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www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation October 2014 23 LI EffIcIEncy. SImpLIcIty. fLExIbILIty. Beyond developing purpose-built equipment, manufacturers have taken additional steps to integrate their sprayers with other tools in the contractor's toolbox. For instance, some pre- wetting tanks on the market work seamlessly with the spreader to efficiently pre-treat salt before it is spread. On some of the more sophisticated systems, the sprayer controller can sync with the spreader controller to calculate and automatically apply the ideal amount of brine according to the material feed rate. Additionally, the nozzles are designed to spray brine onto the salt just before it hits the spinner (the most uniform way to apply brine). Innovative features like these reduce material usage as much as possible, leading to increased profits for the contractor. Not all spreaders on the market are offered with compatible pre-wetting systems, so it's a good idea to verify this feature with the dealer before purchasing a new unit. Even if a pre-wetting system isn't going to be installed immediately, having the option to add on later is beneficial. Through efforts such as these advanced pre-wetting systems, the goal for manufacturers is to develop equipment that's efficient, simple and flexible. Efficiency will help contractors protect themselves from skyrocketing material costs and make more money. Simplicity will help take some of the complexity out of liquid applications. And flexibility will help contractors customize their operations to better serve their clients. For instance, imagine being able to easily switch out nozzles, booms, pumps and tanks as needed on a sprayer, rather than having to replace the whole unit. That's the future of liquid application and specialty equipment. Despite how easy companies make the equipment, there is still a considerable amount of education needed to operate it. So, in addition to new product launches, the industry can expect to see more comprehensive offerings from leading manufacturers, including specialized training and enhanced customer support. In essence, manufacturers will become more of a one-stop shop to help answer questions and ease the adoption of liquid applications. fuLL StEam ahEad As more contractors begin using brine for anti-icing, pre-wetting and de-icing, it's important to remember that liquid applications will never replace the traditional salt spreader. Instead, sprayers and other brine-handling equipment will eventually become another essential tool in the toolbox, just like snow plows, blowers, brooms and other equipment that are already standard in today's snow and ice management fleets. Even though the recent salt shortage has brought more attention to this trend, the industry still has a long way to go before reaching full acceptance among contractors. As this trend unfolds, manufacturers will play a key role in making it happen, so stay tuned for new product announcements and other offerings that will help move liquid applications full steam ahead. Barry Truan is vice president of marketing at SnowEx www. snowexproducts.com.