NOTE
– the first time the gas spring is compressed after not working for a while (like
overnight or longer) it will have some “sticktion”, meaning that it will require more force than
normal to break it loose and get it operating smoothly. Usually, the spring will compress right
away when you first run the Tracksetter down into the snow. However, it is good practice to
either manually push against the Tracksetter to compress the spring a bit while the Tracksetter is
in the up position or run it down once and observe that it is compressing correctly. Once it moves
even just a little, it will work consistantly thoughout the entire range of motion. By checking this,
you also insure that you do not have ice built up on the tracksetter or spring, inhibiting operation.
The G2 Tracksetter has a unique close coupled, rigid arm design that offers many advantages over a
conventional floating pivot design. However, a full understanding of how the G2 Tracksetter works is
necessary to completely take advantage of its features.
The G2 Tracksetter main pivot (the gold colored grade 8 bolt) is located just above the comb on the
G2 Trail Groomer. The Tracksetter is rigidly attached to an arm that rotates about this pivot as the
implement follows the undulating terrain. Because this pivot point is located right at the comb where
the entire implement rotates as it follows the ups and downs of the terrain, the “pitch” of the
Tracksetter is always parallel to the surface of the trail. One or two gas springs provide a near
constant force on the Tracksetter, compressing and extending as the Tracksetter rotates. Please
note that this pivot has been designed intentionally with some “play” to give the Tracksetter some
freedom to move in both the “yaw” and “roll” axis.
The G2 Tracksetter is raised and lowered by means of an electric actuator. This actuator is always
either fully extended or fully retracted and never should be operated at a midway position. When
done grooming actuators should be left partway up or down – not fully extended or retracted.
You can tell when the actuator is at full extension or retraction when it makes a clicking sound as the
control button is pressed. This is the sound of an internal clutch similar to that on a cordless drill and
is normal when the actuator reaches travel limit.
Either one or two gas springs may be installed in various combinations in order to obtain the desired
amount of force on the Tracksetter (two 75 lb springs are supplied with your G2 Tracksetter).
HERE
IS THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING THE PROPER FORCE ON THE TRACKSETTER
: The gas
springs must not supply so much force that the comb on the G2 Trail Groomer lifts off of the snow
(see diagram). In our experience, a single 75 lb gas spring provides the right amount of force if no
additional weights are added to the G2 Trail Groomer (see the section on adding weight). If you wish
to increase the force on the G2 Tracksetter beyond a single 75 lb gas spring, then it is recommended
that you add weight to the G2. By the way – it does not matter which side the single gas spring is
mounted, and the resulting force is not “off center” – everything works just fine this way.
If the rear of the G2 Trail Groomer is forced upwards off of the snow, the pivot point rises as well.
This causes the Tracksetter’s angle of attack, or pitch, to point upwards and the Tracksetter will climb
out of the snow, even though you have increased the force upon it. You will always get the best track
if the comb on the G2 is fully depressed and flexed (you will, of course, get better combing, too).
PN 040101-02 G2 Tracksetter, Assembly and Operation Rev 1/2019
6
