Rental sled
“Super Sled”, is a padded and steerable 52-inch sled with virtually frictionless 2” tubular steel runners that allow high speeds and thrills for one or two riders, at up to a 300-lb. load. Except for the tough grade vinyl padding it carries a lifetime guarantee. Slope operators, according to its manufacturer, Ra-Jo, Inc., No. Vernon, In. 47265, can reap big profits through a ‘charge-per-ride’ basis. In ski shops it retails for $149.
Boot and glove warmer
Christie Products has introduced a modified glove warmer/boot warmer with internal design changes for increased reliability. Units are available on a lease or purchase basis. Both coin-operated units and push-button units are manufactured, with the latter being used in rental shops or for the maintence crews.
For more information, contact Christie Products, Inc., RD1 Box 258, Scottdale, Pa. 412-887-8286.
Enduratek controls
Enduratek Corporation has introduced several new add-on optional equipment to interface with its Model IV Control System. The “Central Interrogator” monitors each lift from a central location. It will enable areas which have Model IV Control Systems on all of their lifts to determine if each lift is running, or why it is stopped. This can be done from any location, such as the manager’s office. A dedicated pair of telephone wires is all that is needed to attach this system to each lift, according to Enduratek.
Another add-on device (not shown) is the Intermittent Fault Locator. This device when plugged into the Model IV control panel is designed to locate intermittent faults before they are of sufficient duration to cause the lift to stop. This tool assists the maintenance man to locate intermittent problems before they cause nuisance stops. Repairs can then be made in non-operational hours with no customer inconvenience.
Shown below is Enduratek’s Model IV Total Control System. This device is designed to interface with any manufacturer’s SCR drive, or other drive system. It takes the Model IV’s fault-locating capabilities and locates all problems in the entire ski lift, be it safety circuit or drive failures, according to Enduratek’s chief engineer, Philip Berger. In those cases where the SCR drive manufacturer has modular component boards, the Model IV read-out is designed to tell the operator which board to replace should it fail. Additionally, the “add on” features described above can also be used in this system.
For more information, contact Enduratek Corporation 5505 So. Riley Lane, Salt Lake City, UT. 84107.
New items from DMC
Available for the 1981-82 season is the DMC 3500, a hydrostatically-driven vehicle that will sell for approximately 15% less than the DMC 3700.
Designed for cost, fuel and maintenance efficiency, the vehicle has an A.C. 155 HP turbocharged engine, Sunstrand single-speed hydraulics and standard DMC track, suspension, lower frame and cab components. It is shown with the new rear-mounted grooming frame with 14’ hinged winged compactor bar.
This folding compactor bar allows for a grooming width of 22 feet, or a folded width of 14 feet. Each wing is independently controlled, incorporating a hydraulic release system for protecting the bar should the end strike a hidden object.
Also relatively new with DMC is their rotary tiller, powered hydraulically from the DMC 3700. The cutter bar rotates at 1,000 RPM, cutting a 14-ft. wide path to a depth of four inches. For 1981-82 the tiller has an automatic depth control.
The tiller system is lifted to a carrying position on the deck by means of the DMC Dual Cylinder Lift Frame, which is also recommended for use with the folding compactor.
Detachable technology
Montaz-Mautino, the 30-year-old French-based company which designs and installs all types of lifts from surface to tramways, has developed technology in the detachable chair and gondola field.
The large opening of the jaws of the detachable grip permits a safe attachment on the splice, according to the manufacturer, so therefore no splice detector is needed, which allows for higher capacity.
Their acceleration system operates by means of a set of friction tires rotating to an increasing speed. It is designed to insure perfect synchronization between speeds of rope and vehicles for any given rope speed. Capacities as high as 2,200 pph for triples and 2,880 for quads are possible, according to Montaz-Mautino.
Detachable lifts, says Jacques Montaz, who runs the New Jersey offices of Montaz-Mautino, are now completely automatic for loading and unloading, terminal configuration and carrier storage.
For more information, contact Jacques Montaz, 7 Pearl Court, Allendale, N.J. 07401.
Special rack offer
Available to ski patrol and instructors from Ski Safe Co., are reconditioned, non-coin, key-operated ski checking racks at $25 a unit. Available in 4 and 10-unit models for wall and railing mounting, the racks are the same as Ski Safe supplies to ski areas except that they are non-coin.
For more information, contact Ski Safe Co., P.O. Box 2447, San Francisco, CA. 94104.
The Ski Safe Co. has also entered into an agreement with American Locker co. to use that company’s Select-Matic locks in their ski racks. These locks are available in one and two-quarter configurations and will soon be available at .75¢ (three quarters).
SMI Tower, compressor
SMI is calling attention to the tower mounting of its airless SnowStream 320. The unit “becomes nearly twice as effective when elevated to 20, 40 or 60-ft. heights that the tower provides,” according to SMI president, Jim VanderKelen. The unit is operated from the base of the tower, and may be rotated to any desired direction.
For more information, contract SMI, 1512 No. Rockwell Drive, Midland, MI. 48640.
Product news from Valley
In January of this year, Valley Engineering through its West German parent company, Karl Kassbohrer Fahrzeugwerke, introduced two new vehicles to the North American snow grooming market.
The smaller of these tractors is the PB 25.100-D Pisten Bully, which is powered by a 5-cylinder 100 hp Mercedes-Benz diesel. This vehicle, like its two larger counter-parts, is driven by hydrostatic pumps and motors, and can turn on its own axis. Designed for grooming medium size ski areas, lift lines, loading and unloading areas, it can be coupled with the Baechler track setter to groom cross-country trails.
Introduced at the same time was the PB 43.270-D, the largest of the three models marketed by Valley Engineering. A V-6 270 hp Mercedes-Benz diesel engine powers this new tractor. A third pump on the splitter box enables the PB 270 to hydrostatically power implements such as a power tiller. Like the other Pisten-Bullys, the PB 270-D is hydrostatically powered and turns on its own axis. It also has electronic automatic travel and speed control. The braking system is hydrostatic with additional multi-disc parking brake.
Valley has also added Baechler cross-country track setters to its line of grooming equipment.
Training programs
Comprehensive materials for training ski lift operators are available from Mountain Management Services, P.O. Box 2246, Missoula, Montana 59806. Available in three sizes of training kits, the materials include an instructor’s guide, the ski lift operator’s guide or basic textbook, inventory tests, certifications of completion and, with the larger kits, a slide program.
MMS is also introducing a Ski Lift Maintenance Records Yearbook—a comprehensive system that allows the lift manager to pre-plan a maintenance program and keep detailed records. A double entry system provides for both chronological records of maintenance and for grouping specific projects together by general components.
Super Dock Box
RMP Marketing Corp., suppliers of the hydrant covers called Snow Shields, is finding a ski area market for its Super Dock Boxes, which were invented and primarily used for storing gear at marinas.
Because the box is made of Marlex CL-100 cross-linked polyethylene, it can withstand repeated abuse, according to RMP, and will not become brittle until 180 degrees below zero. Hardware on the boxes is stainless steel.
The 12 cu. ft. capacity boxes are being used for everything from storing garbage at areas with coyote problems, netting and anything else that might need protection from the elements and vandals.
For more information, contact RMP Marketing Corp., 1645 Monrovia St., Costa Mesa, CA. 92663.
Area signs
Gopher Sign Co., has produced for this year a series of four new signs which graphically depict the proper methods of loading, riding and unloading the four most commonly used lifts—rope tows, T-bars, center post double chairs and bale-type.
The signs are 24” x 30”, made of rust-resistant 18-gauge galvanized steel, finished in acrylic baked enamel for maximum durability. Color is blue legend on white background. These signs are the ones which NSAA recommends be strategically and conspicuously placed near all operating lifts.
Gopher also markets a complete line of ski area signs, including standard trail marking, directional and X-country. For more information, contact Gopher Sign Co., 611 Snelling Avenue So., St. Paul, MN. 55116.
Tower-mounted SSI
Phil Tropeano, of Larchmont Engineering and Irrigation, reports favorable test data on their tower-mounted SS1 snowmaker, as measured by the new Erdco meters. Singling out the test at 20-deg F, the average ratio was 5.62/1 using 35-45 GPM, 210/240 CFM of air at 90 PSI, and with 36-deg water. Average ratio ranged from 10.89/1 at 30 degrees ambient down to 1.84/1 at zero.
The lengths available for the towers are 20’, 30’ and 40’, and there is approximately 300 degrees of rotation. Both the 5” outside tubing and 2” inside tubing are Class 150 aluminum tubing.
Maximum air consumption is 400 CFM and maximum water, using 6-3/8” discharge nozzles, is 100 GPM.
For more information, contact Larchmont Engineering and Irrigation, Box 66, Lexington, MA. 02173.
The Sidewinder
The Sidewinder Snow Machine, with a base price of under $5,000, is marketed to fill a need for a vehicle to perform lift maintenance, personnel transport, rescue work and any other application too much for a snowmobile, but uneconomical for a large and costly grooming vehicle.
The load capacity of the Sidewinder is 1,500 lbs. and it can carry four passengers. Ground clearance with high flotation tracks is 14-½” maximum. Flotation with wide track systems is .25 PSI. The engine is a 700 cc air-cooled, twin-cylinder Briggs & Stratton, and the transmission is Borg Warner.
The 47 accessories available are divided between the comfort group, the safety group and the utility group.
For more details, contact Funco Industrial Off-Road Vehicles, 31233 Highway 40, Evergreen, CO. 80439.
Start circuit detector
Riblet Tramway Co. has introduced a Start Circuit Detector, “a simple device designed to locate open switches and loose connections in the start circuit of a chairlift.” A special light-emitting diode shows whether there is or is not power to a particular point in the circuit. When the power stops, the fault will be found, according to Riblet. The unit is housed in a sturdy 10-1/2” x 12-1/2” steel box with a terminal strip for easy hook-up.
Also from Riblet is a 10-year guarantee on chair clips—the longest in the business, they claim.
Riblet is also calling attention to its Riblet 5000 for areas seeking a big lift. It features 500 HP, 14-ft. gauge and 1-3/4” traction rope. Motor room is 330 sq. ft., and a V-12 diesel is the standby power. Typical configurations possible are a 6000-ft. triple with 1,900 vertical and 1,800 pph. Or an 8,000-ft. double with 2,750-ft. rise at 1,200 pph.
For more information, contact Riblet Tramways Co., Box 5220, Spokane, WA. 99205.
Summer fun from Inventex
Newest in the Inventex product line is the Alpine Indycart, a concession cart, whose body is “virtually indestructable” rotocast polyethelene, and completely encloses the engine, clutch, belt and all controls. It quickly demounts from the frame for servicing. It comes in nine colors.
Power is provided by a Honda 5 HP engine, and other features include direct steering, disc brakes, permanently lubricated bearings and aircraft-type swivel joints.
Prices FOB Vermont range from $1,850 to $1,700, depending on quantity.
Also from Inventex, the Alpine Slide people, is the Alpine Water Bob. Opening this summer is the first U.S. installation at Vernon Valley, N.J., and it will be the largest and longest in the world: 2,300 feet long, five water chutes with 27-deg. pitches, two tunnels with special effects and a capacity of 1,200/hr.
Inventex has changed the name of its monorail people-mover from Transmobil to Alpine LectraPorter. Vernon Valley’s Action Park is served by a 3,075-ft. installation which can move over 1,000/hr.
Rollka Grass-Skis
Great strides have been made in the world-wide growth of grass skiing, according to Robert W. Farran, president of Innovation Associaites, U.S. distributors of the Rollka Grass-Skis. He attributes this partly to the wide media coverage, including network TV, and also points to the recognition given to it by the FIS, which has assumed jurisdiction over the International Grass Ski Federation.
The Rollka units use a caterpillar tread-like principle, allowing them “to traverse a variety of terrain, short or long grass, all without damaging the surface,” according to Farran.
The Rollka Grass-Skis come in four lengths, ranging from the child’s 23” to the GS 31” length. The most popular length is the 25-½” recreational model. Wholesale prices range from $99.90 to $128.50.
For more information, contact Innovation Associates, 9510 Owensmouth Ave., Chatsworth Ca. 91311.
The MK III Kool Kat
Miller W. Corporation, of Stratton, NE. 69043, who have developed a line of oversnow vehicles, is calling attention to its 70 HP MK III tracked vehicle. The unit features a Volkswagen gas engine, hydrostatic drive, up to 3-man cab and summer/winter track. U-blade and compactor bar are available as optional items for front and rear mounting respectively. With a 2-speed hydrostatic system, the unit can achieve a ground speed of approximately 15 mph, according to Miller W.
Rear deck space is available for using the unit for transportation.
The unit sells for $29,700, with U-blade and compactor bar as extras.
SunnyRoll Slides
Larchmont Engineering is marketing the Austrian-designed slide system, SunnyRoll. This mountain slide features all-weather fiberglass track and centrifugal wheel brakes which, according to Larchmont, allow safe riding on a 49% grade.
For more information contact, SunnyRoll Div., Larchmont Engineering, 12 Revere Street, Lexington, MA. 02173.
Desk-top mountains
Scale models of mountains or ski areas, based on three-demensional projections of topographical maps, are marketed by Hill Enterprises, 25 Curtis Ave., Rutland, VT. 05701. The moulds are created in Scotland, and the finished models are hand-worked and polished.
“We can do any terrain in the world now,” says Robert Hill, “and all we need is the map.”
Reliable Racing products
Techniski is a no-snow training device for alpine skiing, and it is available from Reliable Racing Supply. It is the counterpart of that company’s nordic road skis.
It is shown being used with Reliable’s automatic timing system, the Coin Operated Racing System (CORS). This system was in place this winter at five major Colorado resorts, plus Butternut Basin in Massachusetts and Mont St. Sauveur in Quebec.
The personnel-free CORS consists of a programmed timer (1/100 sec.) that is activated by coins or tokens, and display lights (green, yellow and red) indicate course status. There is a starting wand with audio countdown. A finish scanner “sees” the competitor finish and stops the time as digitally displayed on the electronic board. A CORS system sells in the $8,500 range.
Reliable also markets Break-A-Way slalom gates. The spring-loaded poles, when hit, return to their original vertical position. Used in conjunction with CORS, they allow for personnel-free operation.
For more information, contact Reliable Racing Supply, 624 Glen St., Glens Falls, N.Y. 12801.
SnoJet nozzles
Spraying Systems Co., of North Avenue at Schmale Road, Wheaton, IL. 60187, has Bulletin No. 196 available, featuring technical information on Models 17012-50 (illustrated here sled-mounted) and 17012-100 SnowJet nozzles. Among the features is a choice of caps to produce either a narrow angle round spray or a flat spray pattern. The body is cast aluminum, and there are stainless steel water orifice inserts.
The Bombardier 302HD
Features of the Bombardier Skidozer 302HD include a 6-cylinder John Deere engine that delivers 224 Brake HP at 2350 RPM. The vehicle is hydrostatically driven.
It adapts to straight and U-blades plus rear-mounted implements. Electric-hydraulic joystick controls the blade.
For complete details, contact Bombardier Limitee, Industrial Equipment Div., Valcourt, Que, JOE 2LO.
Toboggan base paint
Toddboggan Mfg. Co., manufacturers of the Toddboggan rescue unit, announces the availability of a fast-drying silicone toboggan base paint. In addition to patrol toboggans, it can be used on Sno-rollers, Sno-packers and snow shovels.
The 1-gallon cans sell for $19.95, and are available from Toddboggan Mfg. Co., P.O. Box 611, Vernal, UT. 84078.
Softlite lift seat pads
The Gilman Corporation, of Gilman, CT. 06336, provides lift seat pads that provide reflected warmth and dryness.
The company provides the pads for all standard chairlift configurations, and will custom fit where necessary. The pads, designed for heavy wear, abrasion resistance and color fastness, are made of Dupont Surlyn Ionomer plastic resin. Multiple layers of various densities are heat-sealed to each other for a leather-like total property.
The pads may be attached by grommets and springs, or may be glued in place with Weldwood. In quantities of over 101 pads, prices range from $10.25 per pad without grommets for a double chair, to $23 with grommets for a quad.
Gilman will also supply Softlite in roll form for fitting, cutting and attachment by the ski area.
Track-setting
The Swiss Baechler Co., whose track-setting equipment is handled in the U.S. by Valley Engineering, of Gray, ME., has introduced some technical refinements into its broad line.
The basic Loipenstar track-setter comes with plastic treads, and all metal parts contacting the snow are varnished with 2-component silicone synthetic resin.
Sno Tech Larchmont products
Joe Tropeano of SnoTech/Larchmont, reports they are marketing airless and air/water snowmaking units. The units are designed to use air/water between 25 and 30 degrees F, and when the temperature drops “the airless part is turned on to triple its performance.”
The units are available with single Musket on towers and the Three Musketeers. There are 14 airless nozzles, each with a capacity of up to 15 gallons, totalling 210 gallons airless. Air/water handles 350 GPM.
SnoTech is also marketing the Torret sled, which rotates 360 degrees and has no heavy hose to pull around. The unit is so designed that the aluminum column will serve as an air-to-air aftercooler. It will receive all of SnoTech’s A/W and airless units.
SnoTech has changed its specifications for hose to 800-lb. tested, and couplings to have a 17,000-lb. draw bar test and a 25 second time cycle. It is available only in 1-½” to 2” and 2-½”.
For more information contact, Sno-Tech Division, Larchmont Engineering, 12 Revere Street, Lexington, MA. 02173.
Anti-skid floor tiles
New Dri-Dek interlocking floor tiles from Kendall Plastics, Inc. protect feet from cold, wet floors and, it is claimed, provide a clean, soft, anti-skid surface that lasts for years.
Made from flexible, chemical resistant vinyl, Dri-Dek is designed to provide instant drainage of fluids. Dri-
