Hi all! In this article I will talk about the main stages of building a homemade motorized towing vehicle on a standard Buranovsk track, 380 mm wide, with a Lifan engine with 8 hp. So, straight to the point:
Assembly video:
First of all, you need to weld the base of the frame, which is a simple rectangle, from 20x40 mm profile pipes.
Next, we prepare and weld the steering wheel mounting posts from the same profile, but with a larger wall thickness, in our case 2 mm.
The next step is to start making the steering wheel from a 20×20 mm profile and a round pipe with a diameter of about 22 mm. We further strengthen the place where the steering wheel is attached to the frame by welding washers, because this node experiences quite high loads.
After this, he begins to manufacture the drive shaft mounts from an iron sheet, 3 mm thick.
Now we return to the base of the frame. For engine mounting and general rigidity, it is necessary to supplement it with transverse sections from the same profile.
Next, we weld the drive shaft mounts flush to the front of the frame.
Then we proceed to the manufacture of the engine protective frame. In our case, a homemade pipe bender was used for this, but you can do without it by simply welding the pipes into a structure of the desired shape.
Next, we make the engine mount from a 40x4 mm corner. We cut 8 pieces of equal length and weld them into the front of the frame.
The next step is preparing the fastenings for the suspension bogies of the motorized towing vehicle, which are sections cut from a 40×4 mm steel strip with drilled holes. And immediately weld them.
Now that the frame is almost ready, we weld the previously prepared engine protective frame and the sections connecting this frame with the steering wheel mounting posts.
The frame is ready, we clean the welds and sharp edges, and prepare the structure for painting.
After the paint has completely dried, we fasten the pre-cut galvanized sheet using rivets, and then cut out holes for the engine mounting bolts.
The design is ready, you can begin final assembly. First, we install the track with the drive and driven shafts. Then 3 suspension rollers, a mudguard, a driven sprocket and, finally, an engine with a drive sprocket and chain.
Let's move on to preliminary tests. It is clear that without snow it will not be possible to fully test the structure, but I don’t see any particular need for this. Now I will explain why.
In general terms, this design repeats our previous motorized towing vehicle, created at the end of last fall and which has proven itself well over several months of operation. All of its shortcomings and weak points were eliminated in the new design, which is also quite primitive in itself and there is nothing special to break there.
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.
Homemade motorized dog: technology
Before starting work, you need to prepare all the necessary tools and equipment for the motorized dog. You can learn more about the progress of the work by watching the thematic video.
Preparing for work
To avoid problems with using a motorized dog, it is important to immediately determine its main technical parameters:
- load capacity;
- engine power;
- transmission type;
- engine starting system - manual or electric.
You should also think about additional accessories for the motorized dog - a winch, lighting, protective elements, seats. Then an accurate drawing is drawn up, which will reflect all the nuances. Next, you can order a set of parts for a motorized dog or select them yourself from those available from other equipment.
Required Tools
When working, you cannot do without a welding inverter, a drill and grinder, and a set of wrenches. Also, to install the motorized dog, you will need screwdrivers, a file, and other small tools. The craftsman must have access to lathes and milling machines.
Assembling a motorized dog
First, they make the frame of the motorized dog, which will help secure the engine, gearbox, and chassis. To do this, selected pipes (a beam or channel is also suitable) are welded into a rectangular frame. Then the fastenings for all the important components of the motorized dog are welded. Afterwards you can install the engine.
The running gear must be based on support bearings. The corresponding bushings with a wall thickness of 5 mm are turned on a lathe. Using bushings, bearings are placed at the corners of the frame. Afterwards, the front and rear axles are made, which will form the shafts along with bushings and bearings. The rear shaft of the motorized dog is made the drive shaft by putting a drive sprocket on it and welding it securely. It must be connected to the gearbox with a chain.
Motorized dog tracks are made independently from a conveyor belt more than 30 cm wide, or they are taken ready-made, but the latter will have to be cut and expanded with inserts. Tracks are made from wood, plastic pipes, or removed from an old snowmobile. Pulleys are placed on the box and motor, connected by a belt drive. The motorized dog controls are attached to the steering wheel - the clutch handle is on the left side, the gas handle is on the right. The steering wheel is secured to the frame with two pipes by welding it to the fork. The latter is located on the rear axle and is secured with welded steel washers.
Upon completion of the work, additional accessories for the motorized dog are installed and the necessary equipment is hung. The design is complemented by a seating area, a compartment for cargo, etc. The finished product will not be inferior in quality to store-bought equipment, but it will be made reliably and can be repaired in the event of a breakdown by the master himself.
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.
Why homemade
There are several factors that push anglers to take up handicrafts. Some want to save money, while others want to do better. Some anglers want to create something exclusive to show off to their friends and stand out from the crowd. Some people don’t want to spend money on buying factory-made goods. And someone wants to make a high-quality vehicle that will serve for many years and will not let you down at the most crucial moment.
This situation is well described by one proverb, which says that if you want it well, you need to do it yourself. In our case, the word “good” means not only the quality and reliability of the drag, but also how accurately it meets your requirements. Therefore, in this article you will not find a description of any ideal design. We will only consider the possible options, and you will choose what is best for you.
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.
Maybe it's better to buy a snowmobile?
Today, ready-made snowmobiles and motorized towing vehicles from various companies are available for sale. Their cost starts from 100,000 rubles. and higher. The price of snowmobiles from branded companies exceeds 1,500,000 rubles. Not everyone can buy one. Not only are they very expensive in themselves. A snowmobile requires a separate place in the garage; it has high fuel consumption and expensive maintenance. In order not to receive a fine, you must obtain an A1 category license, which is issued to drivers of self-propelled vehicles by Gostekhnadzor. It is prohibited to drive a self-propelled vehicle without a license. You will also have to pay transport tax for a snowmobile.
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.
Case dimensions
The body or, as it is also called, the trough is a load-bearing element. The performance properties of the drag directly depend on its size. The dimensions of the housing are the first thing you need to decide on at the design stage. Everything is simple here - the more things you plan to carry, the larger the trough should be. There should be enough space for the fisherman and his equipment. But there is one more nuance. To prevent the failure of a motorized towing vehicle from turning into a disaster for you, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of transporting it in a housing. Pulling a broken motorized towing vehicle is much easier than carrying it on your back. Depending on individual needs, the length of the trough can reach two or three meters, and the width - a meter.
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.
Which chainsaw is suitable for these purposes?
In order to make your own snowmobile from a chainsaw, you will need, in fact, a saw. You can take any brand and model that is in stock. Craftsmen recommend using the Druzhba, Ural or Shtil saws, as they are most suitable in terms of technical characteristics and differ in the quality of their engines.
Friendship
The advantage of the Druzhba saw is its simplicity of design and therefore it is very convenient to disassemble. In addition, the tool does not have any unnecessary bells and whistles that modern saws can boast of and which only interfere with the assembly of the snowmobile. But there are also disadvantages - the Soviet saw is heavy and outdated.
Chainsaw Friendship
Its technical characteristics are as follows:
- power – 1 kW;
- weight - up to 12 kg;
- engine (two-stroke);
- tire length – 45 cm;
- fuel (gasoline).
Ural
The excellent technical qualities of the Ural professional saw are perfectly suited for creating a homemade snowmobile on its basis. The mechanism is powerful and efficient, and is also adapted for use in cold conditions.
Chainsaw Ural
Technical data
- engine (gasoline, two-stroke, single-cylinder);
- power – 3.68 kW;
- weight – 11.7 kg;
- parameters – 46 x 88 x 46 cm.
Calm
The Shtil chainsaw also has sufficient characteristics to be used in a homemade snow scooter design. The most important thing is that the chainsaw has enough power to start the snowmobile. In addition, the Shtilevsky engine is characterized by quiet operation, which will give additional comfort to movement.
Chainsaw Stihl MS 180
What skills are needed?
You don’t need any special skills to assemble a homemade snowmobile, but it is advisable to know how to work with welding and have a welding machine. To use the diagrams and drawings provided, it is advisable to be able to understand them.
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.
Geometry and layout
The trough should have a rectangular shape with an aspect ratio of 1-2 or 1-3. The narrower the structure, the less effort is required to move it. Unlike sleds, in which skis are the supporting element, drags glide over the snow directly with their bottom. Therefore, the front of the trough should have a streamlined shape, such as in a boat.
If you make the front straight, then when moving it will push snow in front of it, which will significantly complicate movement. To prevent the front end from diving into the snow, the heavy load and the angler's seat should be moved closer to the stern. This arrangement of the load will allow you to slightly raise the front end, which will further facilitate movement.
You can use a fishing box instead of a seat, securing it well with a rope or straps. If you want maximum comfort and decide to make a full-fledged chair with a back, then its fastening must be made removable. This is necessary in order to ensure the possibility of transporting the motorized towing vehicle in the event of a breakdown and the possibility of using the drag net as a wind shield when fishing.
If you plan to additionally use your vehicle as a shelter from the wind, then you need to make it wider. In this case, the back wall, which will serve as the supporting surface of the shield, should have a straight shape without all kinds of slopes and bends. Its height can be increased slightly, which will significantly increase the stability of the shield.
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.
Housing material
There are two options here - wood or plastic. Welded metal structures are used very rarely because they have an impressive weight. The vehicle can be made from a plastic barrel or other container of a suitable size. Using the extruded welding method, the structure is given the necessary geometry, which we will talk about later. You can also make a wooden trough and line its bottom with thin sheet metal or plastic to make sliding easier and increase the service life of the product.
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.
Basic elements of a motorized dog
The most important piece of equipment is the engine. Typically, a single-cylinder carburetor gasoline engine is used to create motorized dogs. An equally important part is the rubber-metal track - the propulsion unit with suspension. With the help of a caterpillar, you can drive on snow, ice, and soft ground in warm weather. It is worth taking a closer look at all the components of a motorized dog.
Car engine
Most often, motorized dogs use engines from Honda, Yamaha (expensive) or Chinese brands (MTR, Lifan and other budget ones). These power units vary greatly in price, although their power is usually equivalent. Lifan engines with a centrifugal (dry) clutch have proven themselves to be excellent. Some people use a motor from a walk-behind tractor to create motorized dogs; they remove the engine from a Ural chainsaw or a Druzhba saw.
The motor from the Sh-58 moped, designed for manual gearbox shifting, is considered popular. Scooter engines can also be used. The main thing is that the product has good traction characteristics, a power of at least 6 hp. With. This is enough to transport one person and a load of 30-50 kg on a motorized dog. For a trip of two people and a load of 150-200 kg, it is better to choose an engine with a power of more than 9 liters. With. A chain tensioner is often used as an engine tuning element.
Motorized dog support frame
The frame must be of excellent quality, because on the road it experiences high loads, especially when driving off-road. This design is made entirely with your own hands, welded from rectangular metal pipes. Usually a pipe thickness of 3 millimeters is enough; thinner metal is not suitable, it quickly deforms.
You can see how to make a frame with your own hands in the photo and video. Take two pipes with a cross-section of 20*20 mm, add two more sizes of 20*40 mm, and form a frame. Two 40 mm corners are welded into it, and a protective frame for the engine is welded on top, which will prevent it from being damaged when the equipment rolls over. It is also advisable to attach a galvanized sheet to the frame with rivets to cover the track.
Motorcycle dog suspension
The suspension serves as an important indicator of the performance of the chassis. By design, it can be skating or sliding. The skating rink performs worse in the snow, but is ideal for movement in the warm season. The suspension on skids prevents the tracks from clogging, but is used only in winter: it needs snow to cool the system (ski module).
To make a motorized dog at home and travel in any season of the year, you should choose a modern roller suspension, but not with a rigid one, but with a spring support for the rollers. Such a motorized dog will move more smoothly on a frozen road. When driving, you will have to avoid too loose snow.
Motorized dog transmission
The transmission is responsible for transmitting shaft rotation to the main track sprocket. The gearbox can be CVT, mechanical, automatic gearbox, some have reverse (reverse capability). The advantage of an automatic transmission is a large traction force, the disadvantage is the rapid wear of a number of parts and the need for regular maintenance.
As a mechanical one, you can use a box from a VAZ or other old car. Its advantage is ease of maintenance and no need for frequent repairs, but using such a transmission is less comfortable. The variator ensures smooth transmission of force from the engine to the track, which helps reduce the wear rate of parts and save on gasoline. The downside is a weak drive belt that has to be changed regularly.
Motorized dog caterpillar
Such devices can be snowmobile or specialized, created specifically for motorized dogs. They differ in width, height, length. There are replacement snowmobile tracks on sale that can be used in the manufacture of motorized towing vehicles. The tracks from Buran are popular, but they are not distinguished by high cross-country ability; motorized dogs will only have to be used on a frozen body of water, on a well-trodden road.
You should purchase tracks that are not too narrow. A 50 cm product is considered optimal, since it makes the motorized dog stable, passable, and maneuverable. There are also “aggressive” off-road tracks on sale, their width is from 55 cm, and they have a special tread pattern. The products have an increased lug height - it is 32 mm (the standard is 21 mm). You can also make your own caterpillars from conveyor belts. Tracks are made of birch planks and other materials.
Electrical equipment and machine control systems
To control motorized dogs, they use a steering wheel that is connected to the gearbox, clutch handle, and gas, which should be taken from any suitable old equipment. Typically, the basic configurations of towing vehicles are equipped with a manual start, but if desired, it can be changed to an electric starter or a lighting coil can be added. All this can be easily constructed independently, but the cost of manufacturing a motorized dog will increase.
It is quite possible to do without an electric starter; besides, a manual start is considered more reliable in terms of breakdown. But without lighting at night it will definitely be bad for a motorized dog; this system must be provided. The car must be equipped with a 7 ampere coil so that problems with recharging the headlights do not arise.
Benefits of the product
The essence of the benefit of a homemade design is tangible savings in money. A good factory snowmobile will cost a considerable amount of money. In addition, the situation often occurs that having bought a snowmobile, ridden it for a short time, then it sits idle and is used extremely rarely. Lack of free time, banal dependence on the availability of sufficient snow.
A homemade snowmobile can be assembled from existing scrap metal and unnecessary spare parts, spending a little money. The engine of the Druzhba chainsaw is economical and is not picky about the oil and fuel used. In the future, if the snowmobile is no longer needed, it will not be such a shame to give it away, sell it, or even just throw it away.
Having free time and an interest in engineering work, a homemade snowmobile can be reconstructed, modified, or made changes. It's like a children's construction set, only for adults.
