DIY Snowcat build

[trackhead]

Super sketchy trial run.

Found some galvanized steel at the dump and used it to tub the frame.

Smooth bottom to slide over snow better.

 

[trackhead]

About four months after starting it was going around my yard. Everything worked. Sprockets were initially very rudimentary and track tension was too loose. Had a new belt on that was squealing a bit.

Home Built Snowcat test

 

[trackhead]

Walls are thin fiberglass reinforced plastic. Cheap, light.

Early trial run. Still had long exhaust from snowmobile. Cooling fans found to be unnecessary.

Rebuilt a new chain drive system with better bearings.

 

[trackhead]

Sprocket replaces ring gear in this scenario.

Chain drive differential

First version that changed this winter.

 

[trackhead]

Neighborhood testing.

Prior to gear reduction.

1.25” grousers have their limitations but are a lot easier to turn.#snowcat #trackedvehicle

 

[trackhead]

After gear reduction. Busting drifts in the spring about 8 miles back in the mountains.

Helping a friend gain access to his remote mountain cabin.
Last day of the year. Tearing it down to the nub to recoat the frame, etc etc.

 

[trackhead]

This summer I’m cleaning up the wiring, fabrication of new muffler, making final output shaft 2” diameter hardened steel vs 1” el-cheapo that I snapped. Working on the very spartan interior. Rebuilding new polyurethane sprockets.

Will also fabricate new six way blade with tilt function to better level ski trails. Oh, and fabricating a new drag for grooming.

Plenty to do

 

[Richard001]

Wow, looks like a lot of work, must be a labor of love. Some questions,

Is the cab heated ?
Where did you get that differential from?

Richard

 

[Rustyiron]

Ok, you just got another subscriber for your YouTube channel!
Fantastic stuff
And I was right in my first post, your too modest and my hat's off to you and your build!

 

[trackhead]

Wow, looks like a lot of work, must be a labor of love. Some questions,

Is the cab heated ?
Where did you get that differential from?

Richard

Diesel heater in cab. Diff is from 1 ton Chevy.