Hilltip’s New StrikeSmart PLUS Controller Uses Real-Time Data to Guide, Automate Winter Maintenance Decisions
Hilltip has updated its HTrack system with the new StrikeSmart PLUS controller, available for the company’s line of winter maintenance spreaders and sprayers. Featuring an easy-to-use 8.7-inch touchscreen, the new control system monitors real-time weather forecasts and surface conditions and then recommends the ideal materials and spread rates for effective ice management. It also automates equipment settings to ensure the proper material rates are applied. As a result, this exclusive technology allows winter maintenance professionals to control ice with an unprecedented level of confidence, efficiency and precision.
The StrikeSmart PLUS controller works in conjunction with Hilltip’s TempStriker sensor, which continually monitors variables like temperature, humidity and surface conditions. It also assesses up-to-the-minute weather forecasts tailored to the driver’s location. The system analyzes the combined data and recommends the appropriate application rate for the job according to current and forecasted conditions. It can also suggest the most effective materials to use, such as granular salt, sand, pre-wetted salt or liquid brine.
If the recommended rates are accepted, the spreader and/or sprayer will automatically adjust its settings according to vehicle speed to achieve the target rate precisely and consistently across the property being managed. As a result, drivers can focus on safe driving without the distraction of modifying equipment settings. Efficiency is also maximized by eliminating over- and under-applying material.
“Many winter maintenance professionals aren’t confident in which materials to spread and at what rates, especially when it comes to liquids,” said Craig Sandmann, North American Sales/Operations for Hilltip. “Our StrikeSmart PLUS controller eliminates the guesswork with automated, science-based recommendations using real-time weather forecasting and road condition monitoring. This game-changing technology is like having a digital road scout, ensuring you always apply the right amount of material for the current situation.”
The SprayStriker PLUS controller is optional for Hilltip’s line of IceStriker™ spreaders and SprayStriker sprayers.
Headquartered in Pietarsaari, Finland, Hilltip is a leading manufacturer of road maintenance equipment in Europe. For more information, visit www.hilltipna.com.
About the Author
Michael Roth
Editor
Michael Roth has covered the equipment rental industry full time for RER since 1989 and has served as the magazine’s editor in chief since 1994. He has nearly 30 years experience as a professional journalist. Roth has visited hundreds of rental centers and industry manufacturers, written hundreds of feature stories for RER and thousands of news stories for the magazine and its electronic newsletter RER Reports. Roth has interviewed leading executives for most of the industry’s largest rental companies and manufacturers as well as hundreds of smaller independent companies. He has visited with and reported on rental companies and manufacturers in Europe, Central America and Asia as well as Mexico, Canada and the United States. Roth was co-founder of RER Reports, the industry’s first weekly newsletter, which began as a fax newsletter in 1996, and later became an online newsletter. Roth has spoken at conventions sponsored by the American Rental Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, California Rental Association and other industry events and has spoken before industry groups in several countries. He lives and works in Los Angeles when he’s not traveling to cover industry events.