Groomer GPS Tracking

[old mountain man]

Can anyone share experience with GPS tracking systems in their groomer? Interested in a system that would give the operator a map showing trails as well as allowing remote tracking of where the groomer is.

 

[Sledderglen]

Quebec has a system for the groomers that will give live trail grooming updates as where they were groomed last and how long ago. Looking for something like that??

 

[Summiteer]

Can anyone share experience with GPS tracking systems in their groomer? Interested in a system that would give the operator a map showing trails as well as allowing remote tracking of where the groomer is.

I would think a system similar to what alot of companies have in their trucks would work.

 

[TylerG]

I would think a system similar to what alot of companies have in their trucks would work.

yup, tether it to a laptop, and use some sort of real time software that will show his exact whereabouts to the driver, but have the trails set in as a "track" so that he knows he's on the right path!

 

[old mountain man]

Quebec has a system for the groomers that will give live trail grooming updates as where they were groomed last and how long ago. Looking for something like that??

More of a safety concern as cell phones do not work in some areas. Also some new operators may not know the trails real well. Would like the operator to see the trails on a screen and also let people remotely monitor his progress with a computer.

 

[Longhorn]

More of a safety concern as cell phones do not work in some areas. Also some new operators may not know the trails real well. Would like the operator to see the trails on a screen and also let people remotely monitor his progress with a computer.

Telus has this...we use it on our crew trucks out on the military base. Shows movement, speed, time stopped etc...

Not that expensive either...will also send info to your Blackberry

Telus Fleet Complete

 

[ferniesnow]

A SPOT with the tracking program would be pretty cheap. Wouldn't keep new operator on the correct trail but you would know where he is and he would have access to the HELP button.

We use the SPOT (no tracking program) and a VHF radio. Check in every hour and the radio is great for minor repairs. Our mechanic monitors the radio every trip.

 

[Ministik Man]

Tri-County Snowmobile Club is using Garmin Rhinos

When doing Trail Maintenance just before snow fall we ride the GROOMER Trail that will avoid all water/ice bypassing the actuall trail across the lakes.

At night we can zoom in the trail scale and keep the groomer ontop of the old trail with out worry of getting to close to the ice/water. Many times at night the trail has drifted in and is not visable, nor is the lakes shoreline where we run between the reeds and the ice on the dirt - no ice thanks...
So the GPS zoomed in is a must at night...

Down fall is it is hard to steer/operate the drag and look at the GPS at the same time. But thats why we always have 2 guys in the groomer and the passenger becomes the GPS Co-pilot

 

[ferniesnow]

Tri-County Snowmobile Club is using Garmin Rhinos

When doing Trail Maintenance just before snow fall we ride the GROOMER Trail that will avoid all water/ice bypassing the actuall trail across the lakes.

At night we can zoom in the trail scale and keep the groomer ontop of the old trail with out worry of getting to close to the ice/water. Many times at night the trail has drifted in and is not visable, nor is the lakes shoreline where we run between the reeds and the ice on the dirt - no ice thanks...
So the GPS zoomed in is a must at night...

Down fall is it is hard to steer/operate the drag and look at the GPS at the same time. But thats why we always have 2 guys in the groomer and the passenger becomes the GPS Co-pilot

Isn't if flat along the lake? Set the mogul master and go. Left hand on the wheel, right hand between the joy sticks (blade and mogul master) and one eye on the trail the other on the GPS......

quite simple in my mind......but what doo I know?

These stakes are 12' high and we placed them on the "high side" of the road. maybe we should have a GPS system? With these pictures we had to doo a day groom to cut the trail and repack. Man the snow is deep this year.....hee haw