Hydrocide Platform for Weed Control and High-Pressure Cleaning

In public space management, the elimination of chemical pesticides requires municipalities to rethink their maintenance methods. The Municipality of Saint-Mathias-sur-Richelieu turned to Multi PSI to design custom-built equipment capable of meeting the ecological and technical requirements of the public sector.

The Hydrocide platform, developed for municipalities, combines the power of hot water pressure washing with the precision of thermal weed control. Mounted on a rugged structure for a pickup-style truck or trailer, this versatile mobile unit maintains trails, curbs, and urban infrastructure without the use of pesticide products.

Table of contents

1. What Is a Hydrocide Platform
2. Technical Specifications of the Hydrocide Mobile Unit
3. Equipment and Accessories Built Into the Platform
4. Benefits of Hot Water Weed Control for Municipalities
   1. A Deep-Reaching Action
   2. An Eco-Friendly Choice With No Impact on Soil
5. Increased Safety for Public Spaces
   1. Compliance With Environmental Standards
   2. Four-Season Versatility
6. Industrial Applications and System Versatility
7. Optimizing Your Urban Maintenance Equipment
8. FAQ About the Hydrocide Platform

What Is a Hydrocide Platform

A Hydrocide platform is a mobile cleaning and maintenance unit specifically designed for 100% eco-friendly hot water weed control, with no chemical products, and can also serve as a de-icing tool. It combines the power of an industrial hot water pressure washer with specialized spray attachments. Water projected at very high temperature causes an instant thermal shock that destroys the cellular structure of weeds down to the root, while also delivering a powerful surface-washing tool.

The Municipality of Saint-Mathias-sur-Richelieu was looking for a versatile solution to control weeds across its territory while retaining a high-performance pressure washing tool. The self-contained platform design allows the entire unit to be loaded onto and off a truck bed or flatbed trailer quickly. Thanks to fork guides built directly into the reinforced steel chassis, handling is done simply with a forklift. This operational flexibility ensures optimal use of municipal vehicles throughout the seasons.

Technical Specifications of the Hydrocide Mobile Unit 

The heart of the system is a Hydro Tek high-pressure cleaning unit, known for its durability in industrial settings. The unit is sized to provide extended autonomy in the field.

Equipment and Accessories Built Into the Platform 

To maximize the productivity of public works crews, Multi PSI has ergonomically arranged the platform with dedicated mounts for each tool.

• Wheeled spray bell: ideal for fast thermal weed control on sidewalks and hard surfaces.
• 24-inch water broom: designed for quick cleaning of large surfaces and pedestrian trails.
• Reinforced manual hose reel: equipped with a high-pressure hose for extended working range around the vehicle.
• Sludge pump: powered directly by the pressure washer to quickly pump and evacuate large volumes of contaminated water, sludge, or sediment from basins, sumps, and excavations.
• Dual-cartridge water filtration system: protects the pump from impurities when filling on-site.
• Vertical additive/detergent tank: graduated hopper allowing precise dosing of treatment products if required.
• Large-diameter rigid piping: reinforced PVC distribution network with quick-drain valves.

To explore our standard configurations or customize your own washing skid, see our section on mobile high-pressure cleaning units.

Benefits of Hot Water Weed Control for Municipalities 

Hot water weed control relies on a simple but highly effective physical principle: thermal shock. When water is applied at a temperature near 98°C (208°F) directly onto vegetation, it instantly transfers its heat to the plant.

This sudden temperature spike ruptures plant cell membranes and denatures the proteins in the shoot. Unable to continue photosynthesis, the above-ground part of the plant dries out within just a few hours.

A Deep-Reaching Action 

Unlike steam or direct flame weed control, liquid hot water retains its thermal mass when it contacts the ground. It penetrates a few millimeters into soil or gravel around the plant's crown.

This heat penetration reaches the upper root system and destroys the weed's energy reserves. Over successive applications, the roots become progressively exhausted, significantly slowing regrowth and reducing weed density.

An Eco-Friendly Choice With No Impact on Soil 

One of the greatest strengths of the Hydrocide process lies in its total harmlessness to the environment. Since the treatment uses only heated drinking water, it leaves no toxic, chemical, or synthetic residue in the natural environment.

Soil microorganisms and beneficial wildlife suffer no lasting damage below the surface. Moreover, there is no risk of harmful runoff toward riverbanks, ditches, or groundwater, making this method ideal near waterways. Hot water only needs to be applied for 1 to 2 seconds directly on the plant — there's no need to "drown" the weed or linger on it. A second pass may be needed 2 to 3 weeks later, as soon as new shoots appear, to fully exhaust the root.

Increased Safety for Public Spaces 

Hot water weed control eliminates the fire risks associated with propane-based thermal weed control, especially during summer droughts. Municipal crews can therefore work safely near mulch, wooden borders, and dry structures.

With no gravel projection or toxic vapor emissions, this technology can be used safely in children's parks, around schools, on public sidewalks, and in dense residential areas.

Compliance With Environmental Standards 

In Quebec, the management of municipal green spaces is subject to increasingly strict regulatory oversight. The adoption of the Pesticides Management Code, along with municipal bylaws banning the use of synthetic pesticides for aesthetic purposes, is forcing cities to abandon traditional chemical methods.

Hydrocide technology fits perfectly into this ecological transition by offering a 100% natural alternative that meets the highest environmental requirements.

Quebec's regulatory framework severely restricts the application of chemical products, particularly in sensitive areas serving vulnerable populations. The law prohibits or strictly limits pesticide use on the grounds of early childhood centers (CPEs), daycares, schools, and children's parks.

By using only heated water, the Hydrocide system allows work in these high-risk zones at any time, without requiring prior notice, a safety perimeter, or a re-entry delay for residents.

Four-Season Versatility

One of the biggest challenges in public works is the cost-effectiveness of specialized equipment. Unlike dedicated weed-control machines that sit idle part of the year, the Hydrocide platform was designed to remain useful year-round, across all 12 months.

By combining high heating capacity with 3000 PSI pressure, this mobile unit instantly adapts to municipalities' changing needs throughout the seasons.

Spring and Summer: Weed Control and Green Space Maintenance 

As soon as the first shoots appear, the system is deployed for thermal weed control on sidewalks, curbs, paving stones, and parks. Between weeding cycles, the unit is used for high-pressure cleaning of sports fields and municipal signage, and for surface preparation before painting or paving.

Fall: Urban Cleaning and Infrastructure Maintenance 

As the summer season winds down, the platform shifts into intensive cleaning mode. Hot water under pressure facilitates several key operations:

• Graffiti removal: fast elimination of paint and vandalism on concrete, brick, and metal without damaging surfaces.
• Street furniture washing: cleaning and disinfecting public benches, bus shelters, play structures, and recycling bins.
• Collection equipment maintenance: degreasing and disinfecting waste containers and drop-off areas.

Winter: Emergency Thawing and Fleet Maintenance 

During the cold season, the built-in 5-gallon antifreeze tank and purge system allow safe use even below freezing. The platform then becomes a strategic tool for public works:

• Infrastructure thawing: rapid hot-water clearing of frozen catch basins, pipes, culverts, conduits, and hydrant heads.
• Municipal fleet washing: maintenance and de-salting of snow removal trucks, sweepers, and service vehicles to prevent premature corrosion.

This operational versatility allows cities to maximize their return on investment while reducing the number of specialized vehicles needed in their fleet.

Industrial Applications and System Versatility 

Beyond municipal needs, skid-mounted washing platforms are also useful in the construction, transportation, and agriculture sectors. See our articles on job site equipment maintenance and hot water thawing solutions to learn more about our projects.

Custom design by the Multi PSI team ensures every component is selected according to your payload constraints and operational goals. Our qualified technicians also provide preventive maintenance and repair services, in-shop or on-site.

Optimizing Your Urban Maintenance Equipment 

The Municipality of Saint-Mathias-sur-Richelieu's acquisition of the Hydrocide platform demonstrates that environmental responsibility and technical performance can go hand in hand. By centralizing hot water weed control and high-pressure washing on a single removable chassis, the city maximizes the value of its trips while protecting its infrastructure. Multi PSI continues to support Quebec cities and businesses in developing innovative, field-adapted high-pressure cleaning solutions.

FAQ About the Hydrocide Platform 

How does hot water weed control work with the Hydrocide platform?

Water heated to a very high temperature by the burner is sprayed onto weeds via the spray bell, instantly destroying the plant's cellular structure down to the root.

What is the water tank capacity of the Saint-Mathias-sur-Richelieu platform?

The platform includes a main polyethylene tank with a visual level gauge to continuously monitor water consumption.

Can the Hydrocide platform be moved with a forklift?

Yes, the reinforced steel chassis includes built-in fork guides allowing the skid to be easily loaded and unloaded from a truck or trailer.

Can the Hydrocide system be used in winter?

The system has a dedicated 5-gallon antifreeze tank and a purge circuit to protect the pump and hoses from freezing during cold periods. The platform then becomes a strategic public works tool for clearing frozen catch basins, pipes, and hydrant heads.

What type of engine powers the Hydro Tek washing unit?

The unit is powered by a rugged Vanguard gasoline engine, delivering the flow and pressure needed to run the high-pressure pump continuously.

What is the maximum pressure delivered by this equipment?

The unit delivers 3000 PSI of working pressure with a water flow of 5 GPM, ensuring deep cleaning of even the most heavily soiled surfaces.

What accessories are included with the weed control platform?

The platform includes a wheeled spray bell, a 24-inch water broom, a manual hose reel with high-pressure hose, and a sludge pump system.

Why use a dual-filtration system for filling?

The dual filter retains sediment and particles when filling the tank, protecting the high-pressure pump and preventing nozzle clogging.

Can standard industrial cleaning be done with the Hydrocide platform?

Absolutely — simply disconnect the weed control bell and use a standard wash lance to clean street furniture, equipment, or graffiti.

Where can I get a custom washing platform designed or serviced in Quebec?

Multi PSI's experts design, assemble, and maintain custom mobile washing units in their specialized workshops in Quebec.

Author : Multi PSI has been an expert in high-pressure washing equipment for over 25 years. As an equipment distributor, we also offer mobile and workshop repair services. We are recognized for our expertise in custom projects, including washing platforms and trailers, as well as the installation of washing systems with reels, poles, or rails.

Updated on September 4, 2026