Stock-Drawn Equipment for Trail Work
Specialty Equipment Designs
Some specialty equipment is commercially available or can be fabricated from MTDC drawings.
MTDC Combination Plow and Grader
The MTDC combination plow and grader is an implement designed to combine elements of the hillside plow and Beatty grader (Figure 25). The implement design also increases the grading width capability up to 4-ft (1200-mm) trail tread. The MTDC grader is built around a 60-in (1500-mm) main beam (hillside beam) that has a cutting point mounted just in front of the wing. In addition, the beam has a small keel and rock tooth mounted on the rear. The wing is 50 in (1300 mm) long. This grading width is adjustable from approximately 12 to 43 in (300 to 1100 mm) and can be adjusted vertically through a 6-in (150-mm) range with an onboard mounted shoe (Figure 26). Draft is adjustable in two ranges. The vertical draft can be adjusted through a range of 16 in (400 mm). The lateral draft can be adjusted through a range of 24 in (600 mm) (Figure 27). The implement is heavy, weighing over 250 lb (113 kg). It disassembles easily for packing; however, it is somewhat awkward to pack because of its length.
Figure 25-MTDC combination plow and grader.
Figure 26-Shoe and wing adjustments of the MTDC combination
plow and grader.
Figure 27-Closeup of the point and hitchbar with single tree of the
MTDC combination plow and grader.
Trail Ace and Trail Scoop
Recent developments in stock-drawn trail implements include the Trail Ace and Trail Scoop. These are patented implements designed and built by Clarence McReynolds and Bonner Brumley of White Bird, ID.
The Trail Ace has a rigid boxed steel frame featuring a pivoting hitch frame, rigid steel handles, and 14 sleeves or pockets (Figure 28). The sleeves and pockets are designed to accept the various rock teeth, ripper teeth, and hardened sod cutter attachments provided with the tool. One or more attachments can be mounted in several orientations. Included in the package is a tool box and a fixed two-way grader blade. The Trail Ace, including all accessories, weighs 146 lb (65 kg).
The Trail Scoop is a small slip constructed of mild steel with hardened rock teeth mounted on the front edge of the scoop (Figure 29). The scoop weighs about 100 lb (39 kg) and has a 1/6 yd³ (0.13 m³) capacity. It is used for excavating fill materials and transporting them for short distances.
