REPORT
DATE:
November 9, 2005
TO:
Cynthia Hildebrand
FROM:
Kelly J. Batt
SUBJECT:
ELECTRIC ICE RESURFACER AND
EDGER PURCHASE
PURPOSE
To communicate the results of ongoing ice resurfacer and edger testing and evaluation.
HISTORY
During the 2005 Capital Budget process $120,000 was made available to purchase an ice
resurfacer as the existing machine is showing signs of failure despite a regular maintenance
program.
DISCUSSION
Upon approval to proceed to with the research of new ice resurfacers we decided to look at
alternate fuel and electric technology to minimize emissions and reduce fuel costs. Arena
emissions are a real concern and carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, and
tasteless gas. It is a common industrial hazard resulting from the incomplete burning of fossil
fuels in internal combustion engines. Two major sources of the poor air quality for Arenas are
the ice resurfacer and the ice edger. Air tests in Canadian Arenas have shown that there is
often too much carbon monoxide gas in the air after the ice has been shaved and flooded. In
sufficient concentrations, carbon monoxide is very dangerous and can be deadly. In addition to
the emissions concerns of natural gas, the supply cost and the cost to dehumidify the air once
new air is introduced to the Arena to clear the emissions must also be considered. Town staff
found three equipment manufacturers of electric machines, Zamboni, Olympia and UKKO and
proceeded to contact them to find out more information and set up demonstrations and use of
loaner machines to conduct independent testing. The existing ice resurfacer requires repairs to
the conditioner, suspension and engine. The total estimate of repairs is $7,500-$8,500 with
other possible failures due to the age of the machine.
EQUIPMENT TESTING and RESULTS
Zamboni
In December 2004, Zamboni representatives were contacted to discuss the possibility of
replacing our natural gas powered ice resurfacer with an electric machine. Frank Kellner of
Zamboni came to Tillsonburg to explain that their electric ice resurfacer does not have the
electric capacity to flood two ice surfaces for the entire day and their electric model was
designed for a single arena operation. Frank suggested we try the other electric models and if
Page 1 of 6
we could not find anything suitable to get back to him to provide a quotation on a natural gas
machine. I contacted Zamboni recently and received a budget price of $75,000 plus taxes for a
Zamboni 520 natural gas ice resurfacer with an updated quote and trade in amount to follow as
the sales representative is away from the office this week.
Ukko
On January 27, 2005, The Town of Tillsonburg hosted the Canadian Product Launch for the
UKKO Ice Resurfacer. We were given the opportunity to trial the machine and see for
ourselves the capabilities of a battery powered ice resurfacer. The machine we had
demonstrated to us was a UKKO 400. UKKO also builds a 500 machine and is currently in use
in Helsinki, Finland. The UKKO 500 has larger battery capabilities and also a new worm gear
feature for traversing inclines leading to snow dump areas. In late July, the UKKO 500 arrived
and we tested the machine for about one week. The machine had some technical problems
and after a couple attempts to repair the problems with the manufacturer we were unable to
find a resolution. The machine was picked up by UKKO. The purchase cost for this machine
was about $120,000 plus tax.
Olympia Bearcat
The Bearcat machine was tested first as it had to be returned to Olympia for another customer.
The Bearcat was tested for about one week by all facility staff and was a pleasure to operate
and is a well-built machine. It is very predictable and is designed to do an excellent job of ice
resurfacing. The machine has a compact design and superior sight lines, yet has the largest
water and snow collecting capacities of all the ice resurfacers tested. The battery system on
the Bearcat needs to be refined as it takes 7-8 hours to fully recharge the batteries and this
may prove to be problematic during busy weekend ice programming. Representatives from
Olympia have offered to modify the batteries at no extra cost to the Town of Tillsonburg. While
the cost is quite high, this ice resurfacer offers zero emissions and a sturdy construction and
does a nice job of resurfacing the ice. The quoted cost is $140,000 and includes an electric ice
edger as part of the package.
Olympia Millennium
Olympia also manufacturers a line of natural gas ice resurfacers and a quote for a comparable
machine to the Zamboni is about $70,000. An option of a laser level system and an automatic
flood water system will probably add another $15,000 to the overall cost, however the initial
extra cost will save time with ice maintenance and assist with higher quality ice conditions. The
estimated cost for an Olympia ice resurfacer with flood water control and a blade laser level
will be about $85,000-$90,000.Attached please find a copy of the laser level ice Ice Guard
system. This system will reduce ice maintenance and assist with lowering overall energy costs.
Lasers are used in other industries and this approach makes sense for the Arena industry as
well.
Subject to Council approval, proceed to purchase a new Olympia Millennium ice resurfacer as
per the above noted description for $76,641.75. The replacement of the Ice Surfacer was a
2005 Budgeted item and budgeted for financing as follows: Trade in $15,000, $40,000
Debenture, and $70,000 taxation
Cellect
The Olympia Cellect was tested by staff and found to be a pretty well built machine built on the
Olympia Millennium platform with a retrofitted electric engine. The staff of Olympia worked
Page 2 of 6
cooperatively with staff to try and address a concern with the drive motor to traverse the slope
at the back of the Arena. Despite their best efforts they were unable to make this modified
drive motor work. As a result of this failed retrofit we are unable to proceed with this machine.
If the 2005 Budget requires additional funds the purchase could be made in 2005 and as the
delivery of the ice resurfacer will be about six months, the purchase could take place in 2006.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Electric ice resurfacer technology, albeit exciting and environmental friendly is an area that still
requires further development and refinement. With indoor emission standards being changed
in North America and alternate fuels being researched and developed, the future holds some
exciting prospects in this area. At this point, we need a reliable proven ice resurfacer that can
keep two sheets of ice maintained. In closing, I would like to recommend purchasing the
Olympia Millennium natural gas machine flood water control and a laser leveling capabilities to
reduce ice maintenance time and provide improved ice conditions. These systems will keep ice
conditions more constant and reduce energy costs by keeping the ice thinner and consistently
even at all times. Increased ice thickness adds to the refrigeration load and each additional
inch of ice adds to the overall energy bill. Both of these systems can be added after market
and are being quoted separately to compare apples to apples, as Zamboni does not offer
these options in house on their equipment. While the staff tested electric ice resurfacers,
electric ice edgers were tested at the same time. An ice edger is used to thin out the ice
against the boards, as an ice resurfacer cannot get close enough to the boards to shave this
ice. Electric edgers were tested from UKKO and Olympia. The ice edger from Olympia worked
very well, is easy to operate and creates zero emissions. Zamboni was asked to quote on an
electric ice edger and quoted on a propane powered ice edger to match the edger we currently
own. I would like to propose we consider purchasing an electric ice edger at the same time as
the ice resurfacer purchase as the existing propane edger emits higher emissions and is
showing signs of failure. In addition it is heavier and more difficult for staff to start and operate.
I will be contacting Olympia to see if they have a loaner ice resurfacer to reduce our costs to
repair the existing machine. Should you have any other specific questions I would be pleased
to answer them.
Please note that this information has been shared and discussed with the Town’s Fleet
Manager..
QUOTATION RESULTS
Olympia Millennium with options as quoted and a speed related water system, electric edger
and laser level system added - $76,641.75
* includes a trade in allowance of $20,000
Zamboni 520 with options as quoted and an ice edger, speed related water system and laser
level system added - $ 89,734.50
 includes a trade in of $18,500
RECOMMENDATION
.
ATTACHMENTS
Page 3 of 6



Photos
Quotations
Laser “Ice Guard” system
Ice Bear by Olympia
Cellect by Olympia
Page 4 of 6
Olympia
UKKO Ice Cat
Zamboni
Page 5 of 6
“And resolved that Council approve the purchase of a new Olympia Millennium ice
resurfacer with attachments for a purchase price of $76,641.75, and that be directed to
proceed with purchase.”
PREPARED
BY:
Page 6 of 6
Kelly J. Batt
APPROVED BY:
Cynthia Hildebrand