TECHNICAL CORNER - Q&A
Technical Corner appears in each issue of Facility Forum as an information exchange highlighting issues affecting facility operations.
VOLUME 18 Issue 4
Q. The tires on the Zamboni on R-978 are very bouncy. They compress a lot and bounce when we are flooding the ice and turning. We have checked the tires and they are only rated to a maximum of 44 psi. The tires are also only 3 ply tires. Can you please check if we can exceed the 44 psi and put 60 psi in the tires?
A. The recommended tire inflation on an ice resurfacer is set by the manufacturer for two reasons 1) weight of the vehicle - as a fully loaded unit with water will often exceed 10,000+lbs; and 2) traction capability (proper tire inflation will ensure the studs and tire pattern are providing a maximum grip on the ice.)
I have researched this issue in the past and the manufacturer always trumps industry best practice; so in this case who is the right manufacturer the tire company or the ice resurfacer company? When I contacted a tire manufacturer they explained the difference in ply ratings and what the primary inflation recommendation usually meant. Much like on personal vehicles tire pressure is set for best fuel rating. Depending on the type of vehicle and its intended use (i.e. a truck hauling wood or a travel trailer) we might over inflate the tire to take the increased load.
Today's tires are designed to safely take an increase in tire pressure to ensure the best tire performance for its intended application. I am confident that the ice resurfacer company has dialogue with the tire manufacturer to ensure that their recommended tire inflation (exceeding) is acceptable for the type and style of tire for that particular make and model of equipment.
When replacing any resurfacer tire it is important to purchase from a recognized tire manufacturer. Additionally, proper disposal of old tires will ensure they do not end up on a personal passenger vehicle at the end of their life. When an ice resurfacer tire requires replacing usually less than 30% wear has actually occurred on the tire - it is the stud capability that has most often maxed-out.
If the tires are original and if the ice resurfacer unit’s operation manual or posted equipment sticker recommends a higher inflation rating it would be a reasonable to consideration. If truly in doubt, contact ZAMBONI at (519)758-5000 for further guidance and clarification.
Q. Is it common practice to reseal a concrete floor pad for an ice surface? If so, how often should this occur?
A. Concrete sealer is used on floors that are poured much like a typical home garage – better choices are trap rock shake or best being trap rock – it looks like marble. Concrete requires a sealer or the concrete will breakdown releasing dust into the air and/or wear down the floor...
First you have to determine what type of finish you have. Second, you will need to determine if any sealer has been applied to the finish because you have to choose one that is compatible to the original or it may react.
Although minimal, facility managers must be cautioned that any substance applied to the concrete may result in a “thermal break” between the original concrete and the “ice”. Potentially causing “poor bonding and heat transfer conditions”.
Type of surface finish - The actual type of finish that is in place can also add to the challenges of painting concrete. Ground monolithic is the supreme surface offering a smooth durable finish; trap rock shake and plain trowel finish will both have related challenges to paint installations? Further, a caution is extended to any surface that has had a sealer applied to help control erosion and keep dust in-check. These sealers may also interact with any paint being applied.
Note – Always seek professional advice prior to installing any paint on concrete is strongly recommended
Q. Does anyone allow the use of Steering Assist or Brodie Knobs on the steering wheels of an ice resurfacer?
A. An ice resurfacer does not fall under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and therefore the installation of these devices is permitted. I contacted Zamboni and they advised that the knob is standard equipment but is easily removed if the owner/operator does not want the device. Resurfice (Olympia) offers it as an add-on option. Most rinks leave it to operator preference.
Q. We have several artificial outdoor ice rinks. Is there any difference in maintaining outdoor ice surfaces?
A. Keeping in mind that the ice resurfacer is not a snow blower, outdoor ice maintenance is much the same as ice maintenance for an indoor rink, with a few cautionary notes. If the maintenance is to be performed on natural ice like a river or lake, it is important to remember that the weight of a fully loaded ice resurfacer is (10,000 lbs. or more) this significant load will need a minimum of 9-inches of quality ice. Moving the ice resurfacer to an outdoor rink will be limited to the requirement of the Highway Traffic Act and your personal accountability if an accident were to occur. Anytime an ice resurfacer is used outdoors it will contact dirt, salt etc. therefore the unit will require additional cleaning to ensure the dirt is not brought onto an indoor ice surface. For further information on recommended best practice for outdoor ice maintenance Review the ORFA resource Suggested Guidelines for Outdoor Ice Maintenance. Visit the Facilities Library www.orfa.com
Creating and maintaining outdoor ice takes on many of the same scientific principles as indoor ice. Understanding the “environment”, having the right equipment and following a plan are essential to providing a good outdoor ice surface
QUICK FACTS FOR OUTDOOR ICE MAINTENANCE
Applying lights sprays of water that quickly freeze when it meets the frozen surface is the best ice creation practice. Applying vast amounts of standing water should be avoided as this water will trap air during the freezing process creating a less dense sheet of ice that will not endure a warm spell in the weather.
Too much water will also create “shell ice” – ice much like a frozen puddle, ice on top trapping air beneath. If this occurs the area needs to be completely scraped away and rebuilt using the method outlined in the first bullet.
Applying too much water in extreme cold condition will create “ice boils” that cause cracks and heaves as the water freezes too quickly;
The hose may seem to have cold water in it but in fact it is warmer then the ice being created – keep the hose moving to avoid creating indents in the sheet of ice, and it will further help keep the water from freezing in the hose
Applying water while it is snowing or if there is a layer of snow on the ice will cause the ice to be rippled or bumpy – avoid applying water when it is snowing; scrape away snow on the surface with a sharp tool or; consider using warm water to flood.
Outdoor ice has the equivalent legal requirements as an indoor facility – breaches by staff or volunteers may result in litigation
Ponds, lakes or rivers that are commonly used for community sports should be checked daily for thickness regardless of historical use.
Outdoor ice facilities require pre-season inspections, regular logged checks and ongoing, planned maintenance and upkeep schedules to be created and implemented.
Ice resurfacers can weigh anywhere from 7 - 12,000 lbs and have been known to break through ice.
Ice resurfacers may not be regulated to operate on local roadways
Changing weather patterns must have owners/operators of outdoor ice facilities prepared to respond to constantly changing ice conditions.
[SOURCE: ORFA Ice Maintenance & Equipment Operation]
