Schmidt ｜Combination machine｜Stratos Combi Soliq

The Stratos Combi Soliq is suitable for a variety of spreading methods and can be used for all winter maintenance operations and in all weather conditions.

The most important de-icing agent is salt and there are various methods of applying it, which allows for differentiated de-icing. Possibly the most effective is wet salt spreading in which the salt is mixed with brine from appropriate tanks before it is applied. In this way, the salt adheres more quickly to the treated surface and develops a faster and longer lasting effect. As there are hardly any drifts, this method is very cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

International trials have shown that in certain situations, wet salt with a higher brine content, such as pre-wet 50 or pre-wet 70, can achieve greater effectiveness over longer periods of time with a lower quantity of salt. The key to this is the length of time that the salt lies on the road, depending on the road conditions, weather conditions, intensity of traffic and temperature.

Another highly efficient method is brine spraying in which brine, a salt/water solution, is sprayed directly onto the road surface. This results in a considerable reduction in salt usage and is especially designed for preventive de-icing.

The Stratos Combi Soliq hopper is available in two basic versions:

• Normal hopper: 5.2-9.2 yd³ capacity
• Patented Flex hopper: 6.5 yd³ capacity

Both versions can be equipped with additional, front-mounted brine tanks, plus a frame for support legs, hook loaders, fixed mounting or for RoRo.

Increased brine volume without refitting

The new, patented Flex hopper offers maximum adaptability. The brine volume can be increased without the need for change-overs, allowing for pre-wet 30, 50, 70 or 100 to be used from a single machine.

How it works

The Flex hopper contains two fixed high-strength plastic Flex bags which can be folded out as needed and filled with brine. They are filled via a C connection, with automatic filling of the side-mounted and front-mounted tanks and Flex bags. A large, three inch cross section pipe enables fast filling speeds of up to 317 gal per minute. The wet proportion of the mix can be changed easily on the control panel for optimised effectiveness with lower salt consumption. Two versions of the Flex hopper are available so that brine volumes can be increased from 343.4 or 739.7 to 660.4 or 1,162.4 gal.

Belt conveyor system

The Stratos V-profile belt conveyor system delivers the uniform transport of spreading material. A stainless steel slide plate allows for minimum belt friction on the whole surface. The belt speed is adjusted automatically and, together with the dosing slide, allows for exact dosing. The dosing slide is equipped with an integrated lump crushing system that crushes lumps at a constant pressure, preventing the system becoming blocked or damaged. As a result, a uniform and constant feed allows for high dosing accuracy.

Auger conveyor system

The Stratos Flex auger conveyor with two-stage pitch is a cold-formed flat helix which allows for energy-efficient conveying with a low breakaway torque. The variable thread allows for uniform emptying of the hopper, ensuring the spreader maintains an even centre of gravity on the truck. The auger conveyor is powered by a high torque hydraulic motor for safe and stable starting. A constant target-actual comparison regulates the auger conveyor system at a precise and constant speed. A standard auger pressure relieve system relieves the auger from the pressure of the spreading materials and significantly increases the service life.

The lateral and front-mounted liquid tanks, which have respective capacties of 488.7 gal and 581.2-660.4 gal, are made of impact and cold-resistant polyethylene with integrated baffles. The suction and ventilation points are located at the centre of the tank so that operation is possible in rough or mountainous terrain. An integrated filling level indicator allows for easy checking of the remaining brine volume, while the ergonomic, steel filling and emptying connector enables easy refilling at a rate of up to 317 gal per minute via a three inch cross section pipe. A hydraulically driven, high-performance brine pump with run-dry protection allows for constant feeding of brine, and an integrated revolution speed sensor ensures maximum accuracy.

The right de-icing agent at the touch of a button

The Stratos Combi Soliq can be equipped with a dual-liquid function. By using separate tanks and specially adapted control software, it is possible to carry two different de-icing fluids at the same time. This innovative function enables the driver to change the de-icing agent as required at the simple press of a button in the driver's cab. During a single journey, sections of road can be spread with FS 50 and sensitive areas such as bridges or uphill and downhill stretches can be sprayed with an alternative de-icing material. This flexibility contributes significantly to the Stratos Combi Soliq's cost-effectiveness.

RSP distribution system

With the RSP variant, a combination of spreading and spraying is carried out via the spreading disc and, with a spraying width of up to 26.2 ft, is ideally suited for spraying on local roads. The distribution system can be raised by gas springs and is conveniently height-adjustable. A polyethylene discharging chute, together with the optimised angle of the outlet, allows for optimal material flow. A Premium spreading disc with a 19.3 in diameter is generally used. Optionally, however, a Premium spreading disc with a diameter of 660mm or a dual-layer spreading disc with a diameter of 27.6 in can be employed, both of which are suitable for spreading (pre-wet 30) and spraying (pre-wet 100).

RSP with dual-layer spreading disc

With the patented dual-layer 27.6 in spreading disc, varying widths can be sprayed. Widths of 9.8-26.2 ft (upper disc, pre-wet 100) or 9.8-32.8 ft (lower disc, pre-wet 30-70) can be sprayed as required. A new RSP plus option allows the spraying width to be increased to 29.5 ft by means of two jet nozzles.

WSP distribution system

With the WSP version, a combination of spreading and spraying is achieved via a Premium 26 in diameter spreading disc and a nozzle spray system with in-house developed and patented nozzles. The nozzle arms allow for a spraying width of up to three lanes or around 39.4 ft. Adjustment of width can be configured both as a lane or metre setting. During spraying, both dry salt and a wet salt mixture can be added, underlining that the Stratos Combi Soliq is a highly versatile and flexible piece of equipment.

In addition to winter use, the Stratos Combi Soliq can also be used in summer. The machine is used for washing, tunnel washing and street cleaning. With modifications to the control software and two additional taps for the four functions of filling, washing, spraying and servicing, the Stratos Combi Soliq becomes a "spreader" that can be used all year round.

The Combi Soliq is operated clearly and easily using the highly efficient, fully road-speed related ES control panel, which features a frost-resistant 7" colour touch screen display housed in a splash-proof, robust casing. The click-turn knobs and illuminated push buttons ensure convenient operation of the primary and menu-dependent functions.

The systems can also be integrated with the latest smart technology:

• ThermoLogic: Temperature-dependent dosing
• Route Assistant: Automatic spreading with GPS navigation

Two operating concepts are available for controlling the Stratos Combi Soliq:

• Percentage control: The liquid share is always a percentage of the total sum
• Dosage control: In spray mode the liquid and solid share is given in g/m²

The Stratos spreaders can be connected to the Aebi Schmidt IntelliOPS platform which provides comprehensive monitoring, selection, reporting and analysis functions. It enables rapid performance evaluation by displaying machine activity data live on a map and uses the collected data to provide detailed overviews and reports to optimise operations.