De-icing sprayer includes a host features for more efficient brine spraying.

Some new product news from Hilltip in time for the 2022-23 winter season. The Findland-based snow and ice equipment manufacturer, which entered the North American market in 20202, announced it now offers its SprayStriker 2600 sprayer for de-icing and anti-icing applications and claims it's the "most efficient truck-mounted brine sprayer on the market."

Here are some specs about the SprayStriker 2600 to help back up that claim:

And like all SprayStriker sprayers, the 2600 includes Hilltip’s exclusive HTrack tracking software. This system, according to Hilltip, offers the industry’s only two-way GPRS capability. This allows users to create work sites, set customized application rates, monitor drivers, and document all activities remotely using a computer, smartphone or tablet. The unique technology offers unmatched benefits for both managers and drivers in the winter maintenance business. Other standard features of the SprayStriker 2600 include a 2-inch camlock inlet for filling the sprayer, an additional rinse tank for cleaning the spray system after each use, and built-in tie-down straps for strapping the unit to the truck. It is also equipped with an accessory wire for powering the optional beacon light. Other options include a manual spray nozzle with a 40-foot hose reel, adjustable leg stands, and solenoids on the end nozzles. Mike Zawacki is editor of Snow Magazine.

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Equal parts bulldozer and loader, Case has unleashed the Minotaur DL55 compact dozer loader. But does this new piece of hardware make sense for your snow ops?

There’s a monster roaming the equipment yard, and it may be one snow and ice management contractors shouldn’t fear. Case has uncaged the Minotaur DL55 compact dozer loader, a first of its kind hybrid of a bulldozer and compact loader the heavy-equipment manufacturer says is equipped with 21 patents and field tested for more than 10,000 hours. And while Greek legend describes the Minotaur as a half man-half bull mythical beast, Case’s engineering gods seem to have been conjuring a jobsite creature packed with both power and ample amounts of operating finesse and versatility. Here are some of the Minotaur's key features Case is touting:

In addition, Case has populated its website with a ton of Minotaur product specs and performance videos, including an 11-part concept-to-dealership series. You can get a deeper look at the Minotaur and form your own opinion HERE  and HERE. So, does the Minotaur make sense for the average snow and ice management contractor? Well, contractors engaged in construction or landscaping in the warmer months will have the opportunity to release the Minotaur from its labyrinth. Case has nearly 30 of its own attachments contractors can draw from for any number of tasks, including brooms, buckets and blades for winter snow and ice management. And combined with the nearly endless number of non-Case attachments on the market, this adds ample amounts of versatility and potential. However, if you’re a snow only operation, the Minotaur’s power may be tempting, but it’s anticipated price tag may not make budgetary sense for equipment that’ll be idle during the warmer months of the year. Regardless, the Minotaur is worth checking out either online or in person at your local dealer. And it’ll be interesting to see how competitors react and how soon they’ll be bringing their own monsters to market.

Mike Zawacki is editor of Snow Magazine.

Contributing editor and State of Salt columnist Rob English shares some of the trends he’s observing that may impact snow and ice management professionals.