Understanding spreader control valves

Manual Spreader Valves:

These valves have been around for a long time. They are usually installed in the cab, either at floor level or elevated with a tower. Most have an ON-OFF lever, and two knobs—one controls the feed rate and the other controls the spread pattern. Manual spreader valves are generally readily available and not overly expensive, making them a popular choice.

There are some downfalls with using manual spreader valves, one being its tendency to get hot during use. Depending on how it’s plumbed, it can radiate heat year-round. At times, they may even get too hot to touch and can burn exposed skin. They can also be noisy when used at low flow rates.

Another problem is that manual spreader valves do not evenly apply salt due to varying road speeds, and tend to leave piles of salt when the truck stops. A skilled driver can make adjustments to the feed rate during acceleration and deceleration by turning the valve off when they come to a stop, but this is a distraction to the driver and is seldom done consistently. This results in wasted salt, and wasted time, as the driver has to return for salt more frequently.

Electronic Spreader Valves:

There are two categories of electronic spreader valves: the first is a standalone spreader valve, in other words, running the conveyor and spinner only; and the second is a spreader control valve built into a complete electronically controlled central hydraulic system that also controls the front plow, hoist, and, if required, wing plow, scraper, or tow plow. For this discussion, we’ll focus on standalone circuits.

Most electronic spreader valves have ground speed orientation. One report by Clear Roads suggests that the salt savings more than pays for the added cost of electronic spreader valves. The more use the truck sees, the faster the cost difference is offset, often during a single season.

The second advantage is that there are no hydraulics in the cab with the driver. This makes the cab environment safer and more comfortable. This also cuts down on installation time as installers know it’s much easier to route wire to the cab of the truck than to hydraulic hose.

Electronic spreader valves can be used with any brand or type of stack valve (for cylinder functions) making them an easy retrofit on existing trucks.

What are the disadvantages of electronic spreader control systems?

If the truck is seldom used it will take longer to recoup for the cost difference. Since these are operated electronically, care must be taken to protect all of the electrical connections from salt and road spray. It is recommended to select a system that is equipped with valve enclosures to protect the connections. Because these valves are controlled electronically, some additional steps are required before putting the truck in service. You will need to match your speedometer to the electronic controller by driving the truck at a specified speed and pushing a button on the electronic controller supplied with the valve. This only needs to be done once. There may also be additional adjustment options depending on the brand you select such as: auger minimum and maximum; spinner minimum and maximum; retain settings; spinner blast or spinner pause. Make sure to discuss these options with your supplier.