![]() Perhaps the only downside to excavators is the challenge of acquiring the skills to operate them well. When done well, use of the first excavator speeds up the work of the second one and the project overall. Because an excavator’s first cuts need to be completed as cleanly as possible, the lead operator typically requires about as much time as the trailing operator so that both move ultimately along at approximately the same speed. The first does the rough cut and rough shaping while the second does the finishing. Irey estimates that HELACs reduce necessary handwork by 50%.ĭirt Artisans typically runs two excavators in tandem with one operator on each. Putting a HELAC, which is an articulating head, on the end of the excavators just before the bucket makes them even more productive because it lets the bucket tilt left or right. We use it to fill in holes, level off bumps and even compact the newly shaped trail surface. Toward the end of the trailbuliding process, when it comes time to finish shaping the trail to ensure proper water management or add mountain-bike specific trail features like berms and inslopes, the excavator is essential. At the same time, we’re using the excavator to start shaping the trail.” “We basically flip the tread to bring the subsoil to the surface because it dries up faster and holds up better. “We’re not just skimming the mineral soil off the surface, but we’re getting down into the subsoil,” said Irey. Just as its name suggests, it’s also good for excavating the trail tread. Doing so minimizes hand work, thereby reducing project labor costs. The first time an excavator comes in handy during trailbuilding is for clearing debris - such as deadfall and organic materials - from the trail corridor. ![]() “We also put clamps on the end of the bucket, which are for grabbing in a way that is similar to pinching together your thumb and fingers.” ![]() “You can reach out and pick things up and then move them around, just like you would with your arm and hand,” said Irey. To a well trained operator, an excavator is like an extension of their arm with a hoe in hand. Our favorite trailbuilding tool is useful in all aspects of trail construction. “It’s easy to get in a trail dozer and make a big mess, but all the details matter - like good preparation, proper operation and thorough cleanup.” Tool #1: Excavator “It’s not just about what tools you have you have to know how to use them,” said Irey. The skill of each machine operator is also essential. building only with hand tools.”Įxactly what equipment we choose to use in making a new trail always depends on the job at hand and the terrain in which it’s occurring. “And machines enable us to construct better trails which withstand higher levels of impact vs. “Economics is the number one factor driving machine use in trailbuilding because we can build trails for our clients and the community at a lower cost and faster,” said Chad Irey, President of Dirt Artisans. In this article, we delve into our three favorite trailbuilding machines and why we love them. When it comes to creating great trails, both hand tools and machines are important, but it’s the skillful use of machines that makes trail projects happen more efficiently and typically results in a higher quality end product. ![]() Every profession has a set of tools to help get the job done, and trailbuilding is no exception.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |