Assumtions:
- The cost of loading trucks and snowmelters is identical.
(Front-end loaders, blowers or snow conveyors.)
- 15 cubic yard trucks are utilized for snow hauling.
- Density of snow: 2.5 cubic yards / ton ~ 30 lbs / cu.ft.
- Turn around time for snow hauling is 30 minutes or more.
- The cost of snow hauling trucks inclusive of snow dumping fees, etc. is $ 112.00 US per hour.
- Loader operator operates the snowmelter
|
Trucking / Hauling Snow Operating Costs (Capacity of 60 ton / hour):
|
One truck will carry:
(15 yards divided by 2.5 yards / ton based on density of 2.5 cubic yards / ton for windrowed snow (30 lbs / cu.ft.) |
6 ton / load |
Equivalent snow hauling capacity required is:
(60 ton / hour divided by 6 ton / truck) |
10 truckloads / hour |
| With 30 minute turn around time, 1 truck carries : |
2 loads / hour |
| Therefore, 5 trucks are required to move 60 ton of snow / hour |
5 trucks |
| Total 5 trucks @ $ 112 US / hour |
$ 560 US / hour |
|
60 ton / hour Snowmelter's Operating Costs:
|
| Fuel (85 US GPH @ $ 2 .00 US / Gallon): |
$ 170 US |
| Maintenance (per hour): |
$ 5 US |
| Total 60 ton / hour Snowmelter’s Operating Costs : |
$ 175 US / hour |
| Cost Savings in Snowmelting over Snow Trucking |
$ 385 US / hour |
|
If these cost savings are applied against the purchase cost of a 60 ton/hr Snowmelter (60PD), and assuming the Snowmelter operates 24 hours per day for 8 days per year, the capital cost (not including the interest)
will be paid out in 4 years! |
