5 Tips for Using Tailgate Spreaders with Ice Melt Salt and Bulk Road Salt Products

When winter storms hit, keeping roads, driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots clear of snow and ice is very important for safety and travel. Operating in Utah for more than 40 years, we at Kilgore Landscape Center have some experience with tailgate spreaders as an efficient way to apply ice melt salt and bulk road salt quickly and evenly. Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, business owner, DIY kind of person, or municipal worker in Salt Lake City, knowing how to use tailgate spreaders efficiently can save time, effort, and resources during icy conditions.

1. Choose the Right Tailgate Spreader

Tailgate spreaders come in a variety of styles, sizes, and capacities. Choosing the right spreader for your needs will improve efficiency and ensure even salt distribution.

• Type of Tailgate Spreader: Tailgate spreaders are generally categorized into manual, gravity-fed, and electric or hydraulic models. For small properties, a manual or gravity-fed spreader may work fine. Larger commercial or municipal jobs often require electric or hydraulic spreaders for quicker and more consistent application.

• Material and Durability: Salt is corrosive, so ensure the spreader is made from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, polyethylene hoppers, or powder-coated metal frames. This will increase the lifespan of the equipment.

• Capacity: If you're working on large areas like parking lots or roadways, consider a higher-capacity spreader to reduce the number of refills during application. Smaller spreaders are sufficient for residential driveways and sidewalks.

• Vehicle Compatibility: Verify that the spreader you choose is compatible with your truck, ATV, or tractor. Tailgate spreaders typically attach to hitch receivers, so knowing your vehicle's specifications is crucial.

2. Use the Right Salt Product for the Job

Not all salt products are created equal. Choosing the correct ice melt salt or bulk road salt can impact effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and performance. “Tailgate salt spreaders can handle any type of material, including bulk salt, sand, and salt/sand mix,” according to the Kentucky Transportation Center. Find all of these ice and snow removal products at Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center.

• Bulk Road Salt Type C White: Traditional road salt (sodium chloride) is affordable and effective for melting ice at temperatures above 15°F. It’s widely used for roads, parking lots, and large areas.

• Ice Melt Salt: Products like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or blends are designed to work at lower temperatures (as low as -20°F). They melt ice faster and reduce refreeze but may cost more than bulk road salt.

• Eco-Friendly Options: If you need to minimize environmental impact or prevent damage to landscaping and pets, consider eco-friendly ice melt products.

• Salt Particle Size: Ensure the salt you use has a uniform particle size that fits in your spreader. Larger chunks can clog or damage the equipment, while extremely fine particles may not spread evenly.

3. Prepare the Spreader Before Use

Properly prepare your tailgate spreader before heading out to save yourself time and frustration in the cold weather.

• Clean and Inspect: Before each use, inspect the spreader for rust, cracks, or mechanical issues. Ensure that the auger, motor, spinner, and controls are functioning properly.

• Lubricate Moving Parts: Salt can cause wear and tear on moving components. Apply lubrication to augers, chains, and bearings to ensure smooth operation.

• Adjust Settings: Most tailgate spreaders allow you to control the flow rate and spread pattern. Test and calibrate the spreader to ensure it applies the desired amount of ice melt salt evenly across the surface.

• Load Salt Properly: When loading salt into the hopper, avoid overfilling to prevent unnecessary stress on the spreader and vehicle. Break up any clumps or moisture-laden salt that could cause blockages.

4. Application Techniques for Even Distribution

When you evenly distribute the bulk road salt, you prevent waste and overloading your surfaces, so you can take fewer trips to get more product at our Salt Lake Landscape Center:

• Drive at the Right Speed: The speed of your vehicle affects the spread rate and pattern. Consult the spreader manual for recommended speeds to achieve the best coverage.

• Overlap Passes: Slightly overlap each pass to ensure full coverage and eliminate untreated gaps where ice could remain.

• Watch the Spread Width: Tailgate spreaders often allow you to adjust the spread width. For narrow driveways or sidewalks, reduce the width to avoid wasting salt on adjacent areas like lawns or landscaping.

• Avoid Over-Application: Using too much salt not only wastes resources but can also harm concrete, vegetation, and the environment. Use just enough to get the job done effectively.

• Monitor Weather Conditions: Timing is key for salt application. Apply salt before ice forms for preventive control or after plowing to manage remaining ice patches. If heavy snow is expected, plow first and then spread ice melt salt to prevent dilution.

5. Using Landscaping Sand in the Spreader

Landscaping sand can be a smart addition to your spreader since it easily provides traction on icy surfaces.

• Why Use Landscaping Sand?: Sand does not melt ice like salt but significantly improves traction on slippery surfaces. It’s an effective option for steep driveways, walkways, and areas where immediate grip is needed.

• Compatible Spreaders: Not all tailgate spreaders are designed for sand, as it can sometimes clog smaller augers or spinners. Ensure your spreader is rated to handle fine, dry landscaping sand.

• Keep the Sand Dry: Moisture causes sand to clump and clog the spreader. Store sand in a dry location, and if possible, cover the hopper when working in damp or snowy conditions.

• Application Tips: Sand works best when applied lightly and evenly. Use lower flow settings to control the spread and prevent overloading surfaces. After spreading, monitor the area to ensure sufficient coverage without excess accumulation.

• Combining Sand and Salt: For optimal results, mix landscaping sand with salt. The salt will melt ice, while the sand provides immediate traction. This combination is especially useful in extremely cold conditions where salt alone may take longer to work.

• Environmental Considerations: Landscaping sand is an environmentally friendly option compared to heavy salt applications. It’s non-corrosive features that won’t damage concrete, plants, or nearby soil landscaping sand a smart choice.

6. Safety Tips for Salt Application

Kilgore Landscape Center knows that safety should always be a priority when using tailgate spreaders and working with road salt products.

• Wear Protective Gear: Wear gloves, goggles, and proper winter clothing to protect yourself from salt exposure and freezing conditions.

• Use a Backup Camera: If your spreader obstructs your rear view, use a backup camera or have a spotter guide you to avoid accidents while reversing.

• Check Vehicle Lights: Ensure that brake lights and signals remain visible when the spreader is attached to the vehicle.

• Be Cautious of Slippery Surfaces: Drive and walk cautiously on icy surfaces to avoid slips, falls, or vehicle skids.

• Follow Local Regulations: Some municipalities have regulations about bulk road salt or ice melt salt use, so check for any guidelines related to over-application, environmentally sensitive areas, or storage.

7. Troubleshooting Common Tailgate Spreader Issues

Even the best equipment can encounter problems. Here are quick fixes for common issues:

• Clogged Hopper: Salt clumps are a frequent issue. Use dry, screened salt and consider adding a flow agent to keep it from sticking.

• Uneven Spread Pattern: Check the spinner for damage or misalignment, and ensure the flow rate settings are properly adjusted.

• Motor Failure: Inspect power connections, fuses, and the motor itself. Replace any damaged components as needed.

• Corrosion or Rust: Regularly clean and lubricate all parts to reduce corrosion, and touch up paint or coatings as needed.

Final Thoughts

Using tailgate spreaders with ice melt salt and bulk road salt is a practical and efficient way to keep surfaces safe and accessible during winter weather. By choosing the right equipment, maintaining it properly, and mastering application techniques, you can tackle ice and snow removal with confidence.

Homeowners, contractors, and municipalities alike can benefit from following these tips. A well-maintained tailgate spreader paired with the correct salt product ensures safety, saves resources, and delivers reliable results throughout the winter season. Whether you’re clearing your own driveway or managing a large commercial property, a little preparation and care can go a long way toward keeping winter challenges in check.

For all your ice melt salt, bulk road sal, and landscaping sand, Kilgore Landscape Center at Asphalt Materials Inc. has the products and experience to help. Contact us at (801) 561-4231 or visit our location at 7961 S 1300 W, West Jordan, UT 84088, to stock up and get expert advice for your winter projects.