GroundsControl Products has a solution to quell hours of snow-clearing aggravation and back-breaking labor in freezing temperatures. The Blizzard Buddy is a versatile ground-driven machine that can spread sand, salt or de-icer designed to help clear snow and ice from any paved area.

"It is a multipurpose machine that is simple to operate," says company president Larry Middleton, adding the machine is a valuable asset to sports complexes, businesses, school campuses and hospitals.

The 750-MS mini-spreader can hold up to 1,750 pounds of sand/salt mixture or de-icer. It is built with mild steel and has a powder-coated paint finish and a spread width from 3 1/3 to 20 feet. Other features include rubber-cushioned hopper mounts, 2-inch square tubing frame, a 10-inch stainless steel spinner with disengage, a control cable with S-ring return, and a 1 7/8-inch ball hitch. A fitted cover is included.

The unit weighs approximately 300 pounds and is available with an optional 12-volt DC vibrator designed to simplify handling damp materials. Middleton says the vibrator ensures the spreading material is sifted through the unit so as not to block up the machine and stunt operation.

The 750-MS is also available with a de-icer shield designed specifically to help remove ice from sidewalks.