i've been wondering this same question for awhile.
This is one thing that ive been wanting to try out but haven't gotten around to it. Thinking a cordless drill could run it pretty easily.
https://www.amazon.com/Stripper-Paint-Remover-Drill-Attachment/dp/B00JGX2CQC
That may work in removing some material (cedar,) while retaining the rough surface. I think my drill would have no problem with that.
another option might be landscape cloth, side rails and gold to make a dirt topper. more work in short term but if the area sees little traffic might make sense in the long run? never have to worry again about slick-like-ice wood. unless it's steep in which case the dirt would tend to wash out.
Good idea. The bridges are not on trails that I maintain, so Id like to try to clean them first. I have found that dirt bridges with just a very little grade, or if riders use the rear brake on the bridge dirt can be removed. Cross pieces every foot or so could possibly help reduce the loss of dirt.
http://bb.nsmb.com/showpost.php?p=2886326
you could also use a cordless grinder, but you go thru batteries quick. it really depends how much bridge needs to be cleaned off. if it's just a short section the a cordless grinder with a wire cup brush would work great.
a wire wheel or similar attachment would be a waste of time imo because it's not going to have enough power or speed to do the job.
Wouldn't the wire cup brush smooth out the rungs too much. Looks like it works great with a DA and generator on slabs. Nice! For some reason I'm not seeing the two pictures. I have Makita's most powerful cordless drill. Maybe Ill find the coarsest wire wheel and give it a go.
i have built a couple bridges like that using only branches instead of landscape cloth to hold the dirt in place. one on the bottom of a jump and no one even knows it's a bridge. i would think that the stingers might rot faster using branches but you should still get decent life span out of it.
Good idea. How about branches and cloth for maximum retention