1. Vehicle Base: a. Chassis: Ford F550 or equivalent heavy-duty extended cab truck chassis suitable for snowplow and salt tank add-ons b. Engine: Equipped with a high-horsepower gasoline engine comparable to the Ford F550 (typically around 330–450 horsepower). c. Payload/towing capacity of at least 10,000 lbs. d. 4-wheel drive 2. Snowplow Blade: a. Heavy-duty steel construction with a corrosion-resistant coating b. Width: Standard plow width ranges from 8 to 10 feet c. Hydraulic System: Powerful hydraulic system to control the blade’s angle and height 3. Salt and Brine Tank: a. Material: Rust-resistant stainless steel or durable polyethylene b. Capacity: 750-1000 gallons c. Brine Mixing System: An integrated system for creating the brine mixture, typically involving a pump, agitator, and brine concentration control d. Inlet/outlet ports and access points for inspection e. Safety features: vents, overflow protection, pressure relief valves, and proper labeling f. Mounted and secured to truck bed 4. Material Compatibility: a. The materials used in the spreader mechanism should be compatible with brine, which is a mixture of salt and water 5. Adjustable Spreader Settings: a. Ensure that the spreader mechanism is adjustable to accommodate both dry salt and brine. This may include adjustable settings for the discharge rate and spread pattern 6. Spreader Mechanism: a. Spreader Type: Tailgate spreader b. Material: Stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance c. Capacity: Adjustable, with a minimum capacity of several hundred pounds of salt 7. Controls: a. In-Cabin Controls: Ergonomic and user-friendly controls for the plow blade and salt spreader b. Electronic Control Unit (ECU): Integrated electronic control system for precise operation 8. Safety Features: a. Lighting: High-visibility lighting for safe operation in low-visibility conditions b. Safety Markings: Reflective striping and warning signs for enhanced safety 9. Storage and Accessibility: a. Tool Storage: Compartments for storing snow removal tools and equipment b. Accessibility: Easy access to the salt and brine tank for refilling 10. Comfort and Convenience: a. Comfortable cabin with climate control for long hours of operation b. GPS Navigation: Integration of GPS for accurate route tracking and snow management 11. Maintenance: a. Easy maintenance access points for routine checks and repairs b. Hydraulic System: Hydraulic system should be designed for durability and ease of maintenance 12. Environmental Considerations: a. Emissions: Ensure compliance with local emissions standards b. Fuel Efficiency: Strive for fuel-efficient engine options 13. Optional Features: a. Snow Wing Extensions: Extendable plow wings for wider coverage b. Deicing System: Additional deicing equipment for more efficient snow and ice removal
