Ever wonder why that bulk salt pile disappears so quickly? With more reports throughout the US and Canada of bulk rock salt shortages this winter, it has never been more important to know exactly where your salt is being spread and at what rate. This information allows you to ensure you spread only as much salt as you need to deliver the service your customers expect, and get the most coverage from your salt supply.

The all-new Auto Speed Control from Western Products provides more insight into spread rates and reduces wasted material. The control utilizes an interface that legacy WESTERN hopper spreader operators are already familiar with, built off the current control platform. By pairing enhanced operation with a direct tie into the vehicle's OBD-II port, the operator can set a targeted application rate and track the amount of deicing material that has been spread on the property. By using the OBD-II port the control can instantly react to changes in truck speed, saving you material and money.

The Auto Speed Control provides the following benefits:

Material monitoring with operator alerts
Set the desired spread rate and the control takes it from there. It will notify operators with an "S" if they are going to slow and an "F" if they are going too fast to maintain the set rate. The control will also keep a running total of material spread until the counter is reset. Operators can then log the value into an electronic system or notebook for future use in billing or service level allocation.

Familiar control layout
The control layout is like the adjustable rate control from Western Products. The all-new Auto Speed Control function can be engaged or disengaged by pressing the AUTO button at the top of the control. This aids in faster adoption for your deicing specialists. This allows operators to choose which control mode they prefer to utilize.

Direct vehicle link
Utilizing the OBD-II port in the truck allows the Auto Speed Control to instantly adjust deicing material flow to changes in vehicle speed. This reduces wasted material and pooling when coming to a stop for moving vehicles, pedestrians, or traffic signals while material is being spread. When the vehicle travels over 45 mph, the deicing material flow is stopped to eliminate accidental spreading while traveling between sites.

Fleet compatibility
The Auto Speed Control is compatible with WESTERN hoppers equipped with the FLEET FLEX electrical system, first released in 2016. This allows you to upgrade the spreader control in the fleet you already own to unlock monitoring without having to invest in new hopper spreaders.

Based on operator feedback, the Auto Speed Control can save operations up to 6.25 tons of salt per route, per event. Without knowledge of application rates, operations report using more than 750 lbs/acre on their properties. Given insight into the application rate, most operations were able to reduce their spread rates to 500 lbs/acre or less with the same level of deicing performance. This allows businesses or contractors the opportunity to conserve their available salt supplies without negatively impacting service levels.

The Auto Speed Control kit comes with the following components: Control, OBD-II Port Y-Harness, Control Harness with OBD-II Plug, and Control Mounting Bracket. 

Installation is simple. If you're updating a current hopper in your fleet, the Auto Speed Control will work with the current spreader wiring harness. If you are purchasing a new hopper, you or your dealer will receive the wiring harness with the hopper spreader and will install as directed. Once the control is plugged into the spreader wiring harness, attach the OBD-II plug into the in-cab port. If you are already using the port for another device, use the included OBD-II port Y-harness to split the signal. Secure the wiring harness and wire routing as necessary and you're ready to use the Auto Speed Control.

The Auto Speed Control is available at WESTERN hopper spreader dealers. Visit westernplows.com/dealers to find your local dealer.