New track loader's mini profile could be an asset for labor-strapped snow fighters.

ASV has introduced a repowered RT-40 Posi-Track loader with a 38.2-horsepower Yanmar engine for added power and the convenience of being serviced by ASV dealers. Additionally, the small-frame RT-40 showcases new comfort, visibility and performance features over its predecessor, including working in tight spaces that often challenge snow fighters. “With the Yanmar-powered RT-40, we are doubling down on the machine’s performance, reliability and comfort, as well as making it easier for our customers to service the engine at ASV dealers,” says Buck Storlie, ASV product manager. “The RT-40 is already a staple due to its ability to bring more power and productivity to limited-space work that may otherwise have required a fence removal or needed to be done by hand.” So what other RT-40 features may get commercial snow contractors' attention?

ASV also introduced as selection of ASV-branded attachments, including a full range of buckets, pallet forks, grapples and brush mowers. According to ASV, this allows the contractor to work with an ASV dealer as a single point of contact for a comprehensive package of ASV equipment and attachments “Our new attachment line streamlines the purchasing process by allowing ASV dealers to be a one-stop-shop and ensures our customers get the best performance and reliability with an ASV attachment,” says Jeff Pate, director of sales for the ASV brand.

ASV plans to expand the attachment line to fill demands and variety of job-specific applications, as well as direct feedback from contractors and dealers.

Mike Zawacki is editor of Snow Magazine.

Slow and steady doesn't necessarily win the race in business and client relations. Learn how to make speed a critical element of your client relations strategy.

10 ways to avoid common onboarding mistakes.

The UW53 and UW56 are outfitted with a variety of improvements and attachments to provide snow contractors greater jobsite versatility.

The refreshed UW53 and UW56 models of Bobcat’s Toolcat utility work machine lineup are sort of like the multi-tool that most of you wear on your belt, except you can move snow with these. Bobcat is touting its new Toolcat utility work machine lineup with providing snow professionals with unprecedented attachment versatility in a UTV, allowing operators to utilize this equipment for almost any tasks at any time of the year on clients' jobsites. The newly updated dual-drive response system has been enhanced to provide smoother acceleration and deceleration, automatically recalling drive response settings. The first setting provides a smooth, responsive traction for driving between tasks, and the second setting changes the drive system to a more aggressive response when operating in low range to maintain hydraulic and traction power for uninterrupted work.

A new optional rear-view camera gives operators ideal visibility for tasks that require regular machine maneuvering. The rear-frame location of the camera provides an unobstructed view for connecting a ball hitch (on the UW56 model only).

The new UTV models have redesigned LED lighting, providing increased light dispersion and intensity using less power. The embedded road lights are integrated within the front fenders (instead of on the bottom of the front windshield), providing optimal protection and unobstructed illumination for better visibility in all directions. The rear work lights have also changed to LED, to optimize for better light dispersion.

In addition to these performance enhancements, snow professionals will find several significant comfort updates, including a redesigned interior with an integrated 5-inch display, updated ergonomics, component placements, and storage spots all within easy access. All controls are in one place for increased operational control, including all secondary functions. Addressing uptime and serviceability, Bobcat has outfitted these UTVs with larger fuel filters, increased operating time between required oil filter changes, increased corrosion protection and fender shape/material, larger in-cab access points and improved wiring harness. CLICK HERE for more detaqils on the Toolcat utility work machine lineup.

Get your new hires off on the right foot. Here are the five phases for successful onboarding.

A new hire's first 30 days within your snow and ice management operation is the most critical to their long-term success. Therefore, it's important to have a sound onboard plan in place for before, during, and after a new hire’s first day. Here are the five phases for onboarding a new hire accompanied by their corresponding tasks.

ONBOARDING PHASE 1 Beginning 15 days prior to the new hire's start date, here’s how to prepare for their arrival. PREPARATIONS

ONBOARDING PHASE 3 The Day 2 goal is to get your hire up to speed and empowered to succeed in the role. JOB OVERVIEW

ONBOARDING PHASE 4 By the end of the first week, here’s a list of managerial goals for overseeing a new hire. ESSENTIAL RESOURCES

ONBOARDING PHASE 5 In the first month on the job encourage success and foster growth by supplying regular feedback and setting clear expectations and goals. ENCOURAGE SUCCESS

Contributing editor, business coach and co-founder of TrueWinds Consulting Fred Haskett often writes about a wide variety of management issues, including planning, training, recruiting, and sales and marketing. You can reach him at fred@truewindsconsulting.com