The SwingSteer machine, developed and manufactured in West Fargo, North Dakota, is gaining attention in the snow and ice industry for its center frame articulation, operator visibility, and year-round versatility. SnowPlowNews spoke with John Reeve of SwingSteer about the machine’s development, features, and design priorities.
The SwingSteer machine, developed and manufactured in West Fargo, North Dakota, is designed to address several common challenges faced by snow and ice contractors, including maneuverability, operator visibility, and multi-season equipment use.
According to John Reeve, the machine and its attachments were the result of more than six and a half years of engineering and development. Both the base unit and its attachments are manufactured at the company’s West Fargo facility.
“The entire unit and the attachments are all made in West Fargo, North Dakota at our factory,” Reeve explained. “The birth of the product was about six and a half years in engineering, and we also produced and engineered all the attachments for the product as well.”
Center Frame Articulation for Tight Spaces
One of the defining features of the SwingSteer machine is its center frame articulation, which allows the unit to pivot in the middle of the chassis. This design improves maneuverability and helps operators navigate tighter spaces more easily.
Reeve noted that this articulation has become a key advantage for snow operations, where contractors often work around buildings, parking areas, and other confined spaces.
Focus on Visibility and Safety
Visibility was another major focus during development. The machine offers near 360-degree visibility, allowing operators to clearly see their work area and attachments directly from the driver’s seat.
“One of the main aspects of the machine was safety,” Reeve said. “You can see 360 degrees around the machine and exactly what you’re doing from the driver’s seat.”
Hydraulic Attachments for Snow Removal
The SwingSteer platform supports attachments designed specifically for snow operations, including a snow brush and snow blower. Both use variable-flow hydraulics, giving operators greater control depending on snow conditions.
When working close to structures, operators can reverse the snow brush from inside the cab without throttling down the machine, allowing them to effectively back-drag snow away from buildings.
Maintenance and Accessibility
The machine was also designed to simplify service and maintenance. Rather than placing components under the operator seat, the engine and service areas are accessible from the rear of the vehicle, making routine maintenance easier.
Designed as a Year-Round Machine
While the SwingSteer performs well in winter operations, the platform was designed as a 365-day-a-year machine. By switching attachments, operators can use it for multiple property maintenance applications throughout the year.
According to Reeve, the goal was to create a machine that is simple, reliable, and highly productive, while offering the versatility contractors need to maximize equipment utilization beyond the winter season.
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