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Install-Using-A-Sled-Loader

USING A SLED LOADER
Using A Sled Loader Photo

MOUNTING IDEAS

To use a chair rack on a sled, attach four 2” , or 4" welded steel rings (the bigger the easier for the chair rack to be connected and disconnected on the sled) to the footman loops on the strap brackets, as follows:

  1. Remove one rivet from the footman loops closest to the sled’s bow, and in the sled’s middle, by drilling,
  2. Insert the welded steel rings under the footman loop,
  3. Re-rivet (with steel rivets) or bolt the footman loops on.

-or-

  1. Add one or several quick links to the footman loops closest to the sled’s bow, and the sled’s middle. This works especially well for Cascade Model 350's and Crystal sleds
  2. Attach the links and rings together, making sure the quick links are twisted TIGHTLY closed.

To space the rack to fit the chair seat, quick links can be added either to the footman loops or to the sled rack between the welded loops on the rack and the snap.

SUGGESTED PROCEDURES
Procedures to use the Sled Loader, designed to on load and off load sleds while the chair lift continues to move, should be determined by the number of operators available to assist, the speed of the chair lift, the configuration of the on loading ramp, the type of sled the loader is attached to, the ability of assisting patrollers, and the approval of area management. The use of the following suggestions are subject to acceptance by the management of the ski area where they are to be used. These are suggestions only.

FOR ONE PERSON LOADINGfrom the side or end of the bull wheel:

On double chairs, the sled can be on either side (preferred is away from the towers): on triple chairs, the sled is to be loaded in the middle; and on quad chairs, the sled is to be loaded on the middle outside of the chair.

  1. Attach the Sled Loader to the sled, making sure all snaps, chain brake, straps, ropes, handles, are tied /strapped in, DOUBLE CHECK the chain brake and snaps.
  2. Visually check the loading zone on the ramp (normal clearances from snow surface to bottom of the chair need to be 14” to 17”).
  3. Turn towards and pick up the sled by the Loader handle, (or the bow if two person loading) allowing the chair to pass over the stern of the sled and the handles,
  4. Lower the sled after the chair passes the stern of the sled so that the chair will run into and catch the Sled Loader.
  5. As the Sled Loader is caught by the chair lift, sit down and hold the Sled Loader.
  6. If the sled swings as the sled clears the snow, a ski on the sled’s bow will stabilize it.

FOR OPERATOR / PATROLLER ASSISTED LOADINGfrom the side:

On double chairs, the sled can be on either side (preferred is away from the towers); on triple chairs, the sled is to be loaded in the middle; and on quad chairs, the sled is to be loaded on the middle outside chair.

  1. Attach the Sled Loader to the sled, making sure all snaps, chain brake, straps, ropes, handles, are tied /strapped in,
  2. Step into a preloading position, so both patroller and assistant move together into the loading zone (the assistant to the side),
  3. Pick up the sled by the Loader handle, allowing the chair to pass over the stern of the sled,
  4. Turn towards the sled and lower the sled so that the chair will run into and catch the Sled Loader.
  5. As the Sled Loader is caught by the chair lift, sit down and hold the Sled Loader.
  6. If the sled swings as the sled clears the snow, a ski on the sled’s bow will stabilize it.

HELPFUL HINTS:

  1. COMMUNICATE WITH THE LIFT OPERATOR
    Make sure the lift operator knows what you are going to do before you move into the chair lift line.
  2. BE SURE THE CHAIR RACK IS WELL ATTACHED TO THE SLED.
    Double check that the hook is attached and the chain is LOCKED up.
  3. MAKE SURE THE CHAIR LIFT CLEARS THE SLED'S STERN AND HANDLES.
  4. HAVE THE LOWER LIFT OPERATOR NOTIFY THE UPPER LIFT OPERATOR OF YOUR ARRIVAL.

FOR OFF LOADINGout of the chair and down the ramp:

  1. The key is to be ready before skis and sled to touch the ramp
  2. If there is a center pole, move the arm in front of the pole, grip the Sled Loader in preparation to push the sled off the chair once the sled is on (hits) the ramp, do not pull, push the sled rack off in front of you.
  3. As the sled and skis hit the ramp, move the sled quickly forward off the chair before standing up and skiing (pushing it) down the ramp,
  4. As the sled and skis drop down the ramp, guide the sled’s bow towards a safe and secure place to stop, by lifting on the Loader or catching the bow and pulling it.

HELPFUL HINTS:

  1. BE READY TO UNLOAD, AND ENSURE THAT NOTHING IS CAUGHT ON THE CHAIR.
  2. SHOVE THE SLED OFF WITH A STRAIGHT ARM MOTION AND HOLD IT THERE UNTIL THE SLED STARTS DOWN THE RAMP.
  3. MOVE QUICKLY DOWN THE RAMP TO CLEAR THE CHAIR. LET THE CHAIR PUSH YOU TO THE RAMP.
  4. RETURN THE SLED LOADER TO THE LIFTS LOWER TERMINAL.