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Linn County's Secret Weapon To Fight Snow

By Justin Foss, Reporter

By Justin Foss

Story Created: Feb 29, 2008 at 7:19 PM CDT

Story Updated: Mar 1, 2008 at 1:31 AM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS - When Mother Nature deals her worst hand, the Linn County Secondary Roads Department brings out their secret weapon.

The truck mounted snow blower.

"This winter is the first year in several years to have it out. Because we haven't had the snow," said driver Pat Keating.

Oh, we've had the snow. This 1978 mammoth burns 50 gallons of diesel in 8 hours. Then again, you'd expect that considering the entire back end is the engine for the blower.

Is the motor for the blower bigger or stronger than the motor for the truck? "Yes. By far," said Keating.

It's a slow going job, but Keating calls it cool. Of course, he's dealing with blowing snow.

With a range of 100 feet, its a change going home.

Keating described his snow blower at home with, "It throws it out 20 feet."

Then again, that's for a driveway. This is for the whole county.

Email Justin Foss at Justin.Foss@kcrg.com

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