If you are thinking of branching out into the world of snow clearance and gritting, then the IceTiger should be of interest. This is the top-of-the-range offering in the Amazone municipal line-up.

KEEPING IT BRIEF

  • A rubber belt actively conveys the material from the hopper to the spreading disc.
  • Optional tanks can be used for carrying brine.
  • Base machine costs £16,091.

Amazone’s IceTiger spreader range comprises two basic models with different hopper sizes: the 380-litre IceTiger S and the IceTiger 30 with a 1,000-litre hopper that can be increased to 1,900 litres by fitting extensions. Both models feature a hydraulically driven belt floor.

The hydraulically driven belt floor ensures a consistent flow of material.

Up to 8.0m

This belt feed system is sourced from the trailed bulk spreaders. The 235mm wide belt has infinitely variable speed control, but, to achieve the minimum range, it uses a 1:3 ratio intermediate gearbox. This means with the W2 spreading disc you can achieve a working width of 2.0 to 8.0m without any other changes regardless of the material being broadcast. The minimum application rate is 5g/m² for salt and ranges up to 80g/m² for salt or 300g/m² for coarse grit. The rate is changed by adjusting the speed of the belt and disc. 

The drop-point onto the spreading disc is adjusted by the user electrically. This allows the spreading pattern to be shifted so the fan is symmetrical, or if you are working on a narrowing road it can be asymmetrical to the right or left side. The oil requirement for the spreader’s drive is 25 up to a maximum of 45 l/min, depending on the material being put out and the working width. The IceTiger needs a constant pressure from the spool and a free return line.

The entire base assembly, including the spreading disc, is manufactured from stainless steel.

Stainless and painted steel

Before the material reaches the spreading disc, a chain curtain breaks up any remaining lumps of salt. To protect against corrosion, the chain curtain, spreading disc, deflector shield and the entire base assembly are made of stainless steel. The hopper itself is fabricated from painted steel and is open at the bottom for easy cleaning. 

All of the screw connections are fitted with rubberised washers to better protect the paintwork. With the optional storage wheels you can also unhitch the loaded spreader (800kg permissible load per wheel), so the spreader is ready to go.

Trend towards brine

According to Amazone, there is a trend in some countries for machines that can spread both granular material and brine due to the latter improving the de-icing effect. Overall, it can reduce the amount of salt required by around 20% when used in combination. 

Two optional brine tanks are integrated at the front of the spreader to help keep the weight close to the host tractor.

Amazone offers the FS30 brine add-on kit for the S300 (total granular capacity is then limited to 1,300 litres). With its two 250-litre brine tanks, the total on-board capacity is 30% brine, 70% granular. For optimal weight distribution, the brine tanks are mounted on the tapered front of the hopper. For filling, the brine tanks come with a standardised connection and an automatic switch-off with overflow monitoring. 

A nozzle between the belt floor and the spreading disc sprays the brine mix onto the salt, so that the disc can broadcast the wet salt mix. The flow and application rate is monitored by the FlowCheck radar sensor, which Amazone already uses on its fertiliser spreaders.

Operational readiness also plays a key role in the use of brine: an emergency function can be activated by turning a screw on the control chest so that the spreader can also be used manually should the electronics fail. 

The spreader is ISObus-compatible; the Amatron 4 ISObus terminal can also be used.

Options for operation

Amazone offers a handy choice of operating systems for the IceTiger: the machine is ISObus-compatible, so it can be operated either via the tractor display or by its own Amatron 4 terminal. The simpler EasySet 2 control box is also available. 

IceTiger operation is basically divided into four main areas: spreading, filling, emptying residual material and documentation. The functionality also comprises a programmable pull-off ramp, which ensures the application rate is maintained when pulling away. There are two optional cameras for monitoring the machine: one rear-facing and one viewing the inside of the illuminated hopper — very convenient. 

Documentation requirements are met by a DIN RS 232 interface. This also transmits machine data and error prompts any depot management system.

Other details

  • A working width of 1.0m-6.0m is possible with the W1 spreading disc.
  • Main grease points are grouped in four positions.
  • LED lighting includes optional red work lights which improve the contrast between the road salt and the white ground.
  • Amazone and Bema have had a strategic sales partnership since last year, so that complete packages with snow blades or sweeping brushes are available, albeit this is only in Germany.

Lucas Colsman

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