Multiple Blade Plow Prototypes
The Clear Roads winter maintenance research program initiated and funded the development of innovative prototype snowplows capable of tackling a range of winter road conditions with the use of multiple blades. Four different models were delivered to five different states for pilot testing, data gathering and field observations during the 2008-2009 winter. Testing will continue during the 2009-2010 winter.
See video footage and photos of the prototype plows below. If you have any questions about this project, please contact the Iowa DOT:
Jim Dowd at (515) 239-1724 or Jim.Dowd@dot.iowa.gov
Plow Photos
Flink Plow
Henderson Plow
Henke Plow
Monroe Plow
Quad Camera for Recording Plows in Operation
Plows in action
Iowa-built prototype – 2007
Iowa-built prototype (slow motion) – 2007
Slush blade removing water – Iowa-built prototype – 2007
Road before and after - courtesy of Indiana DOT – 2009
Slush Blade Operation - 2010
Flink Plow
The Flink plow was tested in Iowa. The multiple blade plow included a flexible edge (Polar Flex) and a rubber squeegee blade. A scarifier blade was fabricated but not installed.
Flink Company - www.flinkco.com
Contact
Dan Rohde at danr@flinkco.com
(click on picture for further detail)
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| Left side view | Right side view | Flink plow right side | Polar flex cutting edge |
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| Polar flex left side |
Henderson Plow
The Henderson plow was tested in Minnesota. The multiple blade plow included a flexible cutting edge (ABAS - Active Blade Adapter System) and a rubber slush blade.
Henderson Truck Equipment - www.henderson-mfg.com
Contact
Mark Hollinrake at mhollinrake@henderson-mfg.com
(click on picture for further detail)
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| Side view | Front view | Back view | Hitch lift |
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| Plowing parking lot |
Henke Plow
Henke Manufacturing fabricated two multiple blade snow plows for this project. One plow was tested in Indiana while the other was tested in Ohio. Both plows consisted of a flexible front blade (designed by Henke Manufacturing), a scarifier blade (using the Olofsfors P300 blade) and a rubber slush blade.
Henke Manufacturing Corporation - www.henkemfg.com
Contact
Steve Kullberg at skullberg@henkemfg.com
(click on picture for further detail)
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| Side view | Right side | Rear view | Hitch lift |
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| Hitch |
Monroe Plow
The Monroe Truck Equipment plow was tested in Wisconsin. The plow was equipped with carbide blades on a flexible cutting edge ABAS (Active Blade Adapter system), a scarifier blade (Olofsfors P300) to rough up the surface, a rubber slush blade and a cylinder set up to adjust the attack angle of the cutting edge from the cab. This adjustable moldboard allows the operator to change the angle of the cutting edge when needed to cut hard packed snow and ice from the roadway.
Monroe Truck Equipment - www.monroetruck.com
Contact
Don Gerber at dgerber@monroetruck.com
(click on picture for further detail)
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| Left side rear view of multiple blades | Right side view | Right side rear view of multiple blades | Close up view of multiple blades |
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| Moldboard rotating cylinder |
Quad Camera for Recording Plows in Operation
Each state was furnished a mobile DVR and a set of four cameras to monitor the plow and road conditions. Each state will record the plow in operation and the videos will be posted on this web site as they become available.
Cameras Purchased from Brigade Electronics - www.reverseinsafety.co.uk
Contact Jack Woginrich at jack.woginrich@brigade-inc.com
(click on picture for further detail)
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| Quad camera monitor screen | Mobile DVR to record plow in operation | Four camera images being monitored and recorded | Camera mounted to monitor salt covering auger in dump box |
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| Camera mounted to monitor and record road ahead of truck | Camera mounted on rear of truck to monitor road behind truck and spinner | Camera mounted on front wing post to monitor plow in operation |