Pull Behind Sled Groomer "Qualifications"

[Complexd]

This may be more of a question for people directly involved with their local snowmobile clubs:

My club just purchased a nice new utility sled and pull behind groomer. We are discussing who can and should operate this unit within the club and what kind of qualifications/training should be considered.

Being that's its not a large snow cat it's not like they need some sort of heavy equipment training or ticket. All of us are competent sled riders, but maybe some sort of training about the "science" behind grooming and maybe the ASA trail safety course just because most of us have more of a mountain riding background?

I just think it is a good look for the club that we have some sort of competency checklist for operators instead of giving the keys to everyone.

 

[TylerG]

This may be more of a question for people directly involved with their local snowmobile clubs:

My club just purchased a nice new utility sled and pull behind groomer. We are discussing who can and should operate this unit within the club and what kind of qualifications/training should be considered.

Being that's its not a large snow cat it's not like they need some sort of heavy equipment training or ticket. All of us are competent sled riders, but maybe some sort of training about the "science" behind grooming and maybe the ASA trail safety course just because most of us have more of a mountain riding background?

I just think it is a good look for the club that we have some sort of competency checklist for operators instead of giving the keys to everyone.

I would reach out to Darin Nelson with Edson! They have 3 of those set ups now, and Glen with Fort Saskatchewan has a few setup this way as well, if you want to reach out to me directly I'm happy to get you in touch!

 

[pano-dude]

It's not rocket science pulling a drag. Seat time is all it takes.
Running a snow cat on the other hand definitely needs training.

 

[zal]

We had one for quite a few years for our club. I ran it probably the most before we upgraded.
You need to find someone who is competent and can pay attention. You have to pay attention to the sled, the groomer, where you are going, how much you’re taking off and one of the most important IMO, how much strain you’re putting on the sled.
You need to listen to the sled to hear if it’s working too hard or not. Taking too big of a cut can get you stuck making unhooking the groomer a pain in the ass. It also put excessive strain on the belt, clutches and can over heat the engine.
You also need to find someone who knows how to repair the sled, fix electrical issues or the groomer in the bush. I accidentally ripped off the electrical plug to the groomer and we were dead in the water. Luckily, we had a basic tool kit on the groomer and I was able to fix it in the bush.
Here’s a list of parts that ended up broken over the years:
Clutches
Electrical plugs
Brakes
Electric linear lift bracket on the groomer
Fuses
Electric Fan
Batteries
Belts

We’ve also had one person blow a belt and left the groomer/sled in a creek.