Finding the sweet spot between cost and value is a serious skill, whether you’re managing a shopping budget or running a business. For municipal fleets, landscapers, and private contractors who are looking for dump body equipment that can multi-task for year-round operations, the Swenson APB Select may fit the bill. Learn more about Swenson’s unique design and how it will get you the most mileage out of your money.

What is the APB Select?

Swenson developed the APB Select (which stands for All-Purpose Body) as a combination spreader/dump body that optimizes performance, boosts payload capacity, and enhances versatility, all while reducing overall maintenance costs. The APB Select is a cutting-edge combination spreader and dump body designed to meet the demands of vehicles in the 20,000 to 26,000+ lb. range. The APB Select features a cross-memberless underbody, which not only reduces weight, but also simplifies maintenance, boosting overall operational efficiency. With the APB Select, users gain a high-performance, all-in-one solution for various seasonal applications.

Dave Kjederquist, Director of Sales at Swenson, says, “The original APB design performed well in the Northeast where it was first introduced. However, with advancements in engineering design and the launch of the APB Select, Swenson has a product that’s really being accepted throughout North America. We’re delivering APB Selects from coast to coast in the United States and Canada and demand continues to grow.”

This tandem axle chassis features an APB Select with a flat-floor design. These versatile bodies can be built in lengths ranging from 9’ to 18’. Many other custom options are also available.

Why the APB Select is the Right Choice

This spreader/dump body is packed with features designed to be durable, versatile and enhance your operational efficiency. Here’s a closer look at what makes the APB Select stand out:

1. Increase Your Productivity
Thanks to lightweight, removable components and adaptable designs, the APB Select increases your vehicle’s payload capacity. This reduces the weight of the equipment, while also cutting down on maintenance time. The result? Better productivity and a more cost-effective operation.

2. Avoid Costly Repairs
When choosing equipment, durability is a top priority. The design of the APB Select includes low-mount conveyors and rugged underbodies that minimize the risk of damage. These elements ensure that the spreader/dump body maintains its integrity even under heavy use, extending its lifespan and reducing the need for costly repairs.

3. Power Through Every Season
The Swenson APB Select can quickly transition between spreading and hauling operations. The unit offers customizable options such as double-acting tailgates, which can open for dumping or stay down for flat hauling. This flexibility is key for users who need to handle a variety of tasks throughout the year.

4. Make it Your Own
In addition to the standard conveyor and dual auger options, the APB Select can be customized with a removable cartridge to easily switch between the conveyor or dual augers. Although the rear discharge is the most popular option, various options for a front discharge can include between the frame rails (driver or passenger side) or as a front-side discharge (driver or passenger side). The spreader/dump body also offers options for a flat floor or side slopes of 22°, 38°, or 45°.

This 11’ APB Select is decked out for winter, but it’s always ready to get the job done year-round.

One of Swenson’s first dealers, Kois Brothers Equipment Company, was instrumental in testing and developing some of the initial liquid spreaders and anti-icing equipment beginning in the 1990s. The Denver, Colorado-based truck equipment supplier saw the potential in the early stages of this new trend in snow removal. We sat down with Dave Kjederquist from Swenson as well as Gary, Ernie, and Scott Kois to discuss the experience and share laughter with good friends. Although the Kois brothers recognized the bright future for deicers and sprayers, it took teamwork between Kois and Swenson to design and build an efficient and reliable system.

Dave Kjederquist, Director of Sales at Swenson, said, “It seems funny now, but those were different times. Originally, Swenson didn’t want anything to do with the anti-icing equipment. The early formulas that ensured good performance (including the correct placement and distance of the pumps to the sprayers) added a lot of tricky variables that made it tough to develop a reliable design.”

An Idea Forms
Ernie Kois offered, “The ideas that started to appear in the industry about liquid sprayers for snow and deicing really came from the developments in sprayers on the agricultural side. At that time, we were making our own poly tanks with our own molds, and we started experimenting with a variety of different ways to apply the technology to deicing because nobody was doing liquid. For the prototype, we had 1,300 gallons of liquid on an 8-yard sander. We ended up buying the sanders from Swenson with extended front rails. Then we stacked two 500-gallon tanks from Super Products on the front.”

Dave continued, “With Kois Brothers and others continuing to push the technology, Swenson started seeing a viable opportunity to step into the liquid sprayer market. In 1996, we worked with Kois and won a state contract for 35 deicers. Although the original Swenson/Kois design worked very well, the designs would continue to evolve.”

Dave added, “Later, in 2009, Scott (Kois) came to the Swenson facilities several times and assisted our engineers with some of his newer ideas about the technology. He helped us design the frame and leg stand and how those pieces could all turn and collapse inside. It was a challenging design, but despite our early hesitation, it got done and ended up being successful.”

“However,” Gary Kois offered with a smile, “that early design was so strong (and heavy) you could park a tank on it.”

A Lasting Partnership
Everyone agreed that the relationship between Swenson and Kois Brothers has been very valuable. Today, the liquid sprayer technology that began development with Kois Brothers has evolved into a highly efficient and reliable system, one that continues to set the standard in the industry. “It's not just about building products, it's about building relationships,” Dave added. “It’s a partnership that has lasted because we continue to innovate together, pushing boundaries to create solutions that work for our customers. Success is helped a lot by teamwork — friendship doesn’t hurt either.”

If you've seen the white streaks of solution on roads when snow or ice is in the forecast, you're probably looking at liquid brine. Since the nineties many parts of the U.S. have transitioned to spraying liquid salt instead of just spreading traditional rock salt and sand. But why the switch? It’s time liquid brine gets the recognition it deserves for being an effective “ice-fighter.”

The Logic of Liquid

Spraying liquid brine to fight ice and snow is designed to optimize the use of salt while reducing the environmental impact of traditional rock salt. When dry salt is spread on roads, much of it is either blown off by wind or displaced by traffic. The overuse of rock salt results in wasted resources, higher costs, and a less effective ice-fighting solution. Liquid brine, however, stays where it's sprayed and does the job efficiently.


The Advantages of Spraying Brine

Accurate Application: Unlike rock salt, which can bounce or be displaced by traffic, liquid brine stays put, ensuring a more targeted application.

Environmentally Friendly: Since 75% of liquid brine is water, is better for your gardens, grass, and the environment compared to traditional rock salt because it reduces runoff that could harm plants or pollute nearby water.

Cost Savings: Because less salt is needed, the use of liquid brine can significantly reduce costs—some reports indicate up to 64% savings in de-icing expenditures.

More Effective: Liquid brine works at much lower temperatures than rock salt—down to -45°F, while rock salt is typically ineffective below 10°F.

Larger Pre-treatment Window: Liquid brine solutions can be applied 24 to 48 hours before a snowstorm and start working immediately, unlike rock salt which requires moisture to begin working.

A Preventative Solution

Weather, as we all know, is very unpredictable. Local road crews often face variables such as traffic patterns, mechanical issues, and staffing shortages, making it challenging to keep roads clear during a storm. Brine is often applied as a pre-treatment before a winter storm to create a barrier on road surfaces, preventing the adhesion of snow and ice. This allows crews to be proactively clearing roads before the snow event even begins.

Brine to the Rescue: Before, During, and After

Before: Liquid brine can be applied up to 48 hours before snow or ice is expected. It helps prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement, making it easier for plows to clear roads. In some cases, it can even prevent accumulation altogether.

During: During extended weather events or heavy precipitation, liquid brine works wonders in preventing ice from forming, especially when rain turns to sleet or freezing rain. It sticks to icy surfaces immediately, preventing further ice buildup, something rock salt struggles to do, especially in cold temperatures.

After: Once snow has settled, and plows have cleared the bulk of it, liquid brine is still essential. In frigid temperatures, residual snow and ice can quickly turn into a slippery glaze, creating dangerous conditions. Liquid de-icing helps to mitigate this, ensuring safer roads.

Ice Ain’t Nice

There are many ways to fight snow and ice, and traditional rock salt and sand remain crucial tools for many weather scenarios. However, liquid de-icing has proven itself to be a high-performance alternative to rock salt. It’s worth noting that while liquid deicing solutions have a steeper learning curve—requiring careful mixtures to ensure effectiveness in different conditions—and a more complex setup for spraying, the long-term cost savings and effectiveness make it an attractive option.

Spraying liquid brine is here to stay, offering a smarter, more efficient way to manage ice and snow on our roads.

Swenson has always been a proud sponsor of their community and its members, and the recent fish fry held by the local volunteer fire department proves why! Every year, the Lynn-Scott-Rock Volunteer Fireman’s Association holds a fish fry for the surrounding community. All proceeds earned from the event go towards equipment, facilities, and training for the fire department. For example, the strut equipment that’s used during rescue operations was upgraded in 2023 in thanks to funds raised by the community. 2024 marked the 71^st annual fish fry.

Swenson participated this year by purchasing tickets to raffle off to their employees, where 10 lucky winners were able to score two tickets to the fish fry. Swenson employees Tim Peterson and Mike Ruth, both volunteer fire fighters, helped the fire department cook for the event.

Michael Ruth is both a Production Manager at Swenson and a volunteer fireman for the LSR FPD. He’s been a member since 2019 and is also a licensed EMT-B since 2020. “I joined the department to help people and make a difference in my community,” he said. He’s helped in many emergencies, providing care and support to those in need. As an EMT-B, he’s learned a lot about emergency care, working with a team, and handling crises. “I’m always trying to get better at what I do.”

Swenson is proud to have someone like Michael on the team and is happy to support the local fire department in their endeavors to keep the community safe. Here’s looking forward to the fish fry of 2025!