DIY Groomer

[bcgofo]

Who’s done it? Looking for ideas, pics, and improvements.

I built this packer last year which worked really well with a few exceptions. (UHMW sheet, comb from yts, leaf springs, dump trailer 12v hydraulic pump)

I use the cat on a high elevation road that gets abundant light snow. The road is shared with multiple users (skiers, snow shoers, another cat). Works like a champ with fresh snow which is often the case. Problem is we get a pretty prominent center berm of snow that’s not always easy to pack down with packer, especially if I haven’t been up there for a few weeks.

Considering solutions for this. Easiest thing maybe just to add some cutters in front of the packer that I can adjust up and down. Anyone with more experience care to share what has worked or not worked for them?

 

[bcgofo]

Also I don’t have a blade and don’t intend to put one on this machine fwiw…..

 

[alryA]

I'd look at a ginzu and mimic that as much as possible. I've done many and used YTS made machines. Some Tidd's as well..

 

[YamaDooPolCat]

This drag was made up years ago and I don’t have a better picture right now, but it have angled fixed ice cutters off a grader, and cut to fit.
The cut is controlled by cranking down/up the front and rear plates, to lift or lower the whole unit.
Works awesome.

 

[bcgofo]

Here’s what I came up with. I’ll be adding a hydraulic cylinder on a separate circuit to raise/lower independent of packer. Angle of teeth is adjustable.

We’ll see how she does once we get some more snow. Won’t be working any hard ice, just breaking up high spots so the pan can create a more uniform surface.

 

[sno-drifter]

View attachment 169990View attachment 169991
Here’s what I came up with. I’ll be adding a hydraulic cylinder on a separate circuit to raise/lower independent of packer. Angle of teeth is adjustable.

We’ll see how she does once we get some more snow. Won’t be working any hard ice, just breaking up high spots so the pan can create a more uniform surface.

If you install an accumulator and a valve to let oil from the upside(lift) of the cylinder, the bar will be able to float with down pressure. Add a gage so you know what pressure to use on various ice/snow conditions. Otherwise, you will go nuts trying to keep the bar on the surface. A less aggressive angle will allow the teeth to keep from digging in to much. Looks like you have that built into the system.

 

[bcgofo]

If you install an accumulator and a valve to let oil from the upside(lift) of the cylinder, the bar will be able to float with down pressure. Add a gage so you know what pressure to use on various ice/snow conditions. Otherwise, you will go nuts trying to keep the bar on the surface. A less aggressive angle will allow the teeth to keep from digging in to much. Looks like you have that built into the system.

This is genius. Thanks for sharing your experience. I’ll definitely consider this

 

[alryA]

You need hardened steel teeth to engage the snow with.

 

[sno-drifter]

If you install an accumulator and a valve to let oil from the upside(lift) of the cylinder, the bar will be able to float with down pressure. Add a gage so you know what pressure to use on various ice/snow conditions. Otherwise, you will go nuts trying to keep the bar on the surface. A less aggressive angle will allow the teeth to keep from digging in to much. Looks like you have that built into the system.