GUIDELINES FOR SNOWMOBILE TRAIL
           GROOMER OPERATOR TRAINING


A Resource Guide for Trail Grooming Managers and Equipment Operators:


Chapter 7 - Groomer Operator Certification
      .
Operator Certification Core Subjects:
It is recommended that groomer operator certification relate to core subjects listed in Chapter One and covered by this Resource Guide, along with topics pertinent to local area conditions and procedures.  Additionally, the chapter quizzes in this Guide may be used by jurisdictions as a basis from which to develop local certification tests as applicable.

Recommended core subjects for certification could include:
• Introduction to Grooming: glossary of terms;
  grooming objectives, principles and steps; basic
  snow physics; grooming manager and schedules;
  and the source of funding for the local grooming
  program.

• Grooming Equipment Features: general overview of
  tractors; tractor components and characteristics;
  front blades; general overview of implements; drag
  features; tillers; compactor bars; and snowmobiles
  as groomers.

• Equipment Operation Guidelines: operator safety;
  general operating guidelines; grooming basics;
  effective grooming tips for a drag; proper use of the
  front blade; tips for operating tracked vehicles; tips to
  avoid equipment damage; and Ten Common Operator
  Abuses.

• Equipment Maintenance: Four Elements of
  Preventative Maintenance; first time operation of new
  units; pre-season inspection and maintenance; pre-
  and post-operation/shift inspection; regularly
  scheduled maintenance; and off-season storage.

• Record Keeping: cover all logs and reports required
  by the local grooming program.

• Local Issues: local trail maps, trail routes, special
  closures or sensitive areas, local laws and
  regulations, emergency contacts and procedures.

• Hands-On Equipment Operation and Check Out: in-
  cab instruments and gauges, backing up the tractor,
  hooking implements to the tractor, starting and
  stopping, operating on the right side of the trail, side
  hill operation, front blade operation, implement
  operation, proper fueling procedures, pre- and post-
  operation visual inspections.

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