snow roller for XC snow

[ArlyA]

I am in the process of constructing a roller to pack snow that is used on cross country trails. I've used these for many years and built one before since they don't quite make them in a fashion we appreciate. One or two company's do build them here in the states and I'll post some photos of them in use. Let me know if you care to see how this version is assembled.

 

[oosik]

Good afternoon Arlyn - That's a real interesting implement. Are those black "wheels" specifically made for use in making a snow roller?

 

[ArlyA]

Good afternoon Arlyn - That's a real interesting implement. Are those black "wheels" specifically made for use in making a snow roller?

Well Rolf, those are just plain ol HDPE culverts cut to length.

 

[deezler]

I'd like to see how it's assembled. Do you have much weight inside the culvert piece? Solid? What is the rear rake made out of?

I dont x-ski a ton, but still like the idea of rolling/packing my trails whenever we get a good snow - because compacted snow takes a lot longer to melt! Might circle around and drive downhill on my sledding hill with it too, to keep the kids able to go sledding longer. Unfortunately down here in the southeast corner of the state, it seems we just can't expect winter temps to stay below freezing consistently anymore. If we get 3-4 weeks or more of sustained snowpack in a winter, thats doing pretty good.

 

[jonsstihl]

definitely interested too. I have a honda foreman 450 with a set of tracks and about 1 km of trails that I currently just pack down with the tracks. takes about three passes but there is always a little bit in the middle that doesn't pack down depending on the width of the trail.

 

[ArlyA]

definitely interested too. I have a honda foreman 450 with a set of tracks and about 1 km of trails that I currently just pack down with the tracks. takes about three passes but there is always a little bit in the middle that doesn't pack down depending on the width of the trail.

James, that 450 engine is not brimming with HP to get pods pushed with snow. How has it been for you???? Our machine has a 800 and we'd call it marginal ponies.

 

[ArlyA]

Here is a few photos taken so far... This is details of the side frames which holds the bearings and basically the hole thing together. I made this implement be able come apart so you can readily service the bearings or culvert, etc, etc. There will be a 2x2 1/8 angle across the rear and a 3/16 walled 2x2 across the front. The last photo show how the front and rear frame members will later be installed.

 

[ArlyA]

Here is another view but the frame is upside down. It shows the pivot mount for the pan which will eventfully be a 1/2 bolt. The frames front is the left side.

 

[ArlyA]

Here is some with the shaft installed and bearings. Do note, the frame is again, upside down. The side frames are 2 x 6" channels. In the last photos, the frame was assembled with stubs of scrap, just to see what it looks like.

 

[ruffdog]

I'd like to see how it's assembled. Do you have much weight inside the culvert piece? Solid? What is the rear rake made out of?

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