Snow VP
12-28-2005, 10:55 PM
Is that it? Do I really see it? Yep the new machine was delivered this afternoon!:wowza: I took about an hour off work and met the guys to check her out. Same great machine at last years, with a couple of differences.
They are both 2005 model machines, this new one has a different make of track on it, which seems to have a more aggressive and deeper lug. The big thing is the joystick control, it is :thumb: SWEEEEEET! (although a $2500 piece of candy) The dealer had a heck of a time installing it, as it is intended for the wheeled version of our tractor. It took the tech 6 hours to re-program the computer to accept the control. The joystick makes operating the front blade so much easier for the drivers, that although a formal vote is needed, it is almost certain that we will get another for the old machine.
Mark, from Mark's custom Fabrication in Gaylord brought the brush guard for the old machine up and installed it as well. We are almost good to go for the season equipment wise. He is currently working on our new drag, delivery expected in late January.
Thursday night we are planning some minor maintenance on the machines. I plan on installing 2 great safety features on the new machine.
#1 is a new "groomer warning beacon" for the groomers. Provided by http://www.collettcommunicators.com/ they replace 9 year old models we currently use. They transmit a "dee daa dee daa" on channel 1 of helmet radios to warn of a groomer ahead.
#2 is cell phone repeaters. There are a couple of dead areas on our trail system where a standard cell phone has no signal. I will be installing a wireless cell repeater/amplifier in each groomer. This will work with most cell phones, all you have to do is be within 100 feet of a running groomer, and the amp will pick up your cell signal, and repeat it at a high power to the cell tower! (these will only operate when the groomer is running)
Lettering for the new machine is expected on Friday, and if it is nice we are supposed to get some promotional pictures with both machines done. I will post them as soon as they are available.
I hope you enjoyed the update, think snow!
They are both 2005 model machines, this new one has a different make of track on it, which seems to have a more aggressive and deeper lug. The big thing is the joystick control, it is :thumb: SWEEEEEET! (although a $2500 piece of candy) The dealer had a heck of a time installing it, as it is intended for the wheeled version of our tractor. It took the tech 6 hours to re-program the computer to accept the control. The joystick makes operating the front blade so much easier for the drivers, that although a formal vote is needed, it is almost certain that we will get another for the old machine.
Mark, from Mark's custom Fabrication in Gaylord brought the brush guard for the old machine up and installed it as well. We are almost good to go for the season equipment wise. He is currently working on our new drag, delivery expected in late January.
Thursday night we are planning some minor maintenance on the machines. I plan on installing 2 great safety features on the new machine.
#1 is a new "groomer warning beacon" for the groomers. Provided by http://www.collettcommunicators.com/ they replace 9 year old models we currently use. They transmit a "dee daa dee daa" on channel 1 of helmet radios to warn of a groomer ahead.
#2 is cell phone repeaters. There are a couple of dead areas on our trail system where a standard cell phone has no signal. I will be installing a wireless cell repeater/amplifier in each groomer. This will work with most cell phones, all you have to do is be within 100 feet of a running groomer, and the amp will pick up your cell signal, and repeat it at a high power to the cell tower! (these will only operate when the groomer is running)
Lettering for the new machine is expected on Friday, and if it is nice we are supposed to get some promotional pictures with both machines done. I will post them as soon as they are available.
I hope you enjoyed the update, think snow!