A short history of Level-Ice
Level-Ice was originally developed by Latec Instruments Inc., a leading manufacturer of laser machine control solutions for excavators and heavy equipment. Level-Ice was developed as a separate line of products for Ice Recreational markets. In 2011, Latec Instruments Inc. registered the Level-Ice brand to increase specialized service to the growing market.
Today, Latec Machine Control focuses on delivering precision laser-focused levelling systems and tailored ice resurfacing equipment. Led by founder and current owner Rob McIntosh, Latec MC now employ 17 highly skilled employees, including our chief engineer.
Like all Latec Machine Control solutions, the Level-Ice system is designed, manufactured and tested in Canada. It has been installed on over 2,700 ice resurfacing machines across the US, North America, and across the world, saving $1000s on utility usage, maintenance time, and labour resurfacing costs.
The Level Ice system is custom-fitted to any top tier ice resurfacing machine. The control system and automated precision blade control delivers consistent level ice, plus significant energy, water and time savings over conventional ice maintenance.
A brief history of ice resurfacing
Up until the 1940s, ice rinks would be maintained and resurfaced by hand using scrapers, water hoses, and towels, making it both time-consuming and labour-intensive, not to mention inconsistent.
As an ice plant owner himself, (Paramount Iceland) Frank Zamboni though there might be a better way. a machine that combined all the actions required to shave, scrape wash and wipe the ice surface in one pass. His first prototype made in 1942 was pulled by a tractor. Only when he opted for four wheels did the familiar ice resurfacer shape emerge. His early machines were based on surplus military jeeps, with the first model delivered to a customer in Chicago.
Today, the iconic Zamboni name has become synonymous with any ice resurfacing machines even those made by other manufacturers such as Olympia and Engo. Level-Ice has been fitted to hundreds of Zamboni machines to upgrade the machine’s operational efficiency, and as part of moves by rink owners and manager towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach to energy and water usage.
Level-Ice and Pro Hockey
Many Pro Hockey teams have discovered the playing benefits of perfectly level ice for their arena rinks. Players love the smooth, smooth surface where they can carve turns without concerns over pooling, pitting, debris or deep grooves. They also appreciate the rapid resurfacing that can be achieved in between periods, covering all areas including edges, on/near the kickplate and goals.
For more on the Pro Hockey teams that use level-Ice to prepare, maintain and resurface their ice rinks, click here.
