Airport Purchases Huge Snow Plow | Video

Evan Kruegel | 9/12/2012

Sloulin International Airport is busier than ever, and getting planes in and out on-time, is no easy task. That job gets even more difficult during the harsh North Dakota winters, as crews have to constantly clear snow-filled runways. But this winter, keeping those runways clear will be much easier, thanks to a recent purchase by the airport: A state of the art, 950 HP, MB-5 Snowplow.

"This piece of equipment replaces three separate pieces of equipment which required three people to run, whereas this is one person, running one vehicle, that can do what 3 pieces can", Said Airport Manager Steven Kjergaard.

The machine boasts a 24 Foot blade, weighing in at 4500 lbs. The previous blade was half the size, forcing airport crews to make between 15 and 25 runs to clear the entire runway. The new plow will do the same job in about 6 runs.

"It will allow us to be open on a much more regular basis, we won`t have as many issues with snow fall and this will allow us to be much more pro-active in what we do", Said Kjergaard.

It also holds a 10,000 pound broom, which can clear debris away from the runway at 425 miles per hour. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the plow is its 60-foot turning radius. The machine has four different steering options, so the driver can use a coordinated steer, or operate just the back or front wheels. The plow is 63 feet long, so the turning capabilities are quite impressive.

"It`s far and beyond any kind of vehicle that you see in a standard city. You can do significantly more, and turn sharper and faster. It`s amazing what it can do", Said Kjergaard.

The first snow-fall may still be a few weeks away, but when it does arrive, the airport will be ready to go.

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