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GUIDELINES FOR
SNOWMOBILE TRAIL
GROOMER OPERATOR
TRAINING
A Resource Guide for Trail Grooming Managers and Equipment
Operators:
Chapter 2 -
Grooming Equipment
.
Snowmobiles and ATVs as Grooming Tractors:
Some areas use either a wide-track/utility model snowmobile
or a tracked ATV to groom their snowmobile trails. In these
applications, the snowmobile or ATV is typically used to
pull a small grooming drag (usually only about 4 feet {1.2
meters}wide) when there are limitations with trail widths
that prevent a large tractor from grooming the trails.
A snowmobile or ATV may also be used because of funding
limitations in the area that preclude the capital
expenditures required for larger equipment. While there are
limitations as to what can be successfully groomed with a
snowmobile or ATV, these units can serve a valuable purpose.
One key to success is frequent grooming repetitions to
compensate for the cutting and compression limitations that
small drags typically have.
Photo 2.1 Typical snowmobile powered grooming unit
The grooming drag is typically controlled by an
electric-hydraulic switch operated from the seat of the
snowmobile or ATV. This allows the operator to make drag
adjustments just the same as if the operator were in a
full-sized tractor cab.
Because the operator is out in the elements, it is important
that extra safety precautions are taken for operator safety
and that the operator has adequate dry clothing along. It is
also important that a tow rope and shovel are carried on the
snowmobile or ATV since it is easy to get these units stuck.
A spare drive belt for the snowmobile should also be carried
since pulling the grooming load can be hard on the
snowmobile’s clutch and drive belt.
Photo 2.2 Typical ATV powered unit
All other grooming and safety principles apply, just on a
smaller scale.
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