This year’s offerings in grooming vehicles is led by Bombardier’s answer to last year’s Park Bully terrain park machine from Kässbohrer. It comes in the form of a new maneuverable blade and tiller combination for Bombardier’s grooming vehicle line for 2002. The system is called Terrain Master and it serves to heat up the competition. The blade and tiller option has been developed around the BR Plus, which gets a name change to the BR 275.
On another front, Prinoth, owned by Leitner, is making a big push into North America with it’s line of four groomers, including its new Everest machine capable of producing nearly 430 horsepower. More interesting still, Bombardier, who pulled out of Europe, will be the exclusive North American distributor of the line. In turn, Prinoth will service existing Bombardier machines in Europe.
And, finally, Tucker debuts yet another vehicle, called the SnowCoach, to fill out its continuing Terra® line of four-track Sno-Cats.
Table Headings
Definition of selected column headings is as follows: Engine Manuf/Model – manufacturer abbreviations are shown at the bottom of the table; model designation is from engine supplier. Turbo-charged engines are now commonplace in grooming vehicles. They differ mainly in the type of cooling that is employed to remove heat from combustion and friction. Noticeable improvements in horsepower and torque can be attributed to either Aftercooling or Intercooling. The horsepower listed is uncertified SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) at the flywheel, including fan load. CID – is total cylinder displacement in cubic inches and liters. Torque – is a direct indication of lugging power and at lower rpm’s than horsepower ratings. Fuel Consumption – represents average claimed fuel use during work cycle. Length – includes blade and tiller (if available). Width – with tracks normally supplied but without blade or tiller. Ground clearance – the least dimension between the undercarriage and the snow surface with track belts resting on the snow. Working Blade Width – is with wings closed and measured to outside of moldboard. Tiller Drum Width – is total cylinder length without finishers or box. Hydraulics Pressure – highest system pressure anywhere in vehicle. Weight – includes blade, tiller and all fluids and standard accessories. Pounds per HP – an indication of the power-to-static load factor. Approximate Price – the price of a complete vehicle with blade and tiller, unless noted.
| Class | Manufacturer Model | Cyl. # | Engine Manuf. Model | T=Turbo A=after I=inter | HP (SAE) | RPM Max. hp | CID in3/L | Torque Ft-lbs (@ rpm lost in gutter) | Fuel Rate GPH | Fuel Cap. Gal. | Length Ft.-In. | Width w/Tracks Ft.-In. | Height Ft.-In. | Grnd. Clr. In. | Blade Width Min./Max. | Tiller Shaft Width-Ft. | Pumps Manuf. | Working Press. psi | Weight Lbs. | Pounds per HP | Approx. Price ($000’s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utility, Class I | Pisten Bully 100U | 4 | OM 904 LA | T/A | 170 | 3200 | 256/4.2 | 488 | 2.5 | 35 | 15′ 1″ | 8′ 2″ | 8′ 6″ | 12.5″ | 9′ | – | Rexroth | 5900 | 7,480 | 44 | 95 |
| Utility, Class I | Tucker 1000D-4 | 4 | CM/4B | T/A | 130 | 2500 | 239/3.9 | 360 | 2 to 3 | 30 | 14′ 5″ | 7′ | 7′ 3″ | 10″ | – | Drag 8′ 9″ | Vickers | 1800 | 5,500 | 42.3 | 75 |
| Utility, Class I | Tucker Terra 2000D-6 | 6 | CM/6B | T | 152 | 2500 | 360/5.9 | 414 | 4 to 6 | 50 | 19′ | 7′ 9″ | 8′ 2″ | 15″ | 8′ | – | Vickers | 1800 | 9,040 | 59.5 | 85 |
| Trail Grooming, Class II | Bombardier BR 180 | 6 | PK 1006-6 | T/A | 180 | 2000 | 365/6 | 469 | 3 to 5 | 75 | 19′ 8″ | 8’/9’/10′ | 8′ 6″ | 13″ | 8’/10′ | 10′ | Sundstrand | 6300 | 8,700 | 48.3 | 110 |
| Trail Grooming, Class II | Pisten Bully 100 | 4 | MB/OM 904 LA | T/A | 170 | 3200 | 256/4.2 | 488 | 2.2 | 34 | 23′ 4″ | 8′ 2″/10’2″ | 8′ 2″ | 12″ | 8′ 10″/10’3″ | 8′ 2″/10’2″ | Rexroth | 5900 | 7,495 | 44.1 | 130 |
| Trail Grooming, Class II | Prinoth T2-S | 4 | MB/OM 904 | T/I | 170 | 3200 | 256/4.2 | 488 | 2.5 | 35 | 22′ 8″ | 8′ 2″/10′ | 8′ 3″ | 12″ | 8′ 10″/10′ | 8′ 2″ | Rexroth | 6000 | 7,700 | 45.3 | 135 |
| Trail Grooming, Class II | Tucker 2000E-6 | 6 | CM/6B | T/A | 185 | 2500 | 360/5.9 | 550 | 2 to 5 | 50 | 23′ | 8′ 6″/9′ 9″ | 8′ 3″ | 15″ | 8′ 6″/12′ 7″ | 10′ | Vickers/Sund. | 5800 | 11,125 | 60.1 | 140 |
| Alpine Grooming, Class III | Bombardier BR275 | 6 | CM 6CTA | T/A | 275 | 2000 | 506/8.3 | 825 | 5.2 | 69 | 26′ 3″ | 13′ 10″ | 8′ 10″ | 12″ | 13′ 10″ | 13′ 10″ | Sundstrand | 6300 | 17,250 | 49.7 | 180-185 |
| Alpine Grooming, Class III | Park Bully 200 (W) | 6 | MB/OM 906 LA | T/A | 278 | 2300 | 388/6.3 | 815 | 4.5 | 50 | 28′ | 12′ 9″ | 9′ 1″ | 12″ | 14′ 2″ | 14′ 1″ | Rexroth | 6500 | 16,280 | 58.6 | 191 |
| Alpine Grooming, Class III | Prinoth T4-S | 6 | SC/DS9 | T/I | 325 | 2200 | 550/9 | 942 | 5 | 53 | 27′ | 13′ 2′ | 9′ | 20′ | 14′ | 13′ 2′ | Rexroth | 6500 | 16,500 | 50.8 | 205 |
| Alpine Grooming, Class IV | Bombardier BR2000 | 6 | CM QSL9 | T/A | 350 | 2000 | 550/9 | 1150 | 4.5 | 69 | 25′ 6″ | 13’10” | 9’9″ | 12″ | 16’2″ | 14’1″ | Sunstrand | 6300 | 17,820 | 50.7 | 195+ |
| Alpine Grooming, Class IV | Pisten Bully 300 (W) | 6 | MB-OM 926 LA | T/A | 330 | 2200 | 439/7.2 | 981 | 4.5 | 50 | 33′ | 8′ 1″/13′ 7″ | 9′ 5″ | 12″ | 14′ 2″ | 14′ 1″ | Rexroth | 6500 | 17,450 | 52.9 | 230 |
| Alpine Grooming, Class IV | Prinoth LH 500 | 6 | MAN/D2866 | T/I | 360 | 2000 | 732/12 | 1137 | 5 | 53 | 27′ 2″ | 14′ 2′ | 9′ 6″ | 15″ | 15′ | 14′ 2″ | Rexroth | 6500 | 17,290 | 48 | 225 |
| Alpine Grooming, Class IV | Prinoth Everest | 6 | MB/OM 501 LA | T/I | 428 | 1800 | 730/12 | 1476 | 5.5 | 56 | 29′ | 14′ | 9′ 2″ | 16″ | 16′ | 14′ | Rexroth | 6500 | 18,500 | 43.2 | 225 |
Abbreviations: CM = Cummins; MB = Mercedes Benz; PK = Perkins; SC = Scania; W = Winch available.
Bombardier
The aggressive-looking silver BR2000 has benefited from both minor and major changes. Less obvious items like increasing fuel gauge accuracy and relocating the hydrostatic oil- level sender are a couple. More obvious is the engine upgrade from the Cummins QSC 8.5 liter that generated 330 horsepower to the larger QSL 9 liter machine that makes 350 hp. Available torque has also increased more than 11 percent from 1,000 to 1,150 foot pounds. In conjunction with the new power plant, drive ratios have been improved by fine tuning the pump drive and torque hub numbers. This change has already been applied to the BR 275.
And what of the BR275? Not to worry, it’s not just a name change for the popular BR Plus. Behind the new nameplate we find many significant improvements and upgrades. For example, by combining the hydrostatic and remote oil cooler filters, cooling capacity increases while maintenance costs decline. In addition, a fuel cooler placed in front of the radiator increases engine efficiency. When combined, these subtle changes direct 6 percent more usable power to the tracks.
The BR SP (Snow Park) concept vehicle has now become the versatile BR275 Terrain Master combining the altered BR Plus with the new tiller-blade combo. Extensive testing and development have produced this Terrain Master blade and tiller option for both the 275 and 2000 models. Up front, it’s a completely redesigned blade with heavy frame, large cylinders, a wide range of motion and significantly more snow capacity. When compared to the normal trail grooming blade, this new addition has 21 percent more side angle and pushing surface, 22 percent more vertical travel and a whopping 52 percent more curl. A 37 percent larger auxiliary hydraulic pump provides quicker response for the new blade, which also sports longer wings and a shorter mid-section. In addition, the snow screen is stout enough to pick up snow guns to move them to new locations. The standard quick-mount and plastic blade covering are combined with a more aggressive tooth design that still allows for normal trail grooming.
Bombardier’s variable geometry tiller has also benefited from the Terrain Master redesign. Performance in heavier snows has been greatly improved by a 30 percent increase in the variable geometry movement and changing the conforming bar pivot from a hinged to radial design. Lift has been increased by 16 percent and the cutting angle upped by 49 percent. An extra row of combs on the finishing section on the standard 126-tooth rotor helps to fill in those pesky divots that can spoil an otherwise-perfect corduroy finish.
New urethane tiller wings can be added to any Terrain Master tiller. They are hydraulically controlled from the cab. The three-foot extra tiller width reduces “curbing,” covers track marks in tight turns and can be folded to pass through shop doors.
Rounding out the options list is a special high-lift cylinder plus special comb retainers that prevent the “fold-under” that sometimes occurs during certain grooming maneuvers.
In the halfpipe department, Bombardier offers both a 12- and 17-foot (FIS Superpipe) HPG groomer. New cutting teeth cut in both forward and reverse directions. The machine’s hydraulic motor size has been increased to handle a faster 240 rpm cutting speed and a new chute design dumps excess snow away from the lip of the pipe to prevent spillback. Blade float is now standard on all HPGs. For more information, visit the Website at www.bombardier.com or call (802) 773-2213.
Pisten Bully
During this past season, Pisten Bully introduced the 200W winch cat and the 100U utility vehicle. In addition, all Bullys are now powered by Mercedes engines ranging from 170 to 330 horses and 488 to 981 foot-pounds of torque. A weight difference of nearly 700 pounds between the MB OM engine and former Detroit diesel results in slightly better fuel economy and weight-to-horsepower ratio. Windshield wiper blades are warmed with engine coolant while a swiveling driver’s seat reduces rear-view neck strain.
For cross-country track-setting and general transportation, the 100U offers three cab configurations: two-man, crew cab (four seats plus the two up front) and full cab (eight seats plus two). The passenger cabs are unique with their side-entry door, which makes loading personnel and cargo easier than rear-entry types. There are also three different track options: steel cross-links on rubber belts, plain all-rubber track and cleats and one with heavy duty rubber with individual hinged links. Although no tiller is available, a 9 foot blade is.
For the upcoming season, other changes will be seen with regard to driver ergonomics and controls. Also, the wing hinges of the all-way blades on the 200 and 300 models have been reinforced and a heavier snow screen has been added to the 300. For halfpipe grooming, Pisten Bully offers a front-mounted, four-meter Pipe Magician with reversible chain direction and variable cutting speed. For more information, visit their Website at www.katvpb.com or call (775) 857-5000.
Prinoth
The Prinoth S series—T2 and T4—is currently available in North America. Next season, the large, 428 hp Everest will make its debut. Leitner retains one machine from its line—the LH500, of which 150 units were sold last year—after the purchase of Prinoth last year, but has renamed it the Prinoth LH500. Powered by a German engine from the Man Company, it produces only 360 hp in its 732 cubic inches (12 liters), while the Everest Mercedes squeezes out 428 hp from the same cubes. The smaller T4-S is propelled by a Scania 9 liter, 325 hp piece of iron. All three power plants have six cylinders and are turbo-charged and inter-cooled. Prinoth steering has traditionally been automotive-digital type, but new machines can be ordered with either the wheel or the proven Leitner digital stick. Powered tillers are available in the standard bi-flex or the Leitner tri-flex. Halfpipe maintenance is accomplished with the T4S and the front-mounted HPG Snow Turbo cutter.
Will Prinoth have the staying power this time around? With Bombardier as the exclusive distributor, it will have every chance. Is the jump from Europe to North America too great? Only time and the exchange rates will answer that question. For more information, call (303) 884-7091.
Tucker
You may not see many new orange Sno-Cat® groomers at ski areas unless your area has miles and miles of snowmobile or cross-country trails. However, Tucker is not standing still. New from the folks who recently brought us the Tucker Terra® and Tucker Medi-Cat®, is the Tucker Diplomat Snowcoach. Built on the Terra frame, the 15-passenger, fully-insulated cab has a rollover protection system, tinted glass, seatbelts and locking door handles.
A long list of options includes tilt steering wheel, escape hatch, public address system, 10 interior lights, turn signals, two rear heaters, twin 60-gallon fuel tanks and six rear cab speakers and CD player. This moving bandwagon is powered by the reliable Cummins 200hp turbo-diesel through a six-speed Funk automatic and Spicer 80 differentials. For more information, visit the Website at www.sno-cat.com or call (802) 334-7779.
