Innovation helps St. Maries crews wash trucks from underneath

If Team Clean’s frame-mounted washing system did not get your attention, check out this D1 innovation that aims at doing the same thing: washing trucks’ undercarriage to prevent rusting.

The undercarriage washer is a plastic pipe grid on wheels, serving as a mobile sprinkler system that slides under the truck.

Earlier this year foreman Ross Farrell directed his crew to come up with a better way to clean trucks, and transportation tech Gary Haynes—also the designer for the sign catwalk—took the lead.

After salvaging parts from the shed’s scrap pile, it took Haynes and the crew another $70 and a day to build it. The sprinkler system is not designed to be mounted to the truck, where it would likely deteriorate after prolonged exposure to salt.

“Nothing lasts underneath the truck,” Farrell said.

The crew has not had a chance to use the innovation much, so at this time no specific details are available as to how this innovation will conserve resources, but Farrell is optimistic this will prove valuable to his area by reducing maintenance costs for plows and trucks, as well as limit equipment downtime.

VIDEO: Watch the undercarriage washer in action.


Published 12-07-18