What machine cleans and smooths an ice rink surface?

The machine that cleans and smooths an ice rink surface is an ice resurfacer.

Often called a Zamboni, an ice resurfacer removes damaged ice, gathers shavings, washes the surface, and lays down a thin film of water that freezes into a smoother sheet. Its rear conditioner carries the cutting blade, augers, wash-water system, squeegee, and towel used during the resurfacing pass.

Frank Zamboni developed the first successful machine in California after seeing how many workers were needed to scrape, wash, and squeegee his rink by hand. His Model A appeared in 1949, and the company patented the design in 1953.

“Zamboni” is technically a brand name, not the generic name for every machine. Other manufacturers produce ice resurfacers, including Olympia models made by Resurfice Corporation. A steam roller, floor polisher, or snow blower does not perform this specialized rink-maintenance job.