For a long time, people have been trying to figure out how to make life easier in a harsh winter with its impenetrable snowdrifts. In particular, to invent a reliable means of transportation in the snow. As a result, many devices for this have appeared - from the first homemade skis to modern snow scooters.
What people rode in the 20th century
For example, the so-called motorized dogs. Never heard such a strange name? This is a means of small-scale mechanization, invented in the 70s of the past century and replacing the traditional dog sled. Motorized dogs were called sledges with a steering wheel, which were equipped with a small motor.
In another way they were called motorized towing vehicles. The design of the first models was quite primitive, weight - from 40 to 65 kilos, but it was already a real breakthrough in technical terms. Subsequently, the device was modernized, and today not a single hunter or avid tourist would refuse to purchase a convenient and modern motorized towing vehicle.
Further - more. Over time, mankind invented and patentedhomemade vehicles in the snow in huge numbers. Sometimes these are very original and even exotic devices. We are talking not only about classic snowmobiles, but also about snow motorcycles, snow bikes and even snow tanks. Many names are still a curiosity for mere mortals.
Western exotic
For example, skibobs. What it is? By its type, it is a means of transportation in the snow, resembling a bicycle, which has skis instead of wheels. As in a conventional bicycle, human muscles serve as the driving force. The turns are made with a pair of short skis attached to the boots.
There is a special tank for moving through 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 caterpillar tracks, the electric motor of which transmits torque to each of the four caterpillar axles. The triangular tracks are so reliable in deep snow travel that it is only possible to get stuck when the battery is completely discharged.
There are snow bikes (in front - ski, behind - caterpillar drive). Such riders develop a speed of at least 100 km / h on the slopes. There are also screw-driven machines - units of the future, designed for space development.
Modern snowmobiles have glazed cabins and powerful electric motors. MostIt is not easy to find "advanced" models in serial production - so far it is rather exclusive. Of the simpler options, it is worth mentioning the snowmobile, equipped with a propeller and capable, despite its rather ordinary appearance, of developing a decent speed - about 120 km / h.
Multipurpose equipment for snow travel
Even at the beginning of the second half of the last century in the expanses of the Russian North, vehicles that were so necessary in a harsh winter began to appear, called karakat. These are the real homemade products for moving through the snow. Craftsmen simply equipped an ordinary motorcycle with powerful cameras designed for trucks.
Karakat easily overcame small water obstacles and did not get stuck in fluffy snow. Later, such a snow and swamp vehicle was improved and turned into a modern high-tech tool, the production of which many domestic enterprises undertook to master.
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, why they are not afraid of off-road. This universal northern transport is available to anglers and hunters and is quite environmentally friendly.
Let's talk about homemade constructions
Perhaps the reader is more interestedjust to know, is it 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 a lot of hunters-fishermen and just tourists among us, Russians.
Well, stocking up on the right tool, ingenuity and some amount of time, it is quite possible to assemble such a unit yourself. The most ordinary walk-behind tractor will serve as the basis for the design. In summer, it can be detached from the snowmobile and returned to its place.
Snowmobiles come with one ski or with a pair of skids, they 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 work, and fishing, and travel.
What we need
To assemble a homemade snowmobile on tracks, stock up on the following components - engine, skids, 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: a leading one (drive, frame, power unit) and a driven one (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 spot, then a continuous seam.
Motoblock enginewe connect to the tracks with a chain drive, which 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 caterpillar drive shaft is assembled similarly to a bicycle one.
It is quite easy to make caterpillars, having a transport or ordinary rubberized tape with tracks (lugs) - cross rails made of plastic or tin, fixed evenly on the tape. They are fastened with bolts. For large devices, the tape should be wide enough. Sledge runners should preferably be made of metal or impact-resistant plastic.
Assembling our snowmobile
At the first stage, the frame structure is welded. Try to get by with the minimum amount of detail required. Then we mount the engine - either under the seat or in front of it. Caterpillars and drive are assembled. The drive shaft can be equipped with a reverse gear, which is not so difficult to find on sale. With it, it is easier to put the chain and you can increase traction.
Then we connect the frame and tracks. How to do it: the wheel axles are attached to the frame with bolts and couplings, the front wheel is connected to the motor with a chain. Only after checking the performance of the entire structure, the tracks are stretched and fixed on the wheels.
Now we have a great snowmobile at our disposal - a self-made snowmobile!
