ST240 demo

Yesterday out at Sandy Ridge, had opportunity for a demo of the Single Track ST240 machine with Jason Wells, IMBA Trail Solutions, and Tom Slovak, NWTA Trail Care Crew Director.   This was a working prototype and it's been demoed many times, and we were "lucky" enough to be there when a critical part broke (a part specific to the prototype but not the production model) which almost ended the day early.  Thankfully, Barrett had a spare part in trailer and after couple hours field repair work we were mobilizing for the project demo area.

I shot a bit of HD video and will be sharing that just as soon as I dump/edit/render.

Heard a few positive things:

• stable base
• powerful grubber
• narrow width - variable width from 24" to 36"

Heard negative things:

• since base doesn't rotate can't pitch bucket contents far
• long treads (while making more stable) does make harder to turn in place - or takes more experience to learn trick to pivot around on hoe

Overall, my own impression is yes, it's a pricey little machine.. but it delivers on what it is designed to do.  It is designed as a specialty machine to be one of the most powerful narrow footprint (24" to 36") dozer (6-way blade) and hoe (with thumb) that can work on very steep stuff (100+ degree slopes).

I also think the fully radio controlled feature is more than just cool!  For one thing, it made it easier to start to learn the controls.  I could stand there next to machine with someone standing next to me instructing what does what... and I could do it, then see it...  Then could step on and sit on machine to continue learning the controls.  It's not easy, but after more practice (like 40 hours at the controls) wouldn't be hard to operate.   When we were done with the demo, it was no prob to step off the machine and power right thru vine maple thicket (wouldn't have been an option if ya had to remain seated on machine).

I'll put up some pics and video soon.  I'm excited that next week is the RTP grant review committee meeting which is next step in the process for reviewing NWTA's grant application for funding to purchase an ST240, trailer, and training.  Was glad to be able to have chance to get an up close and personal demo of the machine with IMBA experts who have used many different kinds of machines for trail building.