When a record-breaking winter storm slammed Ontario’s cottage country with up to 140 cm of snow, entire communities were paralyzed. Highways like Highway 11 were shut down, vehicles were stranded, and emergency crews struggled to reach affected areas. But one machine—and one powerful attachment—rose to the challenge: the Better 175 Bi-Directional Tractor, paired with the Normand N102-342HTRI industrial snowblower.
A Storm That Stopped Everything
Captured in dramatic aerial footage by CP24’s chopper team, the storm’s impact was staggering. Snowbanks towered over vehicles, and conventional plows were overwhelmed by the sheer volume and density of the snowpack. Municipal crews needed a solution that could cut through the chaos—and fast.
The Better 175 + Normand N102-342HTRI: A Snow-Clearing Powerhouse
Enter the Better 175 Bi-Directional Tractor, equipped with the Normand N102-342HTRI—a 102-inch inverted industrial snowblower built for extreme conditions. This combination proved to be the most effective tool on the ground, clearing access lanes, emergency routes, and even helping reopen sections of Highway 11.
The Better 175’s 170 HP Tier 5 engine delivered the power needed to drive the N102’s robust impeller and dual auger system, while its high-flow hydraulics enabled precise chute rotation and deflector control. Mounted on the rear 3-point hitch, the snowblower worked in perfect harmony with the tractor’s reversible operator station</strong—giving operators full visibility and ergonomic control in reverse.
Quad Steering Meets Industrial Precision
With four steering modes—articulated, crab, front-only, and rear-only—the Better 175 navigated around stranded vehicles, guardrails, and snowbanks with surgical precision. The Normand N102’s Hardox 450 steel impeller and augers chewed through compacted snow and ice, ejecting it cleanly over long distances to avoid pileup on sensitive surfaces.
Operators reported that the combination reduced cleanup time by hours and allowed crews to reach areas that had been completely inaccessible to standard equipment.
A Viral Moment of Municipal Heroism
Footage of the Better 175 and Normand N102 in action quickly spread across social media. Viewers praised the machine’s performance, and municipal leaders across Ontario took notice. Several requested demos and began evaluating the combination for their own fleets.
Final Thoughts
In a storm that brought Ontario to a standstill, the Better 175 and Normand N102-342HTRI proved they’re more than just equipment—they’re essential tools for resilience and recovery. With unmatched versatility, power, and control, this duo didn’t just clear snow—it cleared the way for communities to reconnect and rebuild.
To learn more about how the Better 175 and Normand N102-342HTRI can transform your winter operations, contact Partners Solutions or visit your local dealer. When the next storm hits, make sure you’ve got the combination that can save the day.
