How do zambonis drive on ice

Step 7: Clean, hot water from the ice-making tank is then applied to the ice. Step 8: A towel is dragged along the back of the Zamboni, to evenly distribute the new ice and create a pristine, mirror-like surface.

Each Zamboni differs based on the unique needs of the rink and user preferences. Some run on propane, others on a large battery and some are even powered via an extra-long extension cord. Models are equipped with metal studs embedded in the tires to allow the machine to make smooth turns and prevent it from sliding across the ice as most vehicles would. Many also have a brush on the side to clear out snow stuck between the rink and the boards around the edges.

In addition to maneuvering the Zamboni, the drivers are responsible for adjusting the cut-depth, lowering the conditioner, turning on and off the hot and cold-water supply, plunging out excess snow stuck in the vertical auger and maintaining the machine between uses. After several iterations -- and improvements over the last 50 years -- the ice resurfacing machine process is fairly basic.

This goes, by the way, for non-Zamboni brands of ice resurfacers, too. First, a blade ranging from inches centimeters cuts the ice [sources: Fleming , Zamboni ].

That can get about 60 cubic feet 1. Moving about 9 miles A wash tank directs water to a conditioner, which rinses the dirty ice.

A front squeegee collects that dirty water. And you may be doing your job in front of hundreds of critics, so be careful not to slip up and shatter one of the glass panes above the boards. The Park Board has a staff of three full-time arena park-keepers, plus another half-dozen or so who drive the Zamboni machine part time.

They develop the muscle memory to grab the right control while keeping their eyes on the ice, learn to apply the right amount of water and gain the confidence to edge closer to the boards.

Others just like to be around hockey and see the games. Weum can resurface a rink in eight minutes, although the Park Board allots 15 minutes for the job between rentals.

That margin allows the ice to set sufficiently before skaters return. The Zamboni brand is the pioneer in arena resurfacing and still sets the standard. Clean water is fed from the wash tank in front of the driver down to the conditioner. The water is sprayed on the ice in front of a squeegee that collects the water and picks up dirt and other debris, such as tossed coins or broken teeth. These are filtered out before the water is returned to the wash tank for re-use.

Clean water from a heated tank is spread on the ice by a heavy cloth applicator. Water temperature is critical to ice quality, with degrees a common benchmark.