Back in the early 90's, I drove a Zamboni for about 5 years. It was a 1973 model powered by an air-cooled Volkswagen engine, and had no brakes (didn't really need them). The engine drives a big hydraulic pump, which in turn controls steering, acceleration and deceleration, the two augers which move the shaved ice, and raising/lowering the conditioner. This old machine had no "icons", lol... Basically, you backed out onto the ice, set the rpm with the throttle, and pushed this lever from Neutral to Forward to 'go', and from Neutral to Reverse to back it up. The farther you pushed the lever , the faster you would go (in either direction). Pulling the lever back to neutral brought it to a stop. Because the steering was also hydraulically actuated, you had to make sure to also steer back out of the corners; the front wheels would just stay wherever you aimed them. Dealing with the boards required another, smaller machine called an edger. Those were the days. I ran the late shift and always made great ice, and made sure there was lots of hot water. The lads would reward me with beer and doobies. I like beer and doobies.
Our two year old son is obsessed with this video. He has watched it about 100 times. His favorite part is when Jason falls. He screams "he faaaalllll!!!! noooo!!!!!!"
+writerconsidered - there's a lot involved in proper ice maintenance and it's the reason why 99% of rinks are always hiring. Most aren't capable of operating a Zamboni and more than most have no concept of what's involved with the ice !
writerconsidered it's like if you call a grounds keeper a lawn mower operator. Yes the Zamboni is his most used tool, but it's that knowledge and skill on how to use the machine that makes him an "ice technician" and not a zamboni driver
Driving the Zamboni was my first job. Actually it was an Olympia and very different than a Zamboni in its controls. Your throttle was the foot pedal. It was a fun job. Bought my first car out of it.
I used to be a speedskater as a and the guy that ran the Zamboni was cool and would take us for rides and let us operate the controls and steer a bit. It was fun. During the races the ice guys would actually spray hot water from a hose on the track to keep it smooth, but if you fell you would get soaked.
Jared Moore Zamboni maintenance is tricky it has to be performed by one of there licenced techs and it's very expensive. Even if someone knew how to fix it it's likely they can't get the parts cause they'll only sell parts to a licensed tech. Only thing you can find Zamboni parts for is the motor or buy another for parts.
I drive a zamboni daily at the hazel park ice arena in hazel park Michigan and it's the best job ever and I get to sit down for 80 mins at a time to wait for the next game
They are one of the only gas powered zamboni i have ever heard of ... i have drove propane natural gas and electric so that is way out of the norm. Hope they have good ventilation
+Just Here For The UA-cam 3:16 -- This is the part from the blooper reel at the end; this FOV is unattainable with GoPro, and is moving as if being handheld. Which is confirmed in the blooper reel.
From my understanding not having driven one of these but other heavy machinery, the throttle pedal is controlling a hydraulic motor and the machine itself is clutch free.
It's called a hydrostatic drive. The pedal operates a bidirectional spool valve that shunts fluid thru a hydraulic drive motor or motors. They're initially very tricky to operate smoothly. So much so that I insist that an operator drive the machine to a maintenance area whenever possible. The saving grace is that, if you get into trouble, you take your foot off the pedal and the machine will stop almost immediately. Hydrostatic drives are used on many industrial machines. The throttle is entirely separate and is generally set so that the machine's engine is always in it's power band while the machine is in operation.
There is a saying that when a dancer does not dance well, he says the floor is uneven. Now the players have an excuse for their loss. The ice is too bumpy...
I always thought that Zambonis were electric. Where does the exhaust go? how does it escape the stadium? and are all Zambonis gas or are some, for example at private or small skating rinks electric?
Most rinks have a ventilation system that would remove the exhaust. There are several different models including electric ones, so it just varies from rink to rink and what they're willing to invest in. They didn't use to be electric, so you have to consider the cost of a new zamboni, the equipment to charge an electric one, parts, and other maintenance costs.
Aidan Sweeney some are electric depending on the rink, the propane ones are hard to hear during a game, because of the crowd noise and music, but if you were in an empty arena you would be able to hear it. They aren't very loud, but they have some volume to them
When I was super little and didn't understand the game, watching the zamboni during intermissions was my favorite part of hockey games
same
Same
Ikr
Same
Same here
"Hey Jason, we can get you X, want to drive it?"
"Fuck it, why not"
The creative process of this show, and I love it.
That technician has a perfect narrator/presenter voice and demeanor.
Back in the early 90's, I drove a Zamboni for about 5 years. It was a 1973 model powered by an air-cooled Volkswagen engine, and had no brakes (didn't really need them). The engine drives a big hydraulic pump, which in turn controls steering, acceleration and deceleration, the two augers which move the shaved ice, and raising/lowering the conditioner. This old machine had no "icons", lol... Basically, you backed out onto the ice, set the rpm with the throttle, and pushed this lever from Neutral to Forward to 'go', and from Neutral to Reverse to back it up. The farther you pushed the lever , the faster you would go (in either direction). Pulling the lever back to neutral brought it to a stop. Because the steering was also hydraulically actuated, you had to make sure to also steer back out of the corners; the front wheels would just stay wherever you aimed them. Dealing with the boards required another, smaller machine called an edger. Those were the days. I ran the late shift and always made great ice, and made sure there was lots of hot water. The lads would reward me with beer and doobies. I like beer and doobies.
Our two year old son is obsessed with this video. He has watched it about 100 times. His favorite part is when Jason falls. He screams "he faaaalllll!!!! noooo!!!!!!"
The Head Ice Technician sure takes his job seriously.
+Trevor Steele He gets in a shit ton of trouble if he screws up, so I don't blame him
+Trevor Steele I like his title" head ice technician " yea you're a zamboni driver.
+writerconsidered The ice technician actually does much more than drive the Zamboni. For example maintaining proper temperature and thickness.
+writerconsidered - there's a lot involved in proper ice maintenance and it's the reason why 99% of rinks are always hiring. Most aren't capable of operating a Zamboni and more than most have no concept of what's involved with the ice !
writerconsidered it's like if you call a grounds keeper a lawn mower operator. Yes the Zamboni is his most used tool, but it's that knowledge and skill on how to use the machine that makes him an "ice technician" and not a zamboni driver
"can we do donuts in the middle?!"
"no! no we cannot!"
Admit it, you've wanted to drive one.
+Jalopnik no i want to drive a van
+Jalopnik I have done it! My dad was the master though
+Jalopnik oddly, when i think of american cars i want to drive, the big RVs is always the top of my list.. lol
+Jalopnik Nope, the only things I wanted to drive were small, tiny little sports cars, Monster Trucks, rally car's and, tanks.
Screw driving the Zamboni, I wanna drive a Prinoth Beast! xD
That dude was actually super cool the firm voice when needed with a dry sarcastic humor and he seems to know a bit about cars. 10/10 jalop.
Watching him try to make that figure eight is just so majestic; like an eagle, piloting a blimp.
Driving the Zamboni was my first job. Actually it was an Olympia and very different than a Zamboni in its controls. Your throttle was the foot pedal. It was a fun job. Bought my first car out of it.
"Where's FRANCIS?!"
Fuck. I knew I wasn't the only one who was going to make the same reference.
Hot Cosby I was just thinking that 😂
Have to admit, seeing the little bit of oversteer it did look like it could be good fun
I had to like this. Only for the mental image of a hippopotamus urinating on ice and sliding along after it. Magnificent.
Best episode 10/10
I used to be a speedskater as a and the guy that ran the Zamboni was cool and would take us for rides and let us operate the controls and steer a bit. It was fun. During the races the ice guys would actually spray hot water from a hose on the track to keep it smooth, but if you fell you would get soaked.
Or you could've used one like the rink I play at uses were it breaks down and floods the ice lol
Jared Moore Zamboni maintenance is tricky it has to be performed by one of there licenced techs and it's very expensive. Even if someone knew how to fix it it's likely they can't get the parts cause they'll only sell parts to a licensed tech. Only thing you can find Zamboni parts for is the motor or buy another for parts.
Jared Moore lol
Think of the snowcones you could make with this thing.
Wow I just noticed the sign on the roof says jalponik 😂😂
For immigrants to Canada, you pretty much get a free pass to residence if you can prove you can drive a Zamboni.
I drive a zamboni daily at the hazel park ice arena in hazel park Michigan and it's the best job ever and I get to sit down for 80 mins at a time to wait for the next game
Can't say i've ever had the urge to drive a Zamboni.
Just about anybody can 'drive' a Zamboni. Those who 'operate' a Zamboni are a breed of their own !
So nice of the Devils organization to invite you to do this. Pretty cool.
Yay you go there!
I love this very much
What fun!
Awesome!!
I would have thought it was propane powered
SADLY IT DOESNT BOBBY, AND IT DONT USE CHARCOAL EITHER.
Some are, the ones i operate are powered by propane
Most Zambonis today are propane powered. Olympia's are electric.
They are one of the only gas powered zamboni i have ever heard of ... i have drove propane natural gas and electric so that is way out of the norm. Hope they have good ventilation
I've got the same kicks!
That was very entertaining.
This is one of my dreams. Super jelly.
Awesome!
Great video, guys! Thanks! :D
4:29 Deadpool tried that....
AWESOME!!!!!!!!
yeeeeea he just pissed this guy off the whole time
Always wondered what those majestic stallions were! Thanks! BTW: you guys both have Polish sounding names :)
*Wade Wilson:* Hey Jason can I borrow that Zamboni?
5:51 the guy in the passenger seat is thinking I'm so gonna lose me job
T
*sobbing sounds* Nobody ever cares about the cameraman on the hood. *sobbing sounds*
+BROKAGAIN It-it's a gopro bud, it's just a gopro...
+Just Here For The UA-cam
Please pay better attention / watch the whole video before commenting. 10:30
+Just Here For The UA-cam
3:16 -- This is the part from the blooper reel at the end; this FOV is unattainable with GoPro, and is moving as if being handheld. Which is confirmed in the blooper reel.
BROKAGAIN Oh, well I guess I'm an asshole. Sorry aboot me asshollery.
+Just Here For The UA-cam All good.
New Joisey!
The Head Ice Technician is pretty hot
the Zamboni was once powered by a Volkswagen air-cooled engine used in the beetle as they now use a different type of engine to power them.
I'm kinda disappointed there's no pvz references in the comments, but great video!
I'm guessing by operation the "throttle" is actually a clutch.
From my understanding not having driven one of these but other heavy machinery, the throttle pedal is controlling a hydraulic motor and the machine itself is clutch free.
That would make more sense.
It's called a hydrostatic drive. The pedal operates a bidirectional spool valve that shunts fluid thru a hydraulic drive motor or motors. They're initially very tricky to operate smoothly. So much so that I insist that an operator drive the machine to a maintenance area whenever possible. The saving grace is that, if you get into trouble, you take your foot off the pedal and the machine will stop almost immediately. Hydrostatic drives are used on many industrial machines. The throttle is entirely separate and is generally set so that the machine's engine is always in it's power band while the machine is in operation.
when he fell i cried
He totally fucked up the ice 😂
"It is like a miata, but slow and bulky." So nothing like a Miata. That'd be like saying a Miata is like a Chevy Suburban, but small and fast.
So it's basically just a huge lawnmower?
My favourite zamboni driver is Stone Cold Steve Austin
mind's deadpool
Uploaded in my birthday!!!
would have liked to hear it start tho
PVZ has a zamboni except it's a zomboni, reference there
I’ve always wondered if it was possible to drift with one of those vehicles.
It's very possible and it happens.
You should be driving ambassador of India once.. I driven it as a kid. That car was awesome....
You need to come drive my
Saab Sonett Broh!
Freewheeling manual transmission Broh!
There is a saying that when a dancer does not dance well, he says the floor is uneven. Now the players have an excuse for their loss. The ice is too bumpy...
Remember kids, don't drink and Zamboni.
rabbit and turtle?...
not tortoise and hare?
+1 for ratty checkered vans slip ons.
Anybody know what the tune at the start is?
Oh so... it's a Nissan Zamboni!!
Nizzanmboni!!
i think everyone wants to drive one of those... lol
does it have the rb25?? ;P
why does it turn more to the left than right?
I love cleaning my backyard rink
How does one keep hands away and NOT fingers? Or Miami Vice Nissan Versa? Seems pretty redundant if you ask me.
lol..this is a fine option program in small town Canada....countrywide.
or every dedicated rinkrat.....
What is the 0-60 time on this thing??
This dude was triggered about his ice
hi
zambogini
kewl
Can Zombies drive these?
I always thought that Zambonis were electric. Where does the exhaust go? how does it escape the stadium? and are all Zambonis gas or are some, for example at private or small skating rinks electric?
Most rinks have a ventilation system that would remove the exhaust. There are several different models including electric ones, so it just varies from rink to rink and what they're willing to invest in. They didn't use to be electric, so you have to consider the cost of a new zamboni, the equipment to charge an electric one, parts, and other maintenance costs.
Huge plug for the devil's. Kudos devil's.
Go flyers
what is a zamboni i dont get them in uk
who the hell doesn't want to drive one?
LETS GO CAPS. CAPS 4 LIFE
He’s like every American wants to drive this... no every Canadian does
he is trashing his ring ... hhaaaaa
i have to
👍 😎
I thought most of these things were electric since when I go to hockey games, the Zambonis are always really quiet :P
Aidan Sweeney some are electric depending on the rink, the propane ones are hard to hear during a game, because of the crowd noise and music, but if you were in an empty arena you would be able to hear it. They aren't very loud, but they have some volume to them
You're thinking of an Olympia, Zamboni's competitor. Most Zamboni ice resurfacers are propane powered, Olympia's are electric.
Well it was bound to happen eventually.
3:01 lol
Deadpool
Is Jason a Devil's fan?
Since they were a child! Not children.
Sup
Работал на такой машине и скажу про неё - она великолепная)
Y axis is not vertical, Z axis is.
I've seen Olympias with Chevy short bed trucks underneath them. 5.3 ftw.
This is my job😬 haha
What are you doing in nj do you live there
+Will Leonard I live here. It sucks.
Sorry bud but I'm not sure if there was many people that wanted to drive the Zamboni
Every?? bit of a stretch
Since they were a children. K.