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International Association of Snowmobile Administrators

Groomer Operator Groomer Operator Training Resource GuideTraining Resource Guide

Chapter 4:Chapter 4:

Operating Grooming Operating Grooming EquipmentEquipment

PresenterPresentation NotesSee pages 1-22 of manual


General Operating Guidelines:General Operating Guidelines:

How much snow is required to How much snow is required to start grooming operations?start grooming operations?

1.1.

It requires a lot more snow to safely and It requires a lot more snow to safely and effectively operate a groomer than it does to effectively operate a groomer than it does to operate a snowmobile.operate a snowmobile.

2.2.

It can be good to let sleds run on the snow It can be good to let sleds run on the snow first. This starts the defirst. This starts the de--aeration and aeration and compaction process, which then makes compaction process, which then makes grooming more effective grooming more effective ––

so donso don’’t rush it.t rush it.

PresenterPresentation NotesSee page 57 of manual



It varies by area and is affected by It varies by area and is affected by terrain and type of snow:terrain and type of snow:

Generally, at least 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 Generally, at least 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) of wet snow on smooth terrain like a cm) of wet snow on smooth terrain like a road is enough to start grooming road is enough to start grooming operations.operations.




It varies by area and is affected by It varies by area and is affected by terrain and type of snow:terrain and type of snow:

If snow is drier, or if terrain is rough or If snow is drier, or if terrain is rough or uneven, at least 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 uneven, at least 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) of snow (cm) of snow (or moreor more) may be required to ) may be required to safely begin safely begin effectiveeffective grooming operations.grooming operations.



Best Grooming TemperaturesBest Grooming Temperatures

Generally, when using a drag, Generally, when using a drag, grooming grooming should be suspended when the air should be suspended when the air temperature is below temperature is below --25 F (25 F (--32 C) or 32 C) or above +40 F (+5 C)above +40 F (+5 C) since extreme temps since extreme temps can cause snow to stick in the blades or can cause snow to stick in the blades or build up on the packing pan enough of the build up on the packing pan enough of the time to make grooming a smooth trail time to make grooming a smooth trail impossible.impossible.




Wind And Shade Can Be Wind And Shade Can Be

Beneficial For GroomingBeneficial For GroomingWind and the location or aspect of the trail Wind and the location or aspect of the trail can influence grooming effectiveness.can influence grooming effectiveness.Wind blowing new snow into trail, overcast Wind blowing new snow into trail, overcast sky, and shaded trail locations with cooler sky, and shaded trail locations with cooler temperatures can have beneficial effects.temperatures can have beneficial effects.




Keep Blades CleanKeep Blades CleanBlades must scour (selfBlades must scour (self--clean) in order to clean) in order to groom effectively with a drag. groom effectively with a drag. It may be necessary to stop and scrape It may be necessary to stop and scrape frost or snow buildup off the front tractor frost or snow buildup off the front tractor blade or from the dragblade or from the drag’’s blades.s blades.




Keep Blades CleanKeep Blades CleanIf this is a continuous problem, consider If this is a continuous problem, consider using a plastic covering on the dragusing a plastic covering on the drag’’s s blades.blades.Night grooming can be the best way to Night grooming can be the best way to help minimize these types of effects from help minimize these types of effects from weather.weather.




Stay on the Stay on the Trail!Trail!

It is essential to stay It is essential to stay on the compacted on the compacted trail base with the trail base with the grooming equipment grooming equipment at all times. If you get at all times. If you get into deep loose snow, into deep loose snow, you risk becoming you risk becoming severely stuck.severely stuck.




Stay on the Trail!Stay on the Trail!Turn around only where you know the Turn around only where you know the snow base will support the equipment. Get snow base will support the equipment. Get out and walk to check depth and firmness out and walk to check depth and firmness of snowpack if youof snowpack if you’’re not certain.re not certain.If possible, use areas where turnarounds If possible, use areas where turnarounds have been made before.have been made before.



General Operating Guidelines:General Operating Guidelines: Know the Trail and Stay on ItKnow the Trail and Stay on It

DonDon’’t follow snowmobile tracks unless t follow snowmobile tracks unless youyou’’re re positivepositive

theythey’’re on the trail!re on the trail!




Shut Down in Poor VisibilityShut Down in Poor VisibilityIt may become necessary to shut down on It may become necessary to shut down on the trail because of poor visibility caused the trail because of poor visibility caused by high winds, heavy snowfall, or fog.by high winds, heavy snowfall, or fog.Stop the groomer right where it is and Stop the groomer right where it is and leave all lights on with engine idling; also leave all lights on with engine idling; also advise the grooming manager of your advise the grooming manager of your situation.situation.




Shut Down in Poor VisibilityShut Down in Poor VisibilityWait the situation out since it would be Wait the situation out since it would be easy to get off the trail and get in trouble.easy to get off the trail and get in trouble.ALWAYSALWAYS stay with equipment and wait stay with equipment and wait for conditions to improve. for conditions to improve. NEVERNEVER get get out and try to walk to shelter.out and try to walk to shelter.




Always Watch for SnowmobilesAlways Watch for SnowmobilesWhen the trail is narrow or winding, keep When the trail is narrow or winding, keep to the right and slow down. If necessary, to the right and slow down. If necessary, stop when a large group is approaching.stop when a large group is approaching.

ALWAYS ANTICIPATEALWAYS ANTICIPATEPlan for approaching snowmobiles at sharp Plan for approaching snowmobiles at sharp or blind curves and on hills.or blind curves and on hills.




Always Watch for SnowmobilesAlways Watch for SnowmobilesWatch for sleds that may overtake you Watch for sleds that may overtake you from behind. Stay to the right and allow from behind. Stay to the right and allow them to pass. them to pass. If the trail is narrow or winding, look for a If the trail is narrow or winding, look for a place to pull off and stop where it is safe. place to pull off and stop where it is safe. Then signal for them to pass.Then signal for them to pass.



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics:

Building Trail Base versusBuilding Trail Base versus

Maintaining Trail BaseMaintaining Trail BaseAny time there is new snow to work with Any time there is new snow to work with (either from new snowfall, blown in snow, (either from new snowfall, blown in snow, or snow pulled in from trail edges), or snow pulled in from trail edges), grooming will grooming will buildbuild (increase)(increase) the trailthe trail’’s s base / depth.base / depth.





Maintaining Trail BaseMaintaining Trail BaseIf If ““newnew”” snow is not available, grooming snow is not available, grooming will simply will simply maintainmaintain the trail base, which the trail base, which is less desirable because it does not is less desirable because it does not increase trail depth and just reprocesses the increase trail depth and just reprocesses the existing snow.existing snow.





Maintaining Trail BaseMaintaining Trail BaseRemember that a dragRemember that a drag’’s blades must s blades must alwaysalways have snow in them to accomplish have snow in them to accomplish either trail building or trail maintenance.either trail building or trail maintenance.



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics: Ideal Groomed Trail WidthIdeal Groomed Trail Width

MaximumMaximum of 1of 1½½to 2 times the width to 2 times the width of the drag or tiller.of the drag or tiller.Trail Trail ‘‘clearing widthclearing width’’may only allow a may only allow a single implement single implement width in some areas. width in some areas.



Ideal Groomed Trail WidthIdeal Groomed Trail Width

Control your trail widthControl your trail width –– on wide on wide roads or in open areas, donroads or in open areas, don’’t try to groom t try to groom too wide. Pick a route and stick to it to too wide. Pick a route and stick to it to ensure the trail base is built from the ensure the trail base is built from the ground up. Grooming wider than 2 times ground up. Grooming wider than 2 times the drag/tiller width will result in soft the drag/tiller width will result in soft pockets and a rough trail from inconsistent pockets and a rough trail from inconsistent processing and compaction. processing and compaction.



Ideal Groomed Trail WidthIdeal Groomed Trail WidthMaintaining a trail width of 1Maintaining a trail width of 1½½ times the times the drag/tiller width consistently grooms the drag/tiller width consistently grooms the middle of the trailmiddle of the trail, which is where many , which is where many riders favor.riders favor.



Ideal Groomed Trail WidthIdeal Groomed Trail WidthMaintaining a Maintaining a ““11½½ times the equipmenttimes the equipment”” width width can help to build a crown in the can help to build a crown in the middle of the middle of the trailtrail since one track of the tractor is always in since one track of the tractor is always in the center of trail (and churning by the tracks the center of trail (and churning by the tracks helps to process the snow).helps to process the snow).



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics: Stay to the RightStay to the Right

ALWAYSALWAYS groom groom on the right side on the right side of the trail. of the trail. Reverse grooming Reverse grooming direction the next direction the next pass to widen the pass to widen the trail. trail.



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics: Stay to the Right

NEVERNEVER groom groom against traffic on the against traffic on the left side of the trail.left side of the trail.

NEVERNEVER groom groom against traffic on a against traffic on a oneone--way trail.way trail.



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics: Constantly Watch BehindConstantly Watch Behind

Pay attention to whatPay attention to what’’s s in the rearview mirrors in the rearview mirrors even though it may be even though it may be difficult to see in the difficult to see in the dark or through snow dark or through snow dust; this may mean dust; this may mean spending up to 75% of spending up to 75% of your time monitoring your time monitoring the product behind.the product behind.



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics: Constantly Watch BehindConstantly Watch Behind

Periodically get out Periodically get out and walk back to and walk back to check the finished check the finished trail behind.trail behind.Use Use ““boot testboot test”” to to evaluate the evaluate the finished product.finished product.



““Boot TestBoot Test””

When boots make a deep imprint: snow is When boots make a deep imprint: snow is SOFT SOFT and compaction is poor. Check and compaction is poor. Check implement settings and make adjustments. implement settings and make adjustments. If this doesnIf this doesn’’t help, perhaps you should t help, perhaps you should not be grooming until conditions improve.not be grooming until conditions improve.A light imprint indicates A light imprint indicates MEDIUMMEDIUMstrength snow and medium compaction.strength snow and medium compaction.If it is difficult to imprint snow: snow is If it is difficult to imprint snow: snow is HARDHARD and grooming is working well.and grooming is working well.



““Ski TestSki Test””

Another simple way for the operator to get a Another simple way for the operator to get a general indication of snow strength on the general indication of snow strength on the trail, from inside the cab, is to watch ski trail, from inside the cab, is to watch ski imprints from the last snowmobile traveling imprints from the last snowmobile traveling on the trail:on the trail:If body of ski is sinking in: If body of ski is sinking in: SOFTSOFT snow. snow. Check implement settings and conditions.Check implement settings and conditions.If skag is riding on the surface: If skag is riding on the surface: HARDHARD snow.snow.



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics: Know the Trail and Anticipate NeedsKnow the Trail and Anticipate Needs

You often need You often need snow for: crown of snow for: crown of hills, approaches, hills, approaches, creek crossings, creek crossings, bottom of curves, bottom of curves, and bare/ sunny/ and bare/ sunny/ windswept areas. windswept areas. If you donIf you don’’t carry t carry it with, you wonit with, you won’’t t have it to use.have it to use.



Know the Trail and Anticipate NeedsKnow the Trail and Anticipate Needs

When going thru When going thru a dip, swale, or a dip, swale, or ditch that the ditch that the drag spans drag spans ––anticipate a need anticipate a need to lower the to lower the dragdrag’’s blades s blades before you get before you get there to gather there to gather snow.snow.



Know the Trail and Anticipate NeedsKnow the Trail and Anticipate Needs

When approaching When approaching a heavily drifted or a heavily drifted or deep snow area, a deep snow area, a steep hill, a road steep hill, a road crossing, or a crossing, or a switchback switchback ––anticipate a need anticipate a need to raise blades in to raise blades in advance to avoid advance to avoid spinout or stuck.spinout or stuck.



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics: Pay Attention on CurvesPay Attention on Curves

Work down the Work down the high outside edges high outside edges on curves.on curves.Pull top snow down Pull top snow down with front blade with front blade and work into and work into bottom with drag bottom with drag or tiller.or tiller.



Pay Attention on CurvesPay Attention on Curves

Be careful not to Be careful not to straddle top of the straddle top of the berm; you may get berm; you may get highhigh--centered.centered.Always anticipate Always anticipate onon--coming traffic coming traffic when working a when working a curve.curve.



Pay Attention on CurvesPay Attention on Curves

A drag often will A drag often will not stay on the side not stay on the side of a sharp curve, so of a sharp curve, so you need to be you need to be either at the top or either at the top or down in the down in the bottom of the bottom of the curve.curve.



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics: Take the Time to Do It RightTake the Time to Do It Right

Regulate the speed of the tractor and Regulate the speed of the tractor and cutting depth of implement according to cutting depth of implement according to trail conditions and grooming needs.trail conditions and grooming needs.If there is a particularly rough area and a If there is a particularly rough area and a place to turn around, groom the trail a place to turn around, groom the trail a second time (or it will likely be even second time (or it will likely be even rougher the next time you return).rougher the next time you return).



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics: Remove Backup PilesRemove Backup Piles

If you need to backIf you need to back--up on the trail, never up on the trail, never leave a backleave a back--up pile up pile in the trail since it in the trail since it can be an extreme can be an extreme safety hazard.safety hazard.Always regroom the Always regroom the trail immediately or trail immediately or shovel it off.shovel it off.



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics: Think VisibilityThink Visibility

AlwaysAlways operate operate grooming tractors grooming tractors with their warning with their warning beacon/strobe and beacon/strobe and lights lights ““ONON”” at all at all times times –– day or day or night.night.AlwaysAlways display a display a SMVSMV sign at rear of sign at rear of unit.unit.



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics: Beware of Dirty SnowBeware of Dirty Snow

““DirtyDirty”” snow can snow can deteriorate the deteriorate the trail base quickly trail base quickly since any amount since any amount of sunlight (solar of sunlight (solar radiation) can radiation) can affect the firmness affect the firmness and quality of the and quality of the trail.trail.



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics: Beware of Dirty SnowBeware of Dirty Snow

Try to pull new snow Try to pull new snow in from trailin from trail’’s edge s edge with front blade to with front blade to mix old and new mix old and new snow.snow.Sometimes running Sometimes running the track 4the track 4”” over on over on the the right outside bermright outside bermwill help spill new will help spill new snow onto the trail.snow onto the trail.



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics: DonDon’’t Leave Holes in the Trailt Leave Holes in the Trail

Holes in the trail Holes in the trail caused by being caused by being stuck, drag stuck, drag malfunction, or malfunction, or operator error can operator error can be a hazard. be a hazard. Always remove Always remove them them (shovel or (shovel or regroom).regroom).



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics: Cover IceCover Ice

If possible, try to cover icy spots on the trail If possible, try to cover icy spots on the trail with snow to improve safety.with snow to improve safety.Sometimes ice can be scored with a Sometimes ice can be scored with a scarifier scarifier bladeblade to aid traction and steering.to aid traction and steering.Also try to process ice back into the snowpack.Also try to process ice back into the snowpack.



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics: Groom BridgesGroom Bridges

All too often All too often operators fail to operators fail to groomgroom across across bridges, which can bridges, which can lead to rough and lead to rough and unsafe conditions unsafe conditions before, across, and before, across, and after bridges.after bridges.



Grooming Basics:Grooming Basics: Groom BridgesGroom Bridges

Start by panning Start by panning across to avoid across to avoid damage. Use the damage. Use the groomer to bring groomer to bring snow onto bridge; snow onto bridge; eventually you will eventually you will build enough base build enough base to groom across to groom across every pass.every pass.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag

Remove Air from Hydraulics and Remove Air from Hydraulics and Compensate for LeaksCompensate for Leaks

After hooking drag to tractor After hooking drag to tractor –– raise and raise and lower a few times to remove air from hoses lower a few times to remove air from hoses and cylinders.and cylinders.Inspect all connections for leaks and Inspect all connections for leaks and promptly fix even slight leaks.promptly fix even slight leaks.




Remove Air from Hydraulics and Remove Air from Hydraulics and Compensate for LeaksCompensate for Leaks

Remember that the loss of pressure from Remember that the loss of pressure from leaks will cause components to settle. This leaks will cause components to settle. This requires compensation by continually requires compensation by continually adjusting (raising) the component adjusting (raising) the component controlled by that leaking hydraulic.controlled by that leaking hydraulic.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Check for Clearance and Check for Clearance and

Binding When TurningBinding When TurningInspect hydraulic hoses Inspect hydraulic hoses for binding and for binding and interference as tractor is interference as tractor is turned.turned.Check for clearance Check for clearance between outside of between outside of tracks and outside front tracks and outside front of drag when tractor is of drag when tractor is fully turned.fully turned.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Pay Attention!Pay Attention!

Grooming equipment Grooming equipment can be complex and can be complex and operating it is a operating it is a demanding job that demanding job that requiresrequires the the operatoroperator’’s s undivided undivided attention at all attention at all times.times.




While itWhile it’’s important to s important to be watching the trail be watching the trail ahead to observe ahead to observe changing conditions, itchanging conditions, it’’s s almost more important almost more important to watch what the to watch what the grooming drag behind is grooming drag behind is doing doing –– even though even though snow dust may impair snow dust may impair rear visibility.rear visibility.




DonDon’’t simply drop t simply drop the drag and forget it.the drag and forget it.Operator must Operator must constantlyconstantly respond respond and adjust to everand adjust to ever--changing trail and changing trail and snow conditions.snow conditions.




Keep the Mirrors Clean and Keep the Mirrors Clean and

Use ThemUse ThemThe rearview mirrors on the tractor are The rearview mirrors on the tractor are critically important and should be used to critically important and should be used to constantly monitor how the snow is constantly monitor how the snow is processing in the drag blades, as well as the processing in the drag blades, as well as the finished trail surface behind the unit.finished trail surface behind the unit.




Get Out and Check the TrailGet Out and Check the TrailWhile monitoring work with mirrors is While monitoring work with mirrors is important, itimportant, it’’s also important to s also important to occasionally get out of the tractor and walk occasionally get out of the tractor and walk across the groomed surface to check it.across the groomed surface to check it.If you sink in, recheck the dragIf you sink in, recheck the drag’’s settings s settings for good processing and compression.for good processing and compression.




Remove the Entire MogulRemove the Entire MogulRemember that moguls and drifts should Remember that moguls and drifts should be completely cut away since only partial be completely cut away since only partial removal results in uneven trail density and removal results in uneven trail density and moguls quickly reforming.moguls quickly reforming.Typically, the greatest cutting depth is Typically, the greatest cutting depth is needed on curves and in high traffic areas.needed on curves and in high traffic areas.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Watch the SpeedWatch the Speed

The most effective The most effective grooming speedgrooming speed is is typically typically 5 to 7 mph5 to 7 mph(8(8--11 kph) and is 11 kph) and is governed by the way governed by the way the snow is being the snow is being processed.processed.




Too slow: Too slow: rolling rolling action in front of action in front of blades will not be blades will not be adequate.adequate.Too fast: Too fast: will get will get drag bounce, a poor drag bounce, a poor trail, and spray snow trail, and spray snow out (wasting it).out (wasting it).




Excess speed can Excess speed can prevent blades prevent blades from properly from properly cutting off moguls cutting off moguls and not give snow and not give snow time to fall into time to fall into dips or holes.dips or holes.




Slow down and Slow down and take the time take the time needed to get a needed to get a good finished good finished product; the trail product; the trail will stand up will stand up better to traffic.better to traffic.




Grooming too fast is Grooming too fast is a much more a much more detrimental factor detrimental factor than most operators than most operators realize and is a huge realize and is a huge waste of grooming waste of grooming resources. Note resources. Note washboard effect washboard effect from drag bounce.from drag bounce.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Slow Down When Using Wheel KitsSlow Down When Using Wheel Kits

Going too fast with Going too fast with wheels down can wheels down can cause stress fractures, cause stress fractures, hitch damage, and hitch damage, and frame twisting (and if frame twisting (and if the frame isnthe frame isn’’t square, t square, the drag wonthe drag won’’t groom t groom right).right).



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Groom at Night or Groom at Night or

When Traffic is LowWhen Traffic is LowGreatest single key to Greatest single key to effective grooming is effective grooming is low traffic/cold temp.low traffic/cold temp.AlwaysAlways groom when groom when traffic volumes are at traffic volumes are at their lowest, which is their lowest, which is typically at night.typically at night.Allows setup time and Allows setup time and enhances safety.enhances safety.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Groom at Night orGroom at Night or

When Traffic is LowWhen Traffic is LowGrooming at night Grooming at night generally produces the best generally produces the best quality trail since quality trail since temperatures are typically temperatures are typically colder. This can help snow colder. This can help snow flow better, as well as setup flow better, as well as setup harder and more quickly.harder and more quickly.




Early Season CautionsEarly Season Cautions

If a grooming program has more than one If a grooming program has more than one drag drag –– use an older one for early season use an older one for early season setup to avoid damage to your better setup to avoid damage to your better equipment.equipment.Go slower because of potential hidden Go slower because of potential hidden hazards.hazards.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Early Season CautionsEarly Season Cautions

It may be better to It may be better to ““ride the panride the pan””versus trying to cut versus trying to cut much with drag much with drag blades on initial blades on initial passes in early or passes in early or low snow low snow conditions.conditions.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Early Season CautionsEarly Season Cautions

Consider using a Consider using a Compactor Bar for Compactor Bar for better early season better early season effectiveness and to effectiveness and to save wear and tear save wear and tear on drag or tiller.on drag or tiller.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Pull Snow to Middle of TrailPull Snow to Middle of Trail

There is often a lack There is often a lack of snow in middle of of snow in middle of trail (where most sled trail (where most sled traffic is at).traffic is at).Use front blade to Use front blade to pull snow in from pull snow in from trailtrail’’s outer edge.s outer edge.Operate drag on Operate drag on outer edge of trail.outer edge of trail.




Pull Snow to Pull Snow to Middle of TrailMiddle of Trail

The outside 2 or 3 feet (.6 The outside 2 or 3 feet (.6 to .9 meter) of a trail will to .9 meter) of a trail will often be softer than the often be softer than the middle of trail due to the middle of trail due to the compaction sled traffic compaction sled traffic contributes in middle. This contributes in middle. This enables a drag to enables a drag to redistribute softer outside redistribute softer outside snow to the middle of trail.snow to the middle of trail.




Remove Debris Remove Debris from Trailfrom TrailDebris can not Debris can not only be a hazard, only be a hazard, but also can attract but also can attract heat which can heat which can have a thawing have a thawing effect on the trail. effect on the trail.




Remove Rocks from TrailRemove Rocks from TrailRocks caught under cutting Rocks caught under cutting blades (even small ones like blades (even small ones like in the top photo) can create in the top photo) can create ruts in the trail which can be ruts in the trail which can be a hazard, as well as contribute a hazard, as well as contribute to areas in the trail where to areas in the trail where compaction is less dense. compaction is less dense.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Watch the TemperatureWatch the Temperature

The best temperature for The best temperature for grooming with a drag is grooming with a drag is generally in the +5 to generally in the +5 to +25 F (+25 F (--15 to 15 to --4 C) 4 C) range, but drags can also range, but drags can also work well in some areas work well in some areas in the in the --20 to +20 F range 20 to +20 F range ((--6 to 6 to --29 C).29 C).




Watch the TemperatureWatch the TemperatureGenerally, wet snow grooms best at night Generally, wet snow grooms best at night and dry snow grooms best during the day and dry snow grooms best during the day ((ifif the daytime traffic level is low).the daytime traffic level is low).Often Often early eveningearly evening has the best has the best temperatures for the temperatures for the mostmost effectiveeffectivegrooming.grooming.




Watch the TemperatureWatch the Temperature

If it is either so warm or so cold that snow If it is either so warm or so cold that snow continually sticks to the blades so they will continually sticks to the blades so they will not scour not scour –– grooming operations should be grooming operations should be suspended until temperatures are more suspended until temperatures are more favorable.favorable.




Use Wax or Silicone Spray toUse Wax or Silicone Spray to

Help Blades ScourHelp Blades ScourAir that is significantly colder than the Air that is significantly colder than the snow can cause frost to form on blades snow can cause frost to form on blades and prevent them from scouring. This is a and prevent them from scouring. This is a greater problem on singlegreater problem on single--blade drags since blade drags since they they mustmust scour to work properly since scour to work properly since there is only one blade for processing.there is only one blade for processing.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag DonDon’’t Dump Snow on t Dump Snow on

Road CrossingsRoad Crossings

Frozen piles of snow Frozen piles of snow dumped on roads can dumped on roads can be hazardous for be hazardous for motorists and can motorists and can also create illalso create ill--will will toward toward snowmobiling.snowmobiling.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag DonDon’’t Dump Snow on Drivewayst Dump Snow on Driveways

Snow deposited on Snow deposited on driveways can driveways can strain relationships strain relationships with adjacent with adjacent landowners.landowners.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag DonDon’’t Dump Snow on Road t Dump Snow on Road

Crossings or DrivewaysCrossings or Driveways

Always cross roads Always cross roads and driveways with and driveways with care and raise the care and raise the drag.drag.If you leave snow If you leave snow ––shovel it off.shovel it off.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag DonDon’’t Dump Snow on Railroad t Dump Snow on Railroad

Crossings or Railroad TracksCrossings or Railroad Tracks

Avoid dragging or Avoid dragging or dumping snow on RR dumping snow on RR tracks since frozen tracks since frozen piles of snow can piles of snow can derail a train. You derail a train. You may need to shovel.may need to shovel.Only cross RR tracks Only cross RR tracks at legal crossings.at legal crossings.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag DonDon’’t Set Drag Blades Too Low t Set Drag Blades Too Low

on Smooth Trailson Smooth TrailsUse only the rear set of blades to Use only the rear set of blades to ““skimskim”” minimally minimally moguled trails; this helps increase the trailmoguled trails; this helps increase the trail’’s base.s base.Cut only as deep as the bottom of a mogulCut only as deep as the bottom of a mogul’’s s ““dip.dip.””




Deep New Snowfall Can Mean Deep New Snowfall Can Mean Starting OverStarting Over

Moguls under deep new snow usually canMoguls under deep new snow usually can’’t t be removed.be removed.Process new snow and compact new base. Process new snow and compact new base. Two passes may be required to obtain Two passes may be required to obtain sufficient compaction. A longer setup time sufficient compaction. A longer setup time will also be required.will also be required.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Grooming Wet SnowGrooming Wet Snow

Requires more operator Requires more operator finesse since snow has finesse since snow has more surface tension and more surface tension and wonwon’’t flow well.t flow well.Adjust drag somewhat Adjust drag somewhat higher and pick up speed; higher and pick up speed; monitor snow to ensure it monitor snow to ensure it flows freely.flows freely.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Grooming Wet SnowGrooming Wet Snow

If snow begins to If snow begins to collect in drag collect in drag ––raise it enough to raise it enough to clear the snow and clear the snow and lower again. lower again. BBut ut dondon’’t deposit t deposit piles in the trail!piles in the trail!



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Continually Monitor Drag BladesContinually Monitor Drag Blades

Particularly when trails are smooth, operators Particularly when trails are smooth, operators must continually adjust the cutting height. must continually adjust the cutting height. The need is different with multi and single The need is different with multi and single blades:blades:MultiMulti--BladeBlade: weight of drag causes natural : weight of drag causes natural settling which forces cutting blades deeper settling which forces cutting blades deeper as frames settles. This requires operator to as frames settles. This requires operator to monitor and readjust monitor and readjust upwardupward as needed.as needed.




Single BladeSingle Blade: blade must exert constant : blade must exert constant down pressure. When the trail is relatively down pressure. When the trail is relatively smooth, this can result in the lone cutting smooth, this can result in the lone cutting blade being forced upward. As a result, the blade being forced upward. As a result, the operator must continually monitor and operator must continually monitor and readjust readjust downwarddownward as needed.as needed.




Single BladeSingle Blade: operator must understand : operator must understand that the blade is typically concave like this: that the blade is typically concave like this:

(( This shape lends itself to drafting and This shape lends itself to drafting and being sucked downward when you cross a being sucked downward when you cross a soft pocket of snow in trail. Beware that soft pocket of snow in trail. Beware that this can cause springs to trip and create this can cause springs to trip and create humps in the trail.humps in the trail.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Adjusting Blade HeightAdjusting Blade Height

MultiMulti--BladeBlade: it takes less than a : it takes less than a ““quick quick short bumpshort bump”” to adjust blades. Barely crack to adjust blades. Barely crack the hydraulic spool open to when it just the hydraulic spool open to when it just barely barely ““squealssqueals”” and youand you’’ll likely have all ll likely have all the adjustment you need.the adjustment you need.




MultiMulti--BladeBlade: since the cutting depth of : since the cutting depth of the blades are often preset and stepped the blades are often preset and stepped down from front to back, it requires down from front to back, it requires lowering or raising the side rails only a lowering or raising the side rails only a fraction of an inch/centimeter to fraction of an inch/centimeter to substantially change the cutting depth.substantially change the cutting depth.




MultiMulti--BladeBlade: it is good to cut enough to : it is good to cut enough to keep a significant supply of snow in front keep a significant supply of snow in front of the rear spreader pan since it helps to of the rear spreader pan since it helps to continually build/increase the trailcontinually build/increase the trail’’s base.s base.




Single BladeSingle Blade: cut enough to keep the area : cut enough to keep the area in front of the pan full of snow, but not so in front of the pan full of snow, but not so much that snow is spilling out the sides much that snow is spilling out the sides and being wasted.and being wasted.Snow in front of the blade should be kept Snow in front of the blade should be kept rolling or moving constantly.rolling or moving constantly.




Single BladeSingle Blade: blade depth will typically : blade depth will typically vary from vary from ¼¼ inch (0.6 cm) to a maximum inch (0.6 cm) to a maximum of about 2 inches (5 cm).of about 2 inches (5 cm).A quick, short bump of the hydraulic A quick, short bump of the hydraulic control lever is all thatcontrol lever is all that’’s needed to raise or s needed to raise or lower the blade lower the blade ¼¼ to to ½½ inch (0.6 to 1.3 inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm), which will often be sufficient.cm), which will often be sufficient.




Single BladeSingle Blade: raising the blade too much, : raising the blade too much, too quickly can leave a bump in the trail; so too quickly can leave a bump in the trail; so be cautious to not inadvertently create a be cautious to not inadvertently create a hazard.hazard.Remember that the pan will ride up and Remember that the pan will ride up and over whatever goes under the blade; so over whatever goes under the blade; so again be cautious of creating humps.again be cautious of creating humps.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Spilling Snow = Carrying Too MuchSpilling Snow = Carrying Too Much

When snow in front of When snow in front of the blade isnthe blade isn’’t churning t churning or is spilling out the or is spilling out the sides, the drag is sides, the drag is carrying too much snow carrying too much snow and isnand isn’’t working t working effectively.effectively.Often a slight tap of the Often a slight tap of the control lever to raise the control lever to raise the blades will correct this blades will correct this situation.situation.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Grooming HillsGrooming Hills

Can be a special Can be a special challenge.challenge.Likely to be a lack of Likely to be a lack of snow at the top and snow at the top and an abundance at the an abundance at the bottom.bottom.Hillside between top Hillside between top and bottom may also and bottom may also be icy or bare.be icy or bare.




As much as As much as anywhere, operator anywhere, operator must anticipate and must anticipate and plan ahead.plan ahead.Must also keep to the Must also keep to the right so groomer isnright so groomer isn’’t t a hazard.a hazard.




In approach from In approach from the top when the top when grooming downhill grooming downhill –– anticipate a need anticipate a need to carry snow for to carry snow for the crest/top area.the crest/top area.




In approach from In approach from bottom bottom –– drag drag may need to be may need to be raised as groomer raised as groomer begins climbing begins climbing hill to lighten the hill to lighten the load.load.




Note in photo that Note in photo that tracks have spun and tracks have spun and dug trenches which dug trenches which drag can fall into, drag can fall into, unless it is wider than unless it is wider than the tractor. In this the tractor. In this case, the tractor can case, the tractor can quickly become stuck quickly become stuck unless the drag is unless the drag is raised. raised.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Grooming CurvesGrooming Curves

Another special Another special challenge.challenge.Likely to be Likely to be low or low or no snowno snow in the in the bottom of a sharp bottom of a sharp curve.curve.At the same time, At the same time, there may be there may be high high bermsberms on outside the on outside the edge.edge.




Beware that Beware that dropping too far dropping too far down into the center down into the center of a sharp or blind of a sharp or blind curve can be curve can be dangerous; so never dangerous; so never deviate over the deviate over the mythical centerlinemythical centerlinemore than 2 feet.more than 2 feet.




If groomer gets If groomer gets too too high on outside edgehigh on outside edge, , it risks getting high it risks getting high centered and stuck.centered and stuck.Use front blade to Use front blade to pull snow from pull snow from outside into bottom outside into bottom of curve.of curve.




Understand that it Understand that it is difficult to is difficult to ““carrycarry”” much snow much snow into a curve with a into a curve with a multimulti--blade since it blade since it tends to tends to ““build build depthdepth”” versus versus ““carry and dumpcarry and dump””like single blade like single blade drags.drags.




The only location in The only location in a curve where there a curve where there is ever is ever ““extraextra”” snow snow that may be that may be available is at the available is at the outside endoutside end of the of the curve; so try to use curve; so try to use it.it.

PresenterPresentation NotesSee procedure narrative in second paragraph on page 68 of manual


Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Making a Double PassMaking a Double Pass

Can be desirable on rough moguled areas Can be desirable on rough moguled areas ((if there is a safe, firm place to turn aroundif there is a safe, firm place to turn around).).Means section will receive Means section will receive 3 grooming reps.3 grooming reps.Pass 1Pass 1: (normal rep through section) go a : (normal rep through section) go a little faster than normal little faster than normal –– drop into bottom drop into bottom of curves and donof curves and don’’t spend extra time t spend extra time grooming.grooming.



Tips for Effective Grooming with a DragTips for Effective Grooming with a Drag Making a Double PassMaking a Double Pass

Pass 2Pass 2: (return route after turnaround) : (return route after turnaround) again make it quick without a lot of extra again make it quick without a lot of extra grooming effort.grooming effort.Pass 3Pass 3: (return/2: (return/2ndnd on original rough area) on original rough area) really slow down, work trail carefully, and really slow down, work trail carefully, and vary position of groomer as needed to take vary position of groomer as needed to take advantage of windrows created by pass advantage of windrows created by pass numbers 1 and 2.numbers 1 and 2.



Proper Use of the Front BladeProper Use of the Front Blade DonDon’’t Overuse the Front Bladet Overuse the Front Blade

When using a drag When using a drag ––best used only to best used only to level drifts or to pull level drifts or to pull new snow into the new snow into the trail. Snow is then trail. Snow is then best processed, best processed, compressed, and compressed, and leveled by the drag.leveled by the drag.




DonDon’’t t ““over groomover groom”” by continually raising and by continually raising and lowering the front blade since this can lead to lowering the front blade since this can lead to accentuating dips in the trail, as well as create accentuating dips in the trail, as well as create rolling trail surfaces.rolling trail surfaces.




Trail leveling is best Trail leveling is best accomplished by the accomplished by the planer effect of a drag. planer effect of a drag. DonDon’’t t ““groomgroom”” with with the front blade.the front blade.Rather, let the drag Rather, let the drag blades do the real blades do the real leveling work.leveling work.




It is particularly important to It is particularly important to notnot continually raise continually raise and lower the front blade; it and lower the front blade; it wwillill lead to an lead to an uneven trail surface since there is no uneven trail surface since there is no ““planer planer effecteffect”” to help level the trail.to help level the trail.Use the TILT adjustment instead of UP/DOWN.Use the TILT adjustment instead of UP/DOWN.



Proper Use of the Front BladeProper Use of the Front Blade Front Blade Use with TillerFront Blade Use with Tiller

When using a tiller, When using a tiller, the front blade must the front blade must perform the perform the important process of important process of removing moguls. removing moguls. The front blade The front blade needs to be in use needs to be in use nearly fulltime. nearly fulltime.



Proper Use of the Front BladeProper Use of the Front Blade Front Blade Use with TillerFront Blade Use with Tiller

When using a front When using a front blade to help remove blade to help remove moguls while tilling, moguls while tilling, snow should be snow should be rolling and churning rolling and churning in front of the blade in front of the blade –– just as is desired just as is desired for processing in a for processing in a drag.drag.



Proper Use of the Front BladeProper Use of the Front Blade Beware of HazardsBeware of Hazards

Watch for rocks and stumps since hitting Watch for rocks and stumps since hitting these hazards can put a great deal of stress these hazards can put a great deal of stress on the tractor.on the tractor.If the blade or tracks hit something, let go of If the blade or tracks hit something, let go of the steering wheel momentarily; this can the steering wheel momentarily; this can reduce stress on critical parts by allowing reduce stress on critical parts by allowing some give in the steering system.some give in the steering system.



Proper Use of the Front BladeProper Use of the Front Blade Cutting Tracks Across a Side HillCutting Tracks Across a Side Hill

Approach the upper steeply inclined slope Approach the upper steeply inclined slope transversely and use the laterally swiveled blade transversely and use the laterally swiveled blade to push snow to push snow –– thereby creating a flat track in thereby creating a flat track in front of the front of the tractor.tractor.



Proper Use of the Front BladeProper Use of the Front Blade Cutting Tracks Across a Side HillCutting Tracks Across a Side Hill

Start using a small Start using a small amount of snow and amount of snow and use more and more use more and more snow as the tractor snow as the tractor progresses.progresses.Snow pushed Snow pushed downhill will downhill will broaden the path broaden the path and provide greater and provide greater safety.safety.



Proper Use of the Front BladeProper Use of the Front Blade Blade Use at Grooming SpeedBlade Use at Grooming Speed

When using a drag:When using a drag: run with bottom of front run with bottom of front blade set about blade set about 4 inches 4 inches (10 cm)(10 cm) aboveabove bottom bottom of tracks of tracks –– not at ground level and not up high.not at ground level and not up high.This allows for dayThis allows for day--lighting drifts and keeps lighting drifts and keeps blade safe from hitting a buried hazard.blade safe from hitting a buried hazard.




Watch Watch behindbehind the the front blade to front blade to monitor the blade monitor the blade height in relation to height in relation to bottom of the bottom of the tracks.tracks.




If there is a need to If there is a need to use the blade for use the blade for heavy dozing or for heavy dozing or for building trail across building trail across a drifted side slope a drifted side slope –– slow down and slow down and operate with operate with caution.caution.




When using a tiller: When using a tiller: blade should always blade should always have snow in it since have snow in it since it needs to cut away it needs to cut away moguls and feed moguls and feed snow to the tiller for snow to the tiller for processing. It is very processing. It is very important to know important to know the trail route and the the trail route and the snow depth.snow depth.




If snowfall is low or you are uncertain If snowfall is low or you are uncertain about trail location or potential hazards about trail location or potential hazards ––

slow down and operate with caution.slow down and operate with caution.




To flatten low moguls or To flatten low moguls or ripples ripples –– drive with blade in drive with blade in ““floatfloat”” position (blade is open position (blade is open with its own weight on ground with its own weight on ground and no hydraulic down and no hydraulic down pressure).pressure).Approach larger moguls at Approach larger moguls at about about ½½ the mogul height (not the mogul height (not in float) so snow falls forward in float) so snow falls forward into dip behind the mogul.into dip behind the mogul.




Use Use ““tilttilt”” cylinder to cylinder to set cutting height set cutting height rather than rather than ““upup”” and and ““downdown”” since since ““up/downup/down”” can can contribute to a rough contribute to a rough or undulating finished or undulating finished surface.surface.



Proper Use of the Front BladeProper Use of the Front Blade Using Front Blade to Using Front Blade to

Assist with ClimbingAssist with Climbing

When working fresh deep snowfall, blade When working fresh deep snowfall, blade can be important to obtaining good weight can be important to obtaining good weight distribution distribution –– particularly if using a tiller.particularly if using a tiller.Also important to obtaining good contact Also important to obtaining good contact pressure on the snow with groomer.pressure on the snow with groomer.




Assist with ClimbingAssist with ClimbingWhen climbing steep slopes and operator When climbing steep slopes and operator

stops just stops just beforebefore unit digs itself in:unit digs itself in:

Drive backwards with blade lowered to Drive backwards with blade lowered to help smooth out the step.help smooth out the step.Start again with blade raised and you can Start again with blade raised and you can typically get a little further; stop before the typically get a little further; stop before the unit digs itself in and then repeat.unit digs itself in and then repeat.




Assist with DescendingAssist with DescendingWhen descending steep slopes, the front When descending steep slopes, the front blade may also be lowered and used as a blade may also be lowered and used as a braking device.braking device.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Preparing Fresh SnowPreparing Fresh Snow

Fresh snow should be Fresh snow should be worked as gently as worked as gently as possible. Snow possible. Snow crystals are destroyed crystals are destroyed if a tiller is used too if a tiller is used too aggressively, causing aggressively, causing snow crystals to no snow crystals to no longer bond and longer bond and become slush.become slush.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Processing MogulsProcessing Moguls

A durable snow surface is only produced A durable snow surface is only produced by mixing processed snow with fresh snow by mixing processed snow with fresh snow or by mixing snow on top of the trail with or by mixing snow on top of the trail with old snow lying at lower levels.old snow lying at lower levels.The tillerThe tiller’’s teeth smash chunks of snow s teeth smash chunks of snow into slush, which fills the gaps on the into slush, which fills the gaps on the surface of trail.surface of trail.Processed snow is then shaped by comb.Processed snow is then shaped by comb.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Processing Icy SurfacesProcessing Icy Surfaces

Icy trail surfaces should only be broken Icy trail surfaces should only be broken open if the snow coating is strong enough open if the snow coating is strong enough or if fresh snow or if fresh snow has fallen.has fallen.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Processing Wet SnowProcessing Wet Snow

A relatively hard surface may be formed as A relatively hard surface may be formed as the result of high humidity which can cause the result of high humidity which can cause a film of water to develop on comb; a film of water to develop on comb; sometimes the tilt option on the tiller can sometimes the tilt option on the tiller can be used to help break up this glazing effect.be used to help break up this glazing effect.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Processing Extreme Sugar SnowProcessing Extreme Sugar Snow

When there is very fine, dry (sugar) snow When there is very fine, dry (sugar) snow ––it may be desirable to use only a smoothing it may be desirable to use only a smoothing board.board.Tilling in these conditions can create Tilling in these conditions can create ““side side wallswalls”” (banks of snow spilled out sides).(banks of snow spilled out sides).Can be difficult to create a durable surface.Can be difficult to create a durable surface.Good idea to leave snow alone for 2 Good idea to leave snow alone for 2 –– 3 3 hours until temperature changes crystals.hours until temperature changes crystals.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Control the Ground SpeedControl the Ground Speed

Too fast:Too fast: tracks will tracks will throw snow out the side throw snow out the side and over top of tiller and over top of tiller onto surface that has onto surface that has already been prepared.already been prepared.Too fast can also cause Too fast can also cause tiller to bounce and tiller to bounce and sway, which results in sway, which results in an uneven surface.an uneven surface.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Need Sufficient Snow CoverNeed Sufficient Snow Cover

Never operate tiller until snow is deep Never operate tiller until snow is deep enough to prevent damage to underlying enough to prevent damage to underlying turf and to the grooming unit.turf and to the grooming unit.When possible When possible –– create snow reserves in create snow reserves in critical areas where snow may melt back critical areas where snow may melt back and expose bare ground.and expose bare ground.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Proper Tiller DepthProper Tiller Depth

Indications that tiller depth is set Indications that tiller depth is set CORRECTLY:CORRECTLY:

Perfectly clean snow surface behind tiller.Perfectly clean snow surface behind tiller.Snow surface retains a firm base.Snow surface retains a firm base.Economical operation of the unit.Economical operation of the unit.Favorable loading for the tractor and tiller.Favorable loading for the tractor and tiller.




Indications that tiller depth is set Indications that tiller depth is set INCORRECTLY:INCORRECTLY:

Rotary shaft is set too high so there is no output Rotary shaft is set too high so there is no output visible behind tiller.visible behind tiller.No markings at hard points on snow surface.No markings at hard points on snow surface.Snow crystal bonding and the base quality Snow crystal bonding and the base quality deteriorates.deteriorates.




Indications that tiller depth is set Indications that tiller depth is set INCORRECTLY:INCORRECTLY:

Rotary shaft is set too deep so there is too little Rotary shaft is set too deep so there is too little snow throughsnow through--flow; snow flows out the side and flow; snow flows out the side and forms a side wall.forms a side wall.Large amounts of power are required, which is Large amounts of power are required, which is not economical.not economical.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Side Walls Being Formed by TillerSide Walls Being Formed by Tiller

Side walls being formed to left Side walls being formed to left and right of tiller indicate:and right of tiller indicate:

Excessive ground speed.Excessive ground speed.Excessive engine speed.Excessive engine speed.Tiller depth set too deep.Tiller depth set too deep.Rotary shaft is at a standstill.Rotary shaft is at a standstill.Cylinder equipment carrier has been adjusted.Cylinder equipment carrier has been adjusted.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Side Walls Being Formed by TillerSide Walls Being Formed by Tiller

Side walls being formed to left Side walls being formed to left and right of tiller indicate:and right of tiller indicate:

Contact pressure position switched Contact pressure position switched ““ONON”” rather rather than in than in ““FLOATFLOAT”” position.position.The lateral finisher/comb must overlap the The lateral finisher/comb must overlap the prepared track to ensure the transition between prepared track to ensure the transition between tracks occurs in a clean manner.tracks occurs in a clean manner.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller DonDon’’t Leave Holes or Pilest Leave Holes or Piles

Any holes in the trail surface and/or piles Any holes in the trail surface and/or piles of snow created when driving or turning of snow created when driving or turning around should be flattened out again as around should be flattened out again as quickly as possible.quickly as possible.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Trail Surface DoesnTrail Surface Doesn’’t Look Goodt Look Good

When parts of the trail look like they When parts of the trail look like they werenweren’’t processed and finished t processed and finished

okay, it may indicate:okay, it may indicate:Tiller is set too high; check shaft depth Tiller is set too high; check shaft depth adjustment.adjustment.Engine speed is too slow.Engine speed is too slow.Lever not in engaged (float) position.Lever not in engaged (float) position.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Trail Surface DoesnTrail Surface Doesn’’t Look Goodt Look Good

When parts of the trail look like they When parts of the trail look like they werenweren’’t processed and finished t processed and finished

okay, it may indicate:okay, it may indicate:Excessive ground speed.Excessive ground speed.Failure to use front tractor blade to create Failure to use front tractor blade to create an even surface area on trail an even surface area on trail –– so tiller is so tiller is lying lying ““openopen”” on moguls.on moguls.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Remove Snow from the UnitRemove Snow from the Unit

Regularly remove snow that can build up Regularly remove snow that can build up on the loading/cargo area of the tractor; on the loading/cargo area of the tractor; increased weight will cause increased fuel increased weight will cause increased fuel consumption and also affect the unitconsumption and also affect the unit’’s s center of gravity.center of gravity.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Groomer is Almost at a StandstillGroomer is Almost at a Standstill

If vehicle is almost at a standstill,If vehicle is almost at a standstill,

it may indicate:it may indicate:Tiller is set too deep; check shaft depth Tiller is set too deep; check shaft depth adjustment.adjustment.Excessive engine speed.Excessive engine speed.Cylinder equipment carrier adjusted by mistake.Cylinder equipment carrier adjusted by mistake.Direction of tiller rotation set to contraDirection of tiller rotation set to contra--rotation.rotation.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Groomer is Almost at a StandstillGroomer is Almost at a Standstill

If vehicle is almost at a standstill,If vehicle is almost at a standstill,it may indicate:it may indicate:

Rotary shaft at a standstill (jammed, crushed, or Rotary shaft at a standstill (jammed, crushed, or frozen).frozen).The shaft is unbalanced.The shaft is unbalanced.A gear is missing as a result of improper A gear is missing as a result of improper maintenance.maintenance.Snow is frozen on the shaft.Snow is frozen on the shaft.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Violent Vibration When Tiller ONViolent Vibration When Tiller ON

If there are violent vibrations in the If there are violent vibrations in the vehicle when tiller is ON, it may vehicle when tiller is ON, it may

indicate:indicate:The shaft is unbalanced.The shaft is unbalanced.A gear is missing as a result of improper A gear is missing as a result of improper maintenance.maintenance.Snow is frozen on the shaft.Snow is frozen on the shaft.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Violent Vibration When Tiller ONViolent Vibration When Tiller ON

If there are violent vibrations in the If there are violent vibrations in the vehicle when tiller is ON, it may vehicle when tiller is ON, it may

indicate:indicate:Vibration meansVibration means Unbalanced Unbalanced –– screws screws unfasten themselves and bearings can be unfasten themselves and bearings can be destroyed.destroyed.Always rectify imbalance immediately; Always rectify imbalance immediately; it is UNSAFE.it is UNSAFE.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Operation on Hills and Steep SlopesOperation on Hills and Steep Slopes

When When operating uphilloperating uphill –– only drive with only drive with amount of power needed and watch for amount of power needed and watch for track engagement/traction.track engagement/traction.If excessive power is used, tracks will spin If excessive power is used, tracks will spin and machine will dig itself in.and machine will dig itself in.If tracks begin to dig themselves in, stop If tracks begin to dig themselves in, stop and look for a new route.and look for a new route.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Operation on Hills and Steep SlopesOperation on Hills and Steep Slopes

When When operating downhilloperating downhill –– drive at drive at moderate speed to ensure: 1) engine moderate speed to ensure: 1) engine doesndoesn’’t overt over--rev, 2) unit doesnrev, 2) unit doesn’’t drift t drift sideways in an uncontrolled manner, and sideways in an uncontrolled manner, and 3) unit doesn3) unit doesn’’t pull snow down the slope t pull snow down the slope behind it.behind it.



Tips for Grooming with a TillerTips for Grooming with a Tiller Operation on Hills and Steep SlopesOperation on Hills and St

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