Snow Control Equipment Manufacturers Committee (SCEMC)
SCEMC is one of NTEA’s oldest operating divisions, established in 1979. Participants include manufacturers of snowplows, salt and sand spreaders, and related snow and ice removal equipment. SCEMC engages OEMs on issues related to snowplow installation on pickups and vocational trucks.
One of the group’s most significant contributions is its development of strong relationships with chassis manufacturers, communicating with them in the early stages of vehicle creation in an effort to continue OEM programs allowing snowplow installation. These programs encompass Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard compliance, safety assessment, electrical interface issues, plow mounting locations and vehicle durability testing. Recently, SCEMC worked with Nissan on development and testing of the new snowplow prep for Nissan Titan XD — adding another snowplow-ready option to the work truck marketplace.
Cooperation between snowplow manufacturers and OEMs has enabled the continuation of preparation option codes for many pickups in the commercial vehicle market. Without such support, it would be too costly for snowplow manufacturers to perform all necessary testing to meet current requirements.
To help buyers and upfitters identify necessary items for vehicle-specific snowplow configurations, SCEMC offers a list of best practices. These guidelines are based on important aspects of the snowplow manufacturing process and designed to ensure safe, efficient products.
SCEMC best practices guidelines
- Follow the truck and/or snowplow OEMs’ recommended guidelines and approved model offerings (e.g., stay under the rated front and rear GAWR and within defined weight distribution percentages).
- Snowplow OEMs: provide weights and centers of gravity for snowplow kit offerings.
- The ultimate responsibility of installing snow control equipment lies with the distributor/upfitter/installer. A weight distribution analysis is required to determine if the equipment to be installed is within the vehicle’s limits for FGAWR, RGAWR, GVWR and required weight percentage for front and rear axles, and any applicable federal, state and local standards and regulations.
- Snowplow OEMs: provide distributors with instructions for installation and adjustment procedures for auxiliary headlamps provided with front snow plow kits.
- Snowplow OEMs: provide owners’ manuals.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for membership in the Division, a company, corporation or other entity must be an NTEA member in good standing and be engaged in the manufacture of snow control equipment for the North American market. Apply online (member login required).