Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/804450
his article will focus on properly leaving the ice sheet with the ice resurfacer. While this seems like a simple task, there is a lot of damage that can be done to both the machine and the threshold. While it's probably impossible to never have an operator hit your threshold, it is also not a coincidence when it gets hit weekly or even daily. One of the first things you need to explain to your opera- tors is the damage that this can cause, such as nicking the blade, which causes the need for the blade to be ground much more during sharpening, ultimately, this reduces the life of the blade and results in you being charged more for sharpening. In extreme cases, the blade may even be ruined permanently. Then there is the damage to the IR conditioner, squeegee, bushings, springs, lift bar, lift cylinder and runners. In rare instances, the entire con- ditioner will get tweaked and not cut properly until it's replaced or straightened by a dealer. Other damage can include bent pad- dles on the horizontal auger. This is caused by lifting the conditioner while the horizontal auger is still spinning, which makes the paddles hit the vertical auger. There is a very distinct sound when this happens and it is not good! So how can you prevent these things from happening? There must be an oper- ating procedure in place as well as conse- quences if the procedures are not fol- lowed. A policy is useless if there are no consequences for not following the proce- dure! Remember, many operators are young and are possibly even working their first real job. By not disciplining them you are not only letting them destroy your machines—you are not helping them grow as a person. When creating a policy for leaving the ice with the IR, start with turning off the water systems first while completing the resurface. Here are some other items to use when creating a policy for exiting the ice sheet with an IR: • Turn off the wash water for the last lap. • Turn off the wash water pump shortly after that. • Slow down. but don't turn off, the flood- water until about 5-10 feet from the gates. • Blow the horn to let people know you are leaving the ice surface. • Turn off the water and the augers as you reach the gates. T Leaving the Ice Surface Properly ICE RESURFACING 101 by DAVE WESCOTT For those of you with a threshold that looks like the one in the photo, this article is for you! 42 R INK MAGAZ INE may/june 2009 STARrinks.com How TO: part 3 of 6 This column is part of a six-part series that can help promote discussion among staff and possibly even enhance the knowledge and understanding of the ice resurfacing staff. Please send your comments and ideas related to the ice resurfacer for consideration in future columns. Maybe your facility has created a procedure or a fix that you would like to share with the industry? Please send it along with some pictures to davew@starrinks.com. COMMENTS? RINK PHOTOS