Congratulations to our first Mechanized Trail Masters! (No, we're not talking about cyborgs.) On February 3 and 4, six Trail Masters graduated from the first mechanized training class held at the Georgia Olympic Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia.

Jerry Fruth, Laura Hayes, Jim Holland, Susan Kasemeyer, Joe Schoech and Amanda Stewart braved cold temperatures to become the first members of the Trail Master community to learn how to operate powerful trail-building machines. Led by Mike Riter of Trail Design Specialists, the class involved hands-on use of equipment on actual trails within the horse park.

Meet the machines

The class focused on the use of two machines, both made by Ditch Witch. The SK500 is a gasoline-powered walk-behind machine that boasts 24 hp and is capable of 3.6 mph. The SK650 has a diesel engine and a platform for the operator to ride on. It delivers 31.5 hp with speeds up to 4 mph. A variety of front-end attachments, such as blades and buckets, is available for each.

Although these machines may sound brutish and tough, they are actually quite sophisticated. Each machine distributes its weight (approximately 2200 lbs.) in such a way that the pressure it applies to the ground surface is less than that of an average man. In addition, virtually all components are operated hydraulically, which means no brute force or heavy lifting is required to operate it or any of the associated attachments.

Trail work with these machines is a much faster process. The first step is to mark the trail with ribbons. Next, trees are cut at waist level with chain saws or hand saws. Now come the machines! Trees are removed by pulling them out of the ground. This is done by grabbing the tree between the blade and face plate on the front portion of the machine. This is actually a very delicate procedure due to the sheer strength of the machine. If too much force is used, the blade can cut the tree in half instead of gently pulling it out of the ground. Other obstacles, such as rocks or stumps, are also removed at this time.

After the trees and obstacles have been removed, the six-way hydraulic blade is used to shape and form the trail. This blade articulates in all directions to accommodate a wide variety of angles and grades. The machine can also be used to blend the back cut into the original slope. This helps eliminate possible erosion and puts horses at ease with narrow trails on steep slopes. After that is complete, the machine is run back over the trail, dragging the blade in float mode to remove any loose material remaining on the trail. Additionally, other attachments such as a plate compactor or bucket can speed the construction and finishing process. If the weather conditions are good, the trail is now ready for traffic!

Man vs. machine

Using machines versus handheld tools for building trail is like the difference between churning your own butter and buying it at the grocery store. A savvy operator can average 100 feet of finished tread per hour on a cleared slope. It would require at least 10 people to accomplish this with hand tools.

Aside from speed and efficiency, machines have other advantages. When volunteers are in short supply, machines offer a way to make progress on projects since fewer people are needed. In addition, machines provide the ability for trail designers to choose the best layout for the trail. Obstacles such as stumps, rocks, and steep side slopes can be safely negotiated or removed.

Class graduates ready to help

Although these machines can be rented at any local tool rental store and are relatively easy to operate, it is recommended that you first consult with one of the AERC Trail Masters to have safe and productive experience with your machine on trail. If you have a trail project that would benefit from the use of trail-building machines, please get in touch with one of the mechanized class graduates listed above. Our Trail Masters would be happy to help you make your project a success.

Our 2007 class list is now being finalized. Look for details on dates and locations in an upcoming issue of the Endurance News.

For questions about the Trail Master Program, please visit www.aerc.org/trails_TMC_.asp or contact Angie Fura at angie@tracetribute.com.