Utah County Public Works Plow Vibration Hardware Solution

Snow Removal Operations

Huge opportunities for Samsara vehicle and equipment tracking

Introduction:

Snow removal never goes away. Applies to cities, counties, DOTs, and private sector
How to show areas served:
- Plow sensors
- Salt/Sand spreaders
Samsara’s Coverage Map was created for this exact purpose

Plow Sensing Methods

(Spoiler: Most have problems)

“Whisker” limit switches
- Springs corrode usually within one season
Reed magnetic sensors
- Mechanical, prone to vibration
- Delicate
- Requires 2 parts installed on plow
Hall effect magnetic sensor
- Better than Reed
- Still requires two-part install
Tilt sensors
- Prone to vibration
Hydraulic Pressure sensors
- Not all systems are hydraulic
- Requires additional fittings, most expensive (but best)

Challenge

Vibration creates “noise” or false data

While driving with plow in the “off” position (up, not plowing), vibration from driving causes mercury blog to bounce within its housing, while bouncing mercury bridges contacts (see photo) indicating plow is down (“on” position).