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Electric Motors on V-Box Spreaders

I am curious about the durability of electric motors used on V-Box spreaders. Are they as strong as the gas models? Do they hold up to the corrosive environment? If I wash down the unit and water gets around the motor will I have issues? How do I know if a manufacturer is using a good electric motor? I mean, I know what a Briggs is or what a Honda is - but what is a good brand of electric motors? Thanks in advance for any help on this.

Tags: Briggs, DeIcing, Electric, Honda, Ice, Salt, Sand, Spreader, V-Box, motor

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Rufenacht on April 16, 2010 at 3:49pm

The newest versions of the electric V-box salters (and there are many offerings out there now) have had many improvements over the years. The earlier models had some weak motor(s), problematic controllers and electrical issues. We have to remember that these units are operating in some of the harshest, most extreme operating conditions imaginable. Personally, I would rather not have to deal with another gas engine salter with the many problems they had (have) but there still is a place for them. The main problem with components these days is that they are sometimes outsourced and the quality is not what it should be. But for the most part, you can have good reliability if you keep the connections clean and greased, and yes, you can hose them off with clear water to flush away most of the salt residue. The motor(s), and/or gearboxes have also increased in size to handle most anything including a salt/sand mixture to meet the demands of the end users. We have seen a big switch to these types of salters in the last few years and based on the positive feedback, I suspect we will be seeing more of these out there in the future.

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Permalink Reply by Robert "Bobby" Louis Drake on April 24, 2010 at 1:09pm

Snowman, This are very interesting questions.
I would like to start by saying that if you compare conventional size gas engines spreaders to the strength of an electric, the gas engine will outperform the electric. Even though the design and efficiencies in the electric motors have been improving, the challenge has been on how to create and store enough electric power to keep an electric motor going at the same rate as what a gas engine would. As of today this alternative technology is available but is still too expensive to be mainstream. However; there are things that you need to consider when evaluating an electric spreader.
Since I addressed how important is the energy source for the electric spreaders, the first thing that I would like to point out, is that in order to have maximum performance of the electric motor, it is necessary to have a dedicated battery near it, keeping the length of cables between the battery and motor to a minimum. This battery would be acting as a big capacitor.
Secondly, the best motors for this application (if using 12VCD) are stainless steel, permanent magnet, Insulation class H with watertight connectors with a operating temperature rating of -20F to 100F. These type of motors are design specifically for this application.

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Permalink Reply by Roald Hughes on October 22, 2010 at 10:49am

we run smith electric 2 yard and up ss salters. we push over a hundred ton of bulk salt each winter. our major problem is when an operator leaves wet salt in the hopper overnight outside in freezing temps. but thats not really an issue with the motor. the motors are exposed and get coated with salt and directly hosed off when downtime allows. corrosion on the ground contacts are probably the greatest concern. overall the cost is less and headaches fewer vs gas engine. i believe we swap out a motor once a winter and it usually is the unit that is 2-3 years old and seen some hard mileage.

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Permalink Reply by SnowMan on October 22, 2010 at 10:56am

Roald - Is their anything I can coat the connections to the contacts with to extend the life? I can't imagine running as hard as you do so maybe this could help me run the unit longer...