Building a Forestry Snow Groomer from Scratch -Part III - E144

Jason has been building a snow groomer from old metal that he has on the farm to save a few bucks in this period of high inflation. This is the 3rd video in a 3 part series where the drag build is finished and trialed in 8 to 10" of snow! They are pulling the drag with the Kubota x1100c RTV to harden trails so that they can continue with Winter firewood cutting.
Important Note: All videos on this channel are intended for entertainment purposes only and not intended to be instructional in any way. The creator does not represent or warrant the accuracy, or proper, safe or intended use of any equipment or practices presented in the videos. Viewers should consult their own manufacturer instructional and safety information including any local laws applicable to the similar use or operation of any similar or same equipment before use. These videos are not intended to be relied upon for such correct or safe operation of same or similar equipment or practices.
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[@CideryFromScratch]

That was an epic shoutout. Thank you Jason & Karen. Your channel has been a great inspiration for us since the beginning. We hope you enjoy the hat, we think it looks good on you! Your support means a lot to our small channel. We always chat with Ed about what you’re working on. Cheers and Always Follow Your Dreams!

[@OakMountainAcotts]

Our pleasure guys! I know I forgot some stuff but I did my best! Hopefully you pick up a few subs from it :)

[@CideryFromScratch]

@@OakMountainAcotts oh my goodness, you did so much with the thumbnails and graphics!!! We were literally blown away 😁

[@rickbell3402]

Way to go, Jason! I’d be interested in a recap in the spring to see how the drag has performed.

[@OakMountainAcotts]

We learned a lot yesterday breaking trail… I may do a little update soon.

[@yvesjolicoeur747]

Awesome job Jason. You can be proud of your build and I'm pretty sure that you'll be pleased with the results and how it allows you access to the woodlot at lower expenses than clearing with the backhoe. I find it to be the most enjoyable task, just driving along and watching the nice trail appearing. You'll see that it will be much smoother driving overtop a groomed trail. Yep, when the snow is deep, I do a run with the ATV before hooking up the groomer.

[@OakMountainAcotts]

Thanks Yves, we are pretty excited!

[@larrykerr7712]

Looking good

[@OakMountainAcotts]

Thanks Larry!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? This was a nice project. I think the drag will work good for you and I agree with your explanation of the snow conditions causing you some grief this trip. Once the trail is broken with the side by side, the drag will work to groom the trial and keep it open for the rest of the winter I expect!! Nice project and to me the best part was, you made it yourself with an idea in your head and with materials that were on hand and going to waste, so what more could you ask for!! Take care!!

[@OakMountainAcotts]

Thanks! I learned a lot on this little project. I regret not setting up a fabrication shop 15 or 20 years ago now as I really enjoy it!

[@ianbrass5759]

Great video. I drag my trails with atv with tracks and a 4x8 drag. When there is that much snow to drag, I always drive on my trails with no drag. Split the tracks on the 2 nd pass. By driving first you're getting the air out of the snow and it will drag easier. I also have a hydraulic system to lift the front when needed.

[@OakMountainAcotts]

Sounds like quite a drag! I agree with setting tracks first. Thanks for stopping by!

[@junkersish]

New sub from P.Q. binge watching your videos, mostly firewood and forest management content. Someday soon I will be able to say I was among the first 5k followers

[@OakMountainAcotts]

Welcome aboard and thanks for subscribing and the views! We sure hope your prediction comes true :) Thanks for watching our channel!

[@jjthejet6000]

Great attempt at building a drag, but with snow over 6” you’ll need to pack it first, you can easily build a roller out of an old culvert but I think what would work best for your needs is are some old tire preferably all the same size, lay them side wall down in the shape of a triangle, bold them together and drag them behind you side x side! The triangle shape will allow you to plough the snow to either side leaving a nice smooth surface after you pass by!

[@OakMountainAcotts]

Thanks it is working well. I will likely modify so I can control the level of the cutters which will help. Steel to Wood youtube channel just built a snow roller. Pretty cool!

[@thelogfather5002]

I’d call it a success! The snow and weather won’t cooperate- but we’ve got to do the best we can with what we’ve got to work with. Keep up the good work! Jeff

[@OakMountainAcotts]

Thanks Jeff… Dad gave me a good idea to make things work better when breaking trail… I’m planning a little update!

[@PapaRug.58]

Looks like it’s a good plan and now that you have it made can keep up after every snow fall The multiple layers def make for a tough pull 2big thumbs up 😊😊

[@OakMountainAcotts]

Thanks Doug. It is going to work good. I'll shoot a little update soon! Thanks for watching, Jason.

[@FromSteelToWood]

Seems to me the drag is working well. The snow condition is indeed bad to get a good feel of the result. When you do a second pass, that is going to be what you were looking for! Thanks!

[@OakMountainAcotts]

Yes Sir, I have about 6 trips in now around the main trail and it is working well!

[@bwillan]

Looks like the drag is going to work quite well. It's just a matter of keeping up with the snow storms so you are not running into the problems with the amount of snow shown in the video.

[@OakMountainAcotts]

Agreed. Not sure what we will do if we get a big storm with 2’ drifts but I guess we will figure it out when it happens!

[@eanbolger7974]

Take your sled out pack it down and then smooth it with the drag

[@OakMountainAcotts]

Good idea Ean… now I’m wondering if my Skandic would pull that drag?

[@EverythingElliott]

I'm impressed by the actual quality of your video footage! what are your filming with?!

[@OakMountainAcotts]

Hey thanks! We are using a Sony zv1 for 4K. We sneak in a little 1080p from the drone, GoPro and iPhone from time to time…

[@EverythingElliott]

@@OakMountainAcotts keep on keepin on!

[@johncail4017]

Hi how many hp in the backhoe. I have 200 acers I have mill 130 woodland max

[@OakMountainAcotts]

Hi John, our Komatsu is 89 HP.