Pisten Bully 400 service and operations

[ArlyA]

We don't seem to have much grief with the air intake on the Trail Bully's. During the last oil change I asked the guys showing me how, "shouldn't we check the air?" and his response was "you can, but I don't. We hardly ever need to change that filter".....

Arly, i remember we had a lot of issues with the air filter on our Bulley, it would get full of snow dust on the long ice crossings going downwind, or in the bush knocking all the snow from the tree branches. This machine (Prinoth Husky) has not had one issue all either with the air filter. in fact i've never even opened the cover to look at it.
Do you have issues with your air filter? do you use a hot air supply?

 

[ArlyA]

Let me add a few points Ive learned while working for this outfit folks. Its tough,,, training of operators is appallingly little and care for these machines is less than I can appreciate. HR is bad in general so the rate of turnover of employees is high. Its not likely I'll be doing this again next fall...

 

[Thunder chicken]

that's too bad to hear Arly. There are bad apples everywhere however. Just so you have something to compare, up here, our organizations are all volunteer. We are expected to maintain and operate the machine. in a small club we rely on having some knowledgeable people willing to give their time. This year the mechanical knowledge is slightly lacking so some of it's been hired out but once there's a willing volunteer, the hiring out will stop. Which does not sit well with some but that's just the way it has to be. Operators are trained by volunteer operators, we all have a varying background. Some have other equipment time, some have hardly driven a snowmobile and nothing larger than a pick up truck. Operating the machine is not difficult, neither is grooming the snow, but like anything to do it both well together takes time. As you know the snow and trail conditions are different every time you go out requiring a slightly different technique!
I hope you have enjoyed snow grooming, it's one of those jobs you can see your results, people are happy to see you out there making a nice trail for them to enjoy. If nothing else Arly, know you've helped to make many people have a great experience in your area, and you've had fun doing it! It's not a job many want to do, especially once they find out they can't just go for a leisurely drive in a snow-bulldozer!!
If you ever get this side of Superior, we have beer in the fridge at the clubhouse!

 

[jonsstihl]

there is a drag that was left for dead on the trail on my way home. Probably had trouble with the tow rig and had to abandon the drag for a while. Been there for a couple days now.

 

[Trails2004]

there is a drag that was left for dead on the trail on my way home. Probably had trouble with the tow rig and had to abandon the drag for a while. Been there for a couple days now.

Did the operator have the drag marked in some fashion to provide collisions ?

 

[Trails2004]

Let me add a few points Ive learned while working for this outfit folks. Its tough,,, training of operators is appallingly little and care for these machines is less than I can appreciate. HR is bad in general so the rate of turnover of employees is high. Its not likely I'll be doing this again next fall...

Arly, hate to see you go! I completely understand your frustration.

Did you see the Training Manual that I posted several weeks ago? Does your Club use this manual?

This manual was written for all operators and is extremely helpful for Club use.

Wishing you all the best!!

Brad

 

[ArlyA]

Thank you Brad and everyone else for your kind, supportive words. This organization has been grooming trails for quite a few years, like 20 or so. Since I have experience running a similar trail system, I dreamed for a while that I might get into management here which as you might guess, is dearly needed, but after a few months of working inside, I gave up on that idea. Gee, I couldn't even get them to stop using inappropriate fuel additives!!! Nonetheless, the rate of turnover is so, so high that my goal became just to make it until spring.. I could fix a few things, but there are so many bad practices going on, I wouldn't even know where to start. What can I say........

Arly, hate to see you go! I completely understand your frustration.

Did you see the Training Manual that I posted several weeks ago? Does your Club use this manual?

This manual was written for all operators and is extremely helpful for Club use.

Wishing you all the best!!

Brad

 

[jonsstihl]

the drag wasn't marked but it was in a fairly open spot so not too dangerous.

Sorry to hear about that Arly, Sucks when people just don't listen. Hang in there, spring is just around the corner.

 

[ArlyA]

I'm still working guys. Seen 130- some sleds today on our section. The sun even came out!

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Thank you Brad and everyone else for your kind, supportive words. This organization has been grooming trails for quite a few years, like 20 or so. Since I have experience running a similar trail system, I dreamed for a while that I might get into management here which as you might guess, is dearly needed, but after a few months of working inside, I gave up on that idea. Gee, I couldn't even get them to stop using inappropriate fuel additives!!! Nonetheless, the rate of turnover is so, so high that my goal became just to make it until spring.. I could fix a few things, but there are so many bad practices going on, I wouldn't even know where to start. What can I say........

Sorry about your woes.

Maybe pen a letter to the state directors.