Hilltip debuts industry first electric

The new Hilltip SprayStriker HFE Series de-icing sprayers feature the industry’s first electric-driven high-flow pumps.

Available with tank capacities from 1,900 to 12,300 litres, the HFE (Hi-Flow Electric) series includes the largest sprayers in Hilltip’s SprayStriker lineup.

Designed for municipalities and large contractors, the new models offer a high-performance and environmentally friendly solution for winter maintenance.

HFE series sprayers include dual high-flow pumps and flow metres to instantly pump exact application rates on demand. As there is no bypass system, energy requirements are significantly reduced, and the units can be fully powered by the vehicle’s electrical system. As a result, the HFE series is zero emission and does not require the truck to be equipped with a central hydraulic system.

“Liquids are the future of winter maintenance,” said Craig Sandmann, Managing Director for Hilltip. “They can reduce salt usage by up to 75 per cent, which has a huge impact on cost savings and the environment. We’ve taken this approach to the next level with the high-flow SprayStriker HFE series, which is simple, reliable and zero emission. Combine these benefits with our innovative HTrack software, and you have the most advanced de-icing system available today.”

Although electric, the HFE series is capable of high output for efficient ice management. The standard 12-volt models are capable of spray volumes up to 57-litres per minute. A 24-volt kit is available for producing spray volumes up to 114 litres per minute.

The HFE series comes standard with Hilltip’s exclusive HTrack tracking software, which offers two-way GPRS capability, allowing users to create work sites, set customized application rates, monitor drivers and document all activities remotely using a computer, smartphone or tablet.

In the cab, operators can monitor and manually adjust the sprayer settings through a user-friendly colour screen controller.

When entering a jobsite, the operator can simply press a button to load customized application rates. The pump will then automatically adjust flow rates while the operator focuses on driving. The controller collects important jobsite data, which is uploaded to the HTrack portal via Wi-Fi or cellular connection. This data can be used to generate reports for client billing or to provide appropriate documentation for slip-and-fall claims.

Other standard features include a poly tank with an LED work light and beacon warning light, as well as a powder-coated stainless-steel frame.

The two-lane, 2.3-metre-wide spray bar is equipped with double spray and side nozzles. For operator convenience, the sprayers have a self-loading design and pump-out feature with a 7.5-cm camlock connection. The dual high-flow pumps, motors, valves and CPU units are protected inside an easy-access stainless-steel cabinet for superior reliability and serviceability.

A manual de-icing hose reel, leg stand and three-lane spray bar are optional equipment.

As well, Industrial Truck Beds by Hilltip has introduced an Interchangeable Winter Maintenance Bed for use with interchangeable-style truck bodies. Compatible with all major brands of cable-hoist truck body systems, the new bed offers several performance advantages for winter maintenance professionals, in addition to the increased efficiency of using an interchangeable system.

“Hilltip’s recent acquisition of Industrial Truck Beds has created some synergies between the two companies, and the new Winter Maintenance Bed is a perfect example of what we can do together,” Sandmann said.

“Our expertise in winter maintenance, combined with Industrial Truck Beds’ experience in truck bodies has allowed us to develop a superior interchangeable bed for winter applications.”

A key feature of the Winter Maintenance Bed is a rear cutout to better fit and protect a salt spreader chute. This specialized design allows the spreader to be mounted closer towards the front of the truck, resulting in improved weight distribution and shorter overall length. De-icing sprayers also fit well on the Winter Maintenance Bed.

During the off-season, hinged stand-up legs allow the bed to be dismounted with the spreader still installed. The legs are fully boxed and painted for superior durability. If a spreader is not permanently installed, the bed can be dismounted without the legs using the included roll-off kit.

The Winter Maintenance Bed comes with integrated, 360-degree rope rings for strapping down a spreader or any other equipment. It does not have a bulkhead, helping to improve visibility.

Available in 3.3 to 5-metre lengths and 2 to 2.6. metre widths, the Winter Maintenance Bed can be ordered with steel or 304 stainless-steel deck construction. A36 structural-steel channel cross members provide maximum strength.