Frequently asked questions (We will try to add to this page regularly so it becomes a useful source of information)

How much salt do I need to use?
What vehicle do I need to push a snowplough?
What is pre-wetting?

How much salt do I need to use? - The simple answer to that is "almost always less than you think". The British Standard (BS1622 (1989) suggest that for precautionary treatment (before a frost) should be 10 g/m². It takes less salt to prevent ice from forming than it does to thaw ice once it has formed. For areas where a frost has already formed it is recommended that you apply the salt at 25 g/m² & prior to a snowfall it is best to get a layer of salt down under the snow so you should spread at 40 g/m². If you weigh out 10 g/m² (or even 40g/m²) and then measure out a square metre you will be surprised at how little salt it appears to be, but that amount is sufficient. We have all often seen thick carpets of salt being spread by people with shovels in town centres etc, in the winter, this is far more than is needed and it only wastes money, damages the local plant life and is troden into the carpets of shops and homes.

What vehicle do I need to push a snowplough? - The forces involved in pushing a snowplough are quite considerable so you need to choose a vehicle which has a strong chassis or frame. As you will, by definition, be clearing snow when it is cold and icy, you will need a vehicle with good traction. For this reason Tractors are probably the best vehicles available to push snow as they are very compact and manoeuvrable as well as having excellent traction. Some 4x4 or 6x4 Lorries are also very good although, having said that, we also fit to some 4x2 two wheel drive vehicles but these will not generally be as good as their four wheel drive equivalents.

What is pre-wetting? - Pre-wetting is the practice of adding a liquid (Usually a 20 - 23% brine solution) to the salt before it is spread onto the road. There are a number of advantages in using pre-wetting in that the salt starts to act more quickly. The salt 'stick' to the road better so less is likely to be blown away, either by wind or the passage of cars.