Like many small towns and rural communities, South Manheim Township in Pennsylvania is managing its road maintenance projects on limited budgets that do not allow for the rent or purchase of equipment for every job. But one job in particular needed improvements that would increase efficiency and save money.
The township typically fills areas along the roadways called berms with extra dirt and other materials as a method of flood control. However, the process involved dumping material on the roadway and then using a backhoe to spread it into areas that needed it. This process caused a loss in materials used, inconsistent application of the material, and road hazards as workers had to continuously sweep wasted materials from the roadway.
There was also another issue according to the township’s roadmaster, Corby Lewis. “We owned a berming machine and it works well; however, you are limited to using one truck over and over, which results in a lot of down time while the truck gets loaded, then returns to the site. We needed something more efficient.”
Their solution is the Sidewinder, a widening tool that attaches to the backhoe and pushes like a paver. It cost the South Manheim Township approximately $500 in materials.
The innovative solution allows workers to use multiple trucks. The design eliminates unnecessary loss of wasted material and ensures the roadway stays on grade.
“We were very happy with the design right off,” Lewis says. Some small modifications were made along the way, such as the addition of a mirror for the operator to see materials in front of the blade and determine if more material is needed.
“This invention has been very beneficial to the township,” Lewis says. “It saves time because we can keep it running continuously. We have a three-man crew that allows one person to operate the Sidewinder, and the other two haul materials.”
The Sidewinder also lowers material costs and allows the township to make the roads safer for residents.
Corby adds: “I encourage all townships and other agencies to try something new. We are always making things to improve our everyday duties. It makes us better at what we do and...saves residents and township monies that can be used elsewhere.”
The project received the 2022 Build a Better Mousetrap Innovative Project Award from the National LTAP Association.
Learn more:
- Corby Lewis, South Manheim Township or 570-754-7437