snow roller for XC snow

[BravoXray]

That is a really nice plasma table.
A little out of my budget though at $15K.

If I get the time, I would like to build a CNC table, as I have built my own 3D printer, and could probably use the same model controller board to run it.
I have a Hypertherm Powermax 1000 that should work quite well on it.

I started another project, converting my 17" Craftsman drill press to a 3 phase motor and a VFD. Worked this evening wiring the control panel. Had a heck of a time getting the pins crimped and installed in the connector shells for the tach pickup. I hate working on those little connectors and pins for tiny little 28-30 gauge wires.

 

[ArlyA]

The YTS comb was shipped and was $17 per foot. Should be here by Saturday.. With those, next week I should be able to post photos of the comb going on.

This is what YTS comb looks like. Its made from HDPE.

 

[ArlyA]

I've been installing the comb but not taking any photos. I will on Thursday, as long as I remember to! Its been cool here and not camera friendly weather or working in my unheated garage for that matter. :laughing:

 

[BravoXray]

It sucks having to work in an unheated garage or shop. Been doing it all winter, just dress warm and stop and warm up my hands when they get cold.
I have a heater in the shop, but being 32' X 48' X 16' high, it takes a few hours to warm it up inside, so I just deal with it. It would help if it didn't have so many air leaks. I'm going to see about foaming where the eaves overhang the walls, as that is where most of the problem is.

 

[ArlyA]

Today I pretty much got my rubber belting cut and mounted on this roller as wings plus the comb installed. Wings are the outside edges that it will flex up in the snow when you get the roller brushed up against something, these will flex out of the way. Its about 3/8 thick, has lots of fiber in it. Most of there photos are its bottom and show the comb which is blue and makes ridges in the snow. The yellow plate is the top side of the wing and has modest weights added to it.

 

[BackRoad]

Nice work Mr. Arly!

It looks like a significant commitment of time and money to build what you've put together.

 

[ArlyA]

Nice work Mr. Arly! It looks like a significant commitment of time and money to build what you've put together.

Thanks backroad. My philosophy is any machine worth building, is worth to build it right. Do you ski??

 

[BackRoad]

Yes, both DH and XC...prefer XC when the snow cooperates. Some of my most vivid and enjoyable memories are while XC skiing.

Recently we've not been getting sustainable snow (he says enviously), nor do we have the benefit of wonderfully groomed trails like you are able to achieve.

 

[ArlyA]

The roller was out for a little test in our church's yard in preparation for winter carnival. I now see that the front of the roller needs a tad more weight added to counterbalance the comb when its in the up position. We are really having a low snow year here.

 

[jonsstihl]

do you have power steering on that thing. with the tracks and a plow on the front that thing has got to be hard on the arms

 

[ArlyA]

Jon, Pods are a peculiar thing. When we got our 1st machine with them some 15 years ago, we thought they'd be necessary. But when you are moving along on snow and with them in fresh snow, they steer quite easy. Having said that, the slower you go, the less snow you have, the more strenuous it becomes. This machine does not have power assist steering but the next one we get, will. The machine pictured below will have more HP and power assist steering and will be our next tow machine purchase.

 

[jonsstihl]

I thought the combs would come with the rubber flap they are installed on. That is kind of pricey just for the combs. Have you thought to check with snow groomer manufacturers like prinoth or pisten bully for a better price.

 

[ArlyA]

I thought the combs would come with the rubber flap they are installed on. That is kind of pricey just for the combs. Have you thought to check with snow groomer manufacturers like prinoth or pisten bully for a better price.

I checked aftermarket retailers like FallLine and they cost $20 there. Also note, the Alpine industry uses a more coarse pattern of comb of 12 ribs per foot .. YTS has 14. XCer do like the finer comb. Prinoth machines use the coarse comb and I'm sure its not less costly. Have you check PB prices??

 

[jonsstihl]

no I didn't check It was just an idea and I figure it is not likely a wear item so they may not have many available. Prinoth is right in my back yard about 15 minutes away from my place. atleast where they build snowgroomers. Nothing is cheap on those machines.

 

[jonsstihl]

I didn't realize they used a different pattern but it makes sense. Narrower skis would catch more with the coarse pattern.

 

[BackRoad]

Mr. Arly, looking at picture #4. Close up of the groomer in action.

It appears there might be some limited evidence of the tread tracks from the sled after the groomer is used?

Does this happen when you are grooming trails?

Is it just visual and no real impact for skiers?

I'm asking the question respectfully and more from curiosity, not criticism.

 

[ArlyA]

Mr. Arly, looking at picture #4. Close up of the groomer in action.
It appears there might be some limited evidence of the tread tracks from the sled after the groomer is used?
Does this happen when you are grooming trails?
Is it just visual and no real impact for skiers?
I'm asking the question respectfully and more from curiosity, not criticism.

A roller is not suppose to be a "finishing" implement but rather a packing device before something that is. If i was doing XC trails in those photos, I would have had a weight in the pan which might have eliminated those indentations. Skiers do not appreciate any divots in the trails or the tracks.

For anyone who'd like to do ski trails in a serious fashion. I recommend having three tools. A roller, a drag and a finishing tool like a Ginzu by YTS or G2 by Tidd tech.

 

[ArlyA]

I was out rolling a hill in our neighborhood last night for the kids sledding enjoyment. It was in the dark and the snow was coming down hard so no photos were taken. I'll be doing it again today and try get some photos. We've got about 18" in the last 36 hours and the lake kicked in over night.

 

[ArlyA]

We got a good snow here over the past 48 hours and our forecast is white. :clap: These photos are rolling the neighborhood sledding hill. Of course I found some things to update on the roller. :confused2:

 

[BravoXray]

Arly, looks like it does a great job.

Good work!!