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

The post Hilltip Spreader Technology at University of Vermont’s campus 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.

The post Hilltip Introduces NEW IceStriker™ Electric Combi Spreaders appeared first on HillTip.

How to store your HILLTIP ICESTRIKER Spreader?

When Spring has arrived and the snow and ice are nothing but a memory, it is safe to say you won’t be needing your IceStriker salt spreaders anytime soon. When storing your IceStriker salt spreaders for the summer break, follow these steps to assure your equipment will be ready for the next season.

1. Unload the hopper. Back the vehicle up to a place where you want to deposit the material. Swing the spinner chute to an upright position and lock it in position with the pins. Detach the power supply to the spinner motor by separating the harness. Let the auger rotate until the hopper is empty.

2. Remove the Spreader from the vehicle using the lift/tie-down points.

3. Wash and rinse the entire unit with (cold) water only. If your unit is equipped with the HILLTIP Pre-Wet system, make sure the whole liquid system is properly cleaned.

4. Insert a good amount of grease into all bearing(s) by the nipples. If the bearing(s) seems to be in bad shape, contact your HILLTIP dealer in order to get replacement parts.

5. Clean and grease the pintle chain (for pintle-chain models). Check the length of the chain for broken or cracked welds where the pintles (cross bars) meet the chain. If the chain seems to be in bad shape, contact your HILLTIP dealer in order to get replacement parts.

6. Clean all exposed connectors and apply dielectric grease to them. Make sure you have the endcap kit H23361 available to apply after the grease treatment.

7. Remove the controller from the vehicle and store it in a clean, safe and dry place.

These simple steps will help ensure your sand and salt spreader is kept in good condition and ready for the next season when the temperature drops and it’s time once again to keep our communities safe on the roads.

If you are also putting your Snow Plows away, be sure to check out the blog Prepare your Snow Plow for Storage.

Wish you the best!

The post Prepare your spreader for storage appeared first on HillTip.

Under what conditions and with what risks in terms of material compatibility can disinfectants be used in our Spraystriker or Icestriker?

Normally our Spraystikers & Icestrikers are filled with salt brine solutions or water but right now many of them are spreading disinfections. In addition to their day-to-day business, our colleagues in charge had to deal with a large number of queries in the past few days concerning the material compatibility of a wide range of disinfectants. There are no official recommendations, so each authority decides independently whether and, if so, which substances will be used for their disinfecting areas.

Which substances can be used in Hilltip Spraystriker & Icestriker?

Most of our customers are using virucides or chlorine. Anyhow, when doing a closer examination of the material you quickly realises that at most the names are similar, but hardly any products are comparable with each other. We have realised that recommendations regarding material compatibility can only be made if the exact composition is known.

We are seeing pattern in the composition of the demanded active ingredients. We have divided the six most common active ingredients into three risk levels. The risk refers to possible damage to components as membranes or sealing rings.

Very low risk

• Alcohols
• Quaternary ammonium compounds

Low risk

• Aldehydes
• Amphoteric surfactants

Increased risk

• Active oxygen hydrogen peroxide (bleach)
• Active chlorine (sodium hypochlorite)

Basically all the mentioned components can be used, depending on the level of concentration. The tanks must be completely and sufficiently rinsed with fresh water after each operation, at the latest in the end of the day. In addition, virucides and biocides may require further action or precaution according the advise or regulation of the disinfectant manufacturer.

If you plan to use disinfectant in a Hilltip machine, please approach your contact person at Hilltip. We will be pleased to provide you with advice and support with regard to material compatibility and protect you from unpleasant surprises after use.

The post Fighting COVID-19 with Hilltip disinfection sprayers appeared first on HillTip.