Zamboni is the brand name for the original ice resurfacing machines, first sold by Frank Zamboni back in 1949.
An ice resurfacing machine is a vehicle or a hand-pushed device that is used to clean and smoothen an ice surface, as those of an ice ring for ice skating, ice hockey etc.. At the front of the machine, a sharp blade shaves the upper surface off of the ice, while the shavings are removed with rotating augers and deposited in the large storage bin, also known as the “snow tank” (the shavings resemble to snow).
Jets of water are then used to clear away any dirt and debris lodged in the remaining grooves in the ice. The machine also collects and recycles this water.
Warm water is then dispensed out of the back of the machine, spread by a towed towel, resulting in a smooth ice surface.
If you ice skate, you probably have LPG / Propane to thank for the nice smooth surface of the ice rink. Many ice resurfacers, including Zamboni ice resurfacing machines, are fuelled by LPG / Propane. This is used just like autogas, powering the engine that drives the machine.
The Zamboni ice resurfacing machines usually use two forklift cylindersas their gas supply. This allows the operator to switch from one to the other when the first one is empty. Removing the empty cylinder and replacing it with a full one is also easily done.
LPG / Propane is an Exceptional Energyand an amazingly versatile fuel and Zamboni ice resurfacing machines are just one more great example of its use.
Fun fact: The term "Zamboni" got a further boost in popular recognition from the1992 Winter Olympics, when skaterLaëtitia Hubertfell so many times she was nicknamed the "Human Zamboni"
Features
- Easily switchable LPG containers
- More efficient LPG engines
- Less polluting for indoor and outdoor use
Benefits
- Easy to handle
- Cleaner operation with all the benefits of lower emissions for less air pollution inside the rink/ice skating arena
