Motive Power Review

Snowfighting Photo Gallery

Spreaders - Canadian Roads

The next step up from the wedge plows on the snowfighting ladder are the spreaders. Spreaders are generally large, complex pieces of equipment, and they may carry a variety of snow removal devices. Most spreaders have a large front plow blade. The lower sections of the blade may be hinged to allow them to push light snow to only one side. There may also be extension wings off the front blade. All spreaders have large side wings or arms, which can push snow well clear of the tracks. A "broken wing" spreader has pivoting extensions on the side arms to clear a wider swath or clear deeper snow. Many speaders also have flangers. Spreaders are the largest pieces of snow removal equipment to see frequent service.

Most spreaders are Jordan Spreaders, but there are several competing varieties, including the Snow Dozer, which was built by a competing company. There are also a number of homebuilt spreaders.

[THUMBNAIL] Canadian National 50948 at Capreol, Ontario, 28 Dec 1993. This view shows the front plow blade, spreader arm and "broken wing" clearly. The "broken wing" can be rotated to a horizonatal position to extend the spreader arm, or used in the vertical position (shown) in deep snow or narrow clearances.
Photo: Dan Dawdy

[THUMBNAIL] Canadian National 50957 at Capreol, Ontario, 28 Dec 1993. Another good view of the workings of the spreader.
Photo: Dan Dawdy

[THUMBNAIL] Canadian National 50957. A small spreader is coupled behind; see below.
Photo: Paul Duncan

[THUMBNAIL] Canadian National 51041. This is a small spreader, having no front blades, only spreader wings. It is similar to the smaller of the two spreaders in the photo above.
Photo: Paul Duncan

[THUMBNAIL] Canadian Pacific 401200 with CP plow 400777, North Bay, Ontario, 29 Dec 1993. This is another small spreader, equipped with a low front blade.
Photo: Dan Dawdy

[THUMBNAIL] Canadian Pacific 402895. This view shows the great length of a fully-equipped Jordan spreader. The spreader appears to be in maintenance serivce -- note the ballast cars trailing behind. Spreaders are used in maintenance-of-way service in the non-snow season.
Photo: Paul Duncan

[THUMBNAIL] CP spreader #402870, summer 1997.
Photo: Alan Radecki
Snowfighting Photo Gallery
Compiled and Maintained by Andrew Toppan (actoppan@hazegray.org)
Copyright © 1997-2003 by Andrew Toppan
All photographs are copyright by the photographers
Reproduction, reuse or distribution without permission is prohibited