Without surprise, design and engineering efforts within MB’s airport maintenance equipment division focus on developing new features and improvements in equipment while its operating on the runway to clear snow and ice. On the contrary, however, airport operations teams voiced a need to MB to enhance its MB5 multi-tasking runway clearing equipment with a feature that added value while the equipment was in storage. It poses one issue for some airports when it comes to storing the equipment, especially with inside storage. The mid-mount broom comes in widths up to 22 feet, and the front-mount plow in widths of 20-24 feet. While the plow can be easily detached, the broom is stationary, requiring a width of up to 24 feet for storage. While many say time is money, space is money, as well. And wasted space creates unnecessary expenses.
The MB2 chassis tows a cradling broom that stows parallel to the main frame when not in use. Issue resolved? Not totally. The MB2 with a towed broom is an articulated vehicle that operates more like a tractor and trailer, meaning more complex operation and safety risks that require increased operator training. Many airports can accommodate these requirements; however, smaller and regional airports need easily operated equipment that can be managed with minimal training for operations teams. For quite a few years, customers were requesting a single frame design like the MB5 offers, and a cradling broom for efficient storage like the MB2. No sooner said than done – or better: than combined. The first MB5C made its debut in April 2022, at the International Aviation Snow Symposium, held annually in Buffalo, New York. It was sold to Denver International Aiport before the show was over. «If the MB5C had wings, the units would be flying out of the manufacturing facility in Chilton, Wisconsin. The MB5C is a variant of our current MB5 product inspired by customer feedback and MB’s desire to fulfill the market need. Along with both Denver and Milwaukee Airfield Operations, we are excited about the interest level from other airports on how the MB5C can provide a solution for their winter operations,» says Doug Blada, CEO MB Airport Maintenance Equipment. The cost of the MB5C is comparable to the MB2 with towed cradling broom. Plus, with a variety of chassis, cab, broom head, broom engine and plow options, airport operators have the opportunity to build a machine unique to their snow operation demands.
