GUIDELINES FOR SNOWMOBILE TRAIL
           GROOMER OPERATOR TRAINING


A Resource Guide for Trail Grooming Managers and Equipment Operators:


Chapter 5 - Maintaining Grooming Equipment
      .
Types Of Maintenance:
There are a number of types of maintenance performed at different times for different purposes. A good overall maintenance program should include the following:
- First-Time Operation of a New Unit Inspection
- Pre-Season Inspection and Maintenance
- Pre-Operation Inspection and Maintenance
- Post-Operation Inspection and Maintenance
- Routine Shop Inspection and Maintenance
- Off-Season Storage Procedures

Each type of maintenance has a different purpose, so procedures should be developed for each one based upon the type of equipment. And since there are such a wide variety of grooming tractors, drags, tillers, and attachments currently available, it is impossible to provide generic preventive maintenance procedures that fit all situations. Therefore, general guidelines as to what each type of maintenance procedure should address include:

First-Time Operation of a New Unit
It is important to both the condition of the vehicle and safety of the operator to proceed slowly when operating a new vehicle (or a “new used” vehicle) for the first time.

While the Owner’s Manual should have detailed procedures, the following basic procedures should be followed prior to operating any vehicle for the first time:
• Visual inspection of entire vehicle, inside and
   outside.
• Check fuel and oil levels and fill as necessary.
• Familiarization with all controls and functions
   including Owner’s Manual recommendations.
• With engine running, verify that all gauges are
   operating and within specified limits.
• Proceed very slowly, getting the feel of the vehicle
   and its characteristics.
• After the first 10 hours or as specified in the manual,
   check for loose bolts, nuts, fittings, etc.

Pre-Season Inspection and Maintenance:
If the off-season recommendations below have been followed, readying the vehicle at the start of a new season should be relatively easy:
• Refer to maintenance records and be sure that all required work was performed.
• Check all fluid levels and look for signs of leaks.
• Install and/or adjust tracks.
• Inspect all welded joints and stress areas for cracks.
• Inspect bearings, joints, and all moving parts.

Pre-Grooming Operation Inspection and Maintenance
Before starting operations for a new day, the operator should be required to perform a pre-operation inspection. A set program should be developed for each piece of equipment based upon the manufacturer's recommendations. See the sample Daily Grooming Log in the Appendix for a sample Pre-Operation Checklist.

Post-Grooming Operation Inspection and Maintenance
As discussed earlier, many tracked vehicles should not be simply turned off at the end of a work session or engine damage can occur. Develop a routine for shutting down the vehicle at the end of the run, based upon the manufacturer’s recommendations. This shut-down/cool-down period is also an excellent time to walk around the equipment to perform a visual inspection, as well as to refuel.

Oftentimes, it is also a good idea to remove excess snow and ice that may have accumulated on the equipment during the grooming run. See the Daily Grooming Log in the Appendix for a sample Post-Operation Checklist.

Routine Shop Inspection and Maintenance:
In addition to the ongoing operational maintenance described in the two previous sections, most tracked vehicles require regular and frequent shop inspection and maintenance. A regular program should be developed for each machine and operators should be instructed as to when shop maintenance is required.

A maintenance log can make this easier to remember and track. See the sample Vehicle and Equipment Report, the Vehicle/Equipment Maintenance Records form and the Grooming Equipment Maintenance Requests form in the Appendix for checklists useful for tractors. Table 5.1 provides a sample checklist that can be used for grooming drag maintenance.


Grooming Drag – Example:

Service Item Description                            Frequency
Walk Around Inspection................................Daily

Remove and Inspect Shear Bolt.....................Daily

Inspect Hydraulic System for Leaks...............Daily

Check Blade Spring Tension.........................Daily

Check Cutting Blade Condition......................Daily 

Clean Ice and Snow Buildup from Face of.......Daily
Blades and Packing Pan

Clean Snow from Rear of Packing Pan...........Daily

Check Rear Wheel Tire Pressure (22psi)........Daily

Inspect Wear Strips Under Side Rails.............Daily

Check Rear Skegs......................................Weekly

Torque Blade Mounting Bolts (150 Ft. Lbs.)...Monthly

Torque Wheel Nuts (70 Ft. Lbs.)...................Monthly

Grease Blade Pivot Points...........................Monthly

Remove, Clean, and Lube Draw Bar..............Monthly

Check and Re-Pack Rear Wheel Bearings......Yearly

Touch Up Paint as Necessary.......................Yearly

Check Blade Height Adjustment (refer............Yearly
to Owner’s Manual)


Off-Season Storage Procedures:
Most tracked vehicles spend a significant part of the year sitting completely idle. Taking the time to properly store them simply makes sense in terms of protecting a major investment. While an off-season maintenance program unique to each vehicle should be developed based upon the manufacturer’s recommendations, the following general guidelines should be followed universally:

• Clean and service the battery and battery
   compartment.
• Change the oil, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluids,
   and filters.
• Lube all fittings to displace water and spent grease.
• Check for wear points: track belts and related
   components, wheel wear, cracks in carrier and 
   frame, hydraulic assemblies, etc.
• Check engine compartment for belt wear, tension,
   and alignment; throttle linkages and springs; broken
   or worn wiring; etc.
• Clean interior and exterior.
• Park in a garage if possible. If exposed to weather,
   remove or cover tracks to prevent Ultra Violet (UV)
   light damage to the rubber. If stored with tracks on,
   release tension.
• All engines (gas and diesel) should be started
   monthly and operated for at least 15 minutes to
   keep valve stems coated and to put moving parts in
   a different position.




  Next Section - General Tractor Maintenance Tips

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