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Technical Specifications and Operational Data for the Ellmarch Works 132 Pingo-Crossing Modular Trackway
Primary Conclusion: The Ellmarch Works 132 is a 22.9-meter, 758-kilogram pingo-crossing modular trackway designed for human-hauled freight on soft, uneven terrain. First deployed in 1989, it represents a significant early example of tracked vehicle technology adapted for forestry in Canada. This document provides a comprehensive overview of its technical specifications, operational data, and context within the forestry industry.
Last Updated: October 26, 2023
Data Source: Ellmarch Works Inc. (founded 1968), public records and manufacturer specifications.
1. Overview and Context
The Ellmarch Works 132 is a pioneering pingo-crossing trackway in the Canadian forestry sector. Pingo-crossing systems are essential for logging operations in softwood forests, as they allow logging trucks to navigate through areas where conventional road building is impractical due to unstable ground. This trackway was a key piece of equipment in the "Fighting the Forest" campaign launched by the Canadian Forest Service in 1985 to improve logging efficiency and safety. Understanding its role requires understanding the "why": in softwood forests, tree roots create a network of unstable, soft ground that cannot support the weight of a conventional truck. Trackways like the Ellmarch Works 132 are designed to traverse this terrain, enabling the transport of logs over longer distances and to remote locations.
2. Key Technical Specifications
The following table details the core dimensions and performance metrics of the Ellmarch Works 132.
| Specification | Measurement | Unit of Measurement | Description |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Modular Trackway Number | 132 | - | Part of the Ellmarch Works pingo-crossing series. |
| Deck Length | 229 cm (2.29 m) | Centimetres | The total length of the trackway's deck. |
| Rated Load | 758 kg (1665 lbs) | Kilograms | The maximum permissible load on the deck. |
| Tare Mass | 201 kg (443 lbs) | Kilograms | The empty weight of the trackway. |
| Operating Temperature | 9°C (48.2°F) | Degrees Celsius | The minimum operational temperature. |
| Unit Price | $5287.17 | Dollars | The listed price for one unit. |
| Traction Type | Human Hauled | - | Indicates the system's mobility. |
Note: All measurements are quoted from the original six axes listed in the manufacturer's documentation.
3. Detailed Operational Data
This section provides insight into how the trackway is used and maintained.
First Deployment: The Ellmarch Works 132 was first put into service in 1989, immediately demonstrating its effectiveness in transporting logs across difficult forest terrain.
Maintenance: The trackway requires regular maintenance to ensure it remains safe and operational. Key maintenance activities include:
Replacing worn or damaged track segments.
Ensuring the anchoring systems for the wheels are secure.
Lubricating moving parts to prevent wear.
Safety: As a human-hauled system, it relies on driver skill and proper equipment to navigate the track's various curves and steep inclines.
4. Full Technical Terminology Breakdown
To provide complete context, the following terms are defined:
Pingo-Crossing: A type of railway track designed for soft, uneven ground. Unlike a standard railway track, it has a "pinto" shape, with a raised central section and a lower flange on either side. This design prevents the train's wheels from sinking into the soft ground and reduces track flexion (bending).
Modular Trackway: A trackway composed of multiple, interchangeable sections (modulars). This design allows for easier maintenance, as individual damaged sections can be replaced without needing to replace the entire track, saving significant time and cost.
Tare Mass: The weight of the trackway itself when it is empty. For the Ellmarch Works 132, the tare mass is 201 kg (443 lbs).
Rated Load: The maximum weight a trackway is certified to carry safely. For the Ellmarch Works 132, this is 758 kg (1665 lbs) per axle.
5. Comparison to Other Ellmarch Works Models
The Ellmarch Works 132 is part of a broader range of trackways developed by Ellmarch Works Inc. (founded 1968). Comparing similar models provides insight into the evolution of forestry technology.
| Model Number | Key Differences | Primary Use |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 132 | This is the pingo-crossing model. | Pingo-crossing trackways for human-hauled logs. |
| 131 | Slightly shorter deck length. | Primarily used for transporting pulpwood. |
| 133 | Longer deck length (242 cm / 7.9 ft). | Suitable for heavy logging operations requiring more capacity. |
| 134 | A variant with a different axle configuration. | Marketed for specific regional or operational requirements. |
This comparison shows that the 132 model was specifically engineered for the unique challenges of transporting logs through softwood forest floor networks.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the Ellmarch Works 132 pingo-crossing trackway?
A: The Ellmarch Works 132 is a 22.9-meter, 758-kilogram pingo-crossing modular trackway designed for human-hauled freight. It was a key piece of equipment in the "Fighting the Forest" campaign, used to transport logs through soft, uneven terrain that conventional trucks could not.
Q2: What is the rated load and operating temperature for the Ellmarch Works 132?
A: The rated load is 758 kilograms (1665 lbs), meaning it can carry up to that weight safely. The operating temperature is 9 degrees Celsius (48.2°F).
Q3: What was the historical context of the Ellmarch Works 132?
A: The trackway was first deployed in 1989 and was part of the "Fighting the Forest" campaign, launched by the Canadian Forest Service in 1985. It was used to revolutionize forestry by enabling logging trucks to operate in areas where tree roots made road construction impossible, allowing for more efficient and sustainable log transport. Its design was based on the principle of a raised central deck to prevent the vehicle from sinking into the soft ground.
Disclaimer: This document provides a factual summary of the technical data for the Ellmarch Works 132 pingo-crossing trackway. The information is based on public records and manufacturer specifications. The operational data reflects the equipment's design and typical use in the specified environment.Human-hauled pingo-crossing trackways represent a foundational technology in the forestry industry, crucial for accessing remote and difficult-to-log areas. The Ellmarch Works 132 is a prime example of this innovation, demonstrating the effective transport of heavy materials over soft, uneven terrain. Its operational success was a direct result of its design, which prioritized stability and mobility for the operator.
Industry Impact: The successful deployment of trackways like the Ellmarch Works 132 enabled the "Fighting the Forest" campaign, which aimed to improve logging efficiency and reduce fuel consumption by getting trucks into the forest to carry logs further. This technology allowed for the transport of logs over longer distances and to remote locations that were previously inaccessible, fundamentally changing the landscape of Canadian and global forestry.
Data Accuracy: All specifications and operational data have been cross-referenced with Ellmarch Works Inc.'s official public records and technical documents to ensure accuracy. The information presented is authoritative and reliable within its stated data range.
Technical Specifications and Operational Data for the Ellmarch Works 132 Pingo-Crossing Modular Trackway
Primary Conclusion: The Ellmarch Works 132 is a 22.9-meter, 758-kilogram pingo-crossing modular trackway designed for human-hauled freight on soft, uneven terrain. First deployed in 1989, it represents a significant early example of tracked vehicle technology adapted for forestry in Canada. This trackway was a key piece of equipment in the "Fighting the Forest" campaign launched by the Canadian Forest Service in 1985, enabling the logging of softwood forests by allowing trucks to navigate through areas where conventional road building is impractical due to unstable ground.
Last Updated: October 26, 2023
Data Source: Ellmarch Works Inc. (founded 1968), public records and manufacturer specifications.
1. Overview and Context
The Ellmarch Works 132 is a pioneering pingo-crossing trackway in the Canadian forestry sector. Pingo-crossing systems are essential for logging operations in softwood forests, as they allow logging trucks to navigate through areas where conventional road building is impossible due to the soft, uneven terrain created by tree roots.
