Maintaining ice-free sidewalks is crucial for public safety during the winter months, and proactive ice control can prevent hazardous conditions before they develop. Whether for cities, contractors, or campuses, taking steps to prevent ice formation is a more efficient approach than reacting to it after the fact. Trackless Vehicles offers two key attachments that make proactive ice control easier: the Brine Sprayer and the Tow Behind Spreader.

The Brine Sprayer: Preventing Ice Before It Forms

One of the most effective ways to manage ice on sidewalks is to prevent it from forming altogether. The Brine Sprayer Attachment from Trackless allows municipalities and contractors to apply a liquid brine solution to sidewalks, which lowers the freezing point of water and inhibits ice formation. By coating sidewalks before snow or ice accumulates, this attachment can reduce the manual snow removal and de-icing agents needed later.

Above: The Brine Sprayer kit paired with the 150-gallon stainless steel water tank. Below: The Brine Sprayer kit on the 80-gallon water tank.

The Brine Sprayer Attachment can be mounted on either an 80-gallon poly water tank or a 150-gallon stainless steel water tank, offering flexibility depending on the size of the area being treated. For larger municipalities or campuses, the 150-gallon tank allows for fewer refills and longer operational time, while the 80-gallon tank is ideal for smaller properties or more precise applications.

Applying brine is particularly beneficial in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as university campuses or downtown areas, where preventing ice buildup can reduce the need for time-consuming snow and ice removal efforts. In addition, brine spraying can be highly cost-effective for contractors, as it allows them to proactively treat sidewalks before winter storms hit, reducing the need for emergency services. To learn more about our Brine Sprayer kits, watch this video.

Tow Behind Spreader: Maximizing Ice Control with Salt and Sand

When ice does form or when sidewalks need additional traction, the Tow Behind Spreader is an excellent tool to complement the Brine Sprayer. This attachment allows for the even distribution of materials such as salt or sand, which help to improve traction and further reduce the chances of slips and falls.

Above: The Tow Behind Spreader has a 1-yard capacity and a spread distance of up to 22 kilometres (14 miles).

The Tow Behind Spreader can be attached to the rear of the Trackless MT7 and used in combination with other attachments, such as a snow plow, allowing for efficient multitasking. By applying a traction material such as salt, sand or a combination of both immediately after clearing snow or treating sidewalks with brine, operators can ensure that sidewalks remain safe for longer periods, especially in colder climates where melting and refreezing cycles are common.

For municipalities responsible for large networks of sidewalks, this attachment allows for quick and efficient spreading over long distances. Contractors who manage multiple properties will also appreciate the ease of use and effectiveness of the Tow Behind Spreader, which helps them meet the needs of clients who require safe walkways throughout the winter.

The Benefits of Proactive Ice Control

Proactive ice control not only keeps sidewalks safe but also reduces the long-term wear and tear on surfaces. By using brine solutions, municipalities and contractors can minimize the need for heavy amounts of salt or sand, which can lead to corrosion and environmental damage over time.

Additionally, applying brine before ice forms ensures that walkways are protected from freezing rain or light snowfalls, reducing the time and effort needed for cleanup later. For busy public spaces like university campuses or city streets, this proactive approach helps ensure that sidewalks remain accessible and safe for pedestrians, even in the worst winter weather.

Customizable Solutions for Various Needs

Both the Brine Sprayer and Tow Behind Spreader can be used across a variety of environments:

  • Municipalities can apply brine to large sidewalk networks before storms, then follow up with the Tow Behind Spreader for targeted salt application in high-traffic areas.
  • Campuses benefit from the efficiency of these attachments, ensuring that walkways remain safe for students and faculty while minimizing maintenance costs.
  • Contractors can provide proactive ice control services to clients, reducing the need for emergency response and ensuring higher customer satisfaction.

Effective ice control is essential for maintaining safe and accessible sidewalks throughout the winter. By utilizing the Trackless Brine Sprayer and Tow Behind Spreader, municipalities, contractors, and campuses can take a proactive approach to winter sidewalk maintenance, saving time and resources while keeping walkways ice-free.