We go to the ski slope of the Volen sports park in Yakhroma, near Moscow, and I look skeptically at the snow sprayed with cannons. The slope looks like the terrain after a bombardment: heaps of snow one and a half human height are scattered here and there. “Work, perhaps, for a week?” - asking. "What's another week? - Aleksey Malyarov, the snowcat operator, is surprised. - Now in two hours we will level everything, and after the snow settles, we will mill it. By evening, the slope will be open for skiing.”
“The technology is rather complicated,” Vladimir Marin, head of the slope preparation service at the Volen sports park, explains to Popular Mechanics. “It is enough to ride the slope several times and half of the freshly fallen snow will be at its foot. Snow (preferably artificial) must be compacted, and this is done in several stages. First, after spraying with guns, it is leveled, the main tool for this is a blade. Then they wait a few hours for the snow to settle. In the second once the snow groomers go to the slope to finally level, compact and mill the snow, after which it again needs to be allowed to settle. Only after all these procedures are completed, the slope can be opened for skiing.
On a wide foot
The snowcat is a rather heavy machine, but its pressure on the snowy surface is small - about 0.05 kg / cm 2. The fact is that the machine is equipped with wide caterpillars, consisting of parallel reinforced rubber bands, to which powerful transverse lugs are attached (and on some models, spikes - for working on icy areas). The openwork design is somewhat reminiscent of the Nezhdanovsky mover, although in fact it is precisely the classic caterpillar mover with rollers, the role of which is performed by pneumatic wheels. Hydraulic transmission with diesel power plant rotates several drive pumps. The patency of the snowcat is simply incredible - the tracks practically do not slip, and the snowcat can climb a slope with a steepness of 45-50 degrees (not percent!). True, to conquer steep slopes, you will have to use a hydraulic winch that pulls the cable synchronously with the movement of the tracks.
Despite the outward resemblance to a bulldozer, the snowcat is controlled in a completely different way. Its blade has many degrees of freedom, which allows not only to level the snow, but also to build complex structures for parks. But the possibilities of this machine, of course, are not unlimited - for the construction of the pipe, a special arc-shaped cutter is required, which is hung on the front of the snowcat. The rear cutter is also a fairly flexible tool, depending on the model, it can consist of several parts, and sometimes ski pads are also hung on it to create a ski track. The force, depth, direction and speed of rotation of the cutter are adjusted by the operator depending on external conditions(type of snow, temperature) and track requirements.
The main controls are the steering levers or steering wheel (1), which controls the movement of the tracks, and the accelerator pedal (2). Commands from the levers and pedals go to the computer, which controls all systems, the status is displayed on the screen (3). The joystick for the right hand (4) controls the blade. This tool allows you not only to cut bumps and level the track, but also to give the snow surface an arbitrary shape with literally jewelry precision. On some machines, the joystick has keys for controlling the most common functions (5). The main work of snow groomers begins after the slopes are closed, so the machines are equipped with several sets of powerful headlights controlled from the panel (6).
What's in a name?
The main manufacturers of snow groomers in the world are Prinoth (Italy), Kassbohrer (trademark PistenBully, Germany), Bombardier (Canada) and OHARA (Japan). The very word "ratrak", which has become a common noun in Russian, comes from trademark Ratrac (later Ratrak) - that's what it was called the lineup Thiokol/DMC/LMC. IN English language such machines are designated by the term snowcat, which comes from the Sno-Cat trademark. This was the name given to models by the Oregon-based Tucker Sno-Cat Corporation, which dominated the all-terrain snowmobile market from the late 1940s to the 1960s.
Do-it-yourself skiing is an exciting and time-consuming activity. It implies the compaction of snow in a certain area of \u200b\u200bland for walking or competition. Variety of models and brands special equipment allows you to prepare the route with high quality and in a short time. The most common and easiest way is to put it on and lay it yourself.
Ratrak is a self-propelled transport on caterpillar tracks, developed on the basis of a tractor design. Used for pressing snow on ski slopes ah and ski slopes, transportation of passengers and cargo, rescue operations in difficult places.
It is believed that the machine was designed by the American Emmit Truck in 1930. The first transport was on two tracks and three and was intended to transport people along deep snow. In 1951, the same inventor patented an all-terrain vehicle on four tracks. And only much later, the vehicle was adapted for compacting snow in the ski resorts of America.
On the European continent, snow groomers appeared as snow-compacting equipment shortly before the VIII Winter Olympic Games in 1960. Courchevel was the first ski resort to use the American technique of Emmit Truck to prepare its slopes. Somewhat later, but still in the same 60s, the Austro-Swiss company Ratrac released the Ratrac-S machine, which gave the name vehicles used to maintain ski slopes and slopes. In the 80s in the USSR, on the basis of the Lvov Special Design Bureau "Sportmash", under the leadership of Valery Dmitrievich Syrtsov, three types of snow groomers were created. Until the 90s, 40 cars were produced, and then the projects were closed, the association ceased to exist.
Modern production
The leading companies in the production of snowcats in the world market are:
- Italian Prinoth. Founder - Ernst Prynot, invented the first snow compactor P-20 in the early 60s. The company produces 7 different models.
- German Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG. Most famous cars brand PistenBully. It is noteworthy that one of the models is designed for leveling artificial snow indoors. The company produces 16 models of snowcats.
- Japanese Ohara. The company produces equipment for waste processing, equipment for oil and gas production. Therefore, the range of produced snowcats is small, only 3 types.
- Another one Italian company Favero Lorenzo. Produced 2 models are compact and inexpensive.
- American Tucker Sno-Cat. Works mainly for the domestic market.
- Russian SnezhMa. Almost the only domestic company. Located in Chelyabinsk. It produces snow groomers SM-170, SM-210 and SM-320.
Operation of snow-pressing equipment
In addition to compaction, modern machines carry out the functions of cleaning, distributing snow mass, smoothing and leveling slopes, laying walking trails and ski tracks, erecting pipes and jumps, creating figures in snow parks, transporting passengers and goods.
Important! According to safety requirements, skiers are denied access to sports facilities during the operation of the equipment in order to avoid accidents.
Characteristics of snowcats
- The equipment is designed for operation at any time of the year.
- Design principles are based on stability and power. The machines have rollover protection systems ROPS (Roll Over Protection System) and wide tracks with lugs, providing high permeability. The hydraulic winch allows the machine to climb steep slopes while pulling on the cable as the tracks move. Engine power, measured in horsepower, enough to lay a track of 10,000 km in two hours.
- On models for passenger traffic cabs installed.
Snow groomers for cross-country skiing
Transport for laying routes is not diverse:
- German car brand PistenBully Paana (117 hp) from Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG;
- Prinoth Husky (177 hp), manufacturer - Prinoth (Italy);
- Favero Snow Rabbit 3 (100 hp) from Snow Rabbit.
If you have technical knowledge and practice, then you can make a do-it-yourself snowcat for skiing using parts from different brands.
The high cost of special equipment limits the mass use of these machines for laying tracks. A more acceptable technique is a snowmobile with a wide and long caterpillar and two skis in front. For example, Russian: Buran, Taiga, imported: Yamaha, Artik KET, Polaris.
Do-it-yourself ski slope preparation equipment
In this category of equipment, trailers are used:
- Cutter - serves to create a classic ski track. The cutting and pressing principle is used, depending on the quality of the snow surface. SNOWPRO's XCSPORT is recognized as a universal cutter for preparing ski slopes. With a weight of 32 kg, the equipment will make a high-quality track in any condition of the snow mass.
- Harrow - removes, loosens crust, fills holes, levels, forms longitudinal strips.
- Snow roller. Designed for all types of surfaces. Compacts the snow mass.
When preparing a new ski run, some rules must be taken into account:
Important! It is forbidden to lay a ski track across the banks of rivers, canals, beams, ravines, road and railway tracks, through poorly frozen reservoirs.
- Study the landscape and determine the route.
- For normal skiing, they are laid in an open area, creating several tracks various lengths and complexity. Combine climbs, flat sections of the path and descents.
- On the slopes, obstacles in the form of vegetation, ditches, funnels are excluded. Distributes low climbs and long and difficult descents.
- From each path to a width of 1 m in both directions, the snow is compacted.
- Schemes of mass routes are placed on a separate board in a prominent, accessible place.
- Color markings are applied throughout the track.
- The first third of the route is laid on a flat terrain. The second part is the most difficult. The latter is formed from equivalent ascents and descents.
- On a straight track, the distance between turns is 50 m.
- Be sure to take care of lighting routes. Lanterns are installed on supports, observing uniformity between oncoming tracks.
- Upon completion of the construction, the ski tracks make up a kind of route passport by drawing on a map of the area.
Important! During ascents and descents, the track cannot pass along the slope and include hills steeper than 20 °.
Professional routes are equipped based on the complexity of the races, the territory, and the training of athletes. Mostly in areas overgrown with trees and shrubs.
Preparing ski slopes with devices takes a significant amount of time and effort. Financial investments are also important. But this work brings pleasure and joy when you see the happy eyes of people, you feel their gratitude and gratitude.
Also, snow groomers can be used for transporting goods, transporting people, as well as for rescue work in the relevant area.
Device
At the heart of the snowcat is the skidder design, adapted to work in harsh winter conditions. The self-propelled chassis of the snowcat is equipped with wide tracks, more than a meter wide. Such wide tracks give good stability on steep slopes and slight pressure on the snow, about 50-60 g/cm² (5-6 kN/m²).
Snow groomers are made of lightweight materials, have an insulated cabin and glazing with a panoramic view, as a rule, they are equipped with a bulldozer-type blade, but they can have other configurations.
Front and rear mount hanging equipment.
Stok narciarski w Przemyślu - Ratrak.jpg
Ratrak with a cargo platform.
Schnee Walzenprofil 2.jpg
A characteristic ribbed track in the snow left by a snowcat.
Story
The name "Ratrak" comes from the name of the first machine of this type, sold in Europe in the 1960s. Initially these were american cars firms Thiokol And LMC and sold under the brand name Ratrac. In the 1990s, the ultimate beech " With' has been replaced by ' k"and the car began to be called Ratrak.
Modern production
The main manufacturers of this type of equipment are the Italian company Prinoth, Canadian company bombardier, German Kassbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG, producing snowcats under the trademark PistenBully. IN North America class of these machines is known as snow cat, in Europe the term is more commonly used piste machine(machine for preparing the ski run). Snow groomers can be used not only for compacting snow, but also for forming various profiles using special attachments.
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An excerpt characterizing Ratrak
The big ones started talking about Bonaparte. Julie, daughter of Karagina, turned to the young Rostov:- What a pity that you were not at the Arkharovs on Thursday. I was bored without you,” she said, smiling gently at him.
A flattered young man with a coquettish smile of youth moved closer to her and entered with a smiling Julie into separate conversation, not noticing at all that this involuntary smile of his with a knife of jealousy cut the heart of Sonya, who was blushing and pretending to smile. In the middle of the conversation, he looked back at her. Sonya looked at him passionately and vexedly, and, barely able to keep the tears in her eyes and a feigned smile on her lips, got up and left the room. All of Nikolai's animation was gone. He waited for the first break in the conversation and, with a distressed face, went out of the room to look for Sonya.
- How the secrets of all this youth are sewn with white thread! - said Anna Mikhailovna, pointing to the exit of Nikolai. - Cousinage dangereux voisinage, [Disaster business - cousins,] - she added.
“Yes,” said the countess, after the ray of sunshine that had entered the living room with this young generation had disappeared, and as if answering a question that no one asked her, but which constantly occupied her. - How much suffering, how much anxiety endured in order to now rejoice in them! And now, really, more fear than joy. Everything is afraid, everything is afraid! It is the age at which there are so many dangers for both girls and boys.
“It all depends on upbringing,” said the guest.
“Yes, you are right,” continued the Countess. “Until now, thank God, I have been a friend of my children and enjoy their full confidence,” the countess said, repeating the error of many parents who believe that their children have no secrets from them. - I know that I will always be the first confidente [attorney] of my daughters, and that Nikolenka, in her ardent character, if she is naughty (the boy cannot do without it), then everything is not like these St. Petersburg gentlemen.
“Yes, nice, nice guys,” the count confirmed, always resolving questions that were confusing for him by finding everything glorious. - Look, I wanted to be a hussars! Yes, that's what you want, ma chere!
To make it clearer to the reader, a snowcat is an adapted model of a bulldozer designed to work in harsh winter conditions. Such a tractor is able to move on mountain slopes, which have a rather steep angle of inclination.
The main purpose of such a snow packer is the preparation of ski slopes, the formation of ski slopes and the performance of rescue operations in the event of emergencies in the mountains. Also, such a mountain tractor is a very convenient means for transporting people, in which it is equipped separately. passenger cabin, and a reliable mechanism for the transport of goods. Its name - "snowcat" - the car received from the name of the first model of this mechanical means, which were sold in Europe back in the distant 60s. From the very beginning, the main manufacturers of the unit were the American firms Thiokol and LMC, which sold them under the Ratrac trademark. Since then, this car has acquired its name, which is still used today.
Not a single ski slope, not a single ski and biathlon stadium can do without a snow groomer.
IN different countries, mainly in mountainous areas around the beginning of the 60s, in the wake of the popularity of skiing in different parts of the world, specialized machines began to be invented for moving in deep snow and for preparing, loosening and compacting snow tracks:
Germany:
In 1969, Karl Heinrich Kässbohrer, who came from a family of shipbuilders, developed the first production snowcat Pisten Bully, which began the long history of the Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG company for the production of snowplows and special-purpose snowmobiles. The giant concern Kässbohrer has been producing car trailers since 1893, in 2013 the concern opened the production of semi-trailers in the Yaroslavl region.
Today, more than 19 modifications of snow groomers for winter and all-season use are mass-produced at the plant. For 46 years, the plant has produced more than 20,000 snowcats.
Italy:
In 1964, the famous Italian racing driver Ernst Prinoth produced the first production snowcat Prinoth in his garage in South Tyrol. In 2000, the company was taken over by the LEITHNER group.
As of today, the Prinoth line includes 9 models of snow groomers and several models of mulcher and special all-terrain vehicles.
In 1990, near Venice, a small family company FAVERO LORENZO, which was engaged in the production of sleds for snowmobiles, made a small snowcat. The modern model of the Italian family company is called Snow Rabbit. This is the only snowcat model brought to perfection in the mini-snowcat segment. The company produces more than 50 cars per year.
Japan:
In 1960, the Ohara Corporation (since 1907) opens a department for the production of snowcats. The main activity of the corporation is mechanical engineering for airports, the oil industry and water treatment facilities. The snowcat factory produces only 3 models, but they are very high-tech in their functions.
Snow groomers can conditionally be classified according to engine power and according to the European classification:
Up to 100 l/s. or NORDIC (ski) Ratrak Snow Rabbit-3 (Italy), with an engine power of 76 l / s, PistenBully Paana (made in Germany), with an engine power of 97 l / s.
Up to 200 hp – or NORDIC (ski)
IN given class 2 cars compete. Pisten Bully 100 (197, 204 hp) and Prinoth Husky (176, 197 hp). Both cars have the same engine.
Up to 370 hp or ALPINE (mountain)
This class includes 4 snowcats:
PRINOTH BR 350 (355 HP), PRINOTH BISON (355 HP), OHARA 350 (329 HP), PISTEN BULLY 400 (370 HP),
400 HP and more. ALPINE (mountain)
In the heavyweight category OHARA 430 (421 hp), PRINOTH EVEREST (430 hp), PRINOTH LEITWOLF (435 hp), PRINOTH BEAST (527 hp), PISTEN BULLY 600 (455 hp) pp. has 5 different modifications).
Perhaps this question was asked by every beginner who first came to a ski resort. How does this happen and why is all this necessary? It would seem that there is a mountain, there is snow, what else do you need? Many years ago, I asked myself exactly the same questions. But today the situation is much better. Thanks to a trip to Himos ski resort and an amazing opportunity to experience the cuisine of the ski slopes directly from the inside.
2. A ski resort is not just a mountain and tracks laid on it. This is a real living organism that lives its own life, with its own special biorhythms. During the day, snow-white slopes meet visitors who catch the wind, rushing from top to bottom over a dense snow cushion, at night the resort is empty, but does not fall asleep. Just at night there is a lot of work, hidden from prying eyes. As soon as the lifts stop, they come into action special machines- snowcats, which, like tireless scarab beetles, plow the snow cover. Why do they do this and how, Anatoly will tell us - a pleasant young man who has been working on the slopes of Himos for several years.
Anatoly moved to live in Finland 14 years ago with his parents. For the past few years, he has been working as a machinist for a unique powerful machine, in which I managed to ride with him and watch him work.
3. Ratrak is a special snow compactor, somewhat similar to a construction bulldozer, but structurally it is a completely different device. It is specially designed to work in difficult conditions associated with work on steep slopes covered with snow and ice. To ensure maximum grip on the slope, the snowcat moves on wide tracks like a swamp, made of dense reinforced rubber bands and metal strips with sharp teeth that can bite even into bare ice. In order to avoid overturning, all significant parts of the snowcat are underestimated, including the engine, which is located between the tracks under the cab. The cabin itself is made of light-alloy metals. In addition to the cab, only hydraulic winches rise above the tracks. All this made it possible to lower the center of gravity of the machine as much as possible, thanks to which the snowcat in combination with enhanced grip is able to work on slopes up to 50 degrees!
- And what if it is even steeper, for example, black slopes? - I have a reasonable question.
- For this we have a winch. We cling and go - Anatoly answers.
- Yes, where to cling to? What about trees?
Well, we have our own secrets. Anatoly smiles cunningly. - Here we have a whole system of hooks hidden under the snow. Everywhere there is an opportunity to catch on.
4. In the meantime, the car begins to crawl into a steep climb, along which I literally flew skiing during the day. From the cabin, the sensations are such that it seems we are climbing almost a sheer wall. I involuntarily grab the handle. But Anatoly is calm and only smiles at my fuss. Still would! His whole shift consists only of such steep climbs, and then no less extreme descents. Working on a snowcat is, in a sense, like working on a lawn mower, only huge. In the same way, strip after strip, it is necessary to put the coating in order. During the day of skiing, the snow breaks up and is literally pulled down by skis down to the foot, exposing the slope. If nothing is done, then in a couple of intensive days the slope will become unusable. Skiers will finally roll the snow to holes. To prevent this from happening, snow groomers work. The principle of its work is the following. The standard configuration of the snowcat is a blade in front and a cutter in the back. Moving up the slope, the snowcat collects with a crash blade, thus pulling up the slipped snow and at the same time passing it under itself. Then the collected snow falls under the cutter, which, thanks to a system of many cutters, reminiscent of an agricultural cultivator, crushes it into a homogeneous slurry, which is transferred under the finisher. The finisher is a multi-section compactor, which forms a slope from the resulting snow mass, cutting characteristic grooves in it - the same velveteen. As a result of such work, the slope is covered with a snow cover ideal for skiing.
5. But not only this is useful snowcat. These multifunctional machines do almost all the work on the slope. Another important task of them is the leveling of snow masses obtained as a result of the operation of the snowmaking system - snow guns. As you know, they work only pointwise and after several hours of work a snow hill forms next to them, which must be spread over the surface of the slope.
So beloved by snowboarders, kickers and halfpipes, freestyle tracks are also the work of a snowcat. It is he who, with his dumps, forms a special profile of the slope. True, to create a semicircular halfpipe profile, one blade is no longer enough. To do this, use special nozzles that resemble a huge crab paw.
And what, Anatoly, - I do not let up with questions, - how much do they pay for your work?
The boy smiles.
- Well, - he says, - of course you won’t become a millionaire, but it’s quite enough for a comfortable life.
According to him, he works in Himos only during the season. The money earned is more than enough to do nothing during the warm season and live for your own pleasure.
- Do you have to work a lot during the season? - I ask again.
- Enough work. It all depends on the weather and the condition of the slopes. Sometimes we manage for four hours, and there are days when we have to work in shifts for almost a day. This usually happens at the beginning of the season when the snow cannons are active.
- Are there many cars per shift?
- We have five snowcats here. All work.
6. For conversations, imperceptibly for me, we rise to the very top, from where Himos is visible at a glance. The time is getting late. The night is already completely black, only the dim lights of the street lights are visible. Finns don't like wasting their money on lighting. I take a picture for memory and we go down.
7. I wish good luck to Anatoly in his work, and he wished me to come to them again. I awkwardly jump out of the cab into the snow. There are no steps on the snowcat. They are the caterpillars themselves, the wide plates of which are quite suitable as steps. I wave goodbye and Anatolia's snowcat hides in the distance so that by morning all the slopes of Himos will be in perfect condition.
