Why WYDOT’s new plow trucks cost $500,000 each

Two new massive, state-of-the-art snowplows that each cost more than $500,000 will be a major upgrade in clearing highways in Fremont County and Casper, according to state transportation officials. However, Converse County got a much better deal. It’s the proud owner of a new road grader with a special Caterpillar 100th anniversary blade, one of only five in the world. The county had already bought two new graders, but the Wyoming Machinery Company, of whom Converse County is a loyal customer, offered to provide the upgraded blade at no additional cost.

The two state snowplow trucks stationed in Fremont County and Casper are capable of hauling 2.5 times the amount of sand that current snowplow trucks haul, said Cody Beers, senior public relations specialist for the Wyoming Department of Transportation in Riverton. “One truck will do the work of two, with one less driver,” Beers told Cowboy State Daily. He added that the trucks are also easier to turn around than current snowplow trucks and will cover more square feet of road in one pass, reducing the time needed to clear roads.

The plow stationed in Fremont County will be used on the five lanes and passing lanes between Lander and Riverton, and between Lander and South Pass. “Because of the superior traction from the extra drive axle and the ability to dump sand in front of the drive wheels, it makes it ideal for mountain passes such as Beaver Rim, South Pass and Togwotee Pass, and for opening roads that are closed due to drifted snow,” Beers said. The truck stationed in Casper will be used on Highway 59, which connects Douglas and Gillette.

Fully rigged, each new snowplow truck costs about $570,000 — about twice as much as a new fully rigged 8-yard plow truck similar to those the state has been operating. The trucks were bought by WYDOT with revenue from the state fuel tax. Beers said the trucks are worth seeing because of their size and their lighting packages with amber and green lights. A snow control touch screen electronics system monitors road speed and ambient and road temperatures, and controls how much sand and geo-brine is being spread.

Converse County Commission Vice Chairman Rick Grant credited the gift of the Caterpillar blade to Wyoming Machinery territory sales representative Dan Holman, who has worked with the county over the years. As Caterpillar prepared to celebrate its 100th birthday, executives planned to make five limited edition blades. “They asked me if there was a partner I worked with that would effectively feel the love,” Holman said. “Who would appreciate it, and who would be deserving?” He didn’t hesitate. He went straight to one of his most loyal customers, Converse County. The grader’s blade is what makes it particularly special, but the public will recognize the grader by its uncommon color. Most graders are Caterpillar Yellow, but this one is battleship gray, the color of the original Caterpillar equipment. The grader also comes with a high-performance circle and a prototype snow wing that gives it the option to widen its snowplowing path from 14 feet to 26 feet. The wing folds up over the top of the machine when not in use. The grader is used year-round, clearing snow in winter and smoothing gravel in warmer months. Converse County has bought or upgraded several blades over the past 10-15 years largely due to the uptick in mineral activity, and now has nine blades overall, eight working with one as a spare.