing something if it’s wrong. Bublitz says, “My employees know that, if I’m there, I’ll take care of it. I’m proud of my five-star rating. It took a long time to get.” While he may embrace new technology to market EB3Snowremoval, he’s still old-fashioned in that the customer is always right.

But as great as it sounds to have a perfect online rating, it should also be known that one bad review can have a chilling effect on business. One of EB3Snowremoval’s customers gave a bad rating, but after being confronted, said her online accounts were EB3Snowremoval gained approximately 20 new hacked. “People clients one April day simply by answering its phone. look at reviews,” Bublitz says. That one review reduced confident as he is now. EB3Snowremoval remains in his rating to a 4.8 for a short time. the black and pulls in enough money to sustain it from Ever since EB3Snowremoval started working with year to year. The company even does some discount1&1 Internet for its website and online advertising ing for certain customers. Bublitz knocks some money needs, Bublitz noticed an uptick in business. He says off if there are vehicles in a driveway he’s plowing, for the leads pour in through the website’s contact page. example.

“It’s kind of like GoDaddy, However, he prefers but way better. I’m on there charging snow removal cuswith keyword searches with I’m proud of my five-star rating. all of the search engines— tomers per snow event if posIt took a long time to get. sible. “I don’t like doing the Google, Bing, whatever. It’s a – Edwin Bublitz III, EB3Snowremoval yearly or seasonal contracts one-time-a-year price under because I feel somebody is $300. I would refer them to going to get screwed, and it’s usually the guy doing the anybody,” he elaborates. servicing,” he laughs, although he admits to acceptIt takes more than a good rating on Google and ing seasonal contracts if it’s what a customer demands. a nice inventory of equipment to sustain 10 winters of “I put a lot of clauses in my contracts and base it on snow plowing in Wisconsin, but for a native who loves a 16-week snowfall, or one snowfall per week. That the winter—and his snow plows—it’s an easy feat. Just doesn’t happen, but statistically, it’s about 16 to 18 think: All of this to pay for his first plow. The next step snowfall events. Everybody seems to be happy with that for EB3Snowremoval is to secure a storefront for the type of contract. I just don’t throw that one upfront first.” business. Bublitz thinks that dream can become a realBublitz says he made 20 new clients this year on a ity soon; within two years, he predicts his neon sign will day it stormed in April because he is always prepared for finally go up. the late onslaught of snow and ice. In the snow removal For more information on the landscaping side of the business, business, you should always be expecting a blizzard. please visit www.greenindustrypros.com/21023635.

“Nobody else answered their phones,” Bublitz says.

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SNOW PRO | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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By Mitchell Sharp

4 WAYS

a Safety Program Can Benefit your Snow Removal Business Here are four reasons why every small business should implement a safety program now and keep it in place for the foreseeable future.

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ommercial insurance is one of the largest Here are four ways a well-documented safety expenses any snow removal business faces. Any program can benefit your business when it comes to way that you can find to save on this expense acquiring, using and renewing commercial insurance. contributes to the long-term success of your business.

Many snow removal business owners shop their policy 1 Fewer Injured Workers around to many agencies and some even try to get Having fewer injured workers within your organizaby on less coverage, but one often tion is a positive in many ways. First overlooked way to save on your and foremost, happy and healthy insurance premium is to implement a If executed properly, workers are productive workers. When well-documented safety program. a business experiences an injured the safety program can An effective safety program worker, it is never a good situation to result in your business should not take an enormous amount having less injured workers, be in. Injured employees have to deal of time away from your business. If with getting the proper medical care, lower what your business executed properly, the safety program and have to find new ways to pay their pays in premiums, reduce can result in your business having bills while they are hurt and not able to the amount and severity of work. The medical bills should be paid less injured workers, lower what your insurance claims, prevent business pays in premiums, reduce for by the business’ workers’ compenyour business insurance the amount and severity of insurance sation policy, but navigating through prices from increasing when this system is never easy. Plus, in addiclaims, prevent your business insura claim does occur and ance prices from increasing when tion to the stresses of this worker, all of a claim does occur and avoid being avoid being dropped from the other employees need to pick up dropped from coverage altogether. the slack for the missing employee. coverage altogether.

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SNOW PRO | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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2 Less Severe Claims When a well-documented safety program is in place, the results of that program are usually fewer accidents. In addition to less accidents occurring, the severity of those accidents have a tendency to be less severe.

Keeping those claims less severe can help your relationship with your insurance agency and insurance carrier.

This is because less accidents that are less severe overall can positively impact the experience modification rating of your business. This rating is the number one factor insurance carriers use to determine what to charge your business for a workers’ compensation insurance premium.

… less accidents that are less severe overall can positively impact the experience modification rating of your business.

3 A Better Premium Rate Documenting your safety program is important.

It is especially important when you are buying commercial insurance and when you have claims that cause you to use your insurance policy. If you have a welldocumented safety program in place, your insurance agent can use it to negotiate better coverage at a lower price on premium. Insurance carriers like to quote coverage to businesses that are likely not to use the policy.

That is fundamentally how an insurance business makes money. If you have a safety program in place and a strong experience modification rating to go along with it, insurance carriers are more eager to dig deep to earn your business.

If you have a safety program in place and a strong experience modification rating to go along with it, insurance carriers are more eager to dig deep to earn your business.

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A safety program can also be used by your insurance agent when your business experiences a year in which you have several claims, or a year in which you have one or a few severe claims. If your business experiences a bad year in relation to insurance claims, your insurance agent can use your safety program as documentation that you are taking the proper steps to prevent this from becoming an ongoing problem. No matter what the reason is for your insurance agent to use your safety program, it almost always contributes to a lower rate on premium.

4 Not Being Dropped by your Carrier In some instances, if a business has a bad year in terms of claims, it can cause an insurance carrier to consider refusing to offer coverage to the business moving forward.

When or if this happens, it can have drastic impacts on your business. In terms of workers’ compensation, if you cannot find coverage on the open market, you are required to purchase coverage from the state provider. This provider is typically more expensive than buying coverage on the open market.

Furthermore, if you are not able to find coverage on the open market and are forced to buy coverage from the state provider, most states require you to purchase coverage from the state fund for a period of two to four years depending upon the state in which you are located. This can cost your business more on workers’ compensation premiums for multiple years. Safety programs, especially when they are documented, can help prevent this from happening to your business.

If you have a well-documented driver safety program in place, your snow removal business is going to have fewer claims, the claims are going to be less severe, the business is going to pay less for insurance premiums and the business is going to be less likely to be dropped from coverage by the insurance carrier. If your business does not have a well-documented safety program in place, here are four reasons why every small business should implement a safety program now and keep it in place for the foreseeable future.

Mitchell Sharp is a marketing associate at The Insurance Shop LLC. He has particular expertise in workers’ compensation and cyber insurance. He likes to use his knowledge of digital media and commercial insurance to strengthen the small business community.

For more information, please visit www.insuranceshopllc.com.

SNOW PRO | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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By Kevin Miller

How Financially Healthy Is your Business?

Today, an array of accounting and bookkeeping software tools make it easy to keep track of money coming into and going out of your business—even if you’re constantly on the road.

R

unning a snow removal business these days is full of new headaches. Whether you’re struggling to keep your business fully staffed or worrying about changing local regulations, it can seem like every day brings a new set of challenges.

Managing your business’ books shouldn’t add to that pain. Today, an array of accounting and bookkeeping software tools make it easy to keep track of money

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coming into and going out of your business—even if you’re constantly on the road. With mobile apps offered by many cloud-based software tools, you can quickly scan receipts to track business expenses for equipment or supplies. With some applications, you can even accept payment on the spot from customers so you don’t have to spend precious daylight hours hunting down clients for payment.

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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 hasslefree. Wheel loaders with special winter options are a great fit for sidewalks, and as the snow piles up, ground-engaging telehandlers can keep on stacking. 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

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racking up thousands of dollars in fuel costs and adding thousands of man-hours to the payroll. Other businesses specialize in working with a small team and a small group of customers for large installations, and subsequently have fewer receipts and invoices to manage. Find an accounting tool that can handle the volume of incoming and outgoing transactions your business experiences on a daily basis.

3

Replacing old manual ways of reconciling accounts with stacks of paper invoices and an Excel spreadsheet can give you a deeper, more precise understanding of your businesses’ financial health. It can help you make decisions about whether to take on a big job—and whether you’re able to hire people to complete it. It can help you prepare for tax season—without having to scramble at the beginning of April.

The benefits of moving your business’ finances to a cloud-based accounting or bookkeeping software are many, but the sheer quantity of options may be overwhelming. How do you choose the right software for your business?

To answer this question, start by doing an internal assessment of your business and your business’ finances—and use the following questions to help guide your bookkeeping software search.

1

Are You Working with a Team of Accounting Professionals?

If you have a bookkeeper or accountant on retainer, check with him or her at the beginning of your search.

Many accountants and bookkeepers have tools they use regularly, and may be able to recommend to you.

Additionally, they may be able to recommend tools that make it easier for you to share information with your accountant or bookkeeper. Instead of having to sort through a shoebox full of receipts, some accountants use cloud-based tools to digitally capture receipts with a smartphone.

2

What Do your Monthly Expenses and Invoices Look Like?

Some snow removal businesses may service large territories every week, generating thousands of invoices,

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What Kind of Training and Support Are Available?

As you consider software features and functionalities, don’t overlook support.

Whether you’re going to manage your bookkeeping on your own or you plan to hire an accounting professional to shoulder the burden for you, it’s important that you know how to use the accounting software that you choose. If your accountant or bookkeeper goes on vacation, and you need to see your business’ finances immediately, you’re going to want to be able to log in and see your information quickly. Choose software that offers ample documentation on how to use it and, if possible, one that offers access to real live human support agents.

4

What Features Does your Snow Removal Business Need?

As you start to learn more about the accounting software on the market, you’re going to learn that there are an ever-growing number of tools for a variety of niches—and many tools offer more features than your business needs. Be sure to find a tool that matches your current needs, as well as any needs you expect to have in the future, without any of the features you don’t need.

Take Advantage of the Slow Season to Consider your Options Before the busy snow removal season begins, now may be a good time to start thinking about setting aside time to evaluate cloud-based accounting tools for your snow removal business. Using the time during the down season can help you reduce accounting headaches next year, while also eliminating the day-to-day tax headaches that come with running your business. Since many businesses offer a free trial period, periods of downtime can also give you a chance to try out several accounting and bookkeeping software applications at the same time to choose the right tool for you.

Kevin Miller is the chief marketing officer of Neat Company.

SNOW PRO | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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By Angie Harms

Don’t Want to Feel Snowed when Financing New Equipment?

Each financing option—leasing, installment loans or revolving loans— offers an opportunity to generate revenue while paying down the balance of new snow and ice removal equipment, but how do they compare?

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ith winter right around the corner, it is Leasing important to begin evaluating fleets to ensure Set up as a long-term agreement, an operating lease you have the right equipment for snow and sets a fixed payment over a predetermined time, often a ice jobs. While you put countless hours into determining two- to three-year term. At the end of the term, you have the right machines, implements and attachments to add an option to either purchase the machine or return it to to your fleet, how much time do you spend on selecting the dealer. One advantage of an operating lease is that the right way to purchase new equipment? it can offer lower payments compared to other types of Just as important as the machine you are purchasfinancing, which improves your cash flow throughout ing is the way you pay for it. Selecting the right type the year. Another benefit is that it allows you to rotate of financing when you buy new equipment directly machines every two to three years, ensuring your fleet has impacts your business. Feeling overwhelmed new equipment. This can help reduce the risk of with the different options? Let’s walk through potential downtime, minimize exposure to maineach purchase method and its benefits to Just as tenance expenses, and allow you to have the lathelp streamline the process for you. important as the est innovations and technologies available.

When purchasing a new machine, there machine you are Another benefit to leasing is the ability are multiple options to help sustain cash to deduct 100 percent of your lease payment purchasing is flow over time. First, you need to deteras an expense, reducing assets and liabilities the way you pay mine if you want to pay for the machine all because you do not own the equipment. for it. at once, or if you would prefer to spread Leasing also preserves bank lines of credit for out payments over time using a lease or other business purposes. Additionally, your installment loan. If financing is the preferred method, dealer might be able to match the lease term with a it’s important to determine the right type of financing warranty period. This ensures the machine is under warbased on your unique business needs. ranty during the entire length of the lease.

There are three primary types of financing: leasing, It is important to consider how the equipment may installment loans or revolving loans. Each type of financbe used before deciding to lease. Lease terms often ing has its own benefits, but all three offer an opportunity restrict hours and require the machine to be damageto generate revenue while paying down the balance. free when returned, which can be difficult to guarantee

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with normal wear and tear while operating. However, for snow- and ice-specific equipment, the machine is only used seasonally, so hour restrictions are not always an issue. When considering an operating lease, you should talk to your dealer about how you intend to use the equipment to determine if it is the right solution for you.

Installment Loans While installment loans also allow payments to be spread out over time, unlike a lease at the end of the loan term, the customer owns the piece of equipment. This means that there is no limit on hours and damage is not a concern, making it ideal for a customer that might put a lot of hours on a machine. If you decide to proceed with a loan, check with your dealer or lender to see if there are any special offers. Sometimes financial institutions offer incentives, such as 0 percent interest for a specific period of time, which can help you save money in the long run.

Revolving Loans A revolving loan, or revolving account, is another financing option. This option only makes sense for

smaller purchases, but still should be considered for your business. A revolving loan is essentially a credit account, allowing you to add parts, attachments, implements and other small charges, which can be paid off on a monthly basis. Financial institutions may offer incentives on these types of accounts as well. If you are managing multiple crews, this is ideal as multiple people can go to a dealership to get parts and other items as needed.

It is important to work with your dealer to discuss your equipment needs. For snow equipment, many pieces of specialty equipment are only used seasonally, so you might be able to finance equipment strategically to match the equipment usage. If you are buying equipment like a compact utility tractor or front mower, attachments and implements can allow you to use the equipment during winter months and can be rolled into the overall financing of the machine.

When you speak with your dealer or lender, it is important to have answers to a few critical questions that can help you determine the right type of financing for your business:

Tough, Reliable, Rugged

Optional Pull-Back Kit

36-Series Snow Pushers for Skid Steers & Tractor Loaders

• Available widths of 8-ft and 10-ft • 7-gauge moldboard with 5/16” end plates, AR-400 skid shoes • Adjustable 1.5” x 8” ultra rubber cutting edge • Models for “universal” skid steer attach, JD 400/500 attach and Euro/Global tool carrier

Engineered, Designed and Manufactured in the USA

Visit worksaver.com to learn more Worksaver, Inc., P.O. Box 100, Litchfield, IL 62056-0100 Phone: 217-324-5973 • Fax: 217-324-3356 worksaver.com • E-mail: sales@worksaver.com

Designed. Engineered. Remarkable Value.

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• How long am I going to use this piece of equipment?

• Do I want to own the machine or operate it at the lowest overall cost?

• Am I interested in keeping up with the latest technology?

• Is there a financial benefit at this time for us to lease vs. own?

Discuss your responses with your dealer or lender to help figure out what type of financing makes the most sense for you. Some manufacturers also provide financing, helping to streamline the process. These manufacturers are in communication with your dealer and familiar with your business needs, and offer customized financing, such as seasonal payments and lease damage waivers, to help you maximize your cash flow.

With financing, there are often many options available depending on your business, so an expert can help figure out the best solution for you.

Also consider other options, including attachments, implements, maintenance and parts. Many customers don’t realize that extra options can be rolled into a financing package, allowing you to get the most bang

for your buck. From snow blowers and brushes for year-round equipment to unique maintenance plans to ensure machines are up and running when snow arrives, financing packages can allow you to improve your cash flow and simplify your operational costs.

Getting Back to Work Purchasing a piece of equipment can seem overwhelming, particularly when you are trying to determine a financing strategy that positively impacts your business. Work with an expert, such as your equipment dealer, who understands the pros and cons of each financing option, as well as your business, to help you make the right decision. Your dealer is committed to your business and strives to help you succeed. By understanding your options and your busiAngie Harms is a tactical ness needs, you’re marketing going to have a new planner at piece of equipment John Deere and be out working in Financial. no time.

PROTECTED I N T H E FAC E O F T H E U N E X P E C T E D

Customized business insurance for more peace of mind As a small business owner, you know firsthand that each day can bring its challenges. With over 30 coverage options for customized insurance, we can build a policy that’s tailored for your business—from a full line of Commercial Auto insurance to General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, Business Owners policies, and more. Because when your unique business needs are covered, you can focus on what matters most—running your business.

ProgressiveCommercial.com

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Business and Workers’ Compensation coverage provided and serviced by affiliated and third-party insurers.

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PRODUCTS

SNOW & ICE REMOVAL

A Full-Contact Cutting Edge

When the Job Calls for Versatile Plowing The Fox VersaPlow from Hiniker combines the functions of a box-style containment pusher, a back-drag containment box and a conventional snow plow into a single unit that mounts to a skid steer or compact loader. The plow additionally provides: • Availability in 8- and 10-foot blade widths with a steel trip edge or urethane resilient edge.

• Advanced hydraulic controls that allow operators to change the configuration of the VersaPlow without the need to mount or remount equipment.

• Suitability for retail parking lots, apartments, municipal campuses and industrial areas.

• A 14-pin connector to fit most skid steers and compact loaders, a 7-pin CANbus adapter for some Bobcat machines, or a universal single-button diverter control and harness.

• A floating or standard-mount configuration.

SnowWolf recently unveiled the availability of its UltraPlow and QuattroPlow Series snow plows with an optional redesigned A-frame—the FlexFrame—that allows the plow to float over the contours of a surface, while maintaining consistent down pressure on the plowing surface. According to the company, these snow plows featuring FlexFrame technology further offer: • A cutting edge that remains in full contact with the plowing surface without any input from the operator.

• A design that permits the plow to rise and fall with all of the machine’s wheels riding on the ground, resulting in a cleaner surface and greater traction.

• The ability to oscillate side to side to follow surfaces.

• Semi-floating torsion technology that gives you the power to apply variable down pressure on the blade— from zero up to as much as 1,500 foot-pounds by rolling the attachment—exerting or releasing pressure from the blade’s cutting edge.

• Extra cushioning in the event of an obstacle strike. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422604

www.greenindustrypros.com/21026496

More Efficiency on the Plowing Job Western Products recently enhanced its WIDE-OUT adjustable-wing snow plows with 2 extra inches of height and a flared wing design, while the WIDE-OUT XL now comes in an 8-foot, 6-inch version that extends to 11 feet, giving both units the ability to be more efficient out on the job.

These snow plows also deliver: • Larger sizes to carry more snow with each pass and move to the next job more quickly.

• Hydraulic adjustable-wing technology that lets you change the wing position from straight blade to windrow to scoop from the comfort of the driver’s seat.

• A dual Western power bar to provide optimal torsional strength and rigidity across the entire back of the plow blade to eliminate blade twisting.

• Suitability of the WIDE-OUT XL for heavy contractor work, fitting up to Class 6 trucks. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422839

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Busting up Drifts with these Snow Throwers Grasshopper presents its power take-off-driven 48- and 60-inch DriftBuster snow throwers with: • No-clog, heavy-duty, high-speed augers and a manual discharge spout that rotates a full 180 degrees to throw snow up to 30 feet.

• The flexibility to mount in place of a standard mowing deck, thereby retaining True ZeroTurn maneuverability, reducing time and labor.

• Availability for all Grasshopper True ZeroTurn FrontMount power units.

• An optional winter enclosure and 16,000-BTU-perhour heater to shield the operator from harsh conditions, plus a joystick control to rotate the discharge spout from the comfort of the enclosure. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422770

VXF

Commercial Duty V Plow 1 Ton and Heavier Trucks

Available Sizes 102", 114" Smooth Control

Floating A-Frame™

Quick Mount II™+ with Jack Switch

Back drag snow in tight spaces with double-acting angle cylinders.

Contour the road for clean scraping.

No need for a jack with integrated, swing down feet, and hydraulically-operated mount height adjustment.

Flared wings allow for plowing in V, scoop, or angled position.

Easy control with single hand backlit controller.

NOTHING WORKS LIKE A DOGG™

Support American Manufacturing Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10155727

PRODUCTS

SNOW & ICE REMOVAL On the Cutting Edge of V-Plow Accessories BOSS now offers urethane cutting edges for all of its XT V-plows.

The cutting edges provide: • Optimum scraping performance for sensitive plowing surfaces.

• Built-in curb guards.

• A patented snow catcher.

• Availability for the XT V-plows measuring 7 feet, 6 inches; 8 feet, 2 inches; and 9 feet, 2 inches. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422842

Winter Equipment Expands Offerings to Contractor Market Winter Equipment is expanding into the contractor distribution and sales markets. The company says its contractor-targeted products consist of: • Plow markers made from galvanized steel aircraft cable. These virtually indestructible markers provide visibility, rust protection and durability.

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.

Canada - Corporate Office (519) 291-4162 United States - Steve Sepaniak (585) 329-8571 www.hlasnow.com Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10155831

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• Plow systems that include sectional blades, guards and all the necessary equipment sold as a single easyto-inventory system. The V-plow assembly is designed to provide even wear and reduce downtime, whereas the XTendor boasts a heavy-duty steel blade matched with carbide-reinforced PlowGuards for surviving rough roads and obstructions.

• WinterFlex rubber snow-plow blades, which come with styrenebutadiene flat rubber sections and a reversible design for long-lasting usage and moldboard protection.

• Grade 8 hardware to withstand wear.

• Pusher-box shoes engineered for one-man installation, and in-field replacement and adjustment.

• 18-inch universal spinners. www.greenindustrypros.com/ 12424464

For additional snow-handling products and equipment, please visit www.GreenIndustryPros.com.

Liquid Ice Control Equipment

The Ultimate in Confined-Area Snow Removal Wacker Neuson says its WL32 articulated wheel loader is ideal for snow removal in confined and populated areas, and delivers: • The ability to fit on 48-inchwide sidewalks when outfitted for snow removal with optional narrow tires.

• 360-degree visibility, plus six working lights and a rotating beacon to further improve visibility.

• Four-wheel drive with articulated steering to optimize maneuverability, especially in tight spaces.

• A straight tip load capacity of 5,002 pounds and articulated tip load capacity of 4,184 pounds when using a standard 0.59-cubic-yard bucket.

• A hydraulically operated universal attachment plate that makes it easy to switch between a blower, broom or pusher.

• Suitability for commercial parking lots, universities, hospitals, apartment complexes and municipal sites.

• A spacious cab, adjustable seat and ergonomic controls for longer, more comfortable operation.

• A 48- or 60-HP Perkins engine. www.greenindustrypros.com/21026509

The widest variety to fit any vehicle

Batch Mixing Equipment Stainless steel construction Electric or gas engine pump Connects to your tank!

Precise Rate and Pattern Control Hiniker introduces its 975 dual-motor electric salt and sand spreader with a large 4-cubic-yard capacity.

According to the company, the 975 is additionally highlighted by: • An efficient 5.75-inchdiameter auger conveyor system to provide positive delivery control without material carry-back into the truck bed.

• Two electric motors that provide independent variable-speed control of the auger and the spinner for precise rate and pattern control.

• Blast control for quick, extra-dense applications, and a reverse switch to clear jams quickly and easily.

• A convenient tip-up spinner assembly to facilitate unloading unused material and trailer hitch access.

• Reduced maintenance needs since there’s no conveyor chain, fewer bearings and 12-volt electrical motor power. www.greenindustrypros.com/21026508

Automatic Rate Control Available on 300 and 500 gallon skids

1-800-621-7910 Email: info@frostserv.com

www.frostserv.com

Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/11700546

SNOW PRO | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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PRODUCTS

SNOW & ICE REMOVAL For Clearing Solid Ice and Severely Compressed Snow

Heated Gloves Built to Survive the Jobsite … and Beyond

Snow Lion presents its loadermounted ice-breaking and snow pack-removal system to eliminate pavement-bonded snow and ice in subzero temperatures. The company says the machine further boasts: • Independently suspended ice-breaking wheels at the front to pulverize packed snow and ice, so a series of shovels can collect fragments and direct them into an auger to convey unwanted remains to the side of the road.

• The flexibility to work on all hard surfaces, and operate in all temperatures, climates and conditions.

• The ability to contour to the road—even over bridge joints—so pavement remains preserved and intact.

• Independent height adjustment of individual wheels to permit for up to 6 inches of pack to be removed while matching the profile of the road.

• Speeds of up to 15 MPH. • No need to modify the loader to which the system is mounted.

• The power to reduce or eliminate the use of chemicals and abrasives.

Milwaukee Tool introduces its first USB-rechargeable heated gloves to survive the jobsite and outlast the elements.

According to the company, these heated gloves are also highlighted by: • Rechargeable REDLITHIUM battery technology to heat the gloves on demand with up to 6 hours of continuous runtime.

• Three heat settings—low, medium and high—that fully heat up in 2.5 minutes.

• Heat that extends to the fingers and back of the hands.

• Construction from GRIDIRON Ripstop polyester, three times more durable against tearing and abrasion.

• SMARTSWIPE technology on the index fingers to permit the use of touch-screen devices without removing the gloves.

• The power to improve dexterity and mobility with the palms and fingers consisting of 100 percent leather.

• An extended cuff to keep debris, water and snow out.

• Wind and water resistance.

• A kit comprised of the REDLITHIUM USB-heated gloves, two REDLITHIUM USB battery packs, two controller/chargers, a charging cord and wall plug.

www.greenindustrypros.com/21026505

www.greenindustrypros.com/21022920

Worksaver Won’t Let Snow Push You Around Worksaver designed its 36-Series snow pushers for skid steers and tractors with loaders. Features include: • A 1.5- by 8-inch reversible ultra-rubber cutting edge for use on asphalt, decorative driveways, cobblestone, pavers and other surface types.

• Pusher side plates constructed of 36- by 36- by 5/16-inch material to help retain snow as it’s pushed forward—without leaving a windrow.

• Widths of 8 or 10 feet.

• A 7-gauge moldboard with two 4-inch industrial C channels.

• Adjustable skid shoes made of abrasion-resistant steel. www.greenindustrypros.com/21026500

ADVERTISERS INDEX Bobcat Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 BOSS Snowplow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Buyers Products Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 CASE Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 ClearSpan Fabric Structures Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Ford Motor Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15 Frost Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Hiniker Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 17

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HLA Snow/Horst Welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 May Wes Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Progressive Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery (SDLG) . . . . . . . . . . . 9 SoundOff Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Wacker Neuson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Worksaver Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

LET'S BUILD YOUR IDEAL STRUCTURE

FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS CLEARSPAN has been helping companies maximize profits with superior building solutions

To find out how we can help with your structure needs visit or call www.clearspan.com 1.866.643.1010

Energy Efficient

Superior Warranties

Expert Project Managers

No Money Down Financing, Terms Up To 7 Yrs and As Low As 5.99% on buildings Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10301082

EVERY SEASON. ANY JOB.

Seasons change. So do Toolcat™ utility work machines. With more than 40 front-mounted attachments, plus limitless combinations of complementary category 1 PTO attachments on the Toolcat 5610, you can transition to spring, summer, winter or fall in minutes.

Learn more about the Toolcat lineup: Bobcat.com/SnowPROLineup 1.877.745.7813 Bobcat is a Doosan company. Doosan is a global leader in construction equipment, power and water solutions, engines, and engineering, proudly serving customers and communities for more than a century.

Bobcat ®, the Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2018 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. | 1302

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