snow roller for XC snow

[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!!