When we build our trails we use several different methods and tools to complete the job. Depending on the specs of the trail and the location the trail is in decides what we use to build the trail. We have several machines that are used for trail construction.  One of our machines is for heavier construction and it is a CAT Excavator. This machine is 51 inches wide with tracks that can be narrowed down to 39 inches.  We have several accessories for this excavator.  We use a tilt bucket made just for this machine, we have a breaker made by NPK, and an auger for drilling post holes. 

We also use a Sutter 500 Trail Dozer.  This machine is purpose built for trail construction.  We think the perfect combination of trail machines for construction is the Sutter followed up by the Excavator doing the finish work.  These machines together will give you an excellent hiking trail with a smooth finish for a safe and easy walk.

Sutter Website

For moving materials we use several different type of carriers.  We have a Yanmar Dumper that is 3 foot wide, has a 3 way dump, and can carry about a ton of material.  We also use a DR Power Wagon for when the trail isnt suitable for the Yanmar Dumper.

After completion of a trail, we will compact the trail with a double drum vibratory roller.  We use a Bomag, but they are all similar.  

Depending on the type of forest we are in, if it is a wilderness type or low impact, we use the commonly used tools for trail building a Pulaski tool and fire rack. We have done many projects that require the use of these types of tools and so we have a vast collection of hand tools for building trail. This includes tools like Pulaski, fire rake, snipes, pole saw, spud, pry-bar, etc.

We also do trail work were it requires us to move large rocks and to do so where we are unable to use heavy machinery. For this type of work we use manual labor with spuds and pry-bars. Though, we also have some lighter machinery to move these types of rocks. One tool that we use for this type of work is a chain-saw winch. With this winch we have an extensive collection of blocks, cables, and slings for rigging and anchor points. We also use hand winches to help move rocks and for pulling stumps and other obstacles on the trail.

Before the initial ground breaking of a new trail you need to clear the brush from the planned route of the trail. We have a wide variety of clearing machines from a BCS to DR walk behind tractor mowers. Depending again on the location and specifications we might use a weed eater for tight areas were we couldn’t get a mower through. If in a Wilderness area we have “idiot sticks” for clearing.

We have a wide range of electrical tools that we use for timber construction. For this type of work we have a small and large generators that can either be backpacked or carried by a couple of workers.

We also do a lot of rockwork that requires us to either pin the rock to the ground or that requires the rock to be broken. For this we use a Skidril that can be backpacked into a remote location on a pack frame.

We do our own trail assessment and mapping.  For mapping we use a GIS compatible mapping program and for site maping we will use a Stonex GPS mapping unit that has a stationary GPS antenna for greater accuracy.  For Bridge construction we can connect our Total Station to this same GPS system.

In the future we hope to have more pictures on this page showing our tools in use.