The Advantage November 2018

ICE, ICE thriving
BABY
in
winter
conditions
As winter becomes more imminent there’s no reason
for your machines to hibernate. Cold and snowy
weather gives your equipment another opportunity
to earn its keep.
While the rest of Canada tends to think of British
Columbia as a near tropical oasis, the people who live
here know this isn’t reality. During the last decade,
even balmy Vancouver has seen a 30% increase
in snow accumulation. This year early snowfall has
been recorded across the province and the Farmers
Almanac is predicting snow for the Southern Region
throughout November and December. As the white
stuff falls from the sky and the ice begins to form
you’ll need to stratagize for its removal.
Adapting to the winter isn’t a big challenge. Many
companies simply add a blade to an existing skid
steer or track loader. An RTV can be set up with a
quick connect blade and a spreader for salting and
sanding icy surfaces.
The right options and attachments let you maximize
your machinery investment. As winter approaches
take the steps necessary to prepare so you don’t get
left out in the cold.
It’s become normal for municipalities to try and
institute Snow and Ice Control Policies that shift
liability onto homeowners and businesses with
sidewalks adjacent to their property. Slip and fall
lawsuits based on these policies are mostly an
inconvenience as they are often defeated in court.
There is however, no question about where liability
lies concerning clearing walkways and parking areas
on your property. This is your legal responsibility,
one that must be taken seriously. While clearing the
snow from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots
you need to be careful where you pile the removed
snow. Keep it out of travel lanes, storm drains, bus
pickup/drop-offs and most importantly don’t block
fire lanes and fire hydrants.
Most snow that falls across B.C is heavy and wet
and is best cleared using a blade. It can be a
challenge to understand each blade type and their
ideal application. Hydraulically angled blades are an
ideal fit for parking lots while a split blade allows for
variable widths and is ideal for walkways.
Over the past few years the threat of snow has helped
landscaping companies round out their traditionally
seasonal services with new winter offerings. Snow
and ice removal contracts help keep business brisk.
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