J&J Truck Bodies & Trailers, a leading manufacturer of dump bodies and trailers, today announced the optional integration of a new Plow Balance System for its line of snow and ice control equipment. The Plow Balance System is designed to reduce the wear on the cutting edge of snow plows by controlling the amount of weight that the plow cutting edge bears upon the road surface. A master switch, located on the power control box, is mounted inside the cab within easy reach of the driver. When the plow balance system is activated, the plow follows the contour of the road surface with reduced weight on its cutting edge thereby extending the life of the blade.

Reduced weight and longer life for the blade lets drivers plow more road surface without having to stop and change blades during a storm. This a real benefit to drivers and government agencies who want to increase safety, productivity, and save money. Ron Wright, Municipal Sales Manager for J&J commented, "Preliminary testing indicates that our customers who use the Plow Balance System can expect to extend the life of their blades up to ten times. With results like that, government agencies will save money by keeping their equipment in good working order for longer periods of time." In addition, the Plow Balance System reduces damage to patches and road lane markers, improves steering through increased front axle weight, and reduces impact to truck when encountering raised edges of concrete.

The new system also dramatically decreases the "scraping noise" transmitted to the cab ensuring a safer and more comfortable ride for the driver. With the plow balance in operation, drivers can plow one or two gears higher than normal saving money on fuel, an important consideration during times of high fuel prices. Drivers report that with the reduction of friction on the road, it feels like the truck has an extra 100 horse power. The system is especially effective when plowing the shoulder of the road and unpaved surfaces - reduced weight of the plow on shoulder asphalt results in less damage to the road and to the blade.

J&J Truck Bodies & Trailers, a division of Somerset Welding and Steel, Inc., was founded in 1958. It is an ISO 9001 certified company serving clients worldwide. For more information, please contact Shahira Hoffman, Marketing Manager, J&J, 422 Riggs Road, Somerset, PA, 15501, USA, 814.443.1691, ext. 355, 800.262.6578, email skh@lseci.com and/or visit www.jjbodies.com.