Calibration Accuracy of Manual and
Ground-Speed-Control Spreaders
Start Date: October 2005
End Date: September 30, 2008
Investigator: Blackburn and Associates
Problem
Although ground speed control has been used on snow plow and salt spreader trucks in place of manual spreaders since the mid-1990s, the accuracy of the equipment has never been determined.
Objective
Document controller settings, actual salt usage and prewetting rate information from trucks with various types of controller units during winter storm events.
Guidelines to help snow plow operators establish and maintain accurate calibration of ground speed controllers, resulting in reduced salt usage and improved efficiency.
Final Report
Final report
(1.5 MB)
Report brief
(224 KB)
This project includes development of a step-by-step calibration guide for use by field staff responsible for equipment calibration. The guide will be complete by September 30, 2008.