Efficient snow and ice control management is not just a convenience; it’s vital for ensuring safety during the challenging winter months. As the winter season blankets roads and sidewalks with snow and ice, businesses and municipalities face the daunting task of keeping these surfaces safe for travel.

Choosing the right spreading equipment can be a critical decision for these entities, impacting not only their ability to maintain safe roads but also their operational efficiency and budget management. In this article, we delve deep into the heart of this decision-making process by exploring the key differences between two prevalent technologies: auger and chain (pintle chain) drive spreaders. Our aim is to provide you with the expert insights needed to make an informed and strategic choice that aligns perfectly with your snow and ice control management requirements.

Maximizing Efficiency with the Right Feeding System

Salt and sand spreaders are essential for road safety. Auger and chain systems are prominent in this field.

Auger systems excel with:

• Precision application, reducing waste and costs
• Preferred feed system when salt is used
• Consistent material flow
• Lower environmental impact
• Reliable, with minimal maintenance

Advantages of a Chain Drive Feeding System:

• Versatility
• Handling a wider number of various materials
• Higher material output enables higher vehicle speed when spreading
• Preferred feed system when sand is used
• User-friendly and efficient
• High reliability, even with low-quality spreading material

Auger

Chain

Cost-Benefit Review: Salt Spreader Auger Systems Versus Pintle Chains

When choosing between auger and chain drive systems, consider the following:

Initial Investment

• Auger systems are budget-friendly upfront
• Chain drive systems are pricier initially

Long-Term Operational Costs

• Auger systems reduce material waste
• Auger systems have lower maintenance costs
• Auger systems are labor-efficient
• Auger systems minimize environmental impact
• Auger systems often provide a higher ROI
• Chain drive systems may require more maintenance
• Chain drive systems may use more material

In conclusion, while chain drive systems have a higher upfront cost, auger systems prove more cost-effective, both upfront and in the long run, due to precision, material efficiency, lower maintenance, and reduced environmental impact. Weigh both initial and long-term costs for an informed choice in snow and ice management. When ignoring the cost perspective, the advantage of a chain feed system is higher material output, which is useful when using sand, as it’s also capable of spreading low-quality materials.

The post Expert Comparison: Pintle Chain vs. Auger Spreaders for Ice Control appeared first on Hilltip.

The Role of the Auger

The primary function of the auger in a sand and salt spreader is to move the material from the storage hopper to the distribution mechanism. The auger is essentially a helical screw blade that, when rotated, transports the sand or salt along its length. The auger also offers several operational advantages, such as precise control of the dispensing rate of the material, effective breakup of clumps to maintain consistent flow, and ensuring a uniform distribution of the sand or salt over the treated surface.

Overcoming Energy Efficiency Challenges

Making an electric auger drive feed system energy efficient presents several challenges due to the inherent characteristics of auger systems and the nature of electric drives. Let’s take a look at some of these challenges:

• Friction and Wear: Auger systems typically involve significant friction as they rotate within a housing or tube. This friction requires additional energy to overcome, especially when the auger is heavily loaded or if the material being moved is particularly abrasive or sticky. Over time, wear can increase friction further, reducing efficiency.
  Hilltip has effectively addressed this by using an auger with a variable pitch design, optimizing spiral spacing to minimize resistance and enhance material transfer efficiency. Additionally, stainless steel, renowned for its smoothness, further reduces friction and wear. This results in more consistent, long-term performance and improved system energy efficiency.
• Torque Requirements: Augers often require high torque at low speeds to move heavy or dense materials. Electric motors can be less efficient at generating high torque, especially at lower speeds. This can necessitate using gearboxes or other mechanical systems to increase torque, adding complexity and potential energy losses. Hilltip’s auger drive feed systems are designed to minimize energy losses. They achieve this through a high-efficiency helical gearbox with an impressive 98% efficiency rate. The efficiency of the gearbox is due to the rolling contact found in helical gears. This reduces friction compared to commonly used worm gears in the snow and ice industry, which have sliding contact. Worm gearboxes with a ratio of 1:25 have an efficiency of 80% or less, and Hilltip’s innovative auger drive system results in a minimum of 18% higher energy efficiency.
• Variable Load Conditions: The load on an auger can vary significantly based on the type of material (rough or fine) being moved and the volume of material in the system. Electric drives need to adapt to these changing conditions efficiently, which can be challenging.
  Hilltip’s auger systems have been designed to handle variable loads effectively. The systems incorporate baffles and a fixed inverted V to ensure optimal performance. Baffles act as barriers within the hopper to control material flow and prevent overloading by distributing the load evenly along the auger. The inverted V complements this by directing the material to the sides, avoiding accumulation at the center. Together, these features ensure a consistent load, enhancing efficiency and performance, regardless of material type or volume.
• Control System Complexity: Efficient operation of an electric auger drive system may require sophisticated control systems that can adjust motor speed, torque, and power draw in response to changing conditions.
  Hilltip addresses this by employing a closed-loop system in their auger drives. This system continuously monitors and adjusts the auger’s real-time performance, ensuring optimal efficiency and response to varying material loads and conditions. The benefits of a closed-loop system in an auger setup include enhanced precision in control, reduced energy wastage, and improved overall system reliability.
  Moreover, Hilltip’s auger systems are enhanced with the StrikeSmart control system. Operators can adjust settings and get immediate alerts for issues like overload or inefficiency, simplifying operation and a diagnostic view aiding in proactive maintenance, thereby improving the system’s efficiency and durability.
• Start-up Energy Demand: Starting an auger system, particularly when it is fully loaded, can require a significant amount of energy.Electric motors draw a lot of power during start-up, which can be inefficient, especially if start-ups are frequent.
  The even load distribution achieved by using baffles allows the electric motor to start with less power, as it faces less resistance from compacted or uneven material. Consequently, this reduces the energy surge at start-up and decreases strain on the motor and gearbox, enhancing operational efficiency and extending equipment lifespan.

Hilltip’s Innovative Solutions

Hilltip has effectively overcome energy efficiency challenges in electric auger drive systems by employing innovative strategies that significantly lower start-up energy demand and improve overall system efficiency and longevity, showcasing Hilltip’s commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions in auger technology.

Discover more about how Hilltip is revolutionizing auger systems and explore the range of efficient, high-quality products on our website.

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What is a Towable Gritter?

A towable gritter is a versatile solution designed to combat winter’s icy grip. Its primary function is to spread salt or grit evenly on roads, preventing the formation of hazardous ice patches, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a smoother traffic flow.

Benefits of Towable Gritters

Towable gritters are a flexible and efficient solution for winter road maintenance, covering large areas with minimal effort and cost. Their key advantage lies in their adaptability; they can be easily attached to various vehicles, from small utility vehicles to larger trucks and tractors. This versatility allows for quick deployment in diverse conditions.

Moreover, operating these gritters doesn’t require a special driver’s license, broadening the pool of potential operators. With their straightforward design, even those with limited experience can use them effectively, contributing to safer road conditions.

Features to Look for

When considering a towable gritter, pay attention to key features such as the quality of materials used in construction, capacity, spreading mechanism, and overall durability. Investing in a robust and reliable unit ensures longevity and sustained performance, even in the harshest winter conditions.

At Hilltip, we take pride in offering towable gritters that meet and exceed these essential requirements. Our towable gritters are all electric and have features such as:

• HTrack and StrikeSmart: Included for free with every Hilltip machine, these systems offer ground speed control, GPS tracking and data management. HTrack allows for monitoring of spreading patterns and quantities, while StrikeSmart helps with route optimization and documentation, ensuring efficiency and accountability.
• Inverted V: Helps reduce heavy start-up loads on the auger and is made entirely of stainless steel​​.
• Vibrator: Prevents bridging and clogging of de-icing material by shaking the inverted V.
• Different Feeding Systems: The gritters can be equipped with either auger or chain drive systems. Auger drive systems have a lower upfront cost and generally more even material flow, while chain systems are more efficient with low-quality spreading material.
• Lightweight Design: Thanks to their construction and use of materials, Hilltip’s gritters are both durable and lightweight, allowing for a larger capacity of grit or salt.
• Tarp Mechanism: A two-piece mechanism prevents spillage into the truck bed when filling the spreader​​.
• Top Screen: Prevents large rocks and material chunks from entering the hopper​​.
• Compact designs: Hilltip offers a wide range of towable gritters in different sizes, some as narrow as 1450 mm – perfect for compact tractors.
• Combi Function: Hilltip spreaders offer a combination of spreading capabilities, enabling the use of both grit and liquid de-icing materials. This multifunctionality allows for tailored solutions depending on weather conditions and surface requirements, making these gritters highly versatile and effective in diverse winter scenarios.

Best Practices for Winter Road Maintenance with Towable Gritters

To maximize the benefits of towable gritters and optimize business performance, remember to:

• Regularly inspect and maintain your towable gritter to ensure peak performance.
• Train operators on proper usage and safety protocols.
• Plan ahead and deploy gritters strategically to cover high-priority areas promptly.

In conclusion, towable gritters are indispensable tools for efficient winter road maintenance. Their ability to enhance road safety, coupled with their cost-effectiveness and ease of use, makes them a valuable asset for businesses operating in colder climates.

Ready to elevate your winter road maintenance strategy? Visit our product page for more detailed information and explore the perfect towable gritter for your requirements.

The post Unveiling the Power of Towable Grit Spreaders in Winter Road Safety appeared first on Hilltip.

The Pros and Cons of Brine and Salt

Brine
Brine is a liquid solution typically composed of salt and water. The optimum brine blend is a 23,3% salt solution. The brine mixture offers a lower freezing point than traditional rock salt, allowing for faster ice and snow melting. Brine is often applied as a pre-treatment before a winter storm to create a barrier on road surfaces, preventing the adhesion of snow and ice. The trend in the industry is toward more brine used for anti and de-icing needs. Please read this research and approach the University of Wisconsin applied to their campus.

Pros:

• Faster melting action due to the liquid form.
• Effective at lower temperatures compared to traditional salt.
• Reduces overall salt usage, minimizing environmental impact.
• Lower yearly salt costs

Cons:

• Initial setup costs for brine production equipment.
• Storage challenges due to the liquid form.
• It may be less effective in extremely low temperatures.

Salt
Salt, usually in the form of rock salt (sodium chloride), is a common de-icing agent. When applied to icy roads, salt lowers the freezing point of water, causing ice to melt. It’s not the most cost-effective de-icing agent, but it is a widely used solution for winter road maintenance.

Pros:

• Lower initial equipment investment to spread the de-icing agent.
• Suitable for a wide range of winter conditions.
• Easy to store and handle.

Cons:

• Slower melting action compared to brine.
• Higher environmental impact due to excess chloride runoff.
• Ineffective in extremely low temperatures.

When to Use Brine or Salt

Choosing between brine and salt depends on various factors, including temperature, precipitation, and budget constraints. Brine is ideal for pre-treatment in anticipation of a storm, while salt is more effective after heavy snow storms for post-storm application to melt existing ice and snow. The most effective is a mix of them both for post-storm application, meaning pre-wetting with 30% brine onto the salt being spread.

Best Practices for Application

To optimize the use of brine or salt, consider the following best practices:

• Calibrate equipment to ensure accurate application rates.
• Monitor weather forecasts to apply treatments at the right times.
• Consider using advanced equipment such as Hilltip’s salt spreaders for precise application with ground speed control.
• The Hilltip combi spreaders and brine sprayers with STRIKESMART- PLUS controller have weather forecast dependent application rate control and a 2-way online communication channel as a standard feature.
• Use spreader technology that takes the guesswork from the driver and supervisors to know what and how much he should spread based on live and forecasted weather info.

Conclusion

In the battle against winter weather, the choice between brine and salt is not one-size-fits-all. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Winter road maintenance professionals can make informed decisions to enhance safety and efficiency by carefully weighing factors such as cost, effectiveness, environmental impact, and climate. Hilltip recommends using the mentioned machines and de-icing methods in the diagram below, based on current weather and forecast information on hand as well as ice thickness on the road.

As you navigate through your winter road maintenance plans, explore Hilltip’s advanced salt spreaders and de-icing sprayers. Our cutting-edge solutions are designed to complement the application of both brine and salt, ensuring optimal results for your operations.

Visit our product pages to discover how Hilltip can elevate your winter road treatment strategies. For expert advice, get in touch today!

The post Choosing the Right Winter Road Treatment: Brine vs Salt appeared first on Hilltip.

Benefits of Liquid De-icing

Liquid de-icing offers several key advantages over traditional methods:

• Environmental Benefits: Liquid solutions produce less environmental harm compared to salt, reducing the ecological impact of de-icing.
• Cost-effectiveness: Liquid de-icers require lower application rates and provide longer-lasting results, leading to cost savings.
• Efficiency: Liquid solutions have a lower freezing point, allowing for quicker ice and snow melting, making cycleway de-icing more efficient.
• Faster Action: Liquid de-icers, such as brine solutions, start working immediately upon contact with surfaces. This rapid action helps prevent ice bonding to the pavement and enhances the overall effectiveness of snow and ice removal.

Liquid De-icing Solutions

Various liquid de-icing solutions are available in the market. The most common ones include brine solutions, calcium chloride, and potassium acetate. These solutions work by lowering the freezing point of water, preventing ice formation and facilitating snow removal. Each has its specific application, depending on factors like temperature and surface type.

Best Practices for Cycleway and Sidewalk De-icing

Effective cycleway de-icing requires adherence to best practices:

• Pre-treatment: Apply liquid de-icer before a snowfall to prevent ice bonding with the pavement.
• Application Rates: Use the recommended application rates to ensure optimal ice and snow melting without wastage. The industry standard is around 20 ml/m2 on cycleways, sidewalks, and walk and bike paths.
• Temperature Considerations: Understand the freezing point of your chosen solution and apply it within the appropriate temperature range.
• Safety Measures: Prioritize safety by clearing snow and ice promptly by plowing or sweeping, marking cycleways, and monitoring weather conditions.

Hilltip’s Expertise in Liquid De-icing

Hilltip has a long-standing reputation for expertise in providing high-quality liquid de-icing solutions. Our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility sets us apart:

• Advanced Technology: Hilltip offers cutting-edge liquid de-icing equipment and systems designed for efficiency and precision. Ground speed control and a 2-way online communication control & tracking system are standard features, no matter what size of de-icing sprayers you invest in.
• Eco-friendly Solutions: We prioritize environmentally friendly products to reduce the ecological impact of de-icing. Additionally, we can upfit our de-icing sprayers on electric vehicles for silent and smooth winter maintenance in cities.
• Expert Guidance: Our team of experts is always ready to assist you with product selection, maintenance, and best practices.

Improving your cycleway de-icing strategies

Liquid de-icing revolutionizes cycleway de-icing, offering superior efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits. By following best practices and partnering with experts like Hilltip, snow and ice control management professionals can ensure safer, more cost-effective, and more sustainable winter conditions on cycleways and sidewalks. Contact Hilltip today for expert guidance and solutions that make a difference.

The post Cycleway and Sidewalk Safety in Winter: The Importance of De-icing appeared first on Hilltip.

What is a Combi Spreader?

Unlike traditional salt spreaders that only distribute salt, combi spreaders are versatile machines capable of handling a combination of sand, salt and even liquid brine solutions at the same time. Combi spreaders are transformed into pre-wet salt spreaders, allowing for the application of a liquid brine solution along with the salt and sand mixture, further enhancing their effectiveness in preventing ice formation and improving road safety. Additionally, the Hilltip combi spreaders can also apply liquid brine only for pre- and post-treatment applications.

Benefits of Electric Combi Spreaders

Electric combi spreaders offer a multitude of advantages for highway ice removal.

Key Features and Functionality

• Powertrain: The advantage of electric as a powertrain on full-size highway spreaders is that it can be installed on any standard truck in your fleet, which gives more flexibility. Resulting in lower initial investment and fewer circuits that need maintenance and can break down.
• Hopper Capacity: Electric combi spreaders boast generous hopper capacities, reducing the frequency of refills due to their lighter empty weight and allowing for longer operational periods.
• Material Distribution System: Equipped with advanced material distribution systems, these spreaders ensure precise and consistent application, minimizing waste and maximizing the effectiveness of de-icing materials by combining salt liquids and dry salt or sand.
• Control Options: Users have the flexibility to control material distribution rates and patterns and material, adapting to varying real-time road and weather forecast conditions with ease. This feature contributes to the optimization of ice removal services and ensures road safety.

Comparison with Other Spreader Types

Electric combi spreaders outshine hydraulic or gas-powered counterparts in terms of efficiency and eco-friendliness. Unlike gas-powered spreaders, electric models produce zero emissions, silently spreading on roads and making them environmentally sustainable. Moreover, they eliminate the need for complex hydraulic systems, reducing maintenance costs and increasing reliability.

Maintenance and Durability

Proper maintenance is essential for the longevity of electric spreaders as it is with any equipment. The advantage of electric spreaders in terms of maintenance is that you only have one circuit to maintain: the electric sockets. In addition, there are no hydraulics or auxiliary engines to worry about.

Opting for a reliable brand like Hilltip ensures durability, saving money in the long run. Routine maintenance procedures are straightforward and cost-effective, ensuring continuous, trouble-free operation throughout the winter season.

Cost and Return on Investment

The initial investment cost of Hilltip electric combi spreaders is lower than other options with advanced spreading technology. The long-term savings and increased efficiency they offer are significant, as there are no hydraulic requirements for the truck, and the total investment cost becomes incredibly favorable. In addition, reduced material wastage, lower maintenance costs, and improved road coverage all contribute to a significant ROI over time.

User-Friendly Operation

Electric combi spreaders are designed for user-friendly operation. They can be operated with various control options, minimizing the learning curve for operators. The intuitive controls make them accessible for winter road maintenance professionals of all skill levels.

The Power of Electric Combi Spreaders by Hilltip

In the world of winter road maintenance, electric combi spreaders stand as the ultimate solution for highway winter road maintenance. Their winter fleet management system with 2-way communication channel HTRACK and control system STRIKESMART delivers efficiency, versatility, and cost-effectiveness that makes Hilltip the go-to choice for optimizing operations. When choosing a reliable brand like Hilltip, you can rest assured that they are investing in durability, safety, and long-term savings.

Get ready to enhance your winter road maintenance operations! Visit our product pages or contact us today to explore our range of electric combi spreaders and take a step towards safer, more efficient highway maintenance.

The post The Advantages of Electric Combi Spreaders on Highways appeared first on Hilltip.

New technology on University of Vermont’s campus hopes to limit salt use during snowstorms

This Road salt can contaminate drinking water, be harmful to animals, increase soil erosion and can be damage infrastructure.

BURLINGTON, Vt. — New technology that’s been in Finland for several years has now arrived to the University of Vermont campus.

The equipment, produced by a manufacturer called Hilltip, uses software that can determine how much salt is needed on any given street or sidewalk being treated during a snowstorm. University-reserved sustainability funding bought the technology for just over $20,000.

“We have the control of the amount of product we deliver,” Matt Walker, Grounds Manager at UVM, said. “It uses GPS technology to locate your truck, your piece of equipment, and give us the ability from a remote location to determine spread amounts.”

Any time salt is used during snowstorms, it can have harmful impacts.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), road salt can contaminate drinking water, be harmful to animals, increase soil erosion and can be damage infrastructure.

“Salt is erosive,” Walker said. “It damages a lot of paved areas, concrete. We have underground utilities that have shown damage from salt. Door frames into buildings, stairs, all those sorts of things. A big piece of it too is water. The watershed run off.”

The university has put together a new Salt Mitigation Task Force made up of faculty, students and staff.

Students have been involved in water testing, which has helped to paint a clearer picture of what impact salt has had in and around campus. This summer, the students will also help to get the technology fully set-up and ready to go for next winter.

“They’re interested. They care,” Walker said. “They want to do what’s right for the environment and getting their involvement we get to hear what they want.”

Reference:
Carolyn Sistrand. (Mar 11, 2022). “New technology on University of Vermont’s campus hopes to limit salt use during snowstorms”. NBC5 NEWS. https://www-mynbc5-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.mynbc5.com/
amp/article/new-technology-on-university-of-vermonts-campus-hopes-to-limit-salt-use-during-snowstorms/39414575

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HTrack

IceStriker

SprayStriker

The HTrack tracking system uses HillTip’s easy-to-use StrikeSmart controller, which is placed in the cab and connects to IceStriker and SprayStriker products. Through the industry’s only two-way GPRS transmission, users can have remote control over an entire fleet of equipment, create geofenced work sites for client areas with custom application rates and track route data including speed, GPS location, and material used.

HTrack also assists with route optimizations and resource allocations for increased efficiency and profitability. It can create reports of material used for each customer and provide detailed documentation of ice control activities at individual customer locations. Thanks to this unmatched level of automation, drivers can concentrate solely on completing jobs as quickly and safely as possible.

“We’re proud to include some of the most advanced tracking and management tools available on our base model equipment,” said Hilltip’s Sales & Marketing Director Frank Mäenpää. “This level of technology is typically reserved for municipal-grade machines, but we believe it will greatly benefit day-to-day operations for all winter professionals. When customers buy Hilltip, they expect the best. We intend to meet and exceed those expectations at every turn.”

Headquartered in Pietarsaari, Finland, Hilltip is a leading manufacturer of road maintenance equipment in Europe. With equipment designed and built in an area that averages at least six months of snowfall every year, Hilltip is known for its extreme durability and advanced technologies.

The post Hilltip HTrack™ Tracking System Now Standard on All IceStriker™ and SprayStriker™ Models appeared first on Hilltip.

IceStriker 900-1250 AM Combi Spreaders

Powered by either 12- or 24-volt dual motors, the IceStriker AM Combi Spreader line includes three models with capacities of 900 liters, 1150 liters and 1250 liters. The modular hopper bodies are constructed of polyethylene and all mounted components are stainless steel, which helps prevent rust and corrosion. Spreading material is driven by a heavy-duty, 115 mm diameter stainless-steel auger featuring a variable-pitch design to help ensure steady, consistent flow.

Every IceStriker spreader features liquid tanks integrated into both sides of the double-walled poly hopper, which hold up to 530 liters of liquid. By simply adding the optional pre-wet liquid kit, which includes a pump and spray nozzle, an operator can pre-wet spreading materials to help activate the salt as it’s spread and to reduce material bounce.

Furthermore, by adding the optional 2 m dual spraybar, an operator can now spray brine directly onto the driving surface with a maximum 5m spraying width. This makes the spreaders ideal for all operations, whether they are just getting into liquid applications or are well experienced in brine. The addition of a 12 m hose reel and hand-held spray nozzle allows for easier spraying in hard-to-reach areas, such as on sidewalks and steps. Also, an optional bladder tank increases the unit’s overall brine capacity up to 1500 liters.

All spreader and sprayer functions are operated using the exclusive advanced StrikeSmart controller. Featuring a detailed color screen, the controller allows operators to customize virtually every aspect of their spreading sessions, such as adjusting vibrator settings, blast settings and much more. Also, the controller allows for exact material feed and spreading width settings (between 1-8 m), and all systems can be calibrated from within the cab.

Using the GPS speed-control function, the spreader will automatically adjust the auger speed depending on vehicle speed to achieve consistent material delivery, while the manual mode allows for setting a fixed auger speed. The controller also automatically collects and saves essential data to a USB memory stick. Logging data 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this feature provides operators with spreading reports that can reduce potential liability issues – a benefit to both contractors and customers. Accessory buttons are built into the controller, making the actuation of any standard or optional accessories simple.

Another exclusive ability with the advanced controller is the optional adjustable spreading symmetry function. Typically only found on larger truck spreaders, this feature allows the operator to adjust the direction of material off of the spinner from the cab-mounted control. This is ideal when working in parking lots or when working on properties adjacent to other businesses, so the operator can ensure that material is only being directed onto a paying customer’s property and away from vehicles. An easy to understand graphic indicates the current direction of the material, which can be easily adjusted with the integrated dial.

For maximum control and observation of an equipment fleet, all IceStriker spreaders are compatible with Hilltip’s exclusive HTrack tracking software technology as a standard feature. This allows for complete remote tracking and management of all software-installed spreaders from a computer, tablet or smartphone. One can monitor treatment routes, vehicle speed, GPS location and material usage in real-time. All of this information can then be used to generate PDF reports for the most detailed documentation. Also, the two-way GPRS communication channel allows application rates to be remotely set and adjusted for each customer’s site depending on weather conditions.

Other standard equipment on the IceStriker Combi Spreader includes a sealed, weather-resistant motor enclosure, automatic vibrator, integrated tie-down loops, top screen, pre-routed accessory wire for simplified light/rear camera installation and an inverted-V structure over the auger drive to reduce heavy start-up loads on the feed mechanism.

Additional accessory options include an LED work light, strobe lights, illuminated license plate kit, rear and indicator lights, legstand for more convenient storage/installation, end material alarm sensor on the spinner, tarp cover and an extended auger (+ 40 cm) for axle loading optimization. One can also choose to get the hopper in orange instead of the standard gray color.

Headquartered in Pietarsaari, Finland, Hilltip is a leading manufacturer of road maintenance equipment in Europe. With equipment designed and built in an area that averages at least six months of snowfall every year, Hilltip is known for its extreme durability and advanced technologies.

The post Hilltip Introduces IceStriker™ 900-1250 AM Combi Spreaders appeared first on Hilltip.

IceStriker 3000-5000 AM Combi Spreaders

Powered by 12 or 24-volt dual motors, the IceStriker Combi Spreader line includes models with capacities from 3000L up to 5000L. The modular hopper bodies are constructed of polyethylene and all mounted components are stainless steel, which helps prevent rust and corrosion. Spreading material is driven by a heavy-duty, 155 mm diameter stainless-steel auger featuring a variable-pitch or with a pintle chain conveyor designed to help ensure steady, consistent flow.

Every IceStriker spreader features liquid tanks integrated into both sides of the double-walled poly hopper, which hold up to 1200L of liquid. By simply adding the optional pre-wet liquid kit, which includes a pump and spray nozzle, an operator can pre-wet spreading materials to help activate the salt as it’s spread and to reduce material bounce.

Furthermore, by adding the optional 2 m dual spraybar, an operator can now spray brine directly onto the driving surface with a maximum 5 m spraying width. This makes the spreaders ideal for all operations, whether they are just getting into liquid applications or are well experienced in brine. The addition of a 12 m hose reel and hand-held spray nozzle allows for easier spraying in hard-to-reach areas, such as on sidewalks and steps. Also, an optional bladder tank increases the unit’s overall brine capacity to 2300L.

All spreader and sprayer functions are operated using the exclusive advanced StrikeSmart controller. Featuring a detailed color screen, the controller allows operators to customize virtually every aspect of their spreading sessions, such as adjusting vibrator settings, blast settings and much more. Also, the controller allows for exact material feed and spreading width settings (between 1 and 10m), and all systems can be calibrated from within the cab.

Using the GPS speed-control function, the spreader will automatically adjust the auger speed depending on vehicle speed to achieve consistent material delivery, while the manual mode allows for setting a fixed auger speed. The controller also automatically collects and saves essential data to a USB memory stick. Logging data 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this feature provides operators with spreading reports that can reduce potential liability issues – a benefit to both contractors and customers. Accessory buttons are built into the controller, making the actuation of any standard or optional accessories simple.

Another exclusive ability with the advanced controller is the optional adjustable spreading symmetry function. Typically only found on larger truck spreaders, this feature allows the operator to adjust the direction of material off of the spinner from the cab-mounted control. This is ideal when working in parking lots or when working on properties adjacent to other businesses, so the operator can ensure that material is only being directed onto a paying customer’s property and away from vehicles. An easy to understand graphic indicates the current direction of the material, which can be easily adjusted with the integrated dial.

For maximum control and observation of an equipment fleet, all IceStriker spreaders are compatible with Hilltip’s exclusive HTrack tracking software option. This allows for complete remote tracking and management of all software-installed spreaders from a computer, tablet or smartphone. One can monitor treatment routes, vehicle speed, GPS location and material usage in real-time. All of this information can then be used to generate PDF reports for the most detailed documentation. Also, the two-way GPRS communication channel allows application rates to be remotely set and adjusted for each customer’s site depending on weather conditions.

Other standard equipment on the IceStriker Combi Spreader includes a sealed, weather-resistant motor enclosure, automatic vibrator, integrated tie-down loops, top screen, pre-routed accessory wire for simplified light/rear camera installation and an inverted-V structure over the auger drive to reduce heavy start-up loads on the feed mechanism.

Additional accessory options include an LED work light, strobe lights, illuminated license plate kit, rear and indicator lights, legstand for more convenient storage/installation, end material alarm sensor on the spinner, tarp cover and an extended auger (+24-inches) for axle loading optimization. One can also choose to get the hopper in orange instead of the standard gray color.

Headquartered in Pietarsaari, Finland, Hilltip is a leading manufacturer of road maintenance equipment in Europe. With equipment designed and built in an area that averages at least six months of snowfall every year, Hilltip is known for its extreme durability and advanced technologies. For more information, contact Hilltip at +358 50 5983 026 or visit the website at www.hilltip.com.

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