Keweenaw PB's

[alryA]

I asked an experienced mechanic in our shop today. PB has a track tension they set at the factory and we can not change it.

The track tension is whatever pressure is in the tension cylinder. In the cab is a "pressure, or no pressure" switch for track tension. As far as I know, there is no adjustment for it. I will ask when the opportunity allows.

 

[alryA]

Here is the drive hose we couldn't get changed this week. Its of course metric and need 1.5 wrench to work with it. The crescent wrench closest to it is a 18". Hammer wrench?

 

[olympicorange]

..... 38mm ...angle hyd. Wrench....??

 

[alryA]

I had a cheater on the 18" crescent and got nowhere. I found pricing on hammer wrenches and just about croaked!! When I worked in the oil patch, the roustabouts used them all the time and that's why I know about them......

 

[Alaska Snow Cat]

I have, on several occasions, had to cut the hose off flush with the nut so I could use a socket and breaker bar. Also a back up wrench holding the other fitting is a must to prevent any twisting movement.

 

[alryA]

I'll put a metal blade on my saws-all and cut off the hose. Then maybe we can get a socket on it. Thanks for the idea!!!

 

[alryA]

We got it apart today by taking the flange bolts out of each side. No sawing required... That is on the pump and motor, each with 4 bolts was undone. Then we move the one end onto the floor which was of course much easier to work with on. Then got it apart with some heat and 2, 18" crescent wenches one with a cheater. In the 2nd photo, you can see the motor and the hole the line came through. The nuts that attach the hose on are 2.5", not 1.8" I'd said earlier.


Last one is a bonus photo that's a better view of the 375hp Cummin's engine that power these.

 

[alryA]

This week in da shop, I repaired the blades upper portions. Guards? Whatever they are called. They like to crack where I added a line in the lower photo and are just made form 16 gauge material. Not seen is the 12 gauge end caps I added to them.



Bonus info: we have 230 miles of trails and they see 5000 miles of grooming per season.

 

[alryA]

I thought I might get Monday off but the boss texted me late on Sunday and wanted us out in the early hours to groom new snow in and cut downed trees. There wasn't all that much snow but many, many trees across the trail. This is a brand spanking new machine we had out.

 

[alryA]

Here is some photos taken yesterday. We might have 3 feet in the higher country so we crossed the canal* in order to get machines onto the south side and to the trail that goes about 20 miles SW of town and into that higher country. The 1st one is us crossing the bridge into Houghton. At this time of the year, we move with normal traffic but the bridge will later be lowered, so we'll go under it and it will be covered with snow. 3rd photo is me pulling some snow onto the trail. If you'd like to see this or that, just let me know.

*the Keweenaw peninsula is an island.

 

[Track Addict]

Nice grooming! Us sledders appreciate your efforts which are often thankless.

 

[redsqwrl]

is that the bill nichols trail?

 

[alryA]

Yes indeed it is. Here is more photos taken on it today.

is that the bill nichols trail?

 

[connordoll21]

I am currently a student at tech and sometimes see the snow cats sitting outside the shop or parked in Cal. Is there any way to be a apart of the crew (even as some sort of winter intern)? I have recently gotten into snow cats and have been trying to get an opportunity to work on them or get a ride in one as a passenger!

 

[Kristi Kt-4]

I am currently a student at tech and sometimes see the snow cats sitting outside the shop or parked in Cal. Is there any way to be a apart of the crew (even as some sort of winter intern)? I have recently gotten into snow cats and have been trying to get an opportunity to work on them or get a ride in one as a passenger!

You need to make plans to attend the Midwest Cat Clowder! January 31st/February 1st at Big Powderhorn Mountain in Bessemer, Mi.

http://www.forumsforums.com/3_9/showthread.php?t=83907

 

[alryA]

I sent connordoll a PM. We can take riders along.


I've had my desktop computer in for service and I don't do forums via phone so I've not been posting. We've got good snow here and we've been working lots. No end of snow is the forecast.

I am currently a student at tech and sometimes see the snow cats sitting outside the shop or parked in Cal. Is there any way to be a apart of the crew (even as some sort of winter intern)? I have recently gotten into snow cats and have been trying to get an opportunity to work on them or get a ride in one as a passenger!

 

[alryA]

Some taken while out out today.

 

[olympicorange]

……. like the ''painted'' crossing for groomer … cool beans.....

 

[alryA]

That's not paint but a harderend surface they use to help reduce carbide damage. No idea what its made of.

……. like the ''painted'' crossing for groomer … cool beans.....

 

[alryA]

Photos from the trail starting as soon as there was light this morning. We don't see much sun here due to a certain little lake. We got snow, maybe 4ft on the ground in the higher country. Who can tell us why we are pushing snow along the trail at all times? I was training in a new fellow who took my photo.

 

[olympicorange]

…… refresh my crs,... how many miles does your club groom,.. looks great……...

 

[alryA]

We do about 230 miles worth.

…… refresh my crs,... how many miles does your club groom,.. looks great……...

 

[alryA]

Our sled traffic is really going up and the lake snow is coming down, daily. I'm off the trails for a few days and working on my 6x6 plow setup. I've got 2 other guys who help on this route so they're out daily while I'm off. (I'm the least important anyway! I just got word from my boss that the 1st ER needed accident has happened on our section. Our machine is expected to be struck by speeding sleds 5 times this winter. That's the normal rate.

 

[PJL]

How do the speeding sleds fare VS the PB?

 

[alryA]

As it was described to me, nearly all the impacts are on the lighter side with no or minimal damage to there sleds. I've not head of a PB or its implement ever damaged.

How do the speeding sleds fare VS the PB?

 

[PJL]

That's good. Be awful if people were getting hurt.

 

[redsqwrl]

People get hurt. we had a fatality last season.

legally Sober snow machine driver

moderate to slightly high speed

operator got off the trail best he could, as it was a tight section.

snow machine kissed the pulling unit, operator wound up in the drag.

one of many in the state. it is sad for all involved.

Stay alert.

 

[alryA]

Here is a few views as seen today. Most of these are taken live.



Connor did get in touch with me.

 

[connordoll21]

First off i apologize for the crappy iPhone photos but here we go.

Today appears to be the day that the portage canal lift bridge gets its sled trail.

 

[redsqwrl]

I am currently a student at tech and sometimes see the snow cats sitting outside the shop or parked in Cal. Is there any way to be a apart of the crew (even as some sort of winter intern)? I have recently gotten into snow cats and have been trying to get an opportunity to work on them or get a ride in one as a passenger!

Well have I have a deal for you!

I left my rally car with a tech student once and that was a ggreat experience....

wait, are you forestry or mechanical