SiteTote System: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
SiteTote System: Frequently Asked Questions
Product Functionality & Equipment
Q: What is the core concept behind the SiteTote system?
- The SiteTote system is a revolutionary approach to snow and ice management that shifts strategy from relying on centralized salt trucks to proactive, on-site material preparedness. It involves pre-staging salt in durable SiteTote containers directly at the job site for immediate use.
Q: What equipment is needed to operate the SiteTote system?
- The system requires the SiteTote storage unit and the Virnig Salt Spreader. The spreader is designed to attach quickly and seamlessly to your existing equipment, typically a standard skid loader or compact wheel loader, using a standard quick-attach coupler.
Q: How can I spread salt with a skid loader bucket?
- While you technically can use a skid loader bucket to spread salt (by tilting and shaking), this method is highly inefficient and imprecise. It leads to uneven coverage, excessive waste, and poor ice control. The SiteTote system uses the dedicated Virnig Salt Spreader attachment, which provides precise, dual variable-speed spreading for uniform, controlled coverage (up to 5.2 acres per load), ensuring best practices and minimizing salt use.
Q: How is the Virnig Salt Spreader powered?
- The Virnig spreader operates solely off the standard hydraulic auxiliary couplers of the skid loader. No wiring or cab controller is required, meaning any machine with standard hydraulics can operate the spreader at any time.
Q: How much salt does one SiteTote unit hold?
- Each SiteTote unit has a large capacity of 1,600 pounds, or 0.8 tons, of rock salt.
Q: What is the typical coverage area for one SiteTote unit?
- At the recommended average application rate of 7 lbs per 1,000 sq ft, a single SiteTote unit will cover approximately 228,000 square feet, or 5.2 acres.
Q: How is the SiteTote unit refilled?
- Due to its low fill height, SiteTote units can be easily filled using a standard skid loader bucket, or from a large V-box spreader with a swing-away chute, or a medium-duty dump truck.
Cost & Efficiency Benefits
Q: How does the SiteTote system reduce labor costs?
- It allows you to utilize existing plowing staff for salting by using the skid loader spreader, minimizing the number of specialized employees needed for winter operations. It stops paying valuable staff to drive trucks back and forth to a central shed.
Q: What is the impact on response times?
- Response times are drastically improved because staff can report directly to the job site (often near their residence) and the salt is already on location, eliminating the need to drive back to a central salt shed for material.
Q: Does this system save on fuel and operations costs?
- Yes. It eliminates costly salt truck routes and saves on fuel by keeping staff focused on maintaining the job site. It also avoids the wasteful movement of trucks returning to a salt shed to empty unused material.
Q: Can this system help lower commercial insurance costs?
- Yes. Since the system uses skid loaders and other on-site equipment, employees do not need to operate plow trucks. This eliminates the need to list certain staff as commercial drivers on insurance, which can qualify more employees for winter operations.
Operation & Versatility
Q: Is the Virnig spreader easy to use and precise?
- Yes. It features low, dual variable-speed spinners that provide an even spread and can effectively cast material under parked vehicles and trailers. The compact size also allows for superior maneuverability in tight aisles and hard-to-reach areas.
Q: Can I use different materials on the same property?
- Yes. You can stock different SiteTote units with specified products (e.g., salt for general areas, calcium for brick pavers) and easily switch between them using the same skid loader spreader on-site.
Q: How is material usage managed?
- Material usage is managed simply by assigning staff a SiteTote budget per application, utilizing the age-old unit of measure. There are no fancy, high-maintenance, or expensive electronic devices that require calibration.
Q: Is this system environmentally friendly?
- The system supports a best-practices approach to material storage. It eliminates the need for unsightly, dangerous tarps over salt piles and removes the requirement for hideous on-site salt bins. The precise spreading also helps minimize salt waste.
