Snow Pro May/June 2021 by GreenIndustryPros.com

Choosing Between Rock Salt and Liquid Deicer is Not ‘One Size Fits All’ Diesel Do’s and Dont’s for a Trouble-free Winter

NO. 1 2021

What cutting edge is

BEST FOR THE JOB? An AC Business Media Supplement

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR Number 1 - May/June 2021

Don’t Snow Your Clients

ommercial snow removal can be a very lucrative business. For those in northern states or climates, it can be either a primary or secondary source of revenue. No doubt, there are construction, paving and landscaping contractors who all have the option of turning to snow removal as source income during the winter months. There are several businesses who specialize in snow removal as well. However, due to ability for the job to be such a money-maker, the process attracts all kinds of individuals and companies willing to pretty on uneducated and unsuspecting clients. Among the challenges are the large property management firms who will offer a mix of landscaping, facilities maintenance, and snow removal services, while not actually having any equipment themselves. All the work is completed by subcontractors. For snow removal work, these firms convince clients to pay lowball seasonal contracts, knowing that the work will likely be inadequate or nonexistent. Since these firms offer so little and hold back payment when the service is not perfect, the small subcontractors attracted to these offers will simply abandon the property when the big storm comes in, the time when the clients need it the most. Unfortunately, these companies are typically so large that they appear legitimate, and their goal is to get whatever rate they can on that business. See more on page 20 of this issue of SnowPRO for more on how such firms and other scenarios impact insurance liability. Outside of the larger firms, there are many other examples of individuals promising great service for the winter and yet do not have a documented history or capability of providing such service. Encourage clients to visit your facilities and see your fleet of pusher/plows and heavy equipment. Someone with enough knowledge of Photoshop can create a convincing brochure to bid on snow removal servies while not really even having a business at all. Don’t snow your clients, know your clients. Ryan Whisner (920) 542-1238 rwhisner@acbusinessmedia.com

04 IN THIS ISSUE

How To Determine What Snowplow Cutting Edge Is Best For the Job Part of purchasing a snowplow is considering the cutting edge on your plow blade that will be scraping up the snow, ice, and slush on each pass.

Choosing Between Use of Rock Salt vs Liquid Deicer is Not as Simple as ‘One Size Fits Both rock salt and liquid deicer are important tools for a contractor to have in the winter maintenance toolbox.

What You Need to Know About Using Skid Steers for Plowing Here’s a few tips on what to consider from a plow perspective for a skid steers or CTL.

Diesel Engine Do’s and Don’ts for a Trouble-free Winter A few simple steps for winter diesel engine use.

Ford Increases Towing and Hauling Safety on F-150 Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch take the guesswork out of bed and trailer loader for the 2021 Ford F-150.

Five Snow Attachments You Need to Survive Winter Always choose the right attachment or combination of attachments to suit your unique snow removal needs.

What Snow Removal Pros Need to Know About Slip and Fall Liability Five best practices relating to slip and fall liability claims.

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By Ryan Whisner

How To Determine What SNOWPLOW CUTTING EDGE Is Best For the Job

or a snow removal contractor, selecting the right plow for a job is one thing. However, as part of that process It is important to consider the cutting edge on your snowplow blade that will be scraping up the snow, ice, and slush on each pass. The cutting edge provides an extra layer of protection to the bottom of the plow blade. When worn down, it can easily be replaced, rather than wearing down the actual plow itself. There are number of factors to consider and understand related to the cutting edge of your plow. Nate Kallay, Winter Equipment director of marketing, says questions to ask include whether you want the edge to plow, cut, scrape, or conform to the road? And are you worried about damaging the road?

Additional considerations include the type of work that will be done with the plow and the type of surface it is being utilized on. “If the plow will regularly be used in retail applications with decorative concrete, cobble, or sensitive surfaces, the most important factor is ensuring the surface isn’t damaged,” says Seth Bergerud, product manager parts and accessories for Douglas Dynamics. In addition, any pre- or post-application of deicing materials can be a factor. Selecting the right tool for the job is an important one. “Understanding the available tradeoffs while also sourcing products tested and designed to work with

Edge replacement frequency is a function of the amount of time plowing, the edge material being used, and the plowing conditions.

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The cutting edge provides an extra layer of protection to the bottom of the plow blade. When worn down, it can easily be replaced, rather than wearing down the actual plow itself.

the plow will ensure you are successful,” Bergerud says.

Signs you need a new edge “This can result in residual snow left behind and rework or require more salt to melt what was missed,” he says, adding that either way, it ends up costing you more money. Cutting edges that are scraping against the ground push snow and ice do get worn down. “Replacement is necessary when the edge reaches the end of its useable life,” Ty Steinbrecher, technical service manager BOSS Snowplow. says. “A few indicators that an edge is ready for replacement are reduced scraping performance, the bottom of the cutting edge wearing near the base of the plow moldboard, and on BOSS urethane edges, when the BOSS logo is no longer visible.” There are many ways to gauge the need to change a cutting edge. Kallay says traditionally, the “twofingers” method is used, meaning that if your blade has less than “two fingers” to the moldboard, it is time to change the blade. Premium cutting edges like those from Winter Equipment, Western Products, and BOSS Snowplow cutting edges feature wear-indicators that visually show when the service life of the cutting edge has expired, and it is time to replace it. “If you let the cutting edge wear down too low, it can damage the actual plow and make for an expensive replacement of the entire unit,” Bergerud says. “The cutting edge should be replaced before the plow frame is exposed or the moldboard experiences rubbing.” He says cutting edges wear should be monitored regularly throughout the season. Bergerud says there are several clear signs your cutting edge should be replaced. First, uneven wear of the edge in contact with the surface. Several factors can lead to uneven cutting edge wear. Bergerud says it is often the result of three factors: plow set-up, plow maintenance, or repeated use on uneven surfaces. “Most commonly, a cutting edge wears unevenly because the plow is running over an uneven road surface,” Kallay says. “The angle of the blade will cause excessive wear on the toe (the leading edge) of the blade. Windrowing will cause your leading edge to wear at a more aggressive rate than your trailing edge, as well.” Another example of this is curbside plowing.

Bergerud says if the plow is regularly used for long runs against curbs that are uneven to the road surface or have a curved surface, the cutting edge will wear and conform to those surfaces. When the plow is then used in other settings, the uneven tips will leave snow trails or no longer be able to scrape cleanly. Steinbrecher says overall vehicle setup can also lead to uneven wear. “This includes incorrect push beam heights, worn suspension components, and uneven tire pressure,” he says, urging contractors to consult their owner’s manual for proper vehicle setup, including recommended push beam heights.” Bergerud agrees, noting that proper plow installation is important to ensure proper operation because this is when the height of the plow frame is set relative to the surface and vehicle. “If the height is not properly set at install, the nose-up or nose-down angle will cause the outermost edges of a straight blade or the center edges and outer wing edges of the blade to wear prematurely,” he says. “At angle, the blade is not parallel to the ground, and more pressure is placed on these outer points, causing an increased rate of wear.” Even when installed properly, the plows must be maintained. Insufficient plow maintenance can be a driver of uneven wear. Bergerud says plows with blade oscillation need to be greased regularly. “If the plow blade is unable to roll and adjust to uneven surfaces freely, the cutting edge will wear unevenly and prematurely at the outermost edges,” he says. Curb guards and shoe kits can extend the cutting edge’s life and are available as accessories for most plows through most snow removal dealerships. Additionally, Steinbrecher says damaged components, like bent push frames on the plow, can cause the edge to sit lower on one side or the other. “Striking hidden obstacles can damage the edge, causing bending, cracking, and poor scrape performance,” Bergerud says. “The cutting edge also adds rigidity to the blade of the snowplow, and once it is yielded can weaken the overall frame strength making it more susceptible to damage with each

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There are number of factors to consider and understand related to the cutting edge of your plow

Very soft to very hard

additional strike.” Damaged edges should be replaced, and the blade frame should be thoroughly inspected and repaired as needed.

Replacement factors Edge replacement frequency is a function of the amount of time plowing, the edge material being used, and the plowing conditions. The overall frequency of replacements can be determined by a variety of factors including hours of use, climate, number of snow events, type of snow plowed (light and fluffy or heavy wet snow) and more. “Because these conditions and hours can vary greatly between seasons and amongst the plows within a fleet, it is important to establish a routine of equipment inspection and maintenance,” Bergerud says. A walkaround inspection prior to deployment should cover safety items such as proper attachment, as well as damage and premature wear. Also, he says a quick review of the cutting edge is an important part of this inspection. “Any issues can then be assessed before it causes problems on the job during a storm event,” Bergerud says. In addition to the regular use inspections, general preventative maintenance routines should also include monitoring of cutting edge wear. He says the fleet mechanic or someone else familiar with such maintenance should have a general understanding of typical wear patterns based on the type of work the plow is performing. “A combination of these two routines will help ensure the edge is performing properly ever time out,” Bergerud says. Based on residential or commercial properties, it is wise to build in replacement cost into service estimates.

Today, there are many materials commonly available in the market, each with different characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. “It is important to remember that the cutting edge is only one piece of a larger tool designed to do a specific type of work,” Bergerud says. “Using materials that the manufacturer of the plow has not tested to ensure proper function may put you at risk of premature wear, improper function, or even damage to the plow or vehicle.” Generally, cutting edges fall into one of four categories ranging from very soft to very hard. At the soft end of the spectrum, edges designed for sensitive surfaces include rubber and polyurethane. Kallay says the rubber edges are generally moderately priced and will not damage the road. “Urethane edges are slightly flexible and offer a layer of protection for the plowing surface,” Steinbrecher says. Additionally, he says a urethane edge can provide a squeegee effect, leaving a very clean scrape. While these edges wear more quickly, they are more forgiving to sensitive surfaces such as pavers, stamped concrete, and parking garages. Climbing the hardness and durability scale, steel edges are the most commonly used and generally applicable material for cutting edges. Steel comes in a wide range of blends, each with its own characteristics. Most of the edges are razor sharp and will conform to the roadway. Bergerud says for cutting edges, high carbon steel that offers a combination of wear and yield characteristics is most common. “Steel edges offer great scraping ability, longevity, and have the ability to break up ice in certain applications,” Steinbrecher says. However, a steel edge can be damaging to more sensitive surfacess. At the high end of the hardness scale are materials such as tungsten carbide, which Bergerud says are commonly used in municipal applications and notoriously challenging industries such as energy and mining. Good for smoother roads, it is possible to scratch the road surface. “These can be very expensive but offer a wear life of 10 or 20 times that of most traditional steel edges in similar conditions and applications,” Bergerud says. Depending on your situation, you may choose to have multiple styles of cutting edges in your garage. The good news is that, with a little work, the edges can be swapped out to meet your needs.

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By Ryan Whisner

CHOOSING BETWEEN USE OF ROCK SALT VS LIQUID DEICER

is Not as Simple as ‘One Size Fits All’

ver the past couple of years, more snow removal contractors have begun to experiment with liquid ice-melting products. By and large, liquid ice melters are being used in one of two ways: 1) as an anti-icer put down before a snowfall to pre-treat the surface or 2) after a snowfall as a prewetting agent where the liquid solution is sprayed onto rock salt as the salt is exiting the spreader. Generally, while more expensive, use of liquids are considered to have an impact on cutting overall operations costs, increasing profits and improving sustainability. Ultimately, the choice of using rock salt vs liquid deicer is not as simple as “one size fits all.” “Rock salt and liquid deicers are both important tools in the winter maintenance toolbox and are used in different ways – sometimes alone and sometimes together, depending on the particular conditions,” says S c o t t Ko e f o d , Ph.D., Principal Scientist, Cargill Road

Safety. It all depends on temperature. Ken Rost, CEO of Frost inc., explains if you are trying to remove existing ice, salt can sit on ice and do nothing unless the temperature is 15-17 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. “In colder climates like the upper Midwest, liquid ice control products are more effective because of their ability to work effectively down to -25 F,” he says. And so, the debate rages on.

Spreading it out There will always be a place for salt and there will always be contractors and contracts that will specify the use of traditional salt application methods. Koefod says using salt is far and away the most cost-effective ice melting chemical. “Nothing else comes close,” he says. “Indeed, if the temperature is not too cold and with the help of the sun, at a pavement temperature of 30 degrees Fahrenheit, $1 worth of salt can melt over 1,500 lbs. of ice.”

There will always be a place for salt and there will always be contractors and contracts that will specify the use of traditional salt application methods. Cargill Road Safety

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Also, he says salt is readily available in quantities needed for deicing and it is relatively benign and safe. “The benefits of deicing with salt have been welldocumented,” he adds. “Studies have found that road salting and plowing can reduce traffic injury crashes by up to 88%, and the economic cost of snow related road closures can cost a state between $300 million and $700 million per day.” The primary argument against use of salt as a deicer is the decline in ice melting action as the temperature drops. Koefod says other chemicals, such as magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, are faster ice melters (even as solids) and are effective to considerably lower temperatures than salt, though they are also significantly more expensive. “Not everyone wants to pay for a higher level of service,” Rost says. “Unfortunately issues like bounce and scatter, and plowing off during multiple snow events, puts more salt into our environment. As higher salinity values are measured in our surface runoff water, we are going to see more pressure for regulation on salt usage. We might as well start thinking differently today.” Another argument against salt is it being corrosive to steel. However, this is true of all the commonly used chloride salt deicers. “Like all human activities, it has its own unique types of potential environmental impact that must be managed,” Koefod says. “Our industry is very active in education of our winter maintenance professionals to help them use best practices so that salt is used in an environmentally responsible and sustainable fashion.”

Reality vs fantasy A common misconception by contractors considering using liquids is the idea that the liquids will replace use of salt completely and be a cure-all for deicing. Koefod points out that really, even solid deicers like rock salt are liquid deicers in operation. The starting point with liquids is usually a sodium chloride brine, which is salt mixed with water. What is commonly seen in the market is products being added to that mixture such as magnesium chloride, calcium chloride or any of a variety of agricultural-based products in effort to reduce the freezing point of water and allow the brine to work at lower temperatures and get more pushes at a site. “All chemical deicers work the same way, they lower the freezing point of water, and if they can lower the freezing point below the actual temperature of the ice, the ice melts,” Koefod says. “To do this, there must

By pre-wetting salt with a liquid, the salt sticks to the pavement better, so less salt is bouncing or scattering and also works faster to melt the snow and ice. Cargill Road Safety

Applying liquid deicer prior to a storm, prevents the snow from compacting and binding to the pavement, allowing for easier removal. Frost Inc.

be physical contact between the chemical and the ice.” When a solid crystal of rock salt contacts ice, he says only a miniscule amount of chemical is in actual contact with the ice, leaving most of the chemical “locked up” inside the salt crystal and never in touch with the ice. It is only when the ice melting process begins and some melt forms that things begin to speed up. Once a bit of ice has melted, it will dissolve more of the salt and form a brine. Koefod says the brine, in turn, will start to spread out and allow the salt “molecules” to more efficiently contact the ice and melt it. “Thus, for the most part, it is always a brine that is doing most of the actual ice melting work by permitting efficient contact between the chemical and the ice,” he says. “You can think of the solid salt as a kind of reservoir or ‘gas station’ that can continue to ‘pump’ more chemical into the ice melt brine, allowing it to continue its relatively rapid ice melting action.”

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Not all liquid products are created equal in terms of temperatures ranges that they are effective at. Generally, working temperature for basic brine is 18 degrees. The various additives help reduce that working temperature to below zero. “Liquid ice control products like calcium chloride applied with a straight stream can burn through existing ice at any temperature to get down to the surface,” Rost says. “It then spreads under the ice interrupting the bond between ice and the surface and the ice can then be removed.” Salt can do some of this too, but only at higher temps and the risk of refreeze is greater.

(pounds of ice that can be melted per pound of chemical) and ice melting speed (how quickly a chemical can produce its ice melting capacity). Both markers decrease as the temperature drops below freezing. Ice melting capacity cannot be changed, it is a characteristic constant of any chemical at a given temperature. As a result, Koefod says if it takes so many pounds of salt per square foot to provide sufficient ice melting capacity at 25 degrees Fahrenheit and the temperature drops to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, the only way to achieve the same amount of ice melting capacity is to apply more chemical. Conversely, liquids do not have the same problem, being faster ice melters on their own, they also accelerate the ice melting action of rock salt. “By blending rock salt with a liquid, in a practice known as pre-wetting, the wet salt will start working faster, especially at colder temperatures,” Koefod says.

Is liquid deicer the answer?

Customer buy-in

Despite the similarities of general purpose, Rost maintains that liquid ice control products are more powerful than dry salt. “It’s important to know that liquid ice control products can be used as deicers, but they are more effective when they are pre-applied as an anti-icer,” he says. “When used as a pretreat anti-icer, less product is necessary to disrupt bonding between ice and the surface. I have always used the example of trying to fry an egg in a cast iron pan without oil versus with oil. If you pretreat the surface, you will prevent the bonding of snow and ice in the same way.” Both Rost and Koefod agree that liquids are powerful ice melters. “This allows contractors to get surfaces cleared much faster and this is what the customers want,” Rost says. “Because they are more powerful, less can be used to achieve a similar result and this has a positive benefit for the environment.” Koefod points out that all ice melt chemicals are limited by two things: the available ice melting capacity

Transitioning to use of liquids as part of a snow and ice management contract can be challenging to explain to clients. Many property owners or managers are averse to use of liquids and want the more common sight of salt on the ground as proof that the contractor was present. It is important to educate your clients, while also maintaining the right to use the best tool for the job. Rost says knowing what liquid products will work in a specific climate takes a lot of education and a little bit of trial and error. “Contractors that are willing to break from tradition and get out and pretreat prior to snow events will be more efficient and successful using liquids,” he says. The potential increased revenue comes from demonstrating the added value of service and ability to clear surfaces faster and more thoroughly. “Contractors that offer this service are the leaders in their markets and are going to be better suited to win premium contracts,” Rost says.

Despite similarities in purpose, liquid ice control products are more powerful than dry salt. Frost Inc.

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By Ryan Whisner

Selecting the Right Plow for

SKID STEER USE

or commercial snow contractors, there are three types of off-road construction machines that are the staple of the industry: The wheel loader, the skid steer or skid-steer loader, and the compact track loader (CTL). All three can be outfitted with buckets, brooms, pushers, and plow blades, and perform exceedingly well in snow removal operations. Both the skid steers and CTLs are compact pieces of equipment that pack a fair amount of power but can turn on a dime and will maneuver well in tight places. Where these machines differ, however, is primarily in the way they traverse ground. Skid steers have wheels and tires, while compact track loaders operate via high-floatation rubber tracks. When it comes to evaluating the difference in performance between skid steers and CTLs, the choice is not necessarily obvious and may simply come down to an operator’s personal preference rather than the requirements of the parking lot being cleared. One should also consider what that contractor does during the warm months. As an example, landscapers are known to slightly prefer CT’s over skid steers for their summer work, whereas paving contractors may prefer a skid steer for their warm weather activities. It makes sense that they would want to utilize these same assets for snow. Either machine will perform comparably. Bear in mind that both skid steers and CTLs come in different sizes. The smallest of these categories will

limit their value, sometimes significantly, in the snow world. For most of the serious commercial snow contractors, if the lot is large enough, you need to use wheel loaders. “It should be emphasized that the workhorse of the industry is actually the wheel loader,” says Dave Peters, marketing director of Arctic Snow and Ice Control, the nation’s largest self-performing snow contractor. “Without the heavy loaders, you simply cannot plow the big lots with enough efficiency to make your numbers. .” Skid steers or CTLs are ideal for HOAs and some of the smaller parking lots being cleared by commercial snow removal operations. “When it comes to the skids and compact track machines,” Peters says. “We need them as well for tight work where loaders cannot go, including sidewalks in many cases. Strip malls, or a mix of restaurants and retail with several islands or other details to work with, are ideal for the smaller machines.” “It also depends on how you want to operate your business,” Peters says. “Some of your smaller snow contractors thrive on the small stuff. They need to be able to move their machine from site to site via a pickup truck and a trailer. In that case, the skid or track machine is exactly what they need. Other companies bill their clients on time and material. If that is the case, efficien-

Skid steers or CTLs are ideal for HOAs and some of the smaller parking lots being cleared by commercial snow removal operations. Arctic Snow and Ice Control

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To select the proper snow pusher, a contractor must first analyze the existing fleet and select the size pusher that will match well to that machine.

cy is not their goal. There are also some clients who are not as concerned about pedestrian traffic and can be satisfied with a less timely level of service.” Overall, there is no clear winner if a skid steer, CTL, or wheel loader is better for snow removal. Each has advantages and disadvantages. “You’re going to want to have all three, depending on what you’re working on,” Peters says. “Of course, without a great pusher, are you really going to be able to be happy with the work you do?”

itself on building a simple and very durable plow that provides superior surface outcome.” Like the wheel loader being the machine of choice, Peters says the pusher is the workhorse of any commercial snow operation. “The pusher is doing all the work in the parking lots because of its ability to move a large volume of snow from one end of the lot to the other, and then stack it at the other end,” Peters says. “That’s what customers want, they want you to remove the snow and get all the parking spaces free.” Snow pushers come in a variety of sizes, with the smallest measuring 6 feet to larger units extending well over 25 feet. Contractors can minimize equipment costs by analyzing their existing fleet and then fitting with the appropriate-sized pushers. For example, a small skid steer could be outfitted with anything from a 6-foot up to a 13-foot snow pusher and be ready for use, depending on the brand. “The right size plow is defined by the locations which you plow,” says Josh Nelson, marketing generalist, KAGE. “We always suggest taking measurements of tight areas to make sure that operators will easily be able to plow at higher rate of speed.” He recommends going one size smaller than anticipated to allow operators to move faster and clear tight areas quickly and safely. “Having the correct size plow also allows the operator to clear required areas without hitting objects that can not only cause damage to equipment, but also injure operators,” Nelson says. Marino says smaller pushers are easier to maneuver while larger-sized units can be more difficult. “If an operator is using a larger Sno-Pusher it will move more snow but there are smaller margins for error,” he says. Ideally, on a commercial lot, you start at one end and push the snow all the way to the other end and

Selecting a plow For a skid steers or CTLs, snow removal professionals generally are looking at a pusher versus a blade to scrape the snow. To draw the distinction between pushers and plows, a plow is an angled blade that guides snow to either side of the driver. A pusher is a containment or box plow with side wings that contains a great quantity of snow which it moves from one end of a parking lot to the other, where it is piled up out of the way. To select the proper snow pusher, a contractor must first analyze the existing fleet and select the size pusher that will match well to that machine. Each model of pusher is meant for a particular size of equipment – meaning one designed for a large loader would likely not work on a small skid steer or CTL. Local dealers aid contractors looking to purchase the right pusher for his or her equipment. “At Pro-Tech we believe that simplicity is key in the world of snow and ice management,” says Ryan Marino, marketing manager, Pro-Tech. “There are lots of great options in the market, but hydraulic snowplows take experience to run, so yes, they are options for some operators but not everyone. Pro-Tech prides

KAGE

Arctic Snow and Ice Control

For most of the serious commercial snow contractors, if the lot is large enough, you need to use wheel loaders.

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stack it into large piles. “If you don’t have the right pusher, what you have to do is stop and have mini piles, that you then come back and chop that up,” Peters says. “Be sure you have a quality pusher that can move enough snow that it will make it to the end of a run without stopping.”

Know Your Customer

KAGE

While the pusher remains the primary interest, the type of accounts and surface being serviced will also be a primary defining factor in selecting a plow for a skid steer. “Many contractors handle a variety of accounts including large open lots, small commercial, large residential and standard residential,” Nelson says. He suggests that in large open lots, small commercial, and main drags at large residential locations it is key to have a blade and pusher combo. Some snow removal contractors do utilize hydraulic, angled plows on a skid steer and end up creating windrows and then return and try and determine how to get it to the side of the parking lot. With a blade, an operator is forced to push it off to the side and leave it. For a minor snowfall, that tends to not be an issue. However, with a more substantial snow fall, multiple parking spaces can be lost to the piles of snow. At KAGE, Nelson says they utilize a 2 in 1 system on their Snowfire snowplow box system, offering a blade with a detachable KAGE box. “This allows operators to use an angling plow blade to windrow and back drag, then attach the box (pusher) in seconds without leaving the cab to move large amounts of snow to piles where the operator can stack,” he says. “We also suggest adding back drag kits and poly cutting edges in residential locations as well since it is easier on high value substrates and is quieter.”

Depending on the surface, it is important to match the equipment to your needs. Different plowing surfaces and operator training also make a difference.

Operator experience One of the first things new operators learn about pushers is the hitch design. A snow pusher is picked up and set down hundreds of times during a snow event. Typical hitch designs force the operator to manually adjust the plow each time it is dropped. When the boom arm comes down with the plow, the weight of the plow lifts the front wheels lift off the ground, limiting traction. “You have to have considerable experience to keep the machine level when you’re dealing with a pusher that does not have its own independent suspension such as Arctic’s patented Slip Hitch,” Peters says. “When Arctic designed the Arctic Sectional Sno-Pusher it was for our own use, so we could solve the problems that were holding us back.” The efficiencies and salt savings allowed Arctic to grow its service business to be the one of the largest in the country. “More experienced operators will have a better handle on the snow plowing operation and how to properly use the snowplow, while typically newer operators need a simpler, well-engineered pusher that is durable, to successfully get the job done,” Marino says.

On Edge The surface the operator will be primarily plowing on comes into play as different containment plows feature different cutting edges. Cutting edges, whether rubber, hardened steel, or carbide, are a topic that attracts a lot of attention, with some manufacturers attempting to differentiate themselves based on their edges, even though they may not be particularly unique. Asphalt or pavement is the preferred surface because it’s the gentlest on the cutting edges. Concrete tears down the edges like sandpaper and decorative cobblestone or something specialized usually calls for a rubber edge.

One of the first things new operators learn about pushers is the hitch design. A snow pusher is picked up and set down hundreds of times during a snow event.

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By Julian Wood

Diesel Engine

DO’S AND DON’TS for a Trouble-free Winter

he best solution to cold weather diesel starting problems is to avoid them by being prepared for cold weather before it happens. Diesel engines are harder to start in cold weather because they depend on high temperatures created by compression to ignite the injected fuel. In fact, it is five times harder to start a diesel engine at 0°F (-17°C) than it is to start one at 80°F (26°C). The top reasons for this are gelled fuel, cold cylinder walls, and electrical failure. There are, of course, many others, but addressing these is a good place to start when getting ready for winter.

Fuel Do use winter blended fuel, which is less likely to gel. Do store full portable fuel cans in a temperaturecontrolled area to avoid condensation. Do drain the water from the fuel filter daily, preferably when the machine is shut down for the day, so the water does not sit in the filter overnight. Don’t forget to drain the water separator on fuel storage tanks every day. Do fill fuel tanks at the end of the working day, as a full tank doesn’t leave room for water to condense overnight. Don’t neglect the fuel filter, as it’s the most common place for fuel to gel. Do change the fuel filter before winter weather sets in. That makes it less likely to freeze and avoids the need to do the job in the cold. Do keep a spare fuel filter and/or water separator on hand. It’s often easier to replace a frozen one than it is

to thaw it. Do park equipment in a sheltered location whenever possible. A heated shelter is best, but simply parking where the wind can’t blow snow and ice into the engine can make a big difference when starting.

D c h D i a i m w D e i t s c e

Engine Oil Do switch to a lighter weight engine oil during cold weather. A cold engine needs adequate lubrication especially when it’s started. Don’t use engine oil lighter than the engine manufacturer recommends as it may not provide adequate lubrication when the engine is hot.

Coolant Do check your coolant regularly with a hydrometer. The glycol in your coolant is there for a reason; it doesn’t boil off and it lowers the freezing temperature of the mixture. Don’t top off the coolant with plain water. Make sure to use a proper water/glycol mix every time. You do not want water to freeze in your engine or radiator. Do pay attention to temperature gauges and avoid overcooling, which can be caused by long periods of idling or excessive airflow. Overcooling can cause poor combustion leading to white smoke, increased fuel consumption, and inefficient aftertreatment system performance.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid Don’t store diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) at below freezing temperatures. DEF is about 50% water and will freeze.

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Don’t worry about DEF in the tank on the machine. The system automatically circulates engine coolant to thaw it, so it’s ready for use when the machine warms up.

Cold Engines Do inspect and, if necessary, change glow plugs and air inlet heaters before cold weather sets in. Do consider using a block heater if one is installed or installing an aftermarket unit. A warm engine is much easier to start and avoids many of the issues related to cold weather operation. Don’t use starting fluid unless the engine is equipped with a factory installed kit that precisely controls the amount used. Simply spraying starting fluid into the air cleaner carries a high risk of causing a fire or even an explosion.

using weather-appropriate fuels, strategic equipment parking, and regular battery care can all make a big difference in how winter impacts your business. The consequences of ignoring winter diesel issues can range from losing all or part of a day’s work to repairing expensive engine damage.

DESIGNED FOR HARSH CONDITIONS 4200W Model Shown

Electrical Systems Don’t ignore your battery. After a hot summer that encourages corrosion and fluid evaporation, the added strain of cold weather starts can kill a battery. A battery can lose 35% of its power at 32° F (0° C) and as much as 60% at 0° F (-18° C). Do consider using a battery warmer; either a ‘hot plate’ type that slides under the battery or an “electric blanket” type that wraps around the battery will help the battery retain its charge.

Conclusion Diesel engine builders know their products will be used in virtually every environmental condition found on Earth, and they go to great lengths to test them under extreme conditions. A modern diesel will start and run under extreme conditions with very few issues, but ignoring those issues can be expensive. Simple steps like keeping your fuel tanks and cans filled, plugging in heaters,

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By Curt Bennick ○ Ford is introducing Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch as well as continuously controlled damping which improves ride and handling in towing situations. Ford Motor Company

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INCREASES TOWING & HAULING SAFETY ON

F-150

owing a trailer safety requires an understanding of the trailer and tow vehicle capabilities. Often the weight of equipment to be transported is miscalculated, resulting in overloading the truck and trailer. Each vehicle manufacturer assigns a tow rating, which is the maximum weight of the tow vehicle when loaded. Two common ratings that must not be exceeded are the weight rating of the trailer itself and the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of both the loaded tow vehicle and the loaded trailer that the tow vehicle can handle safely. The load on the trailer also need to be distributed properly with the proper weight distribution transferred to the hitch. Don’t put excessive weight on the trailer tongue. A 10% to 15% tongue weight is common for bumper pull trailers and 20% to 25% for goosenecks and fifth wheels. Under-loaded or negative tongue weight is worse than excessive tongue weight, and could cause loss of control. In reality, this can become a guessing game on jobsites as pickups are often used to move several different trailers with unknown weights and/or weight distributions. Drivers often use their best estimates when it comes to hitch weight and the total weight of the trailer. Similarly, hauling a payload safely requires staying at or below the pickup truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight

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Rating (GVWR). This includes the weight of the pickup, passengers, payload and even the weight of the fuel. Payload can also be very difficult to calculate on the jobsite since pickups often become storage for miscellaneous tools and gear. Ford has stepped to the plate to solve this guessing game with new technologies available for the 2021 Ford F-150. The company is introducing Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch as well as continuously controlled damping which improves ride and handling in towing situations.

The Payload Solution Onboard Scales takes the guesswork out of calculating payload. It measures and displays the approximate weight of the payload in the truck. Load information is displayed in the center touch screen with a graphic representation of the truck, on a mobile phone through the FordPass app or in graphics within the truck’s smart taillamps. The smart taillamps display the percentage of payload capacity by illuminating LEDs arranged in a vertical bar. As the truck is loaded, all four lights illuminate, showing it’s fully loaded. If you overload the pickup, the top lights blink. The payload for each pickup truck’s specific configuration is programmed into the system. Additionally, the truck can be set on scale mode, which zeros out the current load and allows for approximate weighing of additional items loaded into the bed.

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 The smart taillamps display the percentage of payload capacity by illuminating LEDs arranged in a vertical bar. As the truck is loaded, all four lights illuminate, showing it’s fully loaded. Ford Motor Company

The Towing Solution Smart Hitch is designed to help customers safely load trailers. It measures the tongue weight of a trailer being connected to help customers distribute trailer weight correctly. After the trailer is set up in the center touch screen, Smart Hitch calculates its tongue weight and provides guidance on weight distribution or hitch overloading on the screen, on the FordPass app or within the smart taillamps. The truck will also indicate if the hitch weight is too high or too low and can even guide owners through properly tensioning a weight redistributing hitch.

Instilling Confidence Often hauling payload or towing a trailer changes the dynamics and handling of the truck. This can be unnerving to the driver. Ford is addressing this issue with an available suspension system that continuously controls dampening for enhanced ride and handling. A

computer within the F-150 analyzes signals collected from high-resolution sensors and adjusts vehicle response to each situation by controlling valves in the shocks. Dampening force is used to control unwanted motions such as bounce, pitch and roll. In Tow/Haul mode, continuously controlled dampening is tuned to provide a smooth and confident driving experience, easing truck and trailer responses to road conditions while providing precise steering. Available Onboard Scales, Smart Hitch and Continuously Controlled Damping can be ordered in early June with deliveries beginning in late summer.

H A K K A P E L I I T TA T R I

H A K K A P E L I I T TA L O A D E R

The first winter tire for tractors, Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI, makes sure your winter contracting has all the grip and control you need – with or without studs.

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nokianheavytyres.com SNOW PRO | MAY/JUNE 2021

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By Nick Arndt

SNOW ATTACHMENTS You Need to Survive Winter

Dealers offer a variety of snow attachments, giving you great opportunity to choose the right attachment or combination of attachments to suit your unique needs. Snow removal is typically only thought about a few times a year—when the white stuff is dumping, flying and blowing around. However, it’s important for snow and ice management professionals to think about this crucial task before it’s an immediate need, and be ready with the proper equipment to get the job done. Most dealerships offer numerous types and brands of snow attachments, giving customers great opportunity to choose the right attachment or combination of attachments to suit their unique needs. Here are five of the top snow attachments to consider this winter.

1. Brooms Most brooms are capable of clearing snow up to 2 inches cleanly and down to the pavement, and can be used as soon as snow hits the ground. This makes them an ideal tool for zero-tolerance contractors who maintain busy, high-pedestrian properties. These kinds of customers—hospitals and retail establishments, for example—have the highest expectations of preventing slip and falls. While great for professional snow management, brooms aren’t often used by homeowners. One reason for this is homeowners typically wait until snow accumulates to clear it, so they need more than the general 2-inch limitation a broom can handle. Also, snow can’t be thrown strategically

with a broom in the way a snow blower allows, limiting the ability to place it in a designated area. Another thing to keep in mind when selecting snow attachments is brooms are designed to clear a typical sidewalk, which is 52 inches wide. The width of tires running the unit must fit within that footprint to avoid driving over and compacting unremoved snow, or disrupting lawn on either side of the pavement.

2. Blades Simple pushing blades are a staple in the snow removal industry, come in all shapes and sizes, and fit almost any machine or application. Smaller blades work well on sidewalks and residential driveways, while large blades can be outfitted on a wheel loader for larger parking lots or roads. Straight blades are typically used in conjunction with other pieces of snow management equipment that move the snow with more precision. For example, blades may windrow or back-drag snow from hard-to-reach areas that then gets pushed into piles by a containment pusher or blown away with a snow blower.

3. Rear Power Take-Off Snow Blowers There are two common types of rear power takeoff (PTO) snow blowers, each operating on a slightly different method for snow removal. Rear-facing snow

Box pushers work efficiently, both moving snow and containing it while it’s pushed to a designated location for collection.

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A hydraulic wing pusher operates in three unique ways, making it one of the most common and popular snow attachments.

blowers are similar to common walk-behind snow blowers and are typically used for residential driveways. When used on a tractor and combined with a front blade, the operator can push snow, windrow or backdrag, then also use the rear-facing snow blower to move the snow pile with the same machine. A skid steer, for example, only permits one function at a time, whereas the tractor allows more versatility. Inverted or drag-style snow blowers operate in a unique way. Featuring an auger that faces the tractor, the operator backs into a driveway, about 12 inches from the garage, for instance, then blows snow as the tractor drives away. This style of clearing driveways has been popular in Canada for years and U.S. contractors are beginning to follow suit. The process, intended for professional use, is especially effective for contractors with very densely populated accounts or several within a neighborhood, as the operator can travel to and from each property on a tractor vs. needing to transport a unit with a truck or trailer.

allows

the box to be removed while operating, quickly transitioning to a straight-blade pusher that can angle, windrow or back-drag. Whether the middle of summer or the first day of winter, it’s never a bad time to start thinking about snow removal. Taking the time to outfit your equipment with the right attachments is the first step in preventing accidents when the snowflakes begin to fly. Nick Arndt is an account manager for RDO Equipment Company in Moorhead, Minnesota. Connect with him on Twitter @RDONickA or Instagram @rdonick. For more information, please visit www. greenindustrypros.com/10936638.

4. Hydraulic Wing Pushers The hydraulic wing pusher can operate in three unique ways, making it one of the most versatile and popular options for snow management, and appropriate for both commercial properties and residential driveways. The unit acts as a straight blade when wings face out, a containment plow when wings face forward or a back-drag plow when wings face back. An operator can windrow large areas, contain plow into piles, or back-drag from close areas, entryways, parking stalls or residential driveways. Similar to a blade, versatility is enhanced when used on a tractor and combined with a rear PTO blower. The operator can essentially move snow anywhere and in any fashion.

When used on tractors, certain snow attachments can be paired for added versatility.

5. Box Pushers As the name implies, box pushers are just that—boxes that push snow. Because of their design, they also contain the snow while pushing it. Especially effective are box pushers with floating cutting edges. Rather than one long section of cutting edge, these small spring-loaded sections break up the pusher’s cutting edge into smaller sections that adjust to changes in terrain. This accommodating design results in better scraping down the pavement for cleaner results faster, and requiring fewer resources like salt and sand. These pushers are ideal for contractors servicing large commercial properties. A unique style of box pusher offered by some dealerships features a design that

Most brooms can be used as soon as snow hits the ground, making them an ideal tool for zero-tolerance contractors that maintain busy, high-pedestrian properties.

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By Ryan Whisner

WHAT SNOW REMOVAL

PROS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SLIP AND FALL LIABILITY

any snow and ice management professionals would argue that snow removal is not their primary role. As much snow is pushed, the actual role for many snow contractors is risk management. Offering snow and ice removal services can be a lucrative business proposition during the winter, especially in regions that see frozen weather for a significant portion of the year. One of the challenges of being a snow and ice removal contractor relates to the potential slip and fall liability. Slips and falls due to snow or ice is a common cause for injury during cold weather months. Not only does the snow or ice cause your feet to slide out from under you in unpredictable ways, but the frozen surface is also usually rock hard and incredibly unforgiving to any part of the body that hits the ground. Whether it’s a broken arm, a sprained ankle, a knock to the head or just severe bruising, injuries from slips and falls often require medical attention.

Who is responsible? Generally, for a slip and fall claim, responsibility is going to depend on the contract that was signed. “Theoretically, it depends on when and where the incident occurred. However, when a claim is filed,

they are going to bring all parties into the lawsuit,” Accredited Snow Contractors Association Executive Director Kevin Gilbride says. This means the property owner, the property manager, and the snow contractor. If any subcontractors are involved, they are often included in the suit as well. “The contract should have a clause that spells out who is responsible for what in the claims,” Gilbride says. “To often, the snow contractor is signing a contract that places all of the liability on them, often without reading the contract.” It has nearly become an industry practice for most snow and ice removal contracts to hold the contractor, not the property owner or client, responsible for any slip and fall claims.

No liability, no quality When the slip and fall claims are not the responsibility of the client, how is that client going to go about selecting a snow removal service? “If the client has no liability, his willingness to pay more to get the higher quality contractor goes down,” says Arctic Snow and Ice Control Inc. spokesperson Dave Peters. If a property owner is offered a lowball seasonal contract from some national snow and ice management company utilizing small local

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subcontractors via ‘hold harmless’ clauses, which the courts have only started to address. Keep in mind two things. These subcontractors cannot afford nor are granted adequate liability insurance, so that the client is still forced to deal with lawsuits. Second, the attorney lobbies are very strong. The most lucrative source of revenue for attorneys is now slip-and-fall claims, exceeding that from divorces. Do not expect lawyers to sit idly by as you seek to reform the industry.” Via seasonal contracts, the alleged snow contractors are paid throughout the season whether it snows or not. Peters says the industry refers to this as the “pray for no snow” model. “When there is any significant winter weather, they will be unable to perform and very possibly fired from that account. However, based on the contract, they were already paid for work that was never done,” he says. “Lowballed bids and poor performance are their standard operating procedure.” A similar scenario takes place with the large property management firms that provide landscaping and facilities maintenance along with snow removal. “These firms may be a little more naïve about the difficulty of snow removal, but they are also consistent in their greed as far as saving money at the expense of quality and safety,” Peters says. He suggests that sometimes it is necessary for all parties to get a proper education on snow. “They need to understand that it’s okay to mow a lawn or clean windows on a Thursday rather than a Tuesday, but that does not work with snow,” Peters says. “You must have a different breed of company that is equipped and dedicated to dealing with the tremendous demands of clearing snow and making parking lots and sidewalks safe in all kinds of relentless winter weather.” He says the future of big box retail is going to be affected

Put up warnings about the dangerous walking conditions when so much ice and snow are present on a surface that the frozen debris proves impossible to fully clear or to keep clear. ©Papin_Lab-stock.adobe.com

subcontractors, he may find the numbers hard to resist. However, as is most often the case, as soon as the snow comes down heavy enough, the subcontractor disappears rather than lose money, leaving the property manager very few options. Two of the current scourges of the industry impacting insurance liability and the willingness of carriers to cover the snow industry are the national “snow and ice management” firms and the large property management companies who offer snow removal services along with landscaping, facilities maintenance, etc. Many in the industry are commenting on the proliferation of large management firms who operate in out of state locations where they have banks of telemarketers but no snow equipment and convince clients to pay them via lowball seasonal contracts knowing that the service provided, if they do sign a subcontractor, will be inadequate or nonexistent. Often the only subcontractors they will attract are the individuals with maybe a few trucks and plows, with clearly no chance of performing to expectations. Since these “management” firms offer so little and hold back payment when the service is not perfect, the small subcontractor will simply abandon the prop er t y wh en the big storm comes in, the time when the clients need it the most. Unfortunately, these companies are typically so large that they appear legitimate, and their goal is to get whatever rate they can on that business. “When you see the name ‘Snow and Ice Management’ beware,” say Peters. “These are essentially risk management firms who ©M .D √∂ rr & pass all of their slip and M. Fro mm fall liability on to their h

Carry adequate, up-to-date general liability insurance, which typically covers bodily injury, property damage and other incidents of potential liability.

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by issues like this if the insurance liability issue is not remedied. “It never will be if all parties are not motivated to reduce the actual likelihood of slip and fall events through proper management of their properties,” Peters says. “Otherwise, insurance companies will drop them, or their prices will have to escalate dramatically. In either case, and online shopping will simply take over and they will have to close.”

e will

Contract language Typically, snow contractors enter into agreements with big-box stores and lack negotiating leverage. The stores force liability completely onto the contractor without having any incentive to share the problem. Insurance companies also have a strong desire to avoid the courts and find a quick settlement. “There are two problems here,” say Peters. “First, you have a contract that allows a store to essentially not care if someone slips and falls on their property, because they are strictly concerned about liability. Second, with insurance companies so eager to settle, regardless of true fault, all contractors, from the truly good firms to the truly bad, are lumped in together when it comes to determining insurance premiums or even the availability of insurance.” To combat this issue, the industry has been trying to get new laws passed to address this. The Snow Removal Limited Liability or Liability Limitations Act is ASCA’s model legislation that is in the process of being developed in multiple states. Gilbride says the bill would make the hold

harmless and indemnification agreements in snow and ice management contracts null and void when the property owner or property management company passes their liability onto the snow and ice management company. Illinois enacted ASCA’s model legislation in 2016, a version of it was approved in Colorado in 2018 and Connecticut signed it into law in July 2019. There are active efforts in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania where the law is being reintroduced or introduced. Unfortunately, the pandemic slowed some efforts to get any new laws passed. pandemic stalled efforts to get more laws passed. “We virtually lost a year due to the other things going on, as everyone is aware of,” Gilbride says. “However, we are back on track in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts and expect to be able to announce some news out of New Jersey and New York soon.” He encourages contractors to become certified to improve their processes and procedures in their businesses and become more risk averse. At this point, as ASCA continues its efforts to get the law passed in more and more states, it becomes a matter of educating the clients that the past contracts are no longer valid and that there cannot be paragraphs that removes any liability for any party. “We’re trying to eliminate the number of trips to the court by making parking lots safer, having fewer slip and falls and having big box retailers pay more for their snow service to ensure that they get a better-quality service,” Peters says. “Problems arise when people are

Snow contractors enter into contracts with big-box stores and lack negotiating leverage, with liability transferred to the contractor in most cases.

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you from potentially high out-of-pocket costs. Your primary cost would simply be the policy’s deductible. Speak with a trusted agent to determine the best policy for your needs and budget. While a policy that has a lower deductible and covers a higher amount for each category (bodily injury, property damage, etc.) will cost more per month or year, it will also provide more protection to you in the event of a claim. Finding the right balance for your business needs and budget is key. 3. Read, understand, and complete your contract Gilbride says one of the main components of avoiding slip and fall claims is ensuring you read the contract and understand what you are signing. “Contracts where the property owner tries to control the scope of work too much can be very troublesome down the line,” he says. “If you are not looking and reading at the indemnification clause in your contract before signing it, you could virtually put yourself out of business.” Once a contract is signed and the first step in protecting yourself from slip and fall liability suits or claims is to ensure the job is completed properly. When contracted to remove snow and ice from surfaces, be sure to remove all traces of slippery hazards. 4. Document all the work you do on a property. Documentation of snow and ice management work is critical in addressing slip and fall claims and other liabilities. It is nearly impossible to return to the site of a slip and fall incident days after a snow event and be able to observe the exact conditions in which the incident occurred. With the latest technology, contractors can provide documentation of their service by taking both before and after photos. Many programs allow companies to use geofencing to better identify when crews arrive and depart jobsites. “At the end of the day, every single court in this world thrives on documentation,” Peters says. “It is your very best friend.”

looking for the lowest deal.”

If you are a landscaper or another type of contractor who offers snow and ice removal services during the winter, it is important to know how to protect yourself again slip and fall liability. Not only can a slip and fall lawsuit cause you to lose money out of your pocket, it also could cost you your reputation and even threaten to shut down your business. Following a few basic practices can help you safeguard your livelihood, brand, and finances. Here are four general best practices to follow: 1. Follow the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) industry standards for snow and ice management. Gilbride explains that the standards detail everything a snow contractor needs to document from training to preseason inspection all the way through in-event and post-event operations. “It’s another quality check,” Peters says. “You want to demonstrate to an auditor that you have a consistent process that you follow property to property.” In addition, ASCA has worked extensively with the International Organization for Standards Organization (ISO) and Mills Insurance Group to develop the ASCA-C educational program and ISO9001/SN9001 certification. To date, these are the only snow and ice management certifications recognized by the insurance industry. Gilbride says in the end it is a verification system that insurance carriers and customers can look at and recognize differences. 2. Carry adequate, up-to-date general liability insurance. In the general contracting and snow removal industries, these polices may be called general liability (GL), commercial general liability (CGL) or snow removal insurance. Regardless of the insurance policy’s specific name, a general liability insurance policy typically covers bodily injury, property damage and other incidents for which your company may be found liable. In the instance of a slip and fall claim for which you are found liable, your policy would pay the claimant’s medical bills and other associated expenses, thus protecting When contracted to remove snow and ice from surfaces, be sure to remove all traces of slippery hazards. For example, after plowing and/or scraping snow and ice away, spread rock salt to melt any remaining frozen debris and to keep any water from refreezing.

Safeguard your brand

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PRODUCTS

SNOW & ICE REMOVAL ○ WESTERN® PILE DRIVER Steel-Edge Pusher Plows Western Products PILE DRIVER steel-edge pusher plows, are designed for large pieces of construction equipment.

• 8-, 10-, 12-, 14- and 16-ft. sizes available • Two-piece, steel trip-edge design • Interchangeable attachments allow for ease of use with variety of equipment www.greenindustrypros.com/21131351

○ Toro POWER TRX HD Commercial Snow Blowers Toro POWER TRX HD commercial snow blowers are ideal for clearing large areas with heavy snow more than 20-in.es deep and snow-packed slopes. The units feature a hydrostatic-powered transmission for self-propelled operation, and the track drive grips the surface for stability and traction on tough terrain and slopes. Snow is hurled more than 60 feet depending on conditions.

• 28- or 32-in. clearing widths available • 420 cc preminum 4-cycle OHV engine with • One-push electric start • Heavy-duty cast-iron skids with drift cutters • Patented Anti-Clogging System • Quick Stick chute control www.greenindustrypros.com/21197351

○ Steel Green Manufacturing SG Snowplow Steel Green Manufacturing SG Snowplow transforms its zero-turn spreader/sprayer into a powerful sidewalk snow-removing machine with up to 350 pounds of salt-spreading capacity. Features include:

• Poly plow blade • Live hydraulics control the plow angle, down pressure, lift., and float with a single joystick valve • Rubber cutting edge scrapes clean without damaging sensitive areas • LED lights • Compatible with Steel Green Manufacturing models SG46 and SG52 • SG52, provides 60 gallons of liquid capacity and holds up to 7 bags of granular salt www.greenindustrypros.com/21199294

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

○ Toro 60V Flex-Force Power Shovel Toro’s 60V Flex-Force Power Shovel allows users to tackle through light- to mid-duty snow removal tasks with ultimate power, control, reliability and ease of use. The Power Shovel provides snow-clearing performance and allows operators to conquer the cold winter months and power through properties with battery-powered ease. Features include:

• Flex-Force 2.5ah 60V battery system • 45-minute single charge, 60-minute recharge • Brushless motor for increased power and longer runtime • Clears up to six inches of snow in a single pass • 12-in. clearing width • Throws snow up to 25 feet with Power Curve technology • Three-year full warranty on the Power Shovel and a three-year full warranty on the battery assemblies www.greenindustrypros. com/21198402

○ John Deere D-Series Snow Blowers John Deere’s SB72D, SB78D and SB84D snow blower models are the ultimate snow-handling attachments, helping clear snow faster and more efficiently, while enduring harsh winter conditions. Moving snow up to 45 feet from the machine, the attachments are compatible with the John Deere compact track loaders, compact wheel loaders and skid steers. Features include:

○ KAGE WingLine The KAGE WingLine is the latest technology to increase safety of municipal snow plow trucks and reduce wing plow damage to mailboxes, parked cars, and guardrails. The WingLine instantly projects a line in front of the vehicle directing the operator where the trailing edge of the wing plow will be, seconds before the plow actually arrives at the location. Using a simple IP67 switch, mounted on the retract cylinder this system is almost 100% fail-proof. :

• Universal Suction Cup mounting inside the cab • Standard smart switch is mounted to the lift. cylinder of the wing plow, and automatically turns the laser on or off when the wing plow is deployed or retracted by the operator • Class IIIR laser is self-contained and maintenance free. • Reduces neck strain and helps operator keep eyes on the road • Alerts when wing is deploying adding “visibility” www.greenindustrypros.com/21202695

• Hydraulically activated, polylined chutes and deflectors • Two auger options – smooth or serrated • 36-in. high-volume intake shroud • Adjustable skid shoes • Replaceable bolt-on, wear-resistant, tapered steel edges and poly edges www.greenindustrypros. com/21201508

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PRODUCTS

SNOW & ICE REMOVAL ○ FISHER XRS SkidSteer Plow Put your skid-steer to work and maneuver snow like never before with the Fisher XRS skid-steer plow. Built to handle the extra demands of skid steer operation, the XRS offers fast and easy hook-up, adding versatility to your snow-clearing arsenal.

• Automatically retracts inside wing when fully angled and returns to scoop position once straight • Oscillating skid-steer mounting plate • 8 ft. 7 in. scoop 9 ft. 8 in. wings pinned • 29.5 in. height • Steel cutting edge • Leverages onboard hydraulic system of the skid-steer to lift. and lower the blade for improved operator performance www.greenindustrypros.com/21415321

○ Buyers Products PRO3000 Spreader Buyers Products’s 9 ½ ft. SaltDogg PRO3000 electric spreader boasts a 3-cubic yard capacity poly hopper. It holds about 3.2 tons of bulk rock salt or 50/50 sand/salt mix.

• Fits trucks with minimum 13,000 lb GVW (gross vehicle weight). • 14 in. poly spinner broadcasts material up to 30 ft. • 12V DC-powered electric drive with independent auger and spinner motors. • 5-1/4 in. full length variable pitch steel auger with stainless steel trough keeps the material flowing • Adjustable height chute • In-cab control independent controls for auger, spinner speed settings and vibrator control

○ Winter Equipment Pegasus Expandable Plow System Winter Equipment offers its Pegasus expandable plow cutting edge system that features an all-in-one, hybrid solution. The Pegasus system consists of Winter Equipment’s Razor cutting edge combined with its patented WinterFlex rubber wings which create a squeegee effect with four wear surfaces per cutting edge

• Abrasion-resistant ½-in. cover plates welded to a two-piece 5/8in. Boron • High-strength Grade 8 hardware and nylon lock nuts • Built-in wear indicators • Replaceable wing edges • For use on highways, city streets, rural roads and parking lots • Compatible with Western, Blizzard Power and SnowEx plow models www.greenindustrypros.com/21259806

○ Bobcat Front-Mount Snowblower Bobcat Company’s front-mount snowblower attachment for compact tractors provides customers with a more comfortable way to clear snow as they do not need to turn around in their seat to monitor the performance of the attachment. Positioned in front of the machine rather than behind on a 3-point hitch.

• Available in 49 in. (CT1021 and CT1025 models) and 62-in. (CT2025, CT2035, and CT2535 models) widths • Two-stage blower design • Hydraulic rotating chute to direct snow wherever operators want it. • Adjustable skid shoes help scrape the pavement clean • Bolt-on reversible cutting edge is included for added durability. • Connected via lift. kit www.greenindustrypros. com/21202072

www.greenindustrypros.com/21233030

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

○ Hilltip HTrack Online Tracking Soft.ware Hilltip’s HTrack online tracking soft.ware, compatible with all models of HillTip’s IceStriker and SprayStriker spreaders and de-icing sprayers, allows winter service professionals to track and manage all of their HillTip equipment via computer, tablet or smartphone.

○ SnowEx Heavy-Duty Snowplow The SnowEx Heavy-Duty straight blade snowplow is built to handle the most demanding plowing conditions. Powering ahead and rolling heavy snow farther with a 31-in. tall steel blade, these plows feature a formed base channel that delivers extra stability.

• Compatible with ¾ and 1 ton pickup trucks, flatbeds or skidsteers • A-frame constructed of tubular steel • Six vertical ribs, two angled Power Ribs and massive quad design provide added torsional strength • Steel cutting edge • Power Grip handheld control

• Uses StrikeSmart controller to connect to IceStriker and SprayStriker products • Two-way GPRS capability to transmit data to custom online interface accessed by an internet connected device • Route details (speed, GPS location, material used, etc.) of all equipment tracked remotely • Geofencing to create work sites for different client areas • Complete remote control over an entire fleet of equipment • Provides detailed documentation of ice control activities www.greenindustrypros.com/21415342

www.greenindustrypros.com/21415325

○ HillTip IceStriker 1200-4200AM Combi Spreaders Designed for ½-ton trucks and larger, Hilltip’s electric-powered IceStriker 1200-4200AM Combi Spreaders not only offer the unique ability to spread granular salt, sand and gravel, but also can be transformed into a liquid deicing sprayer.

• 12- or 24-volt dual motors • Six models with capacities ranging from 1.0 to 4.2 cubic yards • Modular hopper body constructed of polyethylene • 6-in. diameter stainless-steel auger with variable pitch design for consistent flow • Holds up to 220 gallons in liquid tanks integrated into sides of poly hopper • Optional 40-ft. hose reel and hand-held spray nozzle for spraying hard-to-reach areas • Optional 6-ft., 7-in. dual spraybar with 16-ft.. spraying width • All functions controlled via StrikeSmart controller • Adjustable spreading symmetry function to adjust direction of material off spinner from cab-mounted controller www.greenindustrypros.com/21415345

ADVERTISERS INDEX Arctic Snow & Ice Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 ClearSpan Fabric Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 HLA Snow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Nokian Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Progressive Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

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