Stock-Drawn Equipment for Trail Work
Grading Equipment
Two types of stock-drawn graders are currently available to finish the trail tread (Figure 18).
Figure 18-Line drawings of the MTDC combination plow and grader, and the Beatty trail grader.
Beatty Grader
The Beatty grader is a modified ditcher originally manufactured by General Machine in Spokane, WA (Figure 19). Although this manufacturer is no longer in business, Idaho Falls Foundry and Machine, in Idaho Falls, ID, has molds to manufacture new graders as well as replacement parts. The Beatty grader was designed to function both as a finishing tool following a hillside plow, and as a trail tread maintenance tool. This implement is heavy. The grader, complete with single tree and handles, weighs 250 lb (113 kg). The grader is designed to operate on an off center pull to create a landside or hillside draft (Figure 20). Draft is adjustable from approximately 4 in (100 mm) off center to approximately 12 in (300 mm) off center (Figure 21). The wing can be adjusted to grade a tread of 11 to 26 in (280 to 660 mm) wide (Figure 22). All parts are mounted with either pins or bolts to allow easy dismantling for packing. In its original design, several points were available as accessories to allow easier operation in heavy rubble and beargrass.
Figure 19-Beatty trail grader.
Figure 20-Beatty trail grader. Front view shows single tree,
swivel clevis, hitchbar, and handles.
Figure 21-Closeup of Beatty trail grader hitchbar and wing.
Figure 22-Beatty trail grader wing adjustment.
Fremont Grader
The Fremont grader is an implement designed by Forest Service personnel on the Fremont National Forest, Lake-view Ranger District, in Oregon for finish tread work and light maintenance (Figure 23 and Figure 24). The tool is based on a double ski platform with a blade mounted on a removable turntable that is adjustable for cutting depth. The implement will grade a tread of approximately 28 in (710 mm). The grader cannot be disassembled for packing. The only removable parts are the blade, turntable, handles, and hitch chain. The weight is approximately 200 lb (91 kg).
