Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/797481
54 / MARCH.APRIL.2017 USICERINKS.COM ASK RINK You have rink questions, RINK has answers Send your rink questions to: INFO@USICERINKS.COM WE HAVE SLUSH AND SNOW THAT SLIPS OUT FROM UNDER THE CONDITIONER WHEN OUR DRIVERS MAKE TURNS. WE'VE ADJUSTED THE DOWN PRESSURE, BUT IT DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE HAD ANY EFFECT. First and foremost, take a look at your operators to see how they are coming in and out of their turns. If they are turning sharply they may actually be pushing the snow that has accumulated on the front left tire to the outside of the conditioner. This snow will build up in the form of slush during each turn of the resurfacing process. We have seen this several times at events and have worked with operators to improve their turns to reduce or eliminate this issue. Another simple item to check is the squeegee, located at the rear of the conditioner. If damaged (ripped or torn), adjusted improperly (too high) or does not fit tight to each runner, it could be your culprit. Additionally, it may be time to change the blade on the ice resurfacer. As operators resurface the ice, the blade will gradually dull throughout the week. As the blade dulls, operators are forced to increase the angle to compensate for the lack of cutting ability. Eventually the tip of the blade will be below the runners. At this point the blade can actually lift the runners off of the ice surface and allow snow or slush to escape. This tends to be more prominent in the corners versus down the straights. Lastly, there may be a chance that the conditioner runners have been damaged. Damage can be caused by dragging the conditioner over the threshold while coming off the ice or during ice removal if operators hit concrete while conducting the ice removal. If the runners have been damaged they may need to be replaced to fix this issue. Depending on the make and model of your ice resurfacer, this could be a costly repair. WE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR TRACTION OF OUR ICE RESURFACER. WE PURCHASED NEW STUDDED TIRES FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND ARE STILL HAVING ISSUES. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE CONTRIBUTING TO THE PROBLEM? Typically tires would have been the first thing we recommend checking. Considering you have purchased new tires and assuming the tires have been properly inflated to the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure for your specific machine, we can officially rule out tire quality and air pressure. The next item to check would be the down pressure of the conditioner. If the down pressure is not set accurately, it can actually lift the rear end of the ice resurfacer, transferring too much weight to the conditioner and effectively lifting the rear tires off of the ice and reducing tire traction. Both manufacturers (Olympia and Zamboni) have recommended procedures for adjusting the down pressure of the machines. Be sure to reference the operations manual for you specific make and model for the final word on adjusting for your specific ice resurfacer. J A: A: Q: PHOTO: RINK ARCHIVES Q: NOTE: Conditioners from both manufacturers contain components and parts that are designed to wear out over a certain time or usage period. If you are having trouble achieving the proper down pressure for your machine, contact the manufacturer for a list of recommended parts and components in the conditioner that may need to be replaced. , Having rear traction issues? Check the tires first, then the down pressure of the conditioner.