For a long time, people have been trying to figure out how to make life easier in the harsh winter with its impassable snowdrifts. In particular, to invent a reliable means of transportation in the snow. As a result, many devices have appeared for this - from the first home-made skis to modern snow scooters.
What went in the 20th century
For example, the so-called motorcycle dogs. Ever heard such a strange name? This is a means of small-scale mechanization, invented in the 70s of the past century and which replaced the traditional dog harness. Motobos were called a sleigh with a wheel, which was equipped with a small motor.
In another way they were called motorized towing. The design of the first models was quite primitive, weight - from 40 to 65 pounds, but this was already a real breakthrough in technical terms. Subsequently, the device was modernized, and nowadays not a single hunter or an avid tourist would refuse to purchase a convenient and modern motorized towing vehicle.
Further more. Over time, mankind invented and patented homemade vehicles in the snow in huge quantities. Sometimes these are very original and even exotic devices. This is not only about classic snowmobiles, but also about snow motorcycles, snow bikes and even snow tanks. Many names are still outlandish to mere mortals.
Western exotic
For example, staples. What it is? In type, it is a vehicle in the snow, resembling a bicycle, which has skis instead of wheels. As in an ordinary bicycle, the muscles of a person are the driving force. Turns are carried out with a pair of short skis attached to the boots.
There is a special tank for moving in the snow. A heavy unit (almost 4 tons) running on a diesel engine was originally designed for military purposes. Now it can be bought by anyone who has free cash in the amount of 270 thousand euros.
In the West, another unit has also been developed, on a caterpillar track, whose electric motor transmits torque to each of the four track axles. Triangular tracks are so reliable when traveling in deep snow that jamming is only possible when the battery is completely discharged.
There are snow motorcycles (front - ski, rear - tracked drive). Such riders develop at least 100 km / h on slopes. There are also propeller-driven machines - aggregates of the future, designed for space exploration.
Modern snowmobiles have glazed cabs and powerful electric motors. It is not easy to find the most “advanced” models in mass production - while this is more likely exclusive. Of the simpler options, it is worth mentioning snowmobiles equipped with a propeller and capable, despite a rather ordinary look, to develop a decent speed - about 120 km / h.
Universal technique for moving on snow
At the beginning of the second half of the last century, vehicles so called necessary in the conditions of a harsh winter began to appear on the expanses of the Russian North. These are the real home-made for moving on snow. Craftsmen simply equipped an ordinary motorcycle with powerful cameras designed for trucks.
Karakat easily overcome small water barriers and did not get stuck in the fluffy snow. Later, such a snow and swamp vehicle was improved and turned into a modern high-tech tool, many domestic enterprises undertook to master the production of this.
The design of any station wagon of this series is simple, reliable, provides cross-country ability in any conditions and in any weather. The body frame is a metal structure made of durable pipes sheathed with steel sheets, waterproof and heated from the inside. In huge tires - ultra-low pressure, which is why they are not afraid of off-road. This versatile northern transport is accessible to fishers and hunters and is completely environmentally friendly.
Let's talk about makeshift designs
Perhaps the reader is most interested in knowing whether it is possible to make a vehicle in the snow with your own hands? After all, the cost of such equipment is not for everyone, but there are many hunters-fishers and just tourists among us Russians.
Well, stocking up with the right tool, ingenuity and a certain amount of time, it is quite realistic to assemble such a unit yourself. The basis of the design will serve us as the most ordinary walk-behind tractor. In summer, it can be detached from the snowmobile and returned to its place.
Snowmobiles come with either one ski or a pair of skids, can have different engines (water or air cooling) and types of transmissions. They are economical and - due to their low weight - quickly overcome obstacles inaccessible to cars. In addition, high maneuverability and excellent movement in the snow make them truly indispensable in the winter forest (for example, for hunters).
They are used in rescue operations, fishing, and traveling.
What do we need
To assemble a homemade snowmobile on tracks, we stock up on the following components - engine, runners, tracks and steering wheel. Choose a suitable drawing or sketch (or come up with your own). A necessary condition is the presence of two parts: the leading (drive, frame, power unit) and driven (steering wheel, skids, shock absorber).
The frame is assembled from ordinary pipes of not very large diameter. You can also take a finished frame from a motorcycle. The desired shape is given by welding - first a spot, then a continuous seam.
We connect the engine-motoblock to the tracks with a chain drive that goes directly to the drive shaft. The simplicity of the design provides lightness and excellent maneuverability, as well as stability and good traction. The drive from a motorcycle chain, a pair of sprockets and a drive track shaft is assembled similarly to a bicycle one.
It is quite easy to make caterpillars, having a transport or ordinary rubberized tape with tracks (load hooks) - transverse rails made of plastic or sheet metal, fixed evenly on the tape. Fasten them with bolts. For large devices, the tape should be wide enough. Sleigh runners are preferably made from metal or shockproof plastic.
Putting our snowmobile
At the first stage, the frame construction is welded. Try to get by with the minimum necessary amount of detail. Then we fasten the engine - either under the seat or in front of it. Caterpillars and drive are going. The drive shaft can be equipped with a reverse gear, which is not so difficult to find on sale. Using it is easier to put the chain and you can increase traction.
Then we connect the frame and the tracks. How to do it: the wheel axles are bolted and coupled to the frame, the front wheel is connected to the motor with a chain. Only after checking the operability of the entire structure, the tracks are pulled and fixed on the wheels.
Now we have at our disposal an excellent vehicle for transporting snow - a self-made snowmobile!