Ford always has been at the forefront of final stage installed equipment, and that is no different for its latest spreader and snow plow assemblies that use a programmable upfitter interface module.
The upfitter interface module is a factory-installed option that gives end-users “smart” logic controls that can affect the auger, spreader and the snow plow.
Ford has various speeds of spreaders on the market presently, and with the upfitter interface module, the company can tie the speed of the auger directly to the speed of the vehicle. Peter Severson of Ford says his company has the only vehicle with upfitter interface module technology today, and he considers it a critical aspect of today’s snow plowing industry.
For example, upfitter interface modules can be programmed to stop a salt spreader stop whenever the driver leaves the vehicle. With the smart logic control of the upfitter interface module, the spreader can be programmed to disengage if the following parameters are met: vehicle enters either park or neutral, the driver door is open AND the safety belt is unbuckled. Instead of the driver having to remember to turn off the spreader, the vehicle remembers for the driver.
By programming the module to different conditions, the upfitter interface module automatically outputs the data to the spreader based on Computer Area Network data from the vehicle. For example, if output conditions are set based on the speed of the vehicle, the spreader will automatically adjust as the vehicle reaches various speed intervals.
The upfitter interface module also can prevent the operation of a mechanical device when certain vehicle conditions are not in range. If there is a front-mounted auger, upfitter interface modules can be programmed to monitor for parameters such as vehicle in Park or Neutral, engine status, and operator safety engaged. The auger, in these instances, will operate only while all parameters are in a normal mode.