GUIDELINES FOR SNOWMOBILE TRAIL
           GROOMER OPERATOR TRAINING


A Resource Guide for Trail Grooming Managers and Equipment Operators:


Chapter 4 - Operating Grooming Equipment
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General Operating Guidelines

How Much Snow is Required to Start Grooming Operations?
The amount of snow depth required to begin grooming operations will vary by area and is affected by the type of terrain and by the type of snow. Remember that it requires a lot more snow to safely and effectively operate a groomer than it does to operate a snowmobile.

And it can be a good thing to let snowmobiles run on the snow first before you start grooming operations because it starts the de-aeration and compression process. Generally, at least 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) of wet snow on smooth terrain like a road is enough to begin grooming operations. However, if the snow is drier, or if the terrain is rough or uneven, at least 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) of snow (or more) may be required to safely begin effective grooming operations.

Best Grooming Temperatures:
Generally when using a drag, grooming operations should be suspended when the temperature is below -25 degrees Fahrenheit (-32 degrees Celsius) or above +40 degrees Fahrenheit (+5 degrees Celsius) because it can cause snow to stick in the blades or build up on the packing pan enough of the time to make grooming a smooth trail impossible.

Wind and Shade Can be Beneficial for Grooming
Wind and the location or aspect of the trail to be groomed should also be considered. Wind, by blowing new snow into the trail, and overcast sky or shaded trail locations with cooler temperatures, can sometimes have a beneficial effect on grooming effectiveness.

Keep Blades Clean:
It may be necessary to stop and scrape the frost or snow buildup off the blade(s) if they fail to scour (self-clean). {If this is a consistent problem, consider having the moldboard part of the blades – but not the cutting edge of the blades – covered with UHMW or a similar plastic material that will always scour and prevent frost or snow buildup.}

If it appears that a good trail can no longer be produced, contact the Grooming Manager and consider shutting down until conditions improve. Night grooming can be the best way to minimize these types of effects from the weather.

Stay on the Trail!
It is essential to stay on the trail base at all times with the grooming equipment. If it is necessary to regroom a section of trail, find a place to turn around where there is ample turning room and it is known that the snow base will support the equipment. If in doubt, get out and walk to check the snow depth.

If a turnaround is attempted in an area where the snow is deep and loose, there is a risk of becoming severely stuck. If possible, use areas where turnarounds have been made before.

Shut Down in Poor Visibility:
There may be times when it becomes necessary to shut down on the trail because of poor visibility caused by high wind, heavy snowfall, fog, or a combination of these conditions. Simply stop the groomer right where it is and leave all lights on with the engine idling. If possible, contact the Grooming Manager or dispatcher to advise them of the situation and location. Always wait the situation out because it is easy to get off the trail in these situations which could result in trouble.

Always stay with the equipment and wait for conditions to improve.

Watch for Snowmobiles
When operating grooming equipment, always watch for approaching snowmobiles. Particularly when the trail is narrow or winding, keep to the right, slow down, and, if necessary, stop when a large group is approaching.

When approaching sharp or blind curves, always anticipate and plan for snowmobiles that may be approaching. Also watch for snowmobiles that overtake the groomer from behind. Again, keep to the right to allow them to pass. If the trail is narrow or winding, looks for places to safely pull off enough to allow them to pass. If necessary, stop in an area where it is safe for them to pass and signal for them to proceed.



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