TB/T 3396.4-2015Test Methods for Fastening Systems of High - Speed Railway - Part 4: Test of Fatigue Performance of Fastening Assembly (English PDF)

3.1 Snow groomer

Self-propelled crawler machinery that is equipped with snow-pushing and snow-grooming devices.

3.2 Snow blade

A snow-pushing device that is installed at the front end of a snow groomer, which can shovel, scrape, and push snow (see Figure 1).

3.3 Snow plough

A snow grooming device that is installed at the rear end of a snow groomer, which crushes and compacts the surface of the snow track through the rotation of snow rollers (see Figure 1).

4.1 Environmental adaptability

4.1.1 The snow groomer shall be able to operate normally in environments with temperatures ranging from -40°C to 15°C and altitudes not exceeding 3000 m.

4.1.2 The snow groomer shall be able to start normally without using the auxiliary start function in environments at -15°C and above.

4.1.3 The snow groomer shall be equipped with a preheating auxiliary device for starting below

-15°C, and shall ensure normal starting at an ambient temperature of -40°C.

4.1.4 The braking system shall ensure that environmental influences (such as moisture, snow, and ice) shall not cause it to fail.

4.2 Use performance

4.2.1 Maximum productivity in snow pushing operation

The maximum productivity of the snow groomer in snow pushing operation shall meet the technical requirements specified in the operator's manual, and be tested according to 5.4.1.

4.2.2 Maximum productivity in snow grooming operation

The maximum productivity of the snow groomer in snow grooming operation shall meet the technical requirements specified in the operator's manual and shall be tested according to 5.4.2.

4.2.3 Maximum travel speed

The maximum travel speed of the snow groomer shall meet the technical requirements specified in the operator's manual and shall be tested according to 5.5.

4.2.4 Maximum climbing angle

The maximum climbing angle of the snow groomer shall meet the technical requirements specified in the operator's manual and shall be tested according to 5.6.

4.2.5 Continuous operating time

The fuel tank capacity of the snow groomer shall ensure a continuous operating time of no less than 8 h under normal operating conditions.

4.2.6 Reliability

After completing a 500-hour reliability test, the reliability evaluation indicators of the snow groomer shall meet the following requirements.

a) Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) no less than 200 h;

b) Availability no less than 90%.

4.3 Use safety

4.3.1 Safety sign

Clear and visible safety signs, distinctly different from the machine's color, shall be affixed near hazardous locations or within the designated operating area for hazard prevention. These safety signs shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 20178.

4.3.2 Lighting and visual field

4.3.2.1 The snow groomer shall be equipped with operating lights, positioned so that working attachments installed on the machine do not affect its performance. These lights shall provide sufficient illumination for the operating area and ensure the machine is easily visible and identifiable in darkness and low visibility conditions when moving forward and reversing.

4.3.2.2 The snow groomers shall be equipped with lighting systems, signal lights, marker lights, and reflectors sufficient for nighttime operation, and their performance shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 20418.

4.3.2.3 The snow groomer shall be equipped with at least two heated exterior rearview mirrors.

The cab shall have good visual field to ensure operating safety. Visual field requirements for crawler dozers shall be in accordance with the provisions of GB/T 16937.

4.3.2.4 The snow groomer shall be equipped with wipers on windshield and rear window.

Defrosting devices shall be provided for the windshield, rear window, and side windows. The heating and ventilation system shall have de-icing and defogging functions for all windows that significantly affect visual field; additional systems, such as electrically heated window glass, may be used if necessary.

4.3.3 Protective devices

4.3.3.1 The snow groomer shall be equipped with protective devices to ensure that operators are protected from hazards arising from mechanical, fluid, or heat sources during operation and routine maintenance. Safety protective devices shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 25607.

4.3.3.2 The rollover protection structure (ROPS) of the snow groomer shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 17922 regarding crawler earthmoving machinery of the same weight class.

The falling object protection structure (FOPS) of the snow groomer shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 17771.

4.3.4 Seat safety

4.3.4.1 The seat of the snow groomer shall be equipped with a seat belt and its fasteners that

4.4 Use comfort

4.4.1 The heating and ventilation system in the operator’s cab of the snow groomer shall provide a comfortable working environment for the operator under all circumstances, and the system shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 19933.4.

4.4.2 During normal operation, the sound pressure level emitted from the operator's position

shall not exceed 85 dB(A).

4.4.3 The snow groomer seat should protect the operator from vibration and impact so that the operator can effectively operate the machine. The seat's vibration damping capability shall meet the requirements based on input spectrum EM5 and EM6 specified in GB/T 8419.

4.4.4 If the intended use of the snow groomer includes occasional transport of personnel in the cab, then seats shall be provided for these personnel, and the seats shall be padded.

5.1 Preparations before the test

5.1.1 Before testing the snow groomer, at least the following technical preparations shall be made.

a) The snow groomer shall be in its exit-factory condition, with lubricating oil and coolant added to the specified amounts;

b) Before testing the snow groomer, the fuel tank shall be filled to at least 2/3 of its capacity;

c) The snow groomer shall be equipped with the technical documents specified by the manufacturer.

5.1.2 The preparation of technical documents shall include the following.

a) User manuals and spare parts list for the snow groomer and power unit;

b) Certificate of conformity;

c) Bench performance test reports or relevant technical performance test reports for the power unit and important components.

5.2 Test site

5.2.1 The fixed test site shall be a flat, level, and solid concrete paved area. The transverse and longitudinal slopes of the test site shall not exceed 0.5%; the flatness shall not exceed 3 mm/m²;

and the site area shall meet the test requirements.

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