Laura Rose is a writer for Akomplice, a Marketing Company and Marketing Technology Agency located in Salt Lake City, Utah.
When winter storms hit, keeping roads, driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots clear of snow and ice is very important for safety and travel. Operating in Utah for more than 40 years, Kilgore Landscape Center has products like ice melt salt and bulk road salt that can be used in tailgate spreaders to distribute products quickly and evenly. Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, business owner, DIY kind of person, or municipal worker in Salt Lake City, knowing how to use tailgate spreaders efficiently can save time, effort, and resources during icy conditions.
1. Choose the Right Tailgate Spreader
Choosing the correct spreader is critical for efficiency and even salt distribution.
- Type of Tailgate Spreader: Tailgate spreaders come in manual, gravity-fed, and electric or hydraulic models. Small properties can manage with manual or gravity-fed spreaders, while larger areas benefit from electric or hydraulic options.
- Material and Durability: Salt is corrosive, so choose corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or polyethylene hoppers for longevity.
- Capacity: Larger spreaders reduce refill times, ideal for parking lots or roads. Smaller spreaders suit residential driveways and sidewalks.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Make sure your vehicle, ATV, or tractor works with the spreader type you choose.
2. Use the Right Salt Product for the Job
Not all salt works the same in winter conditions. Selecting the proper product improves performance and cost-effectiveness. “Tailgate salt spreaders can handle any type of material, including bulk salt, sand, and salt/sand mix,” according to the Kentucky Transportation Center.
- Bulk Road Salt: Affordable and effective at temperatures above 15°F, traditional road salt is ideal for large areas like roads and parking lots.
- Ice Melt Salt: Products such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride work in extreme cold (down to -20°F) and melt ice faster.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Use pet-safe and plant-safe ice melt salt products if you need to protect landscaping or minimize environmental impact.
- Salt Particle Size: Choose salt with a uniform size that won’t clog your spreader or spread unevenly.
Find bulk road salt, eco-friendly options, and ice melt salt at Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center.
3. Prepare the Spreader Before Use
Proper preparation ensures your spreader operates smoothly:
- Inspect and Clean: Check for damage, rust, or mechanical issues before use.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Protect components like augers and chains from salt corrosion by applying lubrication.
- Adjust Settings: Calibrate the flow rate and spread pattern to ensure even application.
- Load Carefully: Avoid overloading the hopper, and break up clumped salt to prevent blockages.
4. Application Techniques for Even Distribution
Proper application reduces waste and increases effectiveness:
- Drive at the Right Speed: Vehicle speed affects spread rate and coverage. Consult your manual for best results.
- Overlap Passes: Slightly overlap each pass to eliminate untreated gaps.
- Adjust Spread Width: For narrow areas like sidewalks, reduce the spread width to avoid wasting salt.
- Avoid Over-Application: Use only as much salt as needed to melt ice without harming surfaces or vegetation.
- Timing Matters: Apply salt before ice forms or after plowing to target remaining patches.
5. Using Landscaping Sand for Traction
Landscaping sand is a practical option when traction is a higher priority than melting ice.
- Why Use Sand?: Sand doesn’t melt ice but improves grip on icy surfaces. It’s useful for steep driveways, walkways, and areas needing immediate traction with products like bulk road salt and ice melt salt.
- Keep Sand Dry: Moisture causes clumping, so store sand in a dry place and keep the hopper covered.
- Sand and Salt Mix: Combine landscaping sand with salt for dual benefits—the salt melts ice while sand provides traction.
- Environmental Benefits: Sand is non-corrosive and won’t harm plants, concrete, or soil, making it an eco-friendly alternative.
6. Safety Tips for Salt and Sand Application
Safety should always be a priority:
- Wear gloves, goggles, and warm clothing for protection.
- Use backup cameras or spotters when visibility is obstructed by the spreader.
- Ensure vehicle lights and signals remain visible.
- Drive and walk cautiously on slippery surfaces to avoid accidents.
Final Thoughts
Tailgate spreaders make winter ice control efficient and effective. By selecting the right spreader, preparing it properly, and mastering application techniques, you can keep surfaces safe throughout the winter. Whether you’re managing a residential driveway or a large commercial space, Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center has the ice melt salt, bulk road salt, and landscaping sand you need to get the job done.
Visit us at 7961 S 1300 W, West Jordan, UT 84088, or call (801) 561-4231 for expert advice and high-quality winter products.
