XC drag build

[ArlyA]

I'm in the process of designing a new cross country ski trail drag to be towed behind our 6x6. I've actually built two of them before and below is photos of them and/or modification to factory made ones over the past 20 years. What I'm doing differently will follow later. 1st photo is one I've used and worked on made by YTS (Yellowstone track systems) They don't build them as of today. 2nd and 3rd is one I did some years ago which was quite successful. I hope to make improvements of it. Clear as mud? Feel free to ask questions or let me know if you are interested in this project.

 

[PILOON]

Looks like built in guide tracks for X country skis and packed areas for fat bikes.

 

[ArlyA]

In the below photos of my design concept, you should note the strong similarity with the above drags. The cylinders are 12 volt actuators which I see I forgot to identify in the pic. The 2nd photo is looking down on the two setts of teeth it will have. The 3rd shows the spring harrow teeth similar to what will be used on the front cutter.

 

[ArlyA]

More pics of drags in action. What do you think?

 

[oosik]

That ends up making a pretty fancy trail. Especially the two units. Where the back unit makes a track for xcountry skiing.

 

[ArlyA]

That ends up making a pretty fancy trail. Especially the two units. Where the back unit makes a track for xcountry skiing.

The tracks are made by a "pan" but drags don't normally have them. That setup was done for a school yard ski program so I added it to that unit. This new one I'd like to build would be better suited for a pan..

 

[jonsstihl]

so the roller you made in another thread is to pack down the fresh snow and this would be to maintain (freshen up) worn trails between snowfalls.

 

[ArlyA]

so the roller you made in another thread is to pack down the fresh snow and this would be to maintain (freshen up) worn trails between snowfalls.

Sorta but not really. Rollers are great for deeper snow falls, lets say 4" or more but they don't knock all that much air out, or level your trails either. But they are a fast implement XC area's to tow they we need to knock deeper snows down. People without a roller, drive around with just there tow machines, just to pack them. Waste of time in my book.

Drags shine at knocking lots more air out and leveling your trails. They operate much like a road grader. Down side is they take real power to tow so they are power hogs and are much slower to tow than rollers are. But in them the snow is being rolled and rolled many times, knocking the flakes down. Having said all that, they take inordinate HP to tow in deeper snow hince I tend not to in 4"+ snow. This 60" wide implement could not and should not be towed by a SWT Skandic. Does that help?

 

[ArlyA]

so the roller you made in another thread is to pack down the fresh snow and this would be to maintain (freshen up) worn trails between snowfalls.

Here is the roller thread from one or so, years ago. A roller is a 2ft tube one tows to pack snow down.

 

[ArlyA]

Here is a better pic of the front frame which has the harrow tines on it. Plus general dragging photos I have in stock.

 

[ArlyA]

Does anyone have questions? Like to see more details?

 

[Thunder chicken]

Nice drag Arly, it’s almost that time of year eh! While snowmobile trails are fun to groom, ski trails sure are challenging to get nicey nice. But, I like the heated cab of a Pisten Bulley on a -30 night over the frosted up windshield on a skandic

 

[ArlyA]

Pic of the spring tines on a 2x2 angle iron. There would be another angle and tines in a second row.

 

[Doughknob]

Does anyone have questions?

Yeah, isn't it more fun to blaze the trails in fresh snow when skiing? I always thought so. Idk

 

[ArlyA]

Yeah, isn't it more fun to blaze the trails in fresh snow when skiing? I always thought so. Idk

We are back country skiers as well, but of course, we have many, many pairs of skis of most types*. I say that just to say, I now what you mean. Nonthless, 90% of skiers would say "that's nuts" and stay home. Most people like in packed down for better glide and traction and skaters like it even more level and firmly packed. Packed snow can also can take warm weather and survive. In fact, looking at spring satellite photos, you can make out XC trails long after the temps have warmed. The 1st photo show the snow in our yard and sking in that volume is pretty tough. The bottom shows most, but not all our skis. So if you want the public out enjoying the winter, pack it down.

*we don't skate ski. That's for sissies!

 

[ArlyA]

Here is a better pics of skiing without grooming. We are using our BC skis. Packing this down would bring more folks out.

 

[ArlyA]

Back to this project, today I made a "over all" features print. Simple guys like me, this take much, much time to draw. If anyone would like complete plans, I would sell you them and help you through it.

 

[BravoXray]

Well, that definitely looks like it should do a good job of grooming the trails.

 

[ArlyA]

Well, that definitely looks like it should do a good job of grooming the trails.

We will be grooming a few K's near town this winter, so this drag will be built. Who'll be up to ski with us? Of cosure these trails will be dog friendly.

 

[ArlyA]

$1200 worth of actuators are heading our way. (4 of them) I searched and searched for less costly ones and didn't find anything worth trying. Prints of the pan goes to the fabricator next week. Any questions?? Name for this new design?