How to do it yourself?
In this part of the article we will look at how to make a homemade ski module.
Tools and materials
Materials can be purchased at the store or taken from old unnecessary equipment:
- profile pipe;
- saddle;
- plastic skis;
- steering wheel;
- shock absorbers.
Tools:
- welding machine;
- Bulgarian;
- drill;
- spanners;
- small consumables (fasteners).
Manufacturing scheme
The main part of the ski module design is the frame-frame; it is recommended to start assembly with it, in accordance with the previously selected drawing. The main design feature is the distance between the skis (about 90 cm).
The motorized towing vehicle control system will be transferred to the steering wheel of the future module. The last step is to attach the seat and spring skis.
Choice
When choosing a pusher, it is necessary to take into account that the width of the drag sled should be slightly larger than the width of the tracks of the motorized towing vehicle. The trough should be made of high-strength plastic - this material reduces the weight of the structure and will not create unnecessary load on the equipment.
The driver's seat should be soft and adjustable to suit the user's height. Riding in a hard and uncomfortable seat is very difficult and uncomfortable, especially over bumps. It will be good if the design of the pusher includes a headlight and protective glass. The frame must be painted with an anti-corrosion coating.
The pusher can be mounted both at the front and at the back. A pusher model with both of these options would be ideal, as the mount behind the tow can be used to carry additional cargo.
As for the height of the sides, they can be low or high. It is a mistaken belief that high sides provide better protection against snow getting inside the module. On the contrary, low sides are much more convenient, and snow does not fall into the trough, since it is already compacted by the front part of the device, which has a beveled appearance.
Tips and tricks
- The Law on Vehicles does not classify homemade vehicles as transport, so you need to know the rules of the road because of your own consciousness, and also adhere to them for the same reason. You cannot drive on public roads where there are a large number of cars.
- Do not confuse self-propelled vehicles with snowmobiles. The principle of operation is almost the same, but the snowmobiles differ somewhat in the specifics of their assembly.
- You should not hope that the resulting snowmobile will be able to drag loads. Although the power of the chainsaw is high, it will not help with transportation.
- It is advisable to install headlights, because in the dark this will be the key to your safety.
What are they?
You can turn a motorized tug into a vehicle that resembles a snowmobile using a ski-wheel module. With it, ease of use increases several times. The driver no longer sits on the sled, but in front of the motorized dog, and makes the steering wheel turns himself. The most convenient device for driving on snow; in summer it can be replaced with a similar wheel module.
The entire system weighs about 20 kilograms and also does not take up much space when transporting it. You can use a single-ski module or with two skis in front.
The advantages obtained by installing the steering module are an increase in the capacity of the drag sled:
- the driver no longer controls the vehicle from them;
- the speed of the motorized towing increases because the weight is distributed evenly;
- ease of control;
- also, due to proper load distribution, the contact of skis and tracks with the surface increases, and fuel consumption decreases;
- the stability of the system due to the wide arrangement of the skis, that is, the motorized towing vehicle will not tip over at an unexpected moment.
In addition to the advantages, there are also a number of disadvantages:
- you will have to obtain a driving license, since the new design is comparable to a mini snowmobile;
- it is difficult to drive through loose snow;
- frequent breakdowns due to heavy loads on the frame and chassis of the motorized dog.
The pusher module looks like a sled with metal runners and a plywood bottom. Its main function is to compact the snow in front of the tracks. The transforming pusher can be located both in front of the motorized towing vehicle and behind it.
Their name comes from an ancient design - “drag”. A regular sled moves through the snow with the help of two runners, while a drag sled does this with the help of a bottom. They can be divided into 2 subspecies - transport and fishing, the differences are only in size. In addition, special 8 mm thick pads can be attached to the bottom of the sled, which will protect the plastic from abrasion.
What is a motorized dog for a walk-behind tractor?
The track attachment is represented by a module on which there is a seat for a person and a place for installing a walk-behind tractor. Instead of standard wheels, the walk-behind tractor is mounted on tracks.
You can control a motorized dog while sitting on a trailer or standing on a sled. The motorized towing vehicle starts and stops by pressing the gas or clutch lever, which are located on the steering wheel of the walk-behind tractor. You can set turns and hold them using the steering wheel.
The motorized towing vehicle can be easily disassembled and easily placed in the trunk of a car or in a garage. Making the device is as easy as disassembling it.
The assembly time of the motorized dog does not exceed 15 minutes. Does not require special care, easy to use.
The Russian Federation has launched the production of motorized dogs for walk-behind tractors. By purchasing a motor cultivator and tracks, you can make a reliable device at home. The snowmobile attachment will help hunters and fishermen pass through impassable places in winter. The motorized dog pulls up to 2 ski trailers and standard sleds weighing up to 150 kg.
Purpose
A motorized pusher can significantly improve the maneuverability and controllability of a motorized towing vehicle in unsteady and deep snow, since the peculiarity of its design and the seated person create a large load on the surface of the snow, crushing the snowdrifts underneath. In this case, the layer of snow along the path of movement is compacted to the width of the towing vehicle's tracks, which facilitates its movement.
Thanks to this module, the performance characteristics of the motorized dog increase while climbing, and the weight of the driver sitting in it contributes to additional compaction of the snow mass, and subsequently to better adhesion of the machine’s tracks to its surface.
The turning angle is also greatly reduced, which increases the maneuverability and speed of the equipment. All the benefits of a pusher are usually felt during long-distance trips.
Of course, coupling to the module significantly increases the load on the towing vehicle frame, which reduces its durability. In summer, the pusher can only be used in swampy areas so as not to damage it.
As is clear from the title, this post is for girls)) However, if there are representatives of the stronger sex who are interested, you are welcome! To begin with, I want to say that there are both supporters of such accessories and opponents. My post is for the first category) This is just instructions on how to make a tail on a helmet with your own hands and nothing more! So, a few years ago I first saw such a funny tail on a helmet. I was interested, but at first I thought that someone had made it for themselves)) And only then did I find out that there are several VK groups involved in the manufacture and sale of all kinds of tails, ears and other things)) I looked around for a while, wondering “to order - not order”, but in the end I decided to do it myself, because... the itch of creativity in the hands - that’s the thing) All that’s left to do is find all the suitable, so to speak, ingredients. I decided to make the tail black and red, because... I'm a redhead myself)) They don't sell artificial hair in Tver (at least the kind I needed), so I ordered it in Moscow from an online store. True, delivery is a bit expensive in relation to the price of the hair - one pack of hair cost 250 rubles and delivery cost 500 rubles. Moreover, it doesn’t matter whether I order 1 or 10 packs - 500 rubles and that’s it ((
The hardest part was finding the suction cup)) I didn’t think it would be such a problem, but no! Searches in construction and plumbing stores did not bring the desired results. At best, it was suggested to buy a soap dish with a suction cup))) And quite suddenly, at some sale, I saw children's hooks with suction cups, absolutely cheap! And a suction cup of the size I needed with a loop where I was going to attach my hair)
Dual lock was found with a little difficulty in a car store. For convenience, I will call it Velcro)
It’s worth explaining why I needed both a suction cup and Velcro. The fact is that the suction cup is glued to Velcro for better fastening and ease of use. I came across this idea in one of the companies that manufacture tails for helmets. Moreover, previously they only used a suction cup, but as I understand it, it is not attached very securely. And Velcro holds much better, i.e. The suction cup in this design functions as an adapter between the tail itself and the helmet mount.
To begin with, the deer was carefully peeled off from the suction cup and moved as a magnet to the refrigerator)) So nothing was wasted) I pulled 2 “hairs” into the hole on the suction cup, as if in a loop. The remaining hair was subsequently threaded into these loops. The loops are tightened - and the tail is almost ready!
With these same two loops of hair, the total mass of hair was tightly wrapped so that it would not unravel. The ends are tied in a knot and glued with super glue.
A decorative elastic band is put on top; for reliability, I also glued it with glue.
That's all) You can leave it as is and use the suction cup. But if you want something more reliable or the suction cup does not stick to the matte helmet, then a piece of Velcro is glued to the suction cup, and the mating part is placed in the right place on the helmet. The Velcro snaps tightly together and you can tear it off either by pulling it hard, or vice versa - by carefully disconnecting it. The wind does not blow the tail away at speed)) But it cannot be said that the tail is not felt at all on the head while moving at high speed. Miracles don’t happen) That’s why I only drive around the city with a tail, and shoot for long-distance trips. But perhaps it’s also due to my not very successful helmet, which at 100-120 km/h goes into a wobble and without a tail)) Because. According to reviews, they drive with tails and under 250 and it seems like nothing)
I hope my post was useful to someone!)
Popular brands
To develop and produce equipment with better cross-country ability and very powerful engines, you need considerable experience in mechanical engineering. The following companies have proven themselves to be the best:
- Lebedev Motors is a young company from Russia, since 2008 it has been producing all-terrain vehicles with one or two tracks;
- "Omela Group" - became famous thanks to the "Pomor" brand, produces motorized towing vehicles and equipment for them;
- “Baltmotors” is a Russian production company, closely cooperating with partners from China, their main goal is customer focus and affordable prices;
- “Paxus” - the all-terrain vehicles of this company are characterized by low fuel consumption, high maneuverability and ease of operation;
- “Irbis” - the company began its activities in 2001, now the main office is located in Moscow and has more than 2000 service centers throughout the country.
What other winter equipment can be made from a chainsaw?
The line of equipment for driving on snowy roads based on a chainsaw can be supplemented by the following homemade products:
- snowmobile;
- snow scooters;
- motorized dogs.
Snowmobile
Aerosleigh is a homemade version of a mobile vehicle on snow and ice. Making them is easier than making a snowmobile. Self-propelled sleds are equipped with a chainsaw engine with a pushing propeller and have a chassis with 3 or 4 skis. They can reach high speeds. The only drawback is the inability to drive in hard-to-reach areas, so they are used on a flat surface.
Snow scooter
Snow scooters are controlled sleds for high-speed descent from a steep snow-covered mountain. They are suitable for active recreation for both children and adults. Anyone can make a children's snow scooter. The design is a frame with a chainsaw motor, a built-in seat, controls and 3 metal or wooden skis.
Advantages of winter homemade products:
- maneuverability;
- high speed;
- easy to carry;
- sustainability;
- development of the vestibular apparatus in a child.
The disadvantage of the model is the inability to drive on a flat road.
The best models from manufacturers
We will provide an overview of the most popular models of pushers that have found application in the snowy regions of our country.
For motorized towing vehicles "Koira"
This module comes complete with a sled and a bump stop, and is installed in the front of the towing vehicle. The driver is in a sitting position, which greatly alleviates the hardships of a long journey through snowy terrain, for example, to a hunting or fishing spot. The pusher increases the speed of travel, significantly compacting the snow underneath. The device is manufactured with a high level of quality: the frame, steering wheel and all components for control are made of thick profile pipe with a cross-section of 40x25 mm and a wall thickness of 2 mm. The steering part rotates smoothly and quietly thanks to rubber bushings.
Dimensions:
- length - 165 cm;
- width - 60 cm;
- height - 26 cm.
The dimensions at the extreme points of the bump stop are 160x82x46 cm. A 56 W halogen headlight is provided on the steering wheel. The soft transforming seat can be adjusted to suit the driver's height. On the steering wheel there is a gas trigger and a button for adjusting the lighting. For safety purposes, an emergency stop check is provided.
Pusher for motorized towing vehicle "Muzhik"
This version of the pusher is also mounted in front of the motorized towing vehicle, and also, like the previous one, allows the driver to move long distances in a sitting position. The trough of the device is made of high-strength plastic. The frame is welded from a profile measuring 20x40 mm and a wall thickness of 2 mm. The design dimensions are the same as those of the module for Koira: 165x60x20 cm. The drag sled with a bumper has the following dimensional parameters: length - 145, width - 60, height - 26 cm.
The model has a soft and moisture-resistant seat. There is a throttle lever and cable, and there is an 18 W LED headlight. There is an engine control on the steering wheel. The steering wheel grips have a comfortable rubber base.
Module for towing vehicle BTS
Weighs 25 kg and has the following assembled parameters:
- length-185 cm;
- width-78 cm;
- height-63 cm.
The set includes a drag sled, the length of which is 1.5 m. The design is equipped with a spacious, durable and moisture-resistant seat. The steering wheel has rubberized grips, a headlight for illumination and a throttle cable.
Exploitation
Before using the pusher, you must check all fastenings, the operation of the stop and gas levers, the functionality of the headlight, and the fastening of cables and wires. The pusher should be securely attached to the motorized towing vehicle.
After the first trip, check the tightness of all threaded connections, and after each use, clean the module from dirt, snow, ice, and lubricate the hinge joints with oil. If it is heavily soiled, it is necessary to wash the module. To wash, you must use detergent.
The pusher should be stored in a dry room with good ventilation or in a special small building. You can also leave it outdoors under a canopy, but so that it is not exposed to direct rays of the sun in the warm season.
Before turning on the engine of the motorized towing vehicle, you must make sure that the throttle lever of the pusher module has free movement and is not blocked. In addition, you need to apply the parking brake.
Changing the module design is strictly prohibited.
Its use is permitted exclusively for coupling to a motorized towing vehicle or sled in the front or rear. Not intended for use on sandy soils and water.
Review of the Hurricane model in the video below.
Sleigh drag for motorized dogs: distinctive features
Sleds for motorized towing vehicles differ from sleds for snowmobiles.
In general, snowmobiles and towing vehicles are used for different purposes. The former are mainly intended for recreation or racing in the mountains, while the latter simplify the life and work of northerners. Therefore, drags for motorized towing vehicles are primarily intended for transporting small household goods. These sleds are usually smaller and can handle obstacles better. Snowmobile sleds usually have an additional compartment for cargo, while sleds for motorized dogs are more like a plastic trough. In addition, sleds for motorized towing vehicles have greater cross-country ability? they are not afraid of deep snow, and the bump stop almost completely protects the rider and luggage from snow. A snowmobile, on the contrary, does not trample the snow so much, so such sleds have less cross-country ability. And finally, the speed of both vehicles is different: the tow vehicle has difficulty reaching 40 km/h, while the snowmobile moves much faster. Therefore, drags differ in the density of the alloy and protection from impacts.
Some drag bars for motorized towing vehicles? It's not just a rectangular trough. There are models that resemble real sleds. Such drags can be placed on plastic skis (attached to the main body) to avoid wear on the bottom and increase their maneuverability. It is believed that this design increases their service life.
How to choose?
The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a motorized towing vehicle and its components is the dimensions. Compact models can be placed in a car, while standard-sized units are transported in a trailer.
Goose and its cross-country ability
Considering the size, we should not forget that the larger the tracked transporter of a motorized towing vehicle, the better.
Engine and its power. The more people ride a motorized dog, the more horsepower the engine should have. It is worth remembering that Chinese manufacturers actually have “horses” that are not as powerful as those of the Americans. That is, the American engine is 13 liters. With. will work more productively than the Chinese 15 hp. With.
Workmanship. You must immediately carefully examine the accuracy and evenness of the seams, the uniformity of the coating of the parts.
Drive - front or rear. With rear-wheel drive, driving a loaded motorized towing vehicle is easier, since the center of gravity is located near the steering wheel, but an empty unit will rear up or bury itself in the snow instead of moving. In front-wheel drive vehicles, the track contact with the surface is better and maneuverability does not depend on the load.
CVT or gearbox, as well as suspension type.
Ease of system adjustment. Any motorized towing vehicle requires periodic inspection of its structural components; an important criterion is the simplicity and convenience of these operations. When choosing, you should pay attention to the casing - it can be plastic and can be easily removed or made of a special material with fastening flaps.
Accessories. Here you can do without restrictions, according to the principle “the more, the better” thanks to all kinds of modules, ski track builders, and wheeled carts. The motorized towing vehicle will become an indispensable assistant with many options for any time of year.
How to use a snowmobile from a cultivator?
There are a number of rules that, if followed, will help extend the life of homemade equipment.
Their list includes:
- regular replacement of lubricants. The condition of all rubbing elements of equipment depends on this. If a vehicle is used intensively, the oil in its tanks should be changed at least twice a month. Before removing the engine and installing it back on the cultivator, you need to completely drain the fuel and clean the carburetor from carbon deposits. The same must be done before installing the motor on the snowmobile;
- thorough inspection of metal parts. Homemade equipment is regularly used in conditions of high humidity. Because of this, rust can appear even at the site of the slightest abrasion of paint. To prevent this, all defects must be painted over immediately after they are discovered;
- timely repair of snowmobile breakdowns. If you start a malfunction, it will develop into a much bigger problem. Dealing with it will be much more difficult than dealing with a small breakdown.
By following these rules, the owner of a cultivator snowmobile will avoid typical problems and will be able to use the equipment for a long time.
