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Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Ice Fishing Transportation => Topic started by: WalleyeMac on Dec 06, 2016, 06:26 PM

Title: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: WalleyeMac on Dec 06, 2016, 06:26 PM
Just bought a Snow Dog on Sunday.  Check it out at www.snowdog.club.

Has anybody else bought one yet?  I drove it around the neighborhood on Sunday and got some interesting looks from the neighbors.  Can't wait to get it out on the ice in a few weeks!
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: potatoe on Dec 06, 2016, 06:38 PM
very cool, way out of my budget.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: corny13 on Dec 06, 2016, 06:51 PM
Keep us informed on how the Snowdog does?  Made in Russia?   Photos would be nice of yours fishing!
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: ChaumontMasters on Dec 08, 2016, 02:12 PM
how much ?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Ice Scratcher on Dec 08, 2016, 02:31 PM
how much ?

Start at $2500, doesn't seem too bad IMO..

http://snowdog.club/products/

I've been wanting one for a while now..

<°)))>{
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Dec 08, 2016, 06:46 PM
I built two of them last year.  They are the cat's ##s for ice fishing.  My second has a 19 inch track with a Chonda 15hp electric start.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: WalleyeMac on Dec 08, 2016, 07:11 PM
It is the perfect solution for me.  I don't have space in my garage for a snowmobile or 4-wheeler trailer.  I mainly fish the Madison chain (Mendota, Monona and Waubesa) and I was looking for a way to be more mobile on the ice.  I bought a cargo carrier with a ramp for the snow dog and I can load my shanty in the back of my pick up, so this was perfect.  I wish I could have built one by myself like metalbender, but I don't have that sort of skill. 

I was told by the SnowDog USA sales rep that I was one of the first buyers in the States.  They are very popular in Russia.  I guess time will tell if they take off in the USA.  Can't wait to try it our for a full day of fishing.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: appleye on Dec 08, 2016, 08:45 PM
I can think of a ton of thing it would be great at. Retrieving and elk or moose right there. I'm going to keep watching this post to see how it plays out, would love to see some more video of work stuff.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: agingman on Dec 08, 2016, 09:00 PM
Talked to the distributor in Apple Valley, Mn. He said he'd have the 13 go w/rev. in Jan.  Just bought a 2014 4wheeler w/39 miles on I'll be selling.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Dec 12, 2016, 09:09 PM
Please post a pic of the new Snow Dog and your ear to ear grin as you cruise  around.  More guys need to be exposed to these machines.  They are more fun than fast. I've had lots of fisher folk wave me over to have a look.  I also carry mine on a hitch mount rack, the Evo 2 and riding sled fit in my Jeep.  The one on the rack is the first build, 7 hp, pull start. The second has a wider track, 15 hp and electric start.
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae4/metalbendr/IMG_0822_zpsirnxegvd.jpg) (http://s952.photobucket.com/user/metalbendr/media/IMG_0822_zpsirnxegvd.jpg.html)
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae4/metalbendr/IMG_0779_zpsndxmimuy.jpg) (http://s952.photobucket.com/user/metalbendr/media/IMG_0779_zpsndxmimuy.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: WalleyeMac on Dec 13, 2016, 12:27 PM
Metalbender, I love your design.  The snow dog engine is in the front and has a small storage space in the rear (large enough to put my vexilar in).  I love your larger storage area in the front.  Looks like you have a fairly large tote for storage.  I hope to get mine out in a few weeks and will take some pictures then.

One question for you.  I have taken mine out twice on some walking trails (both times was with about 6-8 inches of fresh snow).  Mine has a mud flap like yours in the rear.  After about ten minutes of riding there was significant snow build up in my sled due to snow coming up over the top of the machine during travel.  Do you have the same issue?  If so, have you thought about installing some sort of windshield to deflect snow a little higher?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Dec 13, 2016, 06:50 PM
Thanks for the positive comments.  My tote is a std item from Home Depot.  It carries :  Buddy heater, 5lb propane tank, 2 rods in a custom box, tackle bag, ice scoop, Showdown finder, Micro 5 camera, small towels and snacks.  For the snow  in the sled, a tad extra length on the rear flap might help. Also you might want to watch how the snow gets thrown in, tow bar length from the track sled might be a factor.  A bit of rink board as a deflector could be used.  I get  some snow thrown from the drive chain, need to fab up a guard.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Dec 14, 2016, 07:53 AM
Just bought a Snow Dog on Sunday.  Check it out at www.snowdog.club.

Has anybody else bought one yet?  I drove it around the neighborhood on Sunday and got some interesting looks from the neighbors.  Can't wait to get it out on the ice in a few weeks!

Who's a dealer in WI? Seems pretty cool actually.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: WalleyeMac on Dec 14, 2016, 09:40 AM
This link will take you to the Snow Dog dealer list.

 http://snowdog.club/content/locate
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: motocross269 on Dec 15, 2016, 07:18 AM
How would you pull a flip over style shanty with that setup?? You can't stand in the sled?? Make a train??
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Dec 15, 2016, 09:25 AM
Have a look at Paxus 18 on you tube.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Dec 15, 2016, 10:12 AM
This is my first one out fishing, with the second one I have a larger riding sled.
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae4/metalbendr/IMG_0804_zps0ytkielp.jpg) (http://s952.photobucket.com/user/metalbendr/media/IMG_0804_zps0ytkielp.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Drift Dodger on Dec 15, 2016, 12:07 PM
Just bought a Snow Dog on Sunday.  Check it out at www.snowdog.club.

Has anybody else bought one yet?  I drove it around the neighborhood on Sunday and got some interesting looks from the neighbors.  Can't wait to get it out on the ice in a few weeks!

Very similar concept to the Bolens Hus-Ski snowmobile introduced back in the 1960's ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74wl6Dph9dU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74wl6Dph9dU)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: WalleyeMac on Dec 17, 2016, 07:30 AM
No registration necessary for the Snow Dog.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: XN on Dec 21, 2016, 01:52 PM
How would you pull a flip over style shanty with that setup?? You can't stand in the sled?? Make a train??

I made my own but yes just make a train of sleds. I have a small otter sled I sit it and then tow my flip over behind it.

Walk it across parking lots and non slippery surfaces.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Dec 21, 2016, 03:44 PM
Got pics?????????????  Need some visual stimulation.  A member from Utah built one last year too.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: XN on Dec 22, 2016, 10:11 AM
Got pics?????????????  Need some visual stimulation.  A member from Utah built one last year too.
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i210/a426fan/ice%20fish/4C3AB7EC-9562-4434-992D-F3315E6B73E8.jpg)[/<embed width="600" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullscreen="true" allowNetworking="all" wmode="transparent" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fvid73.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi210%2Fa426fan%2Fice%2520fish%2F54941E20-4476-4088-8606-5C0C1D461D79.mp4&title="> (http://s73.photobucket.com/user/a426fan/media/ice%20fish/4C3AB7EC-9562-4434-992D-F3315E6B73E8.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Dec 22, 2016, 10:58 AM
Great stuff   Interesting concept utilizing the whole sled chassis.  Do you think it was easier than  building from scratch?   A front view would be nice.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: wolffpack08 on Dec 22, 2016, 11:06 AM
That's pretty neat.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: XN on Dec 22, 2016, 05:36 PM
Great stuff   Interesting concept utilizing the whole sled chassis.  Do you think it was easier than  building from scratch?   A front view would be nice.

Probably not. I would make my own frame if I were to make another one. It is surprising how well it does work. I would like to try a rear mounted engine some day but not easily done on this one.
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i210/a426fan/ice%20fish/204B3CE4-9C62-4A22-8710-FC98AF2068C0.jpg) (http://s73.photobucket.com/user/a426fan/media/ice%20fish/204B3CE4-9C62-4A22-8710-FC98AF2068C0.jpg.html)
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i210/a426fan/ice%20fish/A31217DF-A6B0-4DF3-953D-8F14BDF32B13.jpg)[/[URL=http://s73.photobucket.com/user/a426fan/media/ice%20fish/E8E61218-D045-425B-9379-0AE52CC67902.jpg.html](http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i210/a426fan/ice%20fish/E8E61218-D045-425B-9379-0AE52CC67902.jpg) (http://s73.photobucket.com/user/a426fan/media/ice%20fish/A31217DF-A6B0-4DF3-953D-8F14BDF32B13.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Dec 23, 2016, 10:42 PM
Nice dog leg in the box for rods
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: BlueDuck on Dec 24, 2016, 05:39 PM
Pretty cool.  I want one.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Fihaddict on Dec 30, 2016, 08:25 PM
Do you need to register them in NY or NJ? Since they do not have steering device they are not snowmobiles.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: J_MAKI on Jan 01, 2017, 08:07 PM
Metalbender......What did you use for a track?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Jan 01, 2017, 08:50 PM
The running gear from a sled with bogey suspension. That way all the parts match.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: J_MAKI on Jan 03, 2017, 09:38 PM
That makes sense, I was kind of wondering about that. Think me and my son might give  making one of these a go.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: beeverfishing on Jan 03, 2017, 09:50 PM
No registration necessary for the Snow Dog.
 

I think it would depend on the state.   I'm sure it would be illegal on most lakes in Pa.. (other then privately owned).
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: edscreek on Jan 04, 2017, 10:45 AM
How about slushy conditions?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Jan 04, 2017, 12:35 PM
Check out some of the Russian u tube vids on "Motosabaka"  or "Snow Dog"
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Bob-er on Jan 05, 2017, 12:34 PM
I bought a Tracksled from a couple brothers in Jackson MN that make them. Mine has a 9 hp motor with 15x121 snowmobile track. Comes with a sled too. I'm hooking it to my bay runner fishing sled. I ran it around the yard, pulls good. There only on FB under Best TrackSled and on YouTube
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: WalleyeMac on Jan 09, 2017, 11:27 AM
Took the Snow Dog out yesterday ice fishing for the first time.  Metalbender/Bob-er/others, I had an issue - maybe you guys can help me with.  The lake I was on was glaze ice - no snow cover at all.  I was pulling my clam shanty behind my riding sled.  I  attached the pull rope from the shanty to the back of my riding sled (did not have a a tow bar to connect the riding sled to my clam).  My  problem was that I could only go very slow or I would whipsaw back and forth and would sometimes spin out.  It was very slow going. 

Do you guys use a tow bar to connect the back of your riding sleds to whatever you may pull behind that?  I'm guessing a tow bar will help stabilize the load.  Have you had this whipsaw/spin out problem on glaze ice?  I'm guessing that I won't have this problem with snow cover - but you can't always count on that.

Any ideas you have would be great to hear.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Jan 09, 2017, 12:49 PM
On glare ice, a couple dozen or more hex head screws into the track on the power unit go a long way for traction.  Too many will make it hard to turn, first hand experience on my part.  As for the towed sleds, tow bars are a must, also a couple of short lengths of 3/4 inch angle iron, v down will keep you on track.  About 18-20 inches at the rear of the first sled.  Just have to weld a few 1/4 in bolts to the inside of the v, taper ft and back so they don't dig into the ice. If the Clam still dances about, same remedy. You didn't post the required pics.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: WalleyeMac on Jan 11, 2017, 10:56 AM
Thanks MB.  I think I will start with the tow bar to attach my Clam shanty to the riding sled.  Also, I found some track studs for snowmobile tracks online (same concept as the hex head screws) and will give those a shot.  Do you use a specific pattern with those and what length of screw do you use?  Anything to be concerned about with placement of the track studs besides keeping them away from the rollers?

Hopefully those two things help.  If I'm still fishtailing/spinning out on glare ice, I'll figure something out with the bottom of the sleds.

Sorry - no pic's yet - I was too stressed out with all the spin-outs.  Forgot about taking pic's.




Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Jan 11, 2017, 12:52 PM
First consideration, if the studs are very aggressive, they will make steering difficult. The hex screws seem to have enough bite but allow sideways slip for steering.  Stagger them for new ice for each screw.  You need some steel for directional stability in the first sled.  Angle iron was my choice as it's cheap and easy to work. I have lots of tools so no problem.  Some snowmobile steering carbides might be a more viable although more expensive alternative, depends on your tools and abilities.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mhtrapper on Jan 24, 2017, 08:01 PM
I am in the process in getting parts together for my first build pretty simple design was just wondering which end the motor would be better on plan on using it as a multi purpose rig haul deer ,wood and possibly trapping. I can see pros and cons front mount and rear mount just looking for suggestions awesome builds.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: dave1957sabel on Aug 27, 2017, 09:18 PM
Metalbender, can you send me some info on what parts you used to build a snowdog, like what kind of track, clutch motor , I'd love to build one!
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Jeffh129 on Dec 17, 2017, 02:05 PM
Thanks MB.  I think I will start with the tow bar to attach my Clam shanty to the riding sled.  Also, I found some track studs for snowmobile tracks online (same concept as the hex head screws) and will give those a shot.  Do you use a specific pattern with those and what length of screw do you use?  Anything to be concerned about with placement of the track studs besides keeping them away from the rollers?

Hopefully those two things help.  If I'm still fishtailing/spinning out on glare ice, I'll figure something out with the bottom of the sleds.

How is the Dog working for you? What brand and model carrier are you using? Where did you buy the Dog and carrier? I’m in SE Wi. Thank you

Sorry - no pic's yet - I was too stressed out with all the spin-outs.  Forgot about taking pic's.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Alexfue90 on Jan 11, 2018, 09:18 AM
Hey there all! New to the site! I’m building one of these units and I’m wondering where MetalBender got the drive/brake assemble that’s on the crank shaft?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Rugburn on Jan 11, 2018, 09:45 AM
They just started selling them in my home town. Picked up their brochure.


(https://s10.postimg.cc/7rdf4e9rp/IMG_1069.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/7rdf4e9rp/)


(https://s10.postimg.cc/6dls8wnb9/IMG_1068.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/6dls8wnb9/)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Jan 11, 2018, 06:23 PM
The 2-1 centrifugal clutch chain drive gearcase was purchased off KIJIJI here in Canuckland. The brake assembly was fabbed up from a donor sled, to suit the application. The gearcase I bought did not fit the Princess auto 15 hp engine, quite a bit of machining was required for satisfactory results.  It might well fit on the Honda motors. Proper research is a must.   Lots of the Russian units use a variable pulley drive similar to a regular snow machine.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Jan 19, 2018, 09:57 AM
Wish there was a step by step build. I would love to build one but just have no experience.....in the end I assume it would cost me less in money and headache to buy one for $2500.....


irbis is coming out with one later this year apparently too:

http://www.irbismotors.com/muchtar_15
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Stickhick86 on Jan 19, 2018, 10:04 AM
if only we could use these in PA
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Jan 22, 2018, 08:41 AM
I saw one Saturday as I was pulling my gear about 350 yards back to the launch getting winded.that snow dog was pulling a train of 3 shanties and 3 guys. it got back to the boat launch in under 2 minutes.took me 15 minutes and a albuterol inhaler hit to get back.lol.i want one but the price is not right for me yet.i don't even own a daily driver that cost that much.ive got a quad and a snowmobile but I don't want to pull a trailer or have one, and its a pain loading in a truck and then theres no room for gear.this snow dog makes sense to me but I cant get over the price.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 23, 2018, 09:02 AM
How about slushy conditions?

This is the question that needs answering. I can see this thing creating a hell of a mess on people/gear being pulled behind it.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Jan 29, 2018, 12:31 AM
Where can I buy those sled skates that is a Snowdog accessory item, that prevents the sled from fishtailing to much on glare ice ?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 04, 2018, 08:06 AM
I have the Snowdog Standard model B13ME with 13 HP Briggs engine. This is the larger model and weighs just over 300 pounds and does not have reverse. The next model up, B13MER comes with the reverse gear.

I have used mine a bunch this season and mostly on glare ice with no snow. The machine does fine with no studs in the track but the towed sleds and shanties want to wag the dog and keep trying to spin the train out. The stand up sled directly behind the machine from Snowdog is a $200 option and comes with a rigid tow bar and hyfax runners and a tow hook at the rare for attaching other sleds. Running around on the slick ice was no issue without a studded track but on my lake they had dropped the water level leaving a sharp up hill climb on slick ice off the ice to the parking lot. This is where studs will be a must have. Driving the train on fresh snow was where the Snowdog performed flawlessly. I had my stand up sled with my Otter XT Pro Resort sled behind it plus a Clam 2 man shanty and another large Otter sled all being pulled and all were full of gear on 6 inches of heavy wet snow. The dog did the job with absolutely no problem and could easily go faster than I would want to run with all that stuff being towed. After getting all set up fishing we each took turns with just the Snowdog and stand up sled and it was a lot of fun cruising around at probably 20 MPH.

I just added Kold Cutter ice screws to the track, used the 1/2" ones I had left over from studding my ATV tires. I will bet out this week to see how they do on the glare ice and getting back off the lake to the parking lot. Figuring out how to keep the towed sleds tracking straight behind me will be the next challenge to overcome. I am thinking something like a Scratcher set up behind the sleds might do the trick.

All in all I am very impressed with the Snowdog. I don't have room in my shed for a big ATV or Snowmobile but the dog folds up in the corner 2' X 5' leaving plenty of room for my lawn tractor and other gear. I have a 10' Triton enclosed trailer that fits my clam 2 man guide shanty and my Otter XT Pro resort on one side and the snow dog and sled on the other side. I wish I had waited for the next model up with the reverse gear just to make it easier to get out of the trailer and if you ever do get the dog stuck it would be good to have. I don't yet know how it will do if we get a hard crust with slush below if the dog sinks in. I know from past experience with both ATVs and Snowmobiles that slush is a royal PITA so I can envision some issues in these conditions.

So far here in NY there is no laws or rules on registering and insuring these machines. I suspect once they become more popular with fisherman the state will come up with some way to get "Their Fair Share" in fees and taxes. This is NY after all and they will never let a fun machine or work machine go un taxed. The Snowdog is certainly not a machine for everyone but it sure does save my old legs and heart and will easily add another 10 years to my fishing adventures. Where I used to just go a hundred yards out from the launch I can now go all over my lake to the structure I find while fishing open water.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Feb 04, 2018, 02:01 PM
Hey Gam, good to hear you're having a ball with your track sled. They sure have their place for ice fishing, and like you say, not for everybody.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: eriksat1 on Feb 05, 2018, 09:35 AM
Having reverse sure is nice when you get yourself into a tight spot, same with a snowmobile reverse is your friend.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Eyes R Bitin on Feb 08, 2018, 11:58 AM
I have the Snowdog Standard model B13ME with 13 HP Briggs engine. This is the larger model and weighs just over 300 pounds and does not have reverse. The next model up, B13MER comes with the reverse gear.
...................... ...................... ...................... ...

Gam

Great review Gam!  It answered a lot of questions I had about the Snowdog and made the decision easier for me  I'm still saving at this point but you may be due a commission when I buy one for the next season.  I'll be sure to mention your name when I buy.

Thanks
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Feb 15, 2018, 09:06 PM
Picked up a compact today and rode it in the backyard a little. Will be fun.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Feb 15, 2018, 09:22 PM
Right on.  Where's the pics of the ear to ear grin?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 16, 2018, 06:45 AM
Picked up a compact today and rode it in the backyard a little. Will be fun.

Nice! For going good on bare ice you should pick up a bag of Kold Cutter Ice Screws 1/2-3/4 inches long. Your track has round spots designed to accept them and I staggered them on each rib, 3 across one rib and 2 across the next rib. The machine now sticks like glue to bare ice. Mine actually did quite well without studs but on the glare ice the sled behind my stand up sled kept trying to spin the dog out because it wags all over behind me.

I will be fishing this weekend and sure to be on ice skating ice with rain today and warm temps followed by a quick drop in temps tonight. I actually won't even need the Snow dog for pulling since my sled shanty pulls real easy on bare ice but I'll use it and be able to travel all over the lake real easy.

Good luck with your new dog and be sure to turn the fuel petcock off when the machine is being trailered.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Feb 16, 2018, 09:12 AM
My home built track sleds.  Before I sold the first build, we had a family fun day at the BIL's place.  SIL retrieving grandkids from the bottom of the hill. The sleds seem to be gaining some popularity. 
(https://s5.postimg.cc/ht9k426bn/IMG_7164.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ht9k426bn/)

(https://s5.postimg.cc/76fqylg5v/IMG_7153.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/76fqylg5v/)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 16, 2018, 09:31 AM
No complaints from me at all with my 13.5 HP Snow dog. It pulled all the gear in 4 sleds across our lake with no issues at all.

(https://s14.postimg.cc/uu8ha45hp/IMG_0687.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/uu8ha45hp/)



(https://s14.postimg.cc/d46sp4hn1/IMG_0690.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/d46sp4hn1/)

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Feb 16, 2018, 11:15 AM
Gamalot, do you routinely stand up while driving the sled?  I've done it a bit but have a fear of crashing and breaking old bones or my knee replacement.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 16, 2018, 11:23 AM
Gamalot, do you routinely stand up while driving the sled?  I've done it a bit but have a fear of crashing and breaking old bones or my knee replacement.

That is all I have for now but will probably buy the seat when my dealers get them in stock. I never had any issue or fear about falling out but then I don't run it very fast at all. It will move right along towing me and my sled shanty at around 20 MPH but I just cruise along at maybe 5-8 MPH and happy to not being worn out when I get to my spot.

Check this out, I sent a review to SnowDog and they posted it all over and on FB. https://snowdog.com/content/news_page/40

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Feb 16, 2018, 01:43 PM
The dealer said don't put screws in if you plan on using it for hunting, or trails or grass...I am hoping that a wide smitty for the sled behind the sled will prevent it from trying to spin out. I hope to try it this weekend. It was a blast just playing with it in the yard. I just have to figure how to effectively transport it to the lake along with all my gear with a short bed truck.....been looking at cargo carrier, but may just need to bring a trailer. Hoping for some snow and take it out on some trails....it will spin the heads of the snowmobile owners for sure.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 16, 2018, 02:54 PM
The dealer said don't put screws in if you plan on using it for hunting, or trails or grass...I am hoping that a wide smitty for the sled behind the sled will prevent it from trying to spin out. I hope to try it this weekend. It was a blast just playing with it in the yard. I just have to figure how to effectively transport it to the lake along with all my gear with a short bed truck.....been looking at cargo carrier, but may just need to bring a trailer. Hoping for some snow and take it out on some trails....it will spin the heads of the snowmobile owners for sure.

SnowDog sells and recommends ice screws for them. They do not recommend the bolt in spike studs that most snowmobiles use. I don't see where ice screws will make any difference on land, trails or grass but they can be un screwed as easy as screwed in. They definitely help on glare ice and you will see.

I have a utility trailer I dragged it on once. By the time I got to the lake on crappy roads the dog and my shanty were covered with sand, stones and salt from the spray off my truck. I bought a clam shell enclosed tilt bed snowmobile trailer and it fits my 2 many Clam, my 3 man Otter XT Pro Resort flip over and my Snow dog. Better yet I can store all of this right in the trailer all year and not have to worry about the damn mice that eat my fabric when the shanties are in the shed or barn. No leaks and no mice can get in the trailer. Just think about how dirty your tailgate gets on crappy roads so if you do get a cargo carrier be sure to buy a nice cover for the dog or it will be full of crap from the roads.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Feb 16, 2018, 07:12 PM
Had my new one on a rear hitch rack last year. Bad idea, lots of rust appeared from the blasted road salt. My current shanty build will allow the track sled to be inside the shanty on the utility trailer.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 16, 2018, 08:26 PM
Had my new one on a rear hitch rack last year. Bad idea, lots of rust appeared from the blasted road salt. My current shanty build will allow the track sled to be inside the shanty on the utility trailer.

Exactly! If it can't go up in the bed of your pick up or inside your SUV or van then it has to be covered in some other way. Traveling on nasty roads here in winter I get all kinds of what I call Carbunkles inside the wheel wells of my truck. Now with the enclosed clam shell snowmobile trailer I get them on the front nose of the shell which would otherwise be right on the Snowdog and my fishing shanty. When you see snowmobiles being towed on an open trailer you almost always see them with a cover over the machine and the trailer has a bull nose in the front. My first drag to the lake was a disaster and I had to stop at the DIY car spray wash on the way home just to get all the crap off the machine and then let it dry in the garage for 2 days. The things we learn with new ideas are priceless but I spent just under $3500 on the dog and sled and another $1400 for the Triton enclosed used trailer and then another $1400 for the new Otter XT Pro Resort 3 man shanty so for about half the price of just a new snowmobile I have all my bases covered. A new snowmobile with enclosed trailer and a new shanty would have been well over $15,000. See you on the ice and then again in the spring and summer dragging fire wood and then in the fall while hunting and then in the winter while ice fishing and all on my Snowdog. Oh wait, guess I won't be seeing the snowmobiles out there except in the winter when we get snow. I am an A hole but I get to be one 12 months a year.

Gam 
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Feb 16, 2018, 08:30 PM
Exactly! If it can't go up in the bed of your pick up or inside your SUV or van then it has to be covered in some other way. Traveling on nasty roads here in winter I get all kinds of what I call Carbunkles inside the wheel wells of my truck. Now with the enclosed clam shell snowmobile trailer I get them on the front nose of the shell which would otherwise be right on the Snowdog and my fishing shanty. When you see snowmobiles being towed on an open trailer you almost always see them with a cover over the machine and the trailer has a bull nose in the front. My first drag to the lake was a disaster and I had to stop at the DIY car spray wash on the way home just to get all the crap off the machine and then let it dry in the garage for 2 days. The things we learn with new ideas are priceless but I spent just under $3500 on the dog and sled and another $1400 for the Triton enclosed used trailer and then another $1400 for the new Otter XT Pro Resort 3 man shanty so for about half the price of just a new snowmobile I have all my bases covered. A new snowmobile with enclosed trailer and a new shanty would have been well over $15,000. See you on the ice and then again in the spring and summer dragging fire wood and then in the fall while hunting and then in the winter while ice fishing and all on my Snowdog. Oh wait, guess I won't be seeing the snowmobiles out there except in the winter when we get snow. I am an A hole but I get to be one 12 months a year.

Gam

I might get a fancy cover for it. Good pointers, for $15k one could get a fancy ice castle with ac to use as camper in summer.😀
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 16, 2018, 08:53 PM
I might get a fancy cover for it. Good pointers, for $15k one could get a fancy ice castle with ac to use as camper in summer.😀

It never hurts to take advice from those who have gone before you. We do things right because we do things TWICE!  :'(

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Feb 17, 2018, 06:12 AM
What size cover would you get, atv one or snowmobile one?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: esox slayer on Feb 17, 2018, 06:15 AM
That is all I have for now but will probably buy the seat when my dealers get them in stock. I never had any issue or fear about falling out but then I don't run it very fast at all. It will move right along towing me and my sled shanty at around 20 MPH but I just cruise along at maybe 5-8 MPH and happy to not being worn out when I get to my spot.

Check this out, I sent a review to SnowDog and they posted it all over and on FB. https://snowdog.com/content/news_page/40

Gam

Lost track of the thread, but did you ever get clarification on whether or not the Dog has to be registered?

Everybody I've spoken to (including the dealer next door to me that sells them) says NO, they do not.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 17, 2018, 06:18 AM
What size cover would you get, atv one or snowmobile one?

I would check with the dealer to see if Snowdog makes a cover in the accessories line up first. If not then I think I would go hunting for a high quality BBQ grill cover.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 17, 2018, 06:28 AM
Lost track of the thread, but did you ever get clarification on whether or not the Dog has to be registered?

Everybody I've spoken to (including the dealer next door to me that sells them) says NO, they do not.

Same here. I will be fishing tomorrow where I am sure to be visited by the DEC/Sheriff's during the day. The DMV says if it has no VIN numbers they can't register it as a motor vehicle. Still a rather gray area and who knows how each individual LEO might look at it. Just to be one step ahead of the mix I do plan to wear a helmet while towing, same rules as an ATV and snowmobile.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Feb 17, 2018, 09:07 AM
Hey, good luck with the LEO in the area.  Here it's been totally uneventful. Had interest from the search and rescue at one lake community, thought they should have one in their fleet.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 17, 2018, 09:22 AM
Hey, good luck with the LEO in the area.  Here it's been totally uneventful. Had interest from the search and rescue at one lake community, thought they should have one in their fleet.

I won't be a bit surprised if the DEC guys bought a couple of the smaller ones that wound fit right in the sled and up in the back of their SUVs. Perfect machine for patrolling around on the lakes while checking licenses and fishing regs.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: BlackDucksAndBrownDogs on Feb 20, 2018, 07:28 PM
I took the plunge and bought a 13-hp standard with reverse on Friday.  Purchased two sleds and one fixed seat to complete the package.   Travelled to Oakland, Maine to get it.

A few observations:

1). You can't load it in a full-size truck like the YouTube videos suggest -- tailgate is too high so aluminum ramps are a must.

2). The seats are difficult to remove so nesting sleds is difficult -- I ended up deleting a 2nd seat for credit on the ramps

3). Negotiating deep snow in the backcountry takes some experience and some upper body strength -- I improve with each run.

4). Operation on a lake with a few inches of snow is a piece of cake -- I have some mobility issues and this will extend my ice fishing career for many years.

5) I prefer driving from the seated position but am comfortable standing when going slow

6). The machine is deceptively fast -- I lose my nerve at 3/4 throttle

The wardens agree that it does not require registration or insurance.  DMV however wouldn't commit to an answer.

Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 21, 2018, 07:36 AM
I took the plunge and bought a 13-hp standard with reverse on Friday.  Purchased two sleds and one fixed seat to complete the package.   Travelled to Oakland, Maine to get it.

A few observations:

1). You can't load it in a full-size truck like the YouTube videos suggest -- tailgate is too high so aluminum ramps are a must.

2). The seats are difficult to remove so nesting sleds is difficult -- I ended up deleting a 2nd seat for credit on the ramps

3). Negotiating deep snow in the backcountry takes some experience and some upper body strength -- I improve with each run.

4). Operation on a lake with a few inches of snow is a piece of cake -- I have some mobility issues and this will extend my ice fishing career for many years.

5) I prefer driving from the seated position but am comfortable standing when going slow

6). The machine is deceptively fast -- I lose my nerve at 3/4 throttle

The wardens agree that it does not require registration or insurance.  DMV however wouldn't commit to an answer.

Congrats on your new tool and very accurate review. I too have the 13 standard which is a larger sled than the compact version they show driving into the sled and loading in a mini van. I don't yet have a seat but am considering getting one. Which seat did you get and some review on it would be helpful to me. One thing I did find is the sled without the seat fits right on top of the dog and acts as a cover while traveling in an open truck or trailer.
I agree with you, on rough terrain it does require some skill, learning and upper body work. The Snowdog does excel on a flat surface such as ice or an established wood trail. It is way faster than I ever care to go while dragging a sled filled with gear however a lot of fun with just the sled and me standing behind it. I would suggest a helmet for those times when you want to play. For ice fishing this machine does exactly what it is designed to do, be a mule. I did find on glare ice with no snow the Kold Cutter ice screws 1/2 to 3/4 inches long make a big difference in many ways and were simple to install in the track that is designed to accept them.

I had the authorities go right by me while fishing and never said a word or even had any concern. I was actually hoping to discuss it with them but happy they were out checking the ATVs and snowmobiles instead. It seems here in NY they are more concerned with tow machines that are not using the required rigid tow bar and just tying off with a rope.

My plan at almost 66 years old was to make this machine extend my fishing abilities on the ice. I bought a used Triton 2 place covered snowmobile trailer with tilt bed. I can easily load and unload all by myself and it fits the snowdog with the sled plus my 2 man and 3 man tow behind sled shanties and keeps the road crap off all of it. It also provides a perfect storage place for the off season and keeps the mice out of my shanties where they like to eat the cloth fabric to make nests.

I give my Snowdog a big thumbs up and I do wish I could have found the model that comes with the reverse gear but I will be retrofitting that option in the near future. According to Snowdog, this years machines with reverse came so you had to switch to reverse from the front end but next years will have the switch on the bar handles. I did get off track a bit on a trail and could not go forward with trees in front of me. Reverse would have been nice in that situation.

Hope you enjoy yours as much as I am enjoying mine.

Gam   
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Feb 21, 2018, 08:20 AM


The wardens agree that it does not require registration or insurance.  DMV however wouldn't commit to an answer.


The DNR in MN nor our local DMV would give me a straight answer. The DNR keeps claiming that it cannot be used on designated snowmobile trails without snowmobile sticker, if it is a tracked vehicle......but is it a vehicle.....it's more like a snowdoooog.

I ain't buying any sticker till they adjust the legislation to clearly spell it out. After all I did pay sales tax on it.
If I get approached about it, it is merely a modified snowblower track. DMV gets enough money for essentially "sticker" jobs that a computer from 10 years ago could perform now days. If they can't define it then they don't have a sticker to sell me in the first place.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: BlackDucksAndBrownDogs on Feb 21, 2018, 08:44 AM
I don't yet have a seat but am considering getting one. Which seat did you get and some review on it would be helpful to me. 

Gam, I intended to buy one swivel seat and one fixed seat.  The swivel seat was  missing parts so I didn't accept it.  Add in the fact that the seats are tough to install/remove made it clear that I could only use one. 

I settled on the fixed seat because it has a grab bar for an additional passenger.  I figure I can tow my buddy and his boy with ease.

Note that I have a fiberglass cap on my truck.  Once I fold the handlebars, I can easily slide the unit from the ramp into the bed.  I have to admit that with the SnowDog, two sleds, and the ramp in the back, there isn't much room left for gear.  I'm carrying all my tackle in the cab now.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 21, 2018, 08:57 AM

The DNR in MN nor our local DMV would give me a straight answer. The DNR keeps claiming that it cannot be used on designated snowmobile trails without snowmobile sticker, if it is a tracked vehicle......but is it a vehicle.....it's more like a snowdoooog.

I ain't buying any sticker till they adjust the legislation to clearly spell it out. After all I did pay sales tax on it.
If I get approached about it, it is merely a modified snowblower track. DMV gets enough money for essentially "sticker" jobs that a computer from 10 years ago could perform now days. If they can't define it then they don't have a sticker to sell me in the first place.

I fully expect to run into some new guy on the job who will try to write his own rules on my Snowdog track sled. I already have my answer rehearsed and ready. "Show me how to get this registered and I will gladly do it". I asked the clerk at my DMV and she had no clue how to answer my question and fell back on a standard answer, If it does not have a Vehicle I D (VIN) number then it is not considered a vehicle that can be registered such as a lawn tractor or snowblower.

That deal with taking them on snowmobile designated trails is something you guys who have those trails have to get decided. The Snowdog would be the perfect machine for trail grooming and leaves the exact same foot print as any other tracked machine minus the ski grooves. We don't have any snowmobile trails down here in south eastern NY but there are a lot of them up in the Adirondack's.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 21, 2018, 09:12 AM
Gam, I intended to buy one swivel seat and one fixed seat.  The swivel seat was  missing parts so I didn't accept it.  Add in the fact that the seats are tough to install/remove made it clear that I could only use one. 

I settled on the fixed seat because it has a grab bar for an additional passenger.  I figure I can tow my buddy and his boy with ease.

Note that I have a fiberglass cap on my truck.  Once I fold the handlebars, I can easily slide the unit from the ramp into the bed.  I have to admit that with the SnowDog, two sleds, and the ramp in the back, there isn't much room left for gear.  I'm carrying all my tackle in the cab now.

My vehicle now is a Toyota 4 runner so I couldn't fit my 2 man shanty in it and had to drag all my stuff on a trailer. Driving on snow, slush and salted roads left everything on the trailer covered in crap so having to use a trailer anyway it just made sense to buy a used enclosed clam shell one.

I had a nice Polaris RZR that I could only use on the ice because ATVs are highly restricted here in NY off your own private property. I sold it and bought the new Snow Dog, a real nice new Otter 3 man sled shanty that is huge and the trailer and still have $3 grand left over. What really floored my with the RZR was I had to keep it registered and insured even though I could not use it anywhere except on a frozen lake. I am surrounded by thousands of acres of State Forest lands right off my back yard and could not take the RZR on any of those trails. I can hunt behind my house on that land and if I get a deer I will take my chances to drag it out with the dog.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Feb 22, 2018, 09:29 AM
Gam, I intended to buy one swivel seat and one fixed seat.  The swivel seat was  missing parts so I didn't accept it.  Add in the fact that the seats are tough to install/remove made it clear that I could only use one. 

I settled on the fixed seat because it has a grab bar for an additional passenger.  I figure I can tow my buddy and his boy with ease.

Note that I have a fiberglass cap on my truck.  Once I fold the handlebars, I can easily slide the unit from the ramp into the bed.  I have to admit that with the SnowDog, two sleds, and the ramp in the back, there isn't much room left for gear.  I'm carrying all my tackle in the cab now.

I got the rotating seat but honestly it is better driving without it, when I can I stand or single kneel if necessary. I did manage to flip the dog last night on a slope and fell out the sled and bruised my leg. That's on me, but at higher speeds, I might wear a helmet. One thing I noticed when going fast in the sitting position, a lot of snow will fly out at your face and also the fumes.....so unless you really feel you can't do it standing, I'd avoid using the seat too much.....it could be fun however if you have a second or third sled for passengers. Also there is a significant sway on glare ice, so those little skates for the sled and screws into the track might be needed after all....I have yet to test it pulling an otter sled behind the sled fully loaded.


Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 22, 2018, 01:33 PM
I got the rotating seat but honestly it is better driving without it, when I can I stand or single kneel if necessary. I did manage to flip the dog last night on a slope and fell out the sled and bruised my leg. That's on me, but at higher speeds, I might wear a helmet. One thing I noticed when going fast in the sitting position, a lot of snow will fly out at your face and also the fumes.....so unless you really feel you can't do it standing, I'd avoid using the seat too much.....it could be fun however if you have a second or third sled for passengers. Also there is a significant sway on glare ice, so those little skates for the sled and screws into the track might be needed after all....I have yet to test it pulling an otter sled behind the sled fully loaded.

If going fast is what you want then I recommend some sort of spray skirt on the front of the stand up sled. My dog has plenty of pulling power for towing a very heavy load but traction on glare ice without ice screws in the track was greatly reduced with a towed load. No problem at all with just the machine and me behind it without the screws. I don't think snowmobiles go all that great on glare ice without studs either and I know for sure they don't steer real well at all unless they have carbide runners on the skis. The Snow dog is a little higher than it is wide so it can be tippy on slopes or in my case running on the roadside where the plowed snow laid it over. Once you get used to driving it you learn to be ready and upper body handle bar work will keep you up.

I was hoping to get it out in some slush this weekend and we do now have the slush but we also lost the shorelines given it was 65 on Tuesday with rain and 75 on Wednesday. Still plenty of ice but not worth trying to cross over on planks IMO. Thinking my season is about shot for this year down here.

I really like the wheeled sulky they sell but am real sure I can build one way cheaper for towing my kayak into the back woods lakes I like to fish all spring and summer.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 25, 2018, 08:13 AM
Just a couple more observations for those considering getting a Snowdog. The videos posted on the company site are an accurate depiction of what the machine can do and how it works. I am not 100% sure the larger "Standard" 13 HP models fit inside the sled for loading into an SUV or Van. The smaller ones certainly do fit in the sled. For those thinking of transporting it in a Van or SUV using ramps, keep in mind the steering handle has to be folded over the machine before it goes inside or it will require twice the length inside your vehicle because you can't fold it after going in unless you have a tall Van.

I have never yet bought any machine of this nature that I didn't want to or have to do some tweeking on after I got it. Adding accessories and doing stuff like ice screw studding the track are just SOP for me. I added a couple good grab handles on the front of the machine because with the snow shield over the frame there is nowhere to grab in the front if you need to move it around or if you lay it over on a trail. It works fine on glare ice but way better after adding the ice screws which was a very simple upgrade. Standing in the sled while riding behind it is pretty much effortless but sitting might be better for some. Keep in mind if you are blasting along at some speed there is some spray coming off the back of the track that hits around knee high or right in your lap if sitting. A spray skirt on the front of the sled would fix that. Just cruising across the ice while towing your gear this is not a problem, only when you are running fast.

The launch ramp at my fishing lake is pretty steep and cement for the first 20 feet coming off the ice. Then it turns to stones and gravel. The Snowdog walks right up the cement with plenty of traction and power to pull all my gear but as soon as I leave the cement surface and get in the gravel it digs in and if the gravel is loose it won't pull the load unless you have a good run up onto it. No problem with just the dog and stand up sled at all but if you think you can pull a heavy load up hill on gravel think again or hit it pretty fast. Even my truck when pulling my boat trailer out needs to be in 4 wheel drive once I hit the gravel part so this is not a fault of the machine. You can probably dig yourself a hole on dry land too if you stop in the middle of a hill on loose ground so learning how to navigate the terrain and run it accordingly will be a must. Traction is only as good as the surface you are on.

Some guys have mentioned crossing over pressure cracks. I honestly have never seen what these cracks look like because I don't think we get them here on rather small bodies of water. Show me some pictures of these cracks and I might be able to say if I would or would not cross them with my Snowdog.

I am pretty sure my ice season is over here in Sullivan county NY. I plan to use the Snowdog year round and will either build or buy some sort of wheeled sulky to drag behind it. Just understand this is not an ATV or in any way a Go Fast toy, it is a tool for working and getting you back and forth under motor power. If you plan to go blasting down trails I would recommend a helmet and some protective gear just like you would want on a dirt bike or ATV.

I am very satisfied with it as a Ice Fishing tow vehicle and I am sure it will be good for dragging a deer out during hunting season or even towing a small trailer or cart with fire wood or a kayak back to a remote pond. I am pretty sure we will see a lot more of these out next season as they become more popular. Betting it will be mostly older gents or guys who live on large lakes and just need to make some distance before dropping their lines.

Gam 
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Feb 25, 2018, 01:01 PM
Just a couple more observations for those considering getting a Snowdog. The videos posted on the company site are an accurate depiction of what the machine can do and how it works. I am not 100% sure the larger "Standard" 13 HP models fit inside the sled for loading into an SUV or Van. The smaller ones certainly do fit in the sled. For those thinking of transporting it in a Van or SUV using ramps, keep in mind the steering handle has to be folded over the machine before it goes inside or it will require twice the length inside your vehicle because you can't fold it after going in unless you have a tall Van.

I have never yet bought any machine of this nature that I didn't want to or have to do some tweeking on after I got it. Adding accessories and doing stuff like ice screw studding the track are just SOP for me. I added a couple good grab handles on the front of the machine because with the snow shield over the frame there is nowhere to grab in the front if you need to move it around or if you lay it over on a trail. It works fine on glare ice but way better after adding the ice screws which was a very simple upgrade. Standing in the sled while riding behind it is pretty much effortless but sitting might be better for some. Keep in mind if you are blasting along at some speed there is some spray coming off the back of the track that hits around knee high or right in your lap if sitting. A spray skirt on the front of the sled would fix that. Just cruising across the ice while towing your gear this is not a problem, only when you are running fast.

The launch ramp at my fishing lake is pretty steep and cement for the first 20 feet coming off the ice. Then it turns to stones and gravel. The Snowdog walks right up the cement with plenty of traction and power to pull all my gear but as soon as I leave the cement surface and get in the gravel it digs in and if the gravel is loose it won't pull the load unless you have a good run up onto it. No problem with just the dog and stand up sled at all but if you think you can pull a heavy load up hill on gravel think again or hit it pretty fast. Even my truck when pulling my boat trailer out needs to be in 4 wheel drive once I hit the gravel part so this is not a fault of the machine. You can probably dig yourself a hole on dry land too if you stop in the middle of a hill on loose ground so learning how to navigate the terrain and run it accordingly will be a must. Traction is only as good as the surface you are on.

Some guys have mentioned crossing over pressure cracks. I honestly have never seen what these cracks look like because I don't think we get them here on rather small bodies of water. Show me some pictures of these cracks and I might be able to say if I would or would not cross them with my Snowdog.

I am pretty sure my ice season is over here in Sullivan county NY. I plan to use the Snowdog year round and will either build or buy some sort of wheeled sulky to drag behind it. Just understand this is not an ATV or in any way a Go Fast toy, it is a tool for working and getting you back and forth under motor power. If you plan to go blasting down trails I would recommend a helmet and some protective gear just like you would want on a dirt bike or ATV.

I am very satisfied with it as a Ice Fishing tow vehicle and I am sure it will be good for dragging a deer out during hunting season or even towing a small trailer or cart with fire wood or a kayak back to a remote pond. I am pretty sure we will see a lot more of these out next season as they become more popular. Betting it will be mostly older gents or guys who live on large lakes and just need to make some distance before dropping their lines.

Gam

I would agree with all you said. It is a blast and can be dangerous going fast, but mainly it is a workhorse. Not sure about the abuse the track can take on land with no snow, I suppose grass would be fine, but dirt and rocks....I am not sure I want to try, unless a deer is super stuck in a ravine or something.

As far as putting it in the sled, it takes some practice. I now did it several times and feel like I have an understanding how to do it effortleslly and slide it on the cargo carrier. It really feels like the way to go. As for slush or salt, it really isn't an issue as it is nested inside the sled and only the sled gets dirty from road salt.

If anybody is on the fence on these, get it. It does work as advertised. If you expect more than what the videos show, well you may be surprised or disappointed. I took it out in about foot of snow yesterday and it did struggle and throw a lot of snow around, but ultimately drove. Now if the snow isn't fluffy it can go dangerously fast for someone to be standing and wearing the safety shut off is a must...I learned that the painful way. For now I'd say this is the most versatile machine for the outdoors man/woman in it's class, actually the only one of its class. It also feels like one couldn't build it for the money (well maybe for the money, but the time and effort would just about wipe out any benefit of trying to build it on your own).

Until the Muchkatar comes out from Irbis next year, the snowdog really doesn't have a competition right now.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Feb 25, 2018, 03:23 PM
Thanks for all the info. Planning to pick up a Snowdog.

Last question, the compact seems much easier to load/store. Do you think that the standard is that much better if all I do is pull stuff on the ice?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 25, 2018, 04:02 PM
Weight, length and HP seems to be the only real differences. Only 8 inches in length between them all and I would think if only pulling a light load of around 200 pounds on the ice the compact 7 HP model would do fine. Going up the line you do get a little longer track and an added 50-70 pounds but you also get more pulling capacity. I can tell you from experience my 13 HP model takes almost zero effort to pull a very heavy load on the ice and through 6 inches of snow. With just a sled shanty and your own gear for a day the 7 HP should be all you would need. I always go for "More Power" on things like this simply because I might never need it but it will be there if I do.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: BlackDucksAndBrownDogs on Feb 25, 2018, 05:20 PM
Last question, the compact seems much easier to load/store. Do you think that the standard is that much better if all I do is pull stuff on the ice?

I thought I'd only use the Snowdog to negotiate heavy snow.  Accordingly, I went with the 13-hp standard.  I don't think I'll regret the extra torque and longer track.

Neither frame is easy to load in a truck bed.  You'll need ramps.  But, if you have a wagon or SUV, both will work fine.

Note that the standard model does fit in the sled.

I've had the machine for nine days and have fished with it three times.  I'm really enjoying it!  On President's day we still had snow on the lakes and it was clearly in its element   Since then, our snow has melted and glazed over.  It is slick but not glare ice.  The Snowdog needs respect, but I've covered a lot of ground with only one, slow spin-out.  Most impressive - and I don't know if the smaller units could do it -- it has scaled some steep, icy boat ramps with no issue.

Today I carried my full arsenal of smelt equipment -- including a deep cycle battery and insulated pop-up.  I've never fished that lake before without breaking a sweat!!  And seeing that little machine haul all that gear up the ramp brought a smile to my face.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Feb 25, 2018, 05:25 PM
I like the idea of more power in case I need to make a train with a few of my friends.

Because I never plan to user it breaking trail in deep powder, the compact might work, but the extra length probably won't matter too much either way.

Thanks again for the info.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Feb 25, 2018, 06:03 PM
I like the idea of more power in case I need to make a train with a few of my friends.

Because I never plan to user it breaking trail in deep powder, the compact might work, but the extra length probably won't matter too much either way.

Thanks again for the info.

I have the 10hp compact and it pulled me up a steep ramp and all my stuff in a second sled just fine in 6 inches of powder yesterday. Sometimes I have to turn on 4lo drive on the truck to make the same slope. I got a great deal on it though. If I was paying MSRP I'd probably pay up and get the 13hp one.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Feb 25, 2018, 06:17 PM
Thanks, MBOSS13!

That is the direction that I plan to go. I am also going to get reverse so I can collapse the handle and run it backwards in reverse up a ramp into the back of my pickup. I saw that on a video and, because I have a topper on my truck, it would work great.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Feb 26, 2018, 09:17 AM
Thanks, MBOSS13!

That is the direction that I plan to go. I am also going to get reverse so I can collapse the handle and run it backwards in reverse up a ramp into the back of my pickup. I saw that on a video and, because I have a topper on my truck, it would work great.

Reverse wouldn't hurt, it is a beast and pulling it backwards takes some strength. No way can you reverse it up a pickup without power, so that sounds like a good idea. You will love the machine.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 26, 2018, 09:53 AM
Thanks, MBOSS13!

That is the direction that I plan to go. I am also going to get reverse so I can collapse the handle and run it backwards in reverse up a ramp into the back of my pickup. I saw that on a video and, because I have a topper on my truck, it would work great.

Just my own personal opinion here but I think Snowdog should just add the extra $200 on every machine and just add the reverse as standard equipment. When the handle bars are folded over the machine the controls are still in the right position only the throttle and the brake are then on the opposite sides but still usable to run it up or out.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: BlackDucksAndBrownDogs on Feb 26, 2018, 10:28 AM
I am also going to get reverse so I can collapse the handle and run it backwards in reverse up a ramp into the back of my pickup.

You guys have me curious now.  I've only used the reverse a couple times moving the machine around in the driveway.

So far, I've had no issue loading it in forward.  I just stop the machine once the middle "bogey wheel" hits the tailgate, tilt the machine down, and fold the handle.  That leaves a couple inches of clearance.  Then I slide it under the cap.  Pretty simple.

If I fish Wednesday afternoon, I'll try walking it up the ramp in reverse and give you a report.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Feb 26, 2018, 10:40 AM
You guys have me curious now.  I've only used the reverse a couple times moving the machine around in the driveway.

So far, I've had no issue loading it in forward.  I just stop the machine once the middle "bogey wheel" hits the tailgate, tilt the machine down, and fold the handle.  That leaves a couple inches of clearance.  Then I slide it under the cap.  Pretty simple.

If I fish Wednesday afternoon, I'll try walking it up the ramp in reverse and give you a report.

Good plan, yeah who knows, it might not be needed at all.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 26, 2018, 11:59 AM
You guys have me curious now.  I've only used the reverse a couple times moving the machine around in the driveway.

So far, I've had no issue loading it in forward.  I just stop the machine once the middle "bogey wheel" hits the tailgate, tilt the machine down, and fold the handle.  That leaves a couple inches of clearance.  Then I slide it under the cap.  Pretty simple.

If I fish Wednesday afternoon, I'll try walking it up the ramp in reverse and give you a report.

Where is your reverse gear activation lever located? I have been told that this years models with reverse have the control located under the front cover zipper. That is not really an issue but more of a PITA to get to it. In conversations with Snowdog I have been told the 2018 models will have the reverse activation located on the handle bars, maybe just push button or a cable actuated lever but I have not yet seen this newer style. I would love to see a clear picture of the reverse components that I don't have on mine-----YET!

I would absolutely have gone for the B13MER model with reverse but NO machines were available when I bought mine in November. I am waiting for Snowdog to get me the parts to retrofit it.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Feb 26, 2018, 12:36 PM
I did it this morning.

I ended up getting the standard size with 13 hp but NOT the reverse after all. Here is why...

The sales person was very experienced and showed me that he could load it without reverse by folding the handle and simply using the throttle lever that is directly on the motor (where the cable attaches). He brought out a ramp and it drove forward it into my truck bed very easily with the handle folded down and using the throttle on the motor. I was shocked at how much room I still have in the bed of my truck for my hut, sleds, and stuff.

It really is an awesome solution for those who do not want a snowmobile or ATV and are looking for something simple and small.

(https://s13.postimg.cc/qbfcoioab/Snowdog.jpg)


 (https://postimg.cc/image/qbfcoioab/)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: esox slayer on Feb 26, 2018, 01:54 PM
Where is your reverse gear activation lever located? I have been told that this years models with reverse have the control located under the front cover zipper. That is not really an issue but more of a PITA to get to it. In conversations with Snowdog I have been told the 2018 models will have the reverse activation located on the handle bars, maybe just push button or a cable actuated lever but I have not yet seen this newer style. I would love to see a clear picture of the reverse components that I don't have on mine-----YET!

I would absolutely have gone for the B13MER model with reverse but NO machines were available when I bought mine in November. I am waiting for Snowdog to get me the parts to retrofit it.

Gam

Speaking to the SnowDog reps who were at our FD training last week, they're telling us the "reverse" feature shortly forthcoming is going to be electrically activated...
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: BlackDucksAndBrownDogs on Feb 26, 2018, 03:36 PM
I was shocked at how much room I still have in the bed of my truck for my hut, sleds, and stuff.
(https://s13.postimg.cc/qbfcoioab/Snowdog.jpg)
 (https://postimg.cc/image/qbfcoioab/)

Congratulations on your purchase!!  You're really going to like it.

Believe me, it's easy to fill the bed.   With two nested sleds on the side and the ramp laying diagonally across everything, there is no room left in a short box!!!

My next truck will have a standard bed.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: BlackDucksAndBrownDogs on Feb 26, 2018, 03:47 PM
Where is your reverse gear activation lever located? I have been told that this years models with reverse have the control located under the front cover zipper. That is not really an issue but more of a PITA to get to it.

Correct.  The reverse is utilitarian.  It is in no way convenient.  First, you unzip the cover, reach in, and attempt to actuate the lever.  That seldom works, so you have to "roll" the clutch by hand before there is enough clearance to engage the reverse.  All of this has to be done with the motor off.  So, once the lever is in reverse, you start the engine and move the machine where you need it to go.  Finally, you turn the motor off and repeat all the steps in reverse (pun intended).

I'll try to snap some pictures later this week.

I had my pick of two Snowdogs -- one with and one without reverse.  The dealer was honest about how inconvenient the reverse feature is.  However, since I fish alone so much of the time, I figured it was cheap insurance should I "stick" it in deep snow.  Much easier to walk it out than fight a 350# hunk of steel in powder.

If they upgrade the 2018 model with electric reverse, that would be a welcome improvement.

Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 26, 2018, 04:02 PM
If you think the reverse is inconvenient the way you have it on your machine then think about this. My very first time on the dog was in about 8 inches of snow. I drove on the side of the plowed road for about a half mile from the house. One minute I was going fine and all of a sudden I got a bit off track and drove right into the ditch where I had small trees in front and on both sides of the machine. Not a crash but I could not go forward at all. I also could not yank the 300 pounds backwards to get out. Had to walk back home and get the Kubota to drag me out. Drive the Kubota back home and then walk back up to get the dog. It sure would have been a lot easier to just play with the R and back the beast out.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Feb 27, 2018, 12:26 PM
If you think the reverse is inconvenient the way you have it on your machine then think about this. My very first time on the dog was in about 8 inches of snow. I drove on the side of the plowed road for about a half mile from the house. One minute I was going fine and all of a sudden I got a bit off track and drove right into the ditch where I had small trees in front and on both sides of the machine. Not a crash but I could not go forward at all. I also could not yank the 300 pounds backwards to get out. Had to walk back home and get the Kubota to drag me out. Drive the Kubota back home and then walk back up to get the dog. It sure would have been a lot easier to just play with the R and back the beast out.

Gam

Dang, that sounds horrible. It is definetely a little bit of a learning curve and getting comfortable with the machine. It excels when driving flat.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Feb 28, 2018, 12:07 AM
Thanks for all the info. Planning to pick up a Snowdog.

Last question, the compact seems much easier to load/store. Do you think that the standard is that much better if all I do is pull stuff on the ice?
I recently picked up the 13 hp compact that I purchased just for ice fishing. An excellent very well thought out ,and designed machine.That does everything that I've asked it to do, so far.The only thing that I haven't tried yet is deep snow. But they say that snow that is knee high is no problem. But to answer your question, if all your looking for is something to get you and your gear out on the ice and back, then, I think even the 10 hp compact model will do that.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Feb 28, 2018, 08:56 AM
One more question...

What or how do you manage your sleds and stuff.

I saw a Youtube where one guy hitched his 2 person Clam sled directly to the Snowdog and sat in the swivel seat turned forward to drive. This eliminates the extra sled of stuff.



I have a few different shanty options that I use, based on the fishing location and if I am with company.

1. I plan to pull my 1-man Clam Blazer behind the Snowdog sled when fishing alone or in the BWCA. I can tow my Blazer to the edge of the BWCA and then trudge it in the rest of the way myself.

2. I have a large 6 person Clam Spearfisher pop-up that I can load in a sled(s) and haul out when I fish in groups. I think that I could get everything in the Snowdog sled and one additional sled.

3. I am planning to get a heavier 2 person Clam on a sled and do something like the Youtube I mentioned above, if I fish on normal lakes outside the BWCA. I think I can get everything in one sled and it would be easy to set up and move.

Sound reasonable?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 28, 2018, 09:35 AM
The Snowdog sled comes with a substantial hitch to the dog in the front and has metal tubing all around it under the top lip plus a rear hitch point for tying additional towed sleds. I towed the stand up sled with my 3 man Otter XT PRO RESORT sled and my 2 man Clam and two additional jet sleds all tied together like a train and all filled with the gear we needed for the day. I am sure this was well over 500 pounds. We hooked it all up on the flat ice and made the trek across the lake with no issues and very little grunt from the dog through 6 inches of snow.

On the return to the parking area the dog easily pulled me standing and just one additional sled up the ramp but could not pull the entire train. It lost traction in the gravel at the end of the cement launch ramp.

If I follow what you are asking all I can say is the dog has plenty of power for towing but it is limited by the traction it can get under it. Ice is very slick but ice with snow on top is way less slick. The track sticks like glue on the cement launch ramp but not so good on the loose gravel at the end. I need to use 4 wheel drive in my 4Runner when pulling my boat out and even then I spin wheels once I hit the gravel. All winter long we never had more than 8 inches of snow here at any one time so I have no real clue how well the dog would do in deep snow. It did blast right over 2 foot drifts with no problems at all but I was only in the stand up sled and not pulling a load when I did that. The pressure cracks some guys speak of might be an issue but I think they only happen up north on the big lakes and I have no idea what they could look like. Not too sure I like the idea of going air borne with the dog while pulling anything so I suppose I would follow the crack looking for a place to cross it slow and easy. I will step out on a limb and say that 90% of the time the dog will get the job done but there are some conditions where it will have some trouble. Snowmobiles are not particularly great tow vehicles either nor are 4X4 ATVs unless they have chains or tracks. I have watched them all going up the launch ramp and those that hit it with some speed can get all the way up to the parking area. The ATVs with 4 wheels chained make it easy while snowmobiles have to blast up it hard. An RZR that had tracks installed on it could stop half way up and get moving real easy the rest of the way but damn, those tracks alone cost more than a Snowdog. That video shows what would be a simple tow for the dog and no problem at all if he wanted 2 more shanties behind it.

Gam 
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: eriksat1 on Feb 28, 2018, 10:38 AM
Ok how about deep slush? We have about 8" - 10" of snow with the bottom maybe 5" is water slush under the snow. I almost got stuck in the slush yesterday with my snowmobile towing a sled, luckily I was able to blast my way out of it. When you get stuck in deep slush with a snowmobile you are in trouble, very hard to get out without a tow or maybe 3 other people. I had to walk about a mile and a half once across a lake with snowmobile stuck in deep slush to call friends for help.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Feb 28, 2018, 10:47 AM
Here is a video of the dog in slush.



Because it is far lighter than a snowmobile, it is far easier to get back on top of the snow and out of the slush - but you will probably have to pull the sleds to safety manually.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 28, 2018, 10:54 AM
Ok how about deep slush? We have about 8" - 10" of snow with the bottom maybe 5" is water slush under the snow. I almost got stuck in the slush yesterday with my snowmobile towing a sled, luckily I was able to blast my way out of it. When you get stuck in deep slush with a snowmobile you are in trouble, very hard to get out without a tow or maybe 3 other people. I had to walk about a mile and a half once across a lake with snowmobile stuck in deep slush to call friends for help.

That's a condition I have not yet been in with my Snowdog. I can tell you this. I don't drive my 4 X 4 4Runner into deep and very slick mud holes simply because I know the results. We can get just about any vehicle stuck in the right conditions and once stuck it sure is a PITA to get them out. I would want a rather tall 4 X 4 ATV with chains all around to drive in the conditions you describe. A tracked 4 X 4 ATV might even be a better option. I suspect the Snowdog would have just as hard a time as your snowmobile in that crappy condition.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 28, 2018, 11:09 AM
At some point in that video above the driver of the Snowdog got the message that he does not belong there at all so he turned it around and got off that mess. On a snowmobile he would probably be fine as long as he kept up the speed and could remain floating on the top. Once the snowmobile slowed down or tries to make a sharp turn it would be lights out.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Feb 28, 2018, 06:59 PM
One more question...

What or how do you manage your sleds and stuff.

I saw a Youtube where one guy hitched his 2 person Clam sled directly to the Snowdog and sat in the swivel seat turned forward to drive. This eliminates the extra sled of stuff.



I have a few different shanty options that I use, based on the fishing location and if I am with company.

1. I plan to pull my 1-man Clam Blazer behind the Snowdog sled when fishing alone or in the BWCA. I can tow my Blazer to the edge of the BWCA and then trudge it in the rest of the way myself.

2. I have a large 6 person Clam Spearfisher pop-up that I can load in a sled(s) and haul out when I fish in groups. I think that I could get everything in the Snowdog sled and one additional sled.

3. I am planning to get a heavier 2 person Clam on a sled and do something like the Youtube I mentioned above, if I fish on normal lakes outside the BWCA. I think I can get everything in one sled and it would be easy to set up and move.

Sound reasonable?
Go for it. The thing is supposed to be able to pull 600 lbs.I have pulled various sleds in a train many a time. I have no regrets buying mine. I just hope that as time goes on, and things wear out, parts availability won't be an issue.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mattyb516 on Mar 04, 2018, 12:18 PM
Hello all,

I bought a 13hp compact back in November and have only used it snow. It’s really an awesome machine and does the job for getting to spots on the ice perfectly. Now it’s march and the snow on the lakes are starting to get down to bare glare ice. I didn’t get the studded track. I saw a video of some guy who did some modifications and added studs to his track. So bought some studs but I really don’t know how to get to the track. I can only install studs on the paddles on the front and back, meaning 99.9% of the track is inaccessible. Gam, I read your review and it gave me some peace of mind knowing it will still go on glare ice but I just want a little extra grip.

Any of you fellas have suggestions for installing studs on the rest of the track?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 04, 2018, 12:36 PM
Hello all,

I bought a 13hp compact back in November and have only used it snow. It’s really an awesome machine and does the job for getting to spots on the ice perfectly. Now it’s march and the snow on the lakes are starting to get down to bare glare ice. I didn’t get the studded track. I saw a video of some guy who did some modifications and added studs to his track. So bought some studs but I really don’t know how to get to the track. I can only install studs on the paddles on the front and back, meaning 99.9% of the track is inaccessible. Gam, I read your review and it gave me some peace of mind knowing it will still go on glare ice but I just want a little extra grip.

Any of you fellas have suggestions for installing studs on the rest of the track?

By Studs, I hope you mean Ice Screws! It was a simple job but you have to raise the track an inch off the floor so you can roll the track to each of the cross paddles. I stuck a pipe through the track frame in the front and raised it up a few inches on 4 X 4 s. I used my floor jack in the rear on the sled hook and jacked it up after I removed the rear rubber flap. The entire process took about a half hour and I staggered the screws, 3 in one paddle, each side and the middle and then 2 in the next paddle either side of the middle. The dog will go just fine on ice without screw studs but if you want to pull a load they sure will make a world of difference. I believe that Snowdog does not recommend the real snowmobile stud bolt spikes for our tracks, just screws and the track has molded round spots where the screws go. A pack of 150-200 screws will leave you extras and you can use 1/2" or 3/4".

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mattyb516 on Mar 04, 2018, 01:25 PM
By studs, I mean these things

(https://s5.postimg.cc/5jsf6bk1v/D3_EA796_B-0_C14-4_B69-8_F10-9147_D70_E2775.png) (https://postimg.cc/image/5jsf6bk1v/)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mattyb516 on Mar 04, 2018, 01:26 PM
Thank you very much Gam for the help and information!
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 04, 2018, 01:46 PM
By studs, I mean these things

(https://s5.postimg.cc/5jsf6bk1v/D3_EA796_B-0_C14-4_B69-8_F10-9147_D70_E2775.png) (https://postimg.cc/image/5jsf6bk1v/)

Those are Ice Screws and just a different brand than the ones I like. Google Kold Cutter ice screws.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mattyb516 on Mar 04, 2018, 02:20 PM
Those kold kutters look they like they have a lot more balls than the ones I got. If I didn’t already have $50 invested in my screws I’d probably go with the kold kutters
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Mar 04, 2018, 04:28 PM
Love to read about the sleds. Great to see guys are seeing the light
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 04, 2018, 05:28 PM
Love to read about the sleds. Great to see guys are seeing the light

You should love to hear about these sleds. You started it! ;D

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Mar 05, 2018, 08:01 AM
I take that as a compliment, thank you
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 05, 2018, 08:19 AM
I take that as a compliment, thank you

It sure was meant as a compliment. I saw your creations here maybe a couple years ago and liked the concept. When I saw them marketed commercially I knew from your reports that I had to have one. I don't need any more ATVs, UTVs or snowmobiles that take up way too much room in both my truck and the shed plus all the BS fees and registration from the state and the liability insurance we must have on them. All I need is a tool that pulls and not another toy. Thumbs up MB!

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mattyb516 on Mar 05, 2018, 09:54 AM
Love to read about the sleds. Great to see guys are seeing the light

I’ve had my eye on one of these things for 2 years now and I finally had some extra cash kicking around so I made the leap. I’ve been limited in my fishing locations for years and I’ve been wanting to explore more spots. Some people say I’m crazy and I should’ve got a 4 wheeler or a snowmobile. But I don’t need anything fast or flashy. Just a tool, like Gam said, to get me from A to B. And it fits in the pickup bed. No trailer needed. All I need is an aluminum ramp and I can explore wherever I want
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Mar 05, 2018, 10:06 AM
I'm going to try and save up the money for one this summer.i like others have all the other toys, being atv and snowmobile but I need a workhorse that doesn't take up all the room in my truck bed.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Mar 05, 2018, 02:30 PM
Took my compact 10hp into about 10 inches of slush with even some sitting water. Pulled me and Sierra shelter at lower speed. It would spin out if giving it too much gas, but pretty satisfied, especially in several inches of water on top of ice.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DaleL57 on Mar 05, 2018, 05:58 PM
Called Ackerville Lawn and Garden in Slinger,Wisconsin last week.
Thought I'd stop on Saturday to check out the Sled Dog.
Guy told me that he was sold out of them.
Said he wouldn't get any till fall
Are they in that much demand?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 05, 2018, 06:22 PM
Called Ackerville Lawn and Garden in Slinger,Wisconsin last week.
Thought I'd stop on Saturday to check out the Sled Dog.
Guy told me that he was sold out of them.
Said he wouldn't get any till fall
Are they in that much demand?

There is a few answers to that question. First, this is the first year for them here in the states. Lots of dealers were unsure just how popular they might be so only ordered in a few units which pretty much sold out immediately. Then it got to a mad rush with dealers calling their distributor wanting more units but that caught the distributors with their pants down. I guess there were a lot of non believers that these would fill a nitch and the last thing both dealers and distributors want is to get stuck with a bunch of left over Snowdogs taking up floor space until next season. I tried to haggle with my dealer when I  bought mine and he just told me, if you don't take it he has 4 others who will come right down to get it. He only bought 2 and neither one was on his showroom floor for more than a day. Who Knew?

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Rugburn on Mar 06, 2018, 07:21 AM
The dealer in Norwich, NY has two on the floor, one of each size.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Mar 07, 2018, 03:33 PM
By Studs, I hope you mean Ice Screws! It was a simple job but you have to raise the track an inch off the floor so you can roll the track to each of the cross paddles. I stuck a pipe through the track frame in the front and raised it up a few inches on 4 X 4 s. I used my floor jack in the rear on the sled hook and jacked it up after I removed the rear rubber flap. The entire process took about a half hour and I staggered the screws, 3 in one paddle, each side and the middle and then 2 in the next paddle either side of the middle. The dog will go just fine on ice without screw studs but if you want to pull a load they sure will make a world of difference. I believe that Snowdog does not recommend the real snowmobile stud bolt spikes for our tracks, just screws and the track has molded round spots where the screws go. A pack of 150-200 screws will leave you extras and you can use 1/2" or 3/4".

Gam
I hear that to many screws in the track make it harder to steer. How do you know how many screws  to screw in, and what pattern works best?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 07, 2018, 03:48 PM
On each paddle of the track there are 5 molded round spots for the screws to go into. I don't see how fully studding or fully screwing the paddles with 5 in each would effect the steering. I explained how I screwed mine but I am not the expert here on screwing. It steers just like it did without the ice screws only better since they have awesome grip on bare ice. I don't see where adding 5 screws to each paddle will make that much difference unless you wanted to race with the Snowdog. I did this.

0---0---0---0---0  screws in the middle and both outside 0 s and then this

0---0---0---0---0  screws in the two 0 s I did not use in the above paddle, the ones to the right and left of the center 0.

Not too sure where you are hearing this from but I doubt it is good advice.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Rugburn on Mar 07, 2018, 04:12 PM
I've seen some of the snowmobiles use a repeating V pattern, like a tractor tire tread.

                                        V
                                        V
                                        V
                                        V
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 07, 2018, 05:42 PM
I've seen some of the snowmobiles use a repeating V pattern, like a tractor tire tread.

                                        V
                                        V
                                        V
                                        V

I am not too sure that snowmobile tracks come designed with the 0 spots for screws and instead they use bolt through spikes in the flat part of the track rather than at the end of each paddle. Keep in mind the Snowdog does not have the raw power of a snowmobile and the clutch hooks up at a much lower engine RPM but with plenty of low end torque and it has nothing out in front of the track that it pushes so it just pulls. Same principal as a front wheel drive car with all the weight over the engine and it pulls the car instead of pushing it. The Snowdog is a pulling tow motor while a snowmobile is a pushing machine with much greater high end capabilities once it gets floating. Make no mistakes, you could get both the dog and the snowmobile highly stuck in the wrong stuff with or without studs or screws.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Mar 07, 2018, 06:27 PM
From my experience, too many screws make hard to steer. I loaded up the track  on my first build, tendancy to go straight was very strong, most notably on glare ice. I removed about half the screws and problem solved.  Prob only have 60 in the second build
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Rugburn on Mar 07, 2018, 06:33 PM
Gam, the tractor tire pattern works well at all speeds pushing or pulling. I just happened to notice, while walking on Oneida lake this winter, the sled track I was on had a V pattern on their cleats. I thought to myself that it was a good idea. It looks like a pattern option given your provided hole locations for the ice screws you like. Proven worldwide. Less screws too, as metalbender suggested. I may buy one of these machines, I'm a fan! Nice ride.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DaleL57 on Mar 07, 2018, 06:34 PM
Gam,
Thanks for the reply.
I'll keep that in mind when I go look at them in the fall.
 
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mattyb516 on Mar 08, 2018, 06:33 PM
I have heard too that too many make steering difficult. My inclination was to load up the track with studs but never took steering into account. I don’t think it would make a difference on snow but on glare ice, it would definitely bite too much.

 I was going to install my screws today for a trip this weekend but won’t have to now after this storm blew through. I saw a video of someone who made some very nice mods to his snowdog and he used a staggered pattern exactly the way Gam posted (great visual btw). All you folks have been fantastic with information and conversation about this fancy little machine
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Mar 08, 2018, 06:57 PM
It's not really that easy to steer the dog to begin with and takes some practice. I don't think the screws will make it any harder or easier to steer but I can see how they would prevent you from spinning out.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 08, 2018, 07:10 PM
I had my dog on glare ice with and without screws the way I showed my pattern. I guess I see it all from a different perspective. Without studs the dog went fine on glare ice but steering was pretty wonky and if the sled I stand in or those being pulled got a little sideways they could easily spin the entire works right out. After I put the screws in the dog drove straight and steered great and then I was trying to figure out how to keep the stuff behind me tracking straight. On some snow there is no issue with any of this but glare ice is problematic and the screws sure do work. I don't think I need any more but I would not want any less. YMMV so if you like just add a few at a time until it feels right for you. BTW, anyone who has run a snowmobile on glare ice knows and understands they need carbide runners up under the skis as well as spikes in the track to be stable and steer true.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: esox slayer on Mar 08, 2018, 07:54 PM
I had my dog on glare ice with and without screws the way I showed my pattern. I guess I see it all from a different perspective. Without studs the dog went fine on glare ice but steering was pretty wonky and if the sled I stand in or those being pulled got a little sideways they could easily spin the entire works right out. After I put the screws in the dog drove straight and steered great and then I was trying to figure out how to keep the stuff behind me tracking straight. On some snow there is no issue with any of this but glare ice is problematic and the screws sure do work. I don't think I need any more but I would not want any less. YMMV so if you like just add a few at a time until it feels right for you. BTW, anyone who has run a snowmobile on glare ice knows and understands they need carbide runners up under the skis as well as spikes in the track to be stable and steer true.

Gam

According to the Snow Dog reps, there's some sort of "kit" available for the actual SD sleds, my FD has the kit coming, will try and remember to get a pic of the kit and post it, along with manufacturers part number...
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 09, 2018, 06:08 AM
According to the Snow Dog reps, there's some sort of "kit" available for the actual SD sleds, my FD has the kit coming, will try and remember to get a pic of the kit and post it, along with manufacturers part number...

The screw stud kit from Snowdog is part # 18100 and gives you 100 screws. I have never seen the screws they offer but since I already had plenty of the Kold Cutter screws which are of the same basic function I used what I had. I am sure there are probably a number of brands of ice screws and some have carbide points that might last longer. I would be interested to see if SD recommends a particular screw pattern.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Mar 09, 2018, 07:28 PM
I had my dog on glare ice with and without screws the way I showed my pattern. I guess I see it all from a different perspective. Without studs the dog went fine on glare ice but steering was pretty wonky and if the sled I stand in or those being pulled got a little sideways they could easily spin the entire works right out. After I put the screws in the dog drove straight and steered great and then I was trying to figure out how to keep the stuff behind me tracking straight. On some snow there is no issue with any of this but glare ice is problematic and the screws sure do work. I don't think I need any more but I would not want any less. YMMV so if you like just add a few at a time until it feels right for you. BTW, anyone who has run a snowmobile on glare ice knows and understands they need carbide runners up under the skis as well as spikes in the track to be stable and steer true.

Gam
As far as keeping the stuff behind you tracking straight. Snow dog makes an accessory item called sled skates part #5500-9900-0001, and they bolt on the back of the bottom of the sled that you tow behind. I ordered these from my dealer because on glare ice , the sled does fishtail to the point of spinning out, and taking the snowdog in the front with it. If you look on the various snowdog videos and such, there is one that shows this very clearly. Snowdog donuts , I think the video is called.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 10, 2018, 05:40 AM
As far as keeping the stuff behind you tracking straight. Snow dog makes an accessory item called sled skates part #5500-9900-0001, and they bolt on the back of the bottom of the sled that you tow behind. I ordered these from my dealer because on glare ice , the sled does fishtail to the point of spinning out, and taking the snowdog in the front with it. If you look on the various snowdog videos and such, there is one that shows this very clearly. Snowdog donuts , I think the video is called.

I saw the sled skates on the SD site and wondered how well they might work. Wish you would post an actual picture of them and give us a review. I am a tinkerer in my shop and usually try to DIY simple stuff like this if I can. Nothing on the site stated they were made of Carbide that will last infinitely longer than regular steel and they just appear to be a U bolt style attachment that apparently goes on the Hyfax runners in the rear of the stand up sled. Would I also need them for additional sleds I often tow? I sure did have the conditions on glare ice where all the towed sleds behind the track sled were wagging the dog but just going slow made it manageable.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: BlackDucksAndBrownDogs on Mar 10, 2018, 07:41 AM
I've put quite a few miles on the dog over the last week.  Much of the travel has been on glare ice.  If you tow a heavily loaded jet sled as the "caboose" most of the sway disappears.  The lack of hyfax runners adds just enough resistance to stabilize things.  Note that some sway remains -- it doesn't pull straight as an arrow.

I will stud the track before next season.  On Tuesday I towed a passenger and could feel the track struggling for traction.

Yesterday was a real test for the machine.  We were on the fringe of the nor'easter and received 12  - 14" of fluffy powder.  Snow was still falling when I left the access.  I confess I was a little underwhelmed by the performance.  The track labored to gain traction and would break free if I applied too much throttle.

After I caught enough smelt for bait, I picked up a buddy.  With 600# in tow, traction was a real problem.  We made it, but couldn't travel faster than a jogger's pace.  Still beats walking!! ;D

The return was a different story.  The snow settled over the morning and the dog came to life.  Easily towed gear at 15 mph before dropping my buddy off.  With 175# less in the rig, the last leg of the trip was a blast!

I now believe that the standard frame has too much buoyancy.  I am going to experiment adding ballast (I'll carry my deep cycle battery in the basket) tonight.

Gam, I haven't forgotten about your pictures.  Just too busy fishing right now.  Once trout season ends on Thursday, I'll snap a few for you.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Mar 10, 2018, 01:32 PM
I saw the sled skates on the SD site and wondered how well they might work. Wish you would post an actual picture of them and give us a review. I am a tinkerer in my shop and usually try to DIY simple stuff like this if I can. Nothing on the site stated they were made of Carbide that will last infinitely longer than regular steel and they just appear to be a U bolt style attachment that apparently goes on the Hyfax runners in the rear of the stand up sled. Would I also need them for additional sleds I often tow? I sure did have the conditions on glare ice where all the towed sleds behind the track sled were wagging the dog but just going slow made it manageable.

Gam
They are made of hardened steel ,I just receaved them today ,and haven't installed them yet. There is no safe ice left in our state to give you guys a review, and I wish I could post a photo of them, but I don't know how. But If you go to snowdog's facebook page , there is a link that shows them and how to install them. I think it is,  https://snowdog.com/content/manuals
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Eyes R Bitin on Mar 11, 2018, 09:46 AM
I've put quite a few miles on the dog over the last week.  Much of the travel has been on glare ice.  If you tow a heavily loaded jet sled as the "caboose" most of the sway disappears.  The lack of hyfax runners adds just enough resistance to stabilize things.  Note that some sway remains -- it doesn't pull straight as an arrow.

I will stud the track before next season.  On Tuesday I towed a passenger and could feel the track struggling for traction.

Yesterday was a real test for the machine.  We were on the fringe of the nor'easter and received 12  - 14" of fluffy powder.  Snow was still falling when I left the access.  I confess I was a little underwhelmed by the performance.  The track labored to gain traction and would break free if I applied too much throttle.

After I caught enough smelt for bait, I picked up a buddy.  With 600# in tow, traction was a real problem.  We made it, but couldn't travel faster than a jogger's pace.  Still beats walking!! ;D

The return was a different story.  The snow settled over the morning and the dog came to life.  Easily towed gear at 15 mph before dropping my buddy off.  With 175# less in the rig, the last leg of the trip was a blast!

I now believe that the standard frame has too much buoyancy.  I am going to experiment adding ballast (I'll carry my deep cycle battery in the basket) tonight.

Gam, I haven't forgotten about your pictures.  Just too busy fishing right now.  Once trout season ends on Thursday, I'll snap a few for you.

BD&BD,
I'm trying to think what the buoyancy does.  In what conditions would that be a detriment and when would it be an advantage?  Would you get the compact model if you could change things?

Thanks
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: BlackDucksAndBrownDogs on Mar 11, 2018, 05:14 PM
I'm trying to think what the buoyancy does.  In what conditions would that be a detriment and when would it be an advantage?  Would you get the compact model if you could change things?

Ideally, I would NOT buy a Snowdog without a demo ride on both the compact and standard frames.

I suspect the additional buoyancy of the standard does not allow the machine to compress the snow enough for traction when pulling a heavy load.  That is, the track shears fresh powder instead of gaining positive grip.  The plus side is that the machine doesn't bulldoze its way through the snow.

Using the battery as ballast did help.  Plus, my machine has a tendency to lean/carve to the right so by offsetting the battery to the left, it provided a little more stability.

I fished a smaller lake today.  It has continued to snow so I didn't take any chances -- I groomed a trail with a single sled and no gear first.  Then, I loaded everything but the kitchen sink and hauled it out to my spot.  Once I got the pop-up in place, I groomed two lanes for my traps (New England talk for tip ups).  After getting smelt, I just dragged the jet sled around by hand to rig out.  Worked really well.

My trails drifted in so I groomed a second time mid-morning.  The return trip with all my gear was a breeze.

I may not be able to do that on big lakes, but it is an option.

One other thing to consider -- the standard frame is NOT maneuverable.  It is happy going straight and making big, wide turns.  My machine is a cumbersome SOB in the backcountry.  Takes a lot of effort to negotiate tight corners even marginally well.

The compact must be more nimble?

One question for owners -- Is anyone else having trouble with the brake?. I've been adjusting the tension/calipers daily but by the end of the trip, I've lost the brake.  May need to request a warranty repair.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 12, 2018, 08:28 AM
I notice none of the conditions you describe. The difference between the compact and standard models have more to do with engine HP and weight than with the track itself which is only around 8-10 inches longer. I have never driven a compact Snowdog so I can't honestly rate any differences regarding how well they steer in tight conditions. I can say the downward pressure on the bars lifts the front of the dog and makes it turn tighter. I have my bars in the lower setting for stand up driving. Where I did lose traction while climbing up the launch ramp I had my buddy crouch in the basket of the machine which added an additional 180 pounds and it climbed right up through almost a foot of powder snow on top of slick ice.

I do agree the machine is a bit top heavy and can be tipping on uneven terrain. Being just 20 inches wide and every bit as high you certainly can lay it over which I have done. I added a set of grab handles on the front end of my Standard 13 HP model to assist in righting the machine in the event it does lay over. With the snow cover on it there just is no place to grab in the front so the handles do the trick.

On the flat ice out in a field or on an old wood road I find no issues at all with just the way I have mine set up. Poking your way through a tight forest on a trap line where no machines have gone before might get very tricky. Keep in mind the machine itself is about 5 feet long and with the bars in the drive mode they add close to another 5 feet in length or about as long as a snowmobile. You do need some room for maneuvering in a wooded setting but you don't have a set of skis sticking out in front to get caught on obstructions and small trees. I really think I can make a tighter turn on my Snowdog than most snowmobiles can.

The clutch mechanism IMO is a major plus on my Snowdog. It hooks up at much lower RPMs than any snowmobile I have ever driven and it hooks up with a greatly reduced smoother and slower take off. I can creep along at 1 or 2 MPH and at very low engine RPMs while most snowmobiles need to be revving quite high just to get the clutch engaged. Lower engine RPMs equates to lower fuels consumption and less torque and spin to the track on take off.

Your idea of adding a 70 pound deep cycle battery in the basket makes perfect sense and puts an additional 70 pounds right over the track which has to add traction. So far I have found the ice screws make a major difference on bare ice but on ice that has some wet or stuck snow on it the dog has no problems at all. It is a strong locomotive capable of pulling a very substantial load out on flat ice which is exactly the purpose I bought it for.

I had a Polaris RZR with chains all around that did a fine job until we had over a foot of hard packed snow. I thought about putting tracks on it but the tracks alone would cost more than a Snowdog and even then the machine would end up almost 6 feet wide and take up my entire truck or trailer bed leaving no room for the rest of my gear. You also need wide open woods for a 6 foot wide machine to travel through while hunting or trapping.

There will be places and conditions where the Snowdog excels and other places where it is best left at home. I think thick ice with a top crust and deep slush might present just such a condition where the Snowdog should stay home. I have blasted through 2 foot high snow drifts but I am not sure how well it would do out in a field with a full 2 feet of deep heavy snow. The term "Grooming the trails" on snowmobile trails comes to mind because they don't do all that well in 2 foot deep snow that is not groomed either. We can be sure there will be lovers and haters of these little machines but count me as a lover because I know the limitations and can deal with them. I don't like ice fishing when I am standing in 6 inches of slush anyway and it is not all that much fun when there is 2 feet of fresh snow on top either. I got mine stuck just once where I got tossed off track in between trees and with a tree in front and on both sides. The only way out was backwards and without the reverse gear on my B13ME model I had to get my Kubota to pull it out.

During the hunting season I will absolutely have one of these with me in the Snowdog basket.   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BGZA052/ref=s9u_psimh_gw_i3?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pd_rd_i=B01BGZA052&pd_rd_r=d48c46a2-25f8-11e8-a97a-9ba70c80a3ad&pd_rd_w=xgFpT&pd_rd_wg=5HT5v&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=5MYHJZW36W6R8ND2EGTP&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=1dd2ffc3-992f-4bde-81b0-de270e0ead5a&pf_rd_i=desktop

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Mar 12, 2018, 01:51 PM
Thank you all, especially Gam, for all this great info. Has anybody asked Snowdog to be a sponsor? It is a great product.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 12, 2018, 02:11 PM
Thank you all, especially Gam, for all this great info. Has anybody asked Snowdog to be a sponsor? It is a great product.

I have mentioned to Sergei Banshchikov, client department at Snowdog to sign up and join these conversations because he is a wealth of information about their machines. I will say that he did join a forum directed toward the trapping sports and did his best but those guys were pretty relentless in hammering him and these machines from the trapping point of views. Seems that everything he said was met with complete disdain on that forum but I never read any reviews there from a trapper who actually owned a Snowdog, they just knew they did not like them right from the giddy up and had no interest in them. Very tough crowd there and they might have scared Sergei away from joining other more receptive forums. I do believe they would be a great sponsor here and the Snowdog fits right in with our sport.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Mar 12, 2018, 02:17 PM
Quote
It is a strong locomotive capable of pulling a very substantial load out on flat ice which is exactly the purpose I bought it for.

I think this says it all. That is exactly why I bought mine.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 12, 2018, 03:29 PM
I think this says it all. That is exactly why I bought mine.

Think about this Gunflint. Most of the guys who even have a Snodog don't really know just how strong they really are.

In the picture I will try to attach I had me and my dog in the first sled. Behind that I had my super large Otter XT Pro Resort 3 man flip over loaded with all my gear. Behind that I had 2 Clam 2 man flip overs plus and additional sled and all of those were loaded with the gear for 4 fisherman. Granted I was on about 6 inches of hard snow that was stuck like glue to the ice so I had great traction. The Snowdog pulled it all with very little effort all the way across that lake with the 3 other guys riding in their sleds. Well over 1,000 pounds on the flat snow covered ice. Walking and pulling each of our own gear would have taken a good half hour to go that 3/4 mile but the Snowdog dragged it and us all in less than 5 minutes and we were all fresh when we got there. Really, no more needs to be said for hard water fishing transportation.

Gam

(https://s13.postimg.cc/in2csv5o3/IMG_0686_-_Edited_2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/in2csv5o3/)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Mar 15, 2018, 07:09 PM
Anyone use the stud ice screw brand "Grip Studs"on the Snowdogs ?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 15, 2018, 07:51 PM
Anyone use the stud ice screw brand "Grip Studs"on the Snowdogs ?

I am not sure about these Grip Studs. The Snowdog track has molded round spots for the ice screws to go in to but I am not sure large enough for these Grip studs. I used what I had in either 5/8 or 3/4 inch length, http://koldkutter.com/. Much, much cheaper for a bag of 250 at around $25 and that is plenty to do the track twice with some to spare. They work perfect and are sharp as you would ever want. I never lost a single one all season long and if all you ride on is ice they will last a long time.

On a completely different note but related.

I use and love my Jack Trap, cross jack 31 inch tip ups. I bought a set of 5 years ago and just IMO they are the very best tip ups money can buy. NY now allows me to use a total of 7 lines, all tip ups or a combo of traps and jig rods. I ordered 2 additional tip ups from Jack Traps to match my old set. In the process I learned that Jack Traps, made in Maine is also a Snowdog dealer which goes right along with our sport of ice fishing. Much to my dismay I also learned they are still out ice fishing up there with well over 18 inches of ice while I sit here in southern NY looking at feet of snow in my yard and more coming and open water on all my local lakes.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Mar 17, 2018, 09:38 AM
There is a new video that shows the new reverse lever on the handle.  It looks sweet. It is around 40 seconds into the video. They also show a hard cowling.
(https://s14.postimg.cc/5sewl64lp/dog.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/5sewl64lp/)





Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 17, 2018, 09:51 AM
Thanks Gunflint. I am waiting to hear from them when I can buy this new reverse set up and what it will cost. From talking with a bunch of members and a few dealers I guess there was only a very limited supply of the top B13MER model with the factory reverse and I only talked with one dealer who had and sold one. Real sweet to see they moved it out to the handle bars.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Mar 17, 2018, 09:55 AM
Gam,

See if we get a discount if we buy 2.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 17, 2018, 10:18 AM
Gam,

See if we get a discount if we buy 2.

I will send you a PM when I get the info.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: eiderz on Mar 17, 2018, 06:48 PM
I'm sold on one, I'm all in when the new ones with the handlebar mounted reverse arrive.  :thumbsup: One thing I'm not doing is using the machine as a pusher, what a wreck if the lead sled gets hung up.  :'(
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 17, 2018, 08:45 PM
I'm sold on one, I'm all in when the new ones with the handlebar mounted reverse arrive.  :thumbsup: One thing I'm not doing is using the machine as a pusher, what a wreck if the lead sled gets hung up.  :'(

That's exactly what I thought when I saw it!

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Mar 19, 2018, 07:08 AM
I don't think I would like the front-seat either, but here is a video from their trade show showing off the new front-seat and you can see the rigid cowling as well. this starts around 22 minutes into the video. I don't see many advantages to driving from the front for doing the hauling for ice fishing sleds.

Prime-Time design



DIY design

Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 19, 2018, 08:25 AM
I really like letting the Snowdog pull me and all the stuff behind me. It is like the difference between front wheel drive and rear wheel drive plus I have complete control if I need to lift the front to power through deep snow or slush. My one and only complaint is the lack of reverse on my dog and in all honesty reverse would only ever be used for backing off the trailer or backing out of a stuck spot when you just can't go forward such as a hidden tree or something like a stump under the snow. I could see the front attachment being useful if you had a small driveway and attached a plow.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: eiderz on Mar 19, 2018, 08:50 AM
I really like the Snowdog, but I think they'll hurt their cause with the front seat setup. The videos from Russia remind me of the US 50 years ago, none of the nanny state safety rules, which is really cool. Somebody will catch a foot under the track or get runover in a pileup and although it is/was the drivers fault, the US safety regulators will be all over Snowdog. Mandatory helmets, registration, and insurance coming soon to a state near you.   :(
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Mar 19, 2018, 09:39 AM
It looks much less safe and more like a snowmobile (licenses, insurance, etc.). 

IMO they won't bring the front-seat option/model to the USA.

The standard rear configuration resembles a tracked snowblower more than a snowmobile - and skirts the problem of regulations. I don't need helmets or licenses to drive my snowblower (or tow something behind it).
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 19, 2018, 09:48 AM
I really like the Snowdog, but I think they'll hurt their cause with the front seat setup. The videos from Russia remind me of the US 50 years ago, none of the nanny state safety rules, which is really cool. Somebody will catch a foot under the track or get runover in a pileup and although it is/was the drivers fault, the US safety regulators will be all over Snowdog. Mandatory helmets, registration, and insurance coming soon to a state near you.   :(

Experience proves a fool can get hurt on a pedal tricycle. Based on what I see in the videos with front mounted seats I would agree the likelihood of injury is highly increased. From my own experience this season with my Snowdog I found it was very safe while standing behind the machine in the sled. On some snow it was fabulous and super stable in every way and even if I did get tossed out the machine would be well out of the way. On bare ice it was quite different. My dog with the screw studs in the track was perfect however the sled behind sure could fishtail out of control and I don't know if the steel runners they sell for the sled would make that much difference. Carbide runners like used on snowmobile skis might be the best option. I just went much slower on bare ice but it would not be a bad idea to wear a helmet just in case you do take a tumble, ice is real hard on the head. So far here where I am there are no regulations that I know of and in speaking with a few in the field of law enforcement and ECOs no such regulations are yet planned. I would bet as these machines gain in popularity my state of NY will come up with some way to get their piece of pie in the form of fees but none so far.

I have seen with my own eyes some wild crashes on the ice with both snowmobiles and ATVs and in both cases it was operator error or just plain stupidity like doing donuts and hitting a patch of snow while sliding sideways. I had one of my disc type tip ups run over by a yahoo on a snowmobile blasting by at supersonic speed and good thing I never caught him. He saw it at the last minute but could not avoid it and kept going too far for me to follow on foot.

I did just buy a pretty cool old Gravely 2 wheel sit down sulky I plan to rig for summer driving and towing my kayak, just need to fabricate the hitch hook up and a rear connector.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Mar 19, 2018, 09:55 AM
Set up time is crazy. then after a long day of fishing, take it all down again, possibly in the dark? No thanks
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Mar 19, 2018, 09:59 AM
Agreed, a helmet with a visor would be an asset. Was out once in a bit of a blow, glasses got covered, snow melting in my stache, hard slugging along.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 19, 2018, 10:12 AM
Agreed, a helmet with a visor would be an asset. Was out once in a bit of a blow, glasses got covered, snow melting in my stache, hard slugging along.

Ha Ha, Been there for sure. Drove about a mile and a half to the south shore and fished most of the day. Around 3 PM the winds picked up to about 30 MPH straight out of the north. I pulled up and headed back right into the wind and blowing snow. Eyeglasses iced over, beard and mustache looked like a snowman and I could only poke along real slow between stops and goes to clear my glasses. All the while I had my full face helmet with shield back in the truck. For next season I plan to mount a box up front that will hold my helmet and some other stuff.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 22, 2018, 04:11 PM
Here is the Snowdog ready for summer time duty. Just have to fashion a tow hook to the sulky for dragging my kayak on wheels.


(https://s14.postimg.cc/8kyz1c2p9/IMG_1425.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/8kyz1c2p9/)



(https://s14.postimg.cc/eyo24nkgt/IMG_1426.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/eyo24nkgt/)

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Mar 22, 2018, 04:38 PM
Very cool!

I just took mine on a 10 mile trek to get the feel for it before I head out to a remote lake for a camp-over in my pop-up this weekend. Hope yo collect some pictures of my mule train over the ice.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 22, 2018, 05:13 PM
Very cool!

I just took mine on a 10 mile trek to get the feel for it before I head out to a remote lake for a camp-over in my pop-up this weekend. Hope yo collect some pictures of my mule train over the ice.

After I got the sulky all set up which works great on the road out front I put the sled back on to go play out in the field. We have about a foot of very heavy and wet snow and I had to see how the dog would do it that crap. What a complete disaster. The dog had plenty of traction and powered right through everywhere I pointed it but I laid it over a good half dozen times. Some of the snow is harder packed in places where it drifted and real soft in other places where the sun hit it. The minute I hit a soft spot where it sunk on one side over it went. Going down the old wood roads was no problem at all but I learned real quick to stay out of the open field. Going through high snow banks was a blast as long as I hit them straight on at a 90 degree angle. Some of the banks are well over 3 feet and the sled wants to toss you out on the down side but it is manageable once you get the feel. If I had to run through wide open fields with uneven ground and snow all the time I would be fashioning some sort of outrigger skis on each side so it was not so tippy. As long as I could keep it upright it had no problem going through deep banks and down pressure on the bars lifts the front and it digs right in and powers right through. I don't have much experience on snowmobiles but out in my 100 acre field I bet they would be in all sorts of trouble until the trail was packed down or groomed.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Mar 22, 2018, 05:28 PM
I understand. But that was only playing...

The Dog is a bit top heavy and cornering at high speeds isn't recommended. Which is fine because it does exactly what I bought it for. I was not looking for an inexpensive snowmobile. The Dog meets my needs better, and for less.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Mar 25, 2018, 04:45 PM
My trusty Snowdog hauled 4 full sleds:
- me
- my friend (riding in the rear sled)
- a large Clam 6 person hub shanty
- food for 3 days
- 2 cots and bedding
- heater
- 2ea 20lb propane
- 5 gal gas
- ice fishing gear, minnows, etc.

Had to be 1,200+ pounds. Went several miles to remote lake. The Dog is awesome.


(https://s31.postimg.cc/hnmg831qf/IMG_2827.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/hnmg831qf/)


(https://s31.postimg.cc/9uvsg5lhj/IMG_2819.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/9uvsg5lhj/)

We cooked on the Big Buddy heater and mostly made freeze dried meals with hot water.


(https://s31.postimg.cc/ax5yyrow7/IMG_2814.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ax5yyrow7/)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 25, 2018, 05:02 PM
Nice pics and great report. Perfect snow condition for the dog and you could easily add another sled for the kitchen gear and cook tent and it wouldn't know it was there.

BTW, Where's the fish???

Wish I still had ice here.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Mar 25, 2018, 05:32 PM
I actually catch more fish in lakes that are closer to my cabin and that I know well. We had whitefish, burbot and lake trout. This was a nice one. I had to go through more than 3 feet of ice.


Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: SpitzoMT on Mar 25, 2018, 11:19 PM
Video does not play.....Says it's unavailable !!
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Mar 26, 2018, 09:25 AM
Looks like a heck of an expedition. Great to have you share the experience.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: BlackDucksAndBrownDogs on Mar 26, 2018, 10:47 AM
We still have plenty of safe ice in Vermont so I'm still fishing a couple times per week.  We've also received more than two feet of snow from the last few Nor'easters.  Accordingly, I've been able test the Snowdog's capabilities in some pretty tough situations.

If you recall from my March 10th post, I had one trip where the Snowdog was unimpressive.  I now believe that conditions were unique that day.  Every trip since, regardless of snow depth or slush, has been a breeze. 

So far, the unit has floated over the slush.  In fact, given the generous flotation, I don't think the slush has even made contact with the track.  I've yet to experience any build up. 
But, once I step on to the ice, my feet punch right through into the soup.  Glad I received my Mickey Mouse Boots the other day!!
 
Overall, I'm very happy with the unit.  The handling still requires diligence, but, with experience and a little foresight, it'll power through most anything.

I did miss a turn the other day (I approached the access from a really odd angle) and buried it in the snowbank.  I quickly unhooked the sleds, flipped the reverse lever, and backed the 'dog right out.  Once I slapped the hitch back on, I was back in business.  Barely missed a beat.

Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Mar 27, 2018, 10:06 AM
Sorry, the video should play now.

I took the dog on a much easier ride yesterday. I just hauled my one-man Clam Blazer to the edge of the Boundary Waters and then trudged it over the portage by foot to the lake. Far more fish, nearly non-stop action. I even had four trout on the screen at one time.

(https://s31.postimg.cc/izijzkpzb/IMG_2832.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/izijzkpzb/)

Here is an interesting scene from the camera. The fish high in the water column did not register on the fish finder.


Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: bioguide on Apr 07, 2018, 03:27 PM
I test road and brought home a standard model 13 hp with reverse this past week. Then headed north to Indian Lake for a day trip ride. Winter is still holding on strong (April 6, 2018) with at least 10" of ice, shore to shore, on the southern end.

What fun...



Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Apr 07, 2018, 05:28 PM
You won't regret it.

It is also "multi-season" as this video demonstrates.

Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Apr 09, 2018, 07:05 AM
I test road and brought home a standard model 13 hp with reverse this past week. Then headed north to Indian Lake for a day trip ride. Winter is still holding on strong (April 6, 2018) with at least 10" of ice, shore to shore, on the southern end.

What fun...



Nice to see another NYer with a Snowdog. I asked this of Gunflint and now have to ask you regarding the reverse option. First, is your machine the original style with reverse located up front or the newer style with the button on the handle bars?

I am trying to determine what it will take to add reverse to my B13 ME. I was in direct contact with Snowdog about this but it seems they no longer have any interest in helping me. Not sure if all the recent Russian political issues have anything to do with it but they quit responding to my emails right after they featured me on their web site.

I suspect the reverse gear mechanism is a fairly standard apparatus that is probably on many snowmobiles so I might be able to source the parts and do the upgrade myself. Down here in SE NY there was only one dealer and he could not find a machine with reverse for me back in November when I bought mine. I could easily add it myself if I could get the info about the part I need, Manufacturer, part numbers. I know the clutch part on mine and probably all of the 13 HP models was made by Kaliningrad Motor factory and is part number BM500STANDJB006288. The reverse is on the same shaft opposite from the clutch belt and had to be switched from under the front cover. The newer style comes with the actuator mounted on the bars so you don't need to get off to switch it. I hope one of you can get me some numbers and the info I need.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Apr 09, 2018, 07:12 AM
Gam,

Keep me posted on what you find. Thanks!
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Apr 09, 2018, 08:39 AM
Gam,

Keep me posted on what you find. Thanks!

I will but something tells me it is not the easy upgrade I expected it to be. Seems like it should just be adding a reversing box on the opposite side of the shaft from the belt clutch up front and a lever or cable to switch it to spin backwards. Apparently some snowmobiles get reverse by actually spinning the engine itself in reverse rotation while others have a reversing gear box attached to the clutch shaft. I have worked on a lot of motorcycles over the years but never on a snowmobile or an ATV in or around the transmission or clutch mechanism other than replacing a belt. I think we need to start hammering on Snowdog and the dealers to get us an option to upgrade our machines. Look at it this way, the 13 HP model with reverse was just $200 more and I would have paid that in a heart beat if the dealer could have found a B13 MER model for me. None and I do mean NONE were available at the time when I got mine. I think the initial shipment of dogs to the states consisted of a lot of the compact models and some of the standard 13 HP models with only a very limited number of the MER models with reverse. It only takes a time or two of yanking this thing backwards either out of a stuck condition or around on a trailer or in the shop to understand just how important the reverse really is. Back when I was 30 it would not bother me at all dragging 300 pounds but at 66 it sucks if I even can do it. Harbor Freight sells a small ATV winch for $50 that might be the alternative and just carry a kayak/canoe anchor in case you need to drill a hole to pull you backwards.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: SnowDog company on Apr 10, 2018, 09:32 AM
Hello, folks!

We're still continuing the development of the reverse kit, its release was delayed until the Fall. Sorry for that, but we're striving to make the product as good as theoretically possible.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Apr 10, 2018, 10:30 AM
Hello, folks!

We're still continuing the development of the reverse kit, its release was delayed until the Fall. Sorry for that, but we're striving to make the product as good as theoretically possible.

Thank you Sergei. There are a few lucky guys on this discussion who did get the reversing models but a few others who will be wanting them when you do get them available. Put me first on your list.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Apr 10, 2018, 02:26 PM
Hello, folks!

We're still continuing the development of the reverse kit, its release was delayed until the Fall. Sorry for that, but we're striving to make the product as good as theoretically possible.
Will this reverse kit fit current Compact and standard models ?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Apr 10, 2018, 02:31 PM
sweet! snowdog is part of our community now..im saving my money to hopefully have one this winter.im thinking a small model with reverse.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Apr 10, 2018, 03:39 PM
I don't believe the compact models ever came with the reverse option. Sergei will be able to answer this question. As far as the Standard 13 HP models, there were just 2 this year, and the only difference between the B13 ME that I have and the B13 MER was the reversing option. Very few of the MER models ever made it this far east for this season. I am not sure if the dealers just did not order them with reverse or the manufacturer just did not make that many with reverse that came to the US.

Yes it is nice to see Snowdog log in here and from all of my contacts with Sergei and Vladimir I must say they have been top notch with providing me with info and updates. Rather refreshing actually!

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Apr 11, 2018, 08:51 AM
Pretty cool to have the company reps on here now. Great opportunity for growing this machine's ice fishing potential. I have a compact that I bought new this February, but it must be one of the first models made as it doesn't look anything like the ones on the website or that people showed on here. Still performs great, we're supposed to get about 2 feet of snow this weekend, should be the dog's last snow ride this winter.....I won't go out on a lake anymore as it is a little too dangerous for my liking plus the fish have basically stopped biting by now.....
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Apr 11, 2018, 09:59 AM
Pretty cool to have the company reps on here now. Great opportunity for growing this machine's ice fishing potential. I have a compact that I bought new this February, but it must be one of the first models made as it doesn't look anything like the ones on the website or that people showed on here. Still performs great, we're supposed to get about 2 feet of snow this weekend, should be the dog's last snow ride this winter.....I won't go out on a lake anymore as it is a little too dangerous for my liking plus the fish have basically stopped biting by now.....

I would love to see a picture of your dog mboss. We don't know where you are located and I keep saying this is the first year for Snowdog in the US but I could certainly be wrong on that. It is however the first year we have ever been able to buy them here in NY. I have seen both the compact and standard models with different outer dresses. Some are black and others are snowy camo but I think under the covers pretty much all the same depending on the model.

Now as far as your last point, "the fish quit biting", I  hope you are right. Our open water trout season started on April 1st and most of the lakes have some or all open water. I have not caught a damn fish yet and have fished every day the weather cooperated. Between snow, rain and crazy winds I have been out but only saw one guy with a fish so far. Basically I've just been drowning bait fish other than a few SM Bass that are out of season.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Apr 12, 2018, 07:47 PM
(https://s14.postimg.cc/xcd4w8el9/20180214_091418.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/xcd4w8el9/)

Here is the unit I got. Looks different than the ones on the dog site.
(https://s14.postimg.cc/gee4aluzh/IMG_20180224_110151.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/gee4aluzh/)

Notice my drive chain is on the left side...on their website the compact 10hp ones have the drive chain on the right.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Apr 13, 2018, 05:48 AM
I have noticed the different sides for the drive chain and just thought all the compact models were on the left and the standard larger models were on the right. I do like that your cover left open the grab spots toward the front where mine has those spots completely closed. I installed grab handles on each side of the front on the cross brace the light is affixed to because with cold hands in gloves it had no place to yank it around on the trailer. In some of the videos I have seen from Russian models there does appear to be a few different models we don't get here. I think in Russia these have been on the market a while but only here in the US for a year or two so far.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Apr 13, 2018, 06:13 AM
I agree, I think there must be several models out there. Ultimately they all seem to be only minor variations and the engines are the same. I got a really nice deal on my unit. We are getting up to 2 feet of snow this weekend so I hope to take it for a spin Sunday.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Apr 13, 2018, 06:45 AM
I agree, I think there must be several models out there. Ultimately they all seem to be only minor variations and the engines are the same. I got a really nice deal on my unit. We are getting up to 2 feet of snow this weekend so I hope to take it for a spin Sunday.

After seeing the pulling power of my 13 HP model I am very sure I could have been fine with either of the compact 7 or 10 HP models like yours. With just a light coat of snow on the ice these dogs dig right in and can pull an amazing amount of weight with little effort. I think in deeper snow the bigger engine might be a bit stronger if pulling heavy loads but I rarely ever have deep snow on the lakes here. Slush is the only condition I have not yet been in so I can't comment on the dogs performance in it.

I now have a 2 wheel sulky to tow behind the Snowdog and am setting it up to tow my kayak on a wheeled trailer much the same as towing my shanty sleds. We have a real nice fishing lake about a mile into the woods from the parking area I hope to tow the kayak back to. Not yet sure if being on wheels will work good or get me into a wag the tail condition but spring should arrive here in the next few weeks and I will be trying it out. It does pull the sulky great but I have to wonder how the trailer with kayak might track behind it.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Apr 13, 2018, 10:28 AM
Are you all making your own cargo trailers for these or buying the ones from snowdog....they seem a little on the pricey side, especially compared to a full trailer from say harbor freight.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Apr 13, 2018, 11:10 AM
It seems to me that the compact would be more maneuverable than the standard unit I have - both from length and from a weight perspective.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Apr 13, 2018, 01:16 PM
For a cargo trailer I have a 4 wheel dump cart that can hold over 1,000 pounds and hooks right up. No seat though so it has to go behind either the sled or a sulky. I picked up an old Gravely lawn tractor sulky and for under $100 I have it all hooked up to drag either the cargo trailer or my kayak on a wheel cart.

I just finished hooking up a small ATV winch I got from Harbor Freight for $50 and I rigged it for both front and rear operation. I would suspect the compacts are a little easier to maneuver but doubt it makes that much difference.

Gam
(https://s14.postimg.cc/5u98pg21p/IMG_1428.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/5u98pg21p/)



(https://s14.postimg.cc/92dq1z8ql/IMG_1430.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/92dq1z8ql/)



(https://s14.postimg.cc/560e63ax9/IMG_1429.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/560e63ax9/)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: SnowDog company on Apr 17, 2018, 07:15 AM
Will this reverse kit fit current Compact and standard models ?

Hello!

It will fit both Standard 13 and Compact 13. Kits for the other models may be developed later.

P.S. It's really good to be here, guys. Hope my answers will be of help to you! Thank you, Gamalot, for telling us about this forum.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Apr 17, 2018, 08:27 AM
Looking on the Snowdog web site at the various models I think the pictures do not show the actual models accurately. My B13 ME-WR Standard has the chain drive on the right side of the machine under the headlight. On the site it shows the B13ME Standard with the chain on the other side. So far I have only ever seen the 13.5 HP models and they all have the chain drive on the right under the headlight both Compact and Standard models. I think the smaller engine 7 and 10 HP models have the chain drive on the left side and not under the light.

This might be the reason why the reverse kit being designed now will only work on the 13.5 HP models. For the models that have the chain drive on the left side the reverse kit would have to be completely different as best as I can tell.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Apr 17, 2018, 11:11 AM
As pictured my is on the left side. I would be interested in the reverse kit if it is actually an easy add on. Hope they make it for the compact 10, and then there is the question of what model year it is as they aren't very transparent about that right now obviously.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Apr 17, 2018, 11:19 AM
As pictured my is on the left side. I would be interested in the reverse kit if it is actually an easy add on. Hope they make it for the compact 10, and then there is the question of what model year it is as they aren't very transparent about that right now obviously.

Just a guess here but I suspect all the Snowdogs we have now are all built in 2017 although the sales brochure I got with mine says 2018. I bought mine in November of 2017 but it is common for companies to build their next years units in the previous year. If it was built in say August of 2017 it sure could be a 2018 year model.

Gam 
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Apr 18, 2018, 01:20 PM
Just a guess here but I suspect all the Snowdogs we have now are all built in 2017 although the sales brochure I got with mine says 2018. I bought mine in November of 2017 but it is common for companies to build their next years units in the previous year. If it was built in say August of 2017 it sure could be a 2018 year model.

Gam

I bought my from a dealer who claimed to have it for a while and used it as a display unit at many of the fishing, hunting, camping shows so it had 15 hours already on it but was sold to me as new for warranty purposes. I do believe my is one of the first units brought to the states.....
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: plumber on Sep 19, 2018, 06:20 PM
 im looking at buying a standard snow dog ,i will be using it for rabbit hunting back in to state lands where my truck would get stuck on unmaintained roads from winter snow, i will be hauling a dog box with 5 dogs and all my gear all i would say app. 300 lb. i would really like one of these units but cant seem to pull the trigger on it ..done a lot of research and video and love the idea but afraid of buyers remorse.... i think it will do the same as a sled but not sure any advice from any owners would be appreciated.. thanks
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Sep 19, 2018, 08:57 PM
As an owner of one of the first ones here in NY i will give only my opinion. I have the 13.5 HP model and really only use it for ice fishing and pulling my gear, sometime quite a massive load. It does fabulous with a coat of snow on the ice and if you add the studs it does just as well on glare ice.  Out on a lake with lots of room the steering is not an issue at all but I think in the woods on tight trails it could be a good work out. The machine itself is a bit top heavy so if you get on a tilted slope it sure could end up on it's side if you don't horse it through. Traction on earth will never be an issue and on a few inches of snow it sure will go. Even with a foot of snow would be no problem but I would look for flat trails in those conditions. I have a small ATV winch I carry just in case I do get tipped or stuck and it was around $50 at Harbor Freight. If I was towing a dog box behind it I would be sitting or standing on the box and not doing a 3 point drag in tight trails, machine, sled and box all separate. I will use mine this deer season if I get a good buck but the deer will be in the sled with me and not dragged behind the sled. Crossing deep mud might be an issue if it bogs down but the winch will get me out. You will not have problems dragging a heavy load as long as you have solid earth under you and blast through lose stuff. It has plenty of power but it sure could dig a hole if the load is too heavy and the ground is lose. Out on the ice these are a dream come true and going through fields or on old wood roads is great. Not so great on a single track motorcycle trail unless you have the upper body strength to horse the machine around. I would not recommend buying one that does not have the reverse option on it. I will complain until the cows come home about mine that lacks reverse option and even slam them if they do not come up with the promised add on reversing unit. IMO they should not even sell them without reverse unless you want the smaller and much lighter weight compact model. 3 point turns are pretty common on these and pretty damn hard if you can't flip a switch and back up. Mine is ready and raring to go and I hooked up an old Gravely sit on sulky with wheels for the hunting season. It won't be a go fast unit anywhere but much faster at top speed on flat ground than any of us need to go, actually pretty scary fast on bare or snow covered ice. On a scale or 1-10 I give it a solid 8 and will go to 10 if they get me the reverse gearing they said was in the works last winter. It is a little tank and will go just about anywhere any snowmobile will go in up to a foot of snow or more depending on the snow pack conditions. Remember it has no skis out front to float it but it does have all the weight directly over the track to dig it down and plenty of power to push through. I was impressed to no ends out on a snow covered lake with what this tow motor could easily drag behind it. Glare ice was an issue until I added Ice Kutter studs to the track which made it nearly unstoppable. Hope this helps.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: plumber on Sep 24, 2018, 05:08 AM
thanks for your response gam.. it will be seasonal logging trails i will be using most of the time and i made a custom dog box on an xl sled that is lo profile so its not top heavy with a seat for me also, up 2- 20 mph is perfect i dont want fast i want safety and a machine that will do the work to get us in and out time and again. i see for ice fishing these are a very valuable tool of transportation and work horse... i think it will be the same for hunters and trappers as well but must know limitations.. if they had a 30 day trial i would not hesitate to get one ha ha so theirs a challenge snow dog im call you out. you would get a very honest review from me...        thanks, plumber
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Sep 24, 2018, 05:47 AM
thanks for your response gam.. it will be seasonal logging trails i will be using most of the time and i made a custom dog box on an xl sled that is lo profile so its not top heavy with a seat for me also, up 2- 20 mph is perfect i dont want fast i want safety and a machine that will do the work to get us in and out time and again. i see for ice fishing these are a very valuable tool of transportation and work horse... i think it will be the same for hunters and trappers as well but must know limitations.. if they had a 30 day trial i would not hesitate to get one ha ha so theirs a challenge snow dog im call you out. you would get a very honest review from me...        thanks, plumber

There are numerous reviews and videos posted on Youtube on the Snowdog. Most are very positive reviews and a few negative ones from owners who likely took them where they don't belong. I have a number of old logging roads here and it works great on them. Smaller trails off the logging roads are a lot more challenging and I don't go too far off the roads with the dog. I would not go too far off these same roads with a snowmobile either just because they get too tight and steep with very little room to turn around. You will be fine once you learn the machines and your limitations. As far as dragging 200-300 pounds I think no issues at all as long as the ground allows traction. Just avoid slick mud pits because you will get trashed.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: plumber on Sep 24, 2018, 04:29 PM
 called snow dog today and they said they sold out to power distributor? not sure what that means but im still planning on a purchase.. they sell them in my town currently and they service them also so that is a plus here, i thank everyone for their posts and information to help the undecided and answer questions that a salesman wouldnt know and an owner would.                       plumber                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: filetandrelease on Sep 24, 2018, 04:53 PM

I saw 1 at all seasons power sports in lowville ny Rt 12
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Sep 24, 2018, 05:24 PM
called snow dog today and they said they sold out to power distributor? not sure what that means but im still planning on a purchase.. they sell them in my town currently and they service them also so that is a plus here, i thank everyone for their posts and information to help the undecided and answer questions that a salesman wouldnt know and an owner would.                       plumber                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

I just reached out for my contact at Snowdog and should get a response in a day or two. These machines and the Snowdog name originate in Russia but were made here I believe in Milwaukee, WI. Not surprising that they could transfer ownership to a US company front given all the good vibes between Russia these past months regarding tariffs. I would think if you want a machine it might be a good idea to spring for one that is already here and came before the tariffs kicked in. Who can really say what the end result will be with fledgling companies such as this with all the turmoil in our world right now. I certainly do support what our President is trying to do but that does not protect us from the fall out. Weather or not Snowdog will be a one or two year wonder is something worth considering until we know what direction these machines will go in. My contacts were signed in here as members but I just don't know much more than that today. I will be the first to slam them if they drop the ball on getting us the reversing kit they promised back last winter which was promised to become available in May of 2018.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: plumber on Sep 25, 2018, 03:32 AM
              i plan to use a cargo carrier unit to haul my snow dog and have seen video of this and some posts .. but dont list a model they use ? i will make a salt shield for protection and also load the unit in its own sled ..(the standard will fit in the sled they say) my question to all is what cargo carrier is recommended ? their is alot that say rated at 500 lb but the reviews say their not .im looking at a 24 x 60 curt.. any input or recommendation of model capable with no problem...                      plumber
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Sep 25, 2018, 01:36 PM
Quote
I will be the first to slam them if they drop the ball on getting us the reversing kit they promised back last winter which was promised to become available in May of 2018.

Thanks Gam, I will be the second.

Gunflint
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Sep 28, 2018, 02:06 PM
Gam,

Did you see this? This looks like our missing "Reverse Kit" that we have been longing for.

https://snowdog.com/parts/item/211 (https://snowdog.com/parts/item/211)

Di you think it would it work for us?

I just put a call into my dealer for more info.

Gunflint
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Oct 02, 2018, 07:51 AM
Gam,

Did you see this? This looks like our missing "Reverse Kit" that we have been longing for.

https://snowdog.com/parts/item/211 (https://snowdog.com/parts/item/211)

Di you think it would it work for us?

I just put a call into my dealer for more info.

Gunflint

Yup, That is the new reverse system and I hope they get it here soon. I just posted the National Weather Service Long Range prediction for my area and here is what they say.

LONG RANGE WINTER WEATHER FORECAST: DECEMBER 1, 2018 TO
MARCH 31, 2019.
Headline: Above normal Snowfall for the winter. And
temperatures will average slightly below normal.
Look for our first cold air outbreak early this season, around MID OCTOBER.
Also, we are forecasting an early start to winter in terms of the odds of snowfall.
Watch for something as early as late October to mid November then more
significant “events” later November and December.
January will have it’s usual “January thaw” but not last too long. Still above
normal snowfall in January. February and March look to be closer to normal
temperatures with February above normal snowfall and March near normal
snowfall.
More specifically, we are forecasting snow totals this winter to be 35% to 55%
above normal totals! Temperatures will average 1 to 3 degrees below normal
with some periods of excessively cold air.
Thank you
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Garrett on Oct 03, 2018, 10:56 AM
Reading their post on Facebook, it looks like they just changed the company that does their US distribution to Power Distributors. It didn't really sound like they sold out, just changed how they will distribute to the dealers. Also, they use a Briggs and Stratton motor, (US designed, available worldwide) but the machine is still imported from Russia.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Oct 03, 2018, 11:06 AM
Reading their post on Facebook, it looks like they just changed the company that does their US distribution to Power Distributors. It didn't really sound like they sold out, just changed how they will distribute to the dealers. Also, they use a Briggs and Stratton motor, (US designed, available worldwide) but the machine is still imported from Russia.

This is correct Garrett, Just a change of the distributor in the mid west region.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Oct 19, 2018, 07:01 AM
So, with season rapidly approaching, any new mods or upgrades, or general snowdog news...?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Oct 19, 2018, 07:11 AM
So, with season rapidly approaching, any new mods or upgrades, or general snowdog news...?

Actually No, mboss. We are still waiting for the upgraded reverse gearing to get here and have no info yet as to how much it will cost or when it will be available. I have not yet heard if this years models are equipped with the new system or not but possibly those out west might be able to check with their dealers on this. I will do some snooping but I am a long way from any dealers here in the Hudson Valley.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Oct 19, 2018, 08:15 AM
So, I just had a good discussion with a dealer up in Maine, Jack traps tip ups has a retail store and they are a dealer for Snowdog. He was well aware of the complaints most of us have either with or without the reverse gear from last years models. Those who did not get the reverse wanted it and those who did get the old style reverse hated it. He just received this years new models with the updated reverse which he claims is excellent and it is actuated from the handle bars. He has not heard anything about kits for those of us to upgrade our older last years models but is checking into it for me. Just so you know, on the old reverse units you had to go up front and under the cover to switch it into reverse. You also had to rock the machine back and forth to align the reverse cog for it to engage. The new reverse is smooth and operated from the handle bars plus they have changed the weight distribution on the sled itself to make it more stable.

On a side note, jacktraps.com is a premium dealer and great people to deal with in person or on line. IMO they make the best tip ups money can buy in all sorts of different sizes and styles plus they sell just about any ice gear we could hope to find. Yes, they are a bit pricey but believe me, you get what you pay for when buying high quality traps. Check out their web site when you get a chance.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: FLAGGG on Oct 19, 2018, 10:18 AM
To my New York State snow dog owners Are you required to register the machine as a atv or snowmobile or agricultural (farm) machine I know how ny likes to regulate everything
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Oct 19, 2018, 03:34 PM
To my New York State snow dog owners Are you required to register the machine as a atv or snowmobile or agricultural (farm) machine I know how ny likes to regulate everything

So far as I know NY does not quite know how to tax and regulate these track sleds YET! Maybe some guys up north might have been questioned by an ECO but I have not had any interaction with them yet. I do know the DMV says there is no registration avenue for them yet because they are not listed as a motor vehicle YET. They do not have VIN numbers just possibly serial numbers and probably on the engines. As you are well aware NY will eventually figure out some way to dig into our pockets once they become more popular.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mboss13 on Oct 30, 2018, 09:24 AM
Looks like a few new accessories have popped on the snowdog site. Hope to inspect them at the St. Paul Ice show. Am thinking of welding together some sort of clip on auger carrier. I am thinking of switching to a Nero 7" with just a dewalt 996, so it would be pretty compact. That way the drill wouldn't touch snow and would have a nice place to rest when not in use.

I saw a guy with a rifle mount on fb, but I need my to be removable so that the handles can still be folded and the dog still fits on the little cargo carrier either in its sled or with the sled over it.

In fact, I have been using a cheap steel cargo carrier from Menards, and it is bending pretty good, when I put the snowdog in the sled on it. I'm thinking of getting the wheelchair aluminum carrier from Harbor Freight. I thought that way I could just drive the snowdog on and put the sled on top of it. The back of my Tacoma has the eskimo sierra or the otter thermal hub for the super cold days with a second otter sled.....

As much as it is convenient I plan on driving the truck less on the ice, other than maybe in middle of January when it is brutally cold. Instead hope to use the snowdog more this year.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Oct 30, 2018, 09:45 AM
For carrying a dog out back from a 2" hitch the guys on my motorcycle forum all highly recommend the Versa hauler one. Not sure if it will work or they have one that will for the dog but according to them it is a substantial rack and can handle the weight of our MCs just fine. My very first ice trip with the Snowdog I used my utility trailer and drove about 100 miles on crappy roads. Boy was that a bad move. The dog was covered with sand and salt and the pop up shanty was completely trashed with the crap. I went and bought a used enclosed snowmobile trailer that serves 2 purposes, carries all my gear and the dog keeping them clean plus is a perfect storage shed for the off season for all of my ice gear. I used to store my pop up in the shed and last year when I was getting things ready I found the mice made a home in my clam and ate the cover in a few spots plus they pissed all over inside it. Just having bought the new pro resort Otter 3 man pop up I wasn't about to store that in a barn or shed where mice could get near it. They can't get in the snowmobile trailer at all because that flip up cap seals tight all the way around.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Nov 09, 2018, 08:19 PM
For those building thier own, this is the video that inspired me. I shamelessly copied this. Guess if it's on the web it's fair game. You Tube    Home made snowmobile/tracked vehicle      perdolt   Sorry I don't know how to link
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: KLR1968 on Nov 12, 2018, 12:05 AM
I absolutely do not recommend the swivel seat unless you are going to put it on and leave it there. It is a real bear to put on and take off. I took the seat off the bracket and mounted it on something else. Save yourself $200 and pass on that seat.Other than that, I am super happy with mine....Reverse would be nice, but not necessary for me.It took a couple tries, but loading and unloading into the truck are a piece of cake now.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Nov 15, 2018, 03:05 PM
I absolutely do not recommend the swivel seat unless you are going to put it on and leave it there. It is a real bear to put on and take off. I took the seat off the bracket and mounted it on something else. Save yourself $200 and pass on that seat.Other than that, I am super happy with mine....Reverse would be nice, but not necessary for me.It took a couple tries, but loading and unloading into the truck are a piece of cake now.
You Know , you kind of made my mind up for me. I purchased the 13hp. compact last year, and kind of wished that it had the reverse feature , to make moving it around easier.But if you actually think of the times that you really need a reverse gear? Not so much. Plus who knows how much the reverse kit will actually cost.Snow dog doesn't know , yet. If you guys notice parts for these things are not that cheap. So it just seems to me anyway, not to be worth it anymore. Thanks for changing my mind for me ;D
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Nov 15, 2018, 03:37 PM
Reverse is not necessary for all of us. In my case dragging that thing backwards off a trailer or out of my shed at 66 or even unsticking it if it gets stuck just is not in the cards. I bought this to do the work and not to be the workout. You say you bought the 13 HP compact but I am pretty sure the 13 HPs are all the standard size and certainly not the Compact ones. I could be wrong there though and we don't have many Snowdogs around here just yet. I wish I could actually see a new 2018 model that does have the reverse and a few other updates but I'd have to drive close to 200 miles to find one right now. My very first time out on my brand new 13 HP Standard I got yanked a bit off the path and ended up with small trees on both sides and a big tree in front. I could not yank it backward and I could not go forward, right or left. I had to walk home and get my tractor to drag it out. Reverse would have had me out in a minute. You are of course right and reverse is probably a little used option but for use older guys it could be the savior. Just think if your car or truck only went in forward gear and had no reverse at all. Yes, price will be a very important part of this upgrade. What ever the difference in price is between a standard with and a standard without reverse is is what the kit should cost us. Last year if I could have found a reverse model they were $200 more and I had that in my pocket when I bought it. My first snowmobile didn't have reverse and I couldn't sell that POS fast enough, my riding lawn mower has reverse so what's the big deal?. I don't need a swivel seat or any seat actually and am perfectly fine standing or sitting on a milk crate to get to my fishing spots.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Nov 28, 2018, 04:21 PM
Recently I have seen a few videos of Snowdogs with LED bar lights on them as an optional modification instead of the stock small single one that comes with the unit. Should definetly throw more light for night time driving. thinking of doing this mod myself, but am a little concerned with increased battery draw leaving me stranded. Any experienced with this please chime in.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Nov 28, 2018, 04:31 PM
LED lights have very low current draw.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Nov 28, 2018, 05:16 PM
YUP! LED lights draw less than half what standard lights draw and Tractor Supply carries a nice assortment of them.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Nov 28, 2018, 06:41 PM
Amazon for lights
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Woodsman on Nov 28, 2018, 07:21 PM
Not sure how legal this would be in Ontario.
Can it be registered as an off road or snow vehicle?
Can insurance be bought for use off your private property?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Nov 28, 2018, 07:40 PM
Not sure how legal this would be in Ontario.
Can it be registered as an off road or snow vehicle?
Can insurance be bought for use off your private property?

As far as we know it doesn’t quite fall under either MSVA or ORV.

Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Nov 28, 2018, 08:06 PM
There are some bi dealers in Ontario. They must be allowed somewhere.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Sully55 on Dec 07, 2018, 10:48 AM
[


If you dont mind me asking did you have anything like prints to look at to build it? Really would like one because I pulled my otter ice shanty by hand last year.... not this year.quote author=metalbender link=topic=335401.msg3562476#msg3562476 date=1481598590]
Please post a pic of the new Snow Dog and your ear to ear grin as you cruise  around.  More guys need to be exposed to these machines.  They are more fun than fast. I've had lots of fisher folk wave me over to have a look.  I also carry mine on a hitch mount rack, the Evo 2 and riding sled fit in my Jeep.  The one on the rack is the first build, 7 hp, pull start. The second has a wider track, 15 hp and electric start.
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae4/metalbendr/IMG_0822_zpsirnxegvd.jpg) (http://s952.photobucket.com/user/metalbendr/media/IMG_0822_zpsirnxegvd.jpg.html)
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae4/metalbendr/IMG_0779_zpsndxmimuy.jpg) (http://s952.photobucket.com/user/metalbendr/media/IMG_0779_zpsndxmimuy.jpg.html)
[/quote]
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Dec 07, 2018, 06:07 PM
See post 218. That tube video started it for me. Watched lots of other vids, usually Russian, for ideas. They run from crude to sophisticated. The factory ones seem to be very well done. With a well equipped shop, professional results are attainable.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: mkiburz on Dec 07, 2018, 10:01 PM
To my New York State snow dog owners Are you required to register the machine as a atv or snowmobile or agricultural (farm) machine I know how ny likes to regulate everything

Snowdogs do not need to be registered.   but you know this state
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Dec 08, 2018, 05:20 AM
At present here in NY the Snowdog is not yet considered a vehicle. Much the same as a walk behind snow blower with tracks. I do not think there is anything illegal if you bring your snow blower out on the ice to blow away a path around your trap lines and it is not illegal to have your plow on a registered ATV and do the same. No one know what the future will bring regarding the SD and you are 100% correct that NY will want their cut of the action eventually. As far as the DMV is concerned they are not yet listed as vehicles and do not come with VIN (Vehicle Identification Numbers) so NOT register-able. It could remain this way since they do not have an actual steering gear.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Dec 08, 2018, 08:14 PM
Mines
Built from old Polaris snowmobile. Absolutely amazing machine. Kept the chaincase and retained reverse and relocated to handlebars. Now I’m wishing I had electric start. Wider track would be nice but I can
Lean this thing hard and turn pretty damn sharp.
(https://i.postimg.cc/WtZf8TzF/5-BA8-E0-C4-81-EE-4131-B72-B-031-ACB6877-DE.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WtZf8TzF)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Dec 08, 2018, 08:24 PM
Well done.  What top speed is it geared for?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Dec 08, 2018, 08:38 PM
Gearing was one of the toughest things to figure out, before I found this thread I based my build from a YouTube video and went with the tav2. Later I found out I was asking a bit too much and eventually realized I had to go with the biggest sized sprocket on the jackshaft as possible In order for the torque converter to perform optimally and have enough torque to spin that track no matter how much weight I had Behind it. Finally I’m there and things are the best they’ve been, I can rev the engine all the way up under any situation and feather the throttle so I don’t spin the track lol. I don’t have an exact top speed but my guess is around 20 km/h. Which I’m sure you know is plenty fast enough because I’ve wiped out at full clip and that wasn’t fun hahaha and I’m a younger guy, felt it for days hahahah. Your builds are quite impressive bender.
I’ve got another one about to start being built.
Made from another old sled and instead of the tav2 I’ve got a  reversing transmission with a 2.37:1 gear ratio we’re going to add in because this old sled didn’t have reverse and we have deciced reverse is essential.
(https://i.postimg.cc/5Xf41sTg/4-DFDC4-B5-C274-4-FF5-86-FC-50379-F4-B7927.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5Xf41sTg)

This is #2 still has a way to go.
(https://i.postimg.cc/sv4znpxh/059-FC515-26-C9-46-E9-BCE6-42-B9-D624-F1-B7.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sv4znpxh)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Dec 08, 2018, 08:56 PM
Once the bug bites ha ha
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Dec 08, 2018, 09:06 PM
Hahha yep, what kind of top speed have you gotten out of your 7 and 15 hp models with the 2:1 wet clutch?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Dec 09, 2018, 08:20 AM
Mine’s geared for about 12 mph. Plenty fast enough for riding in a sled with no suspension.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Dec 09, 2018, 10:58 AM
!0 - 15 MPH is plenty fast enough. Last year on 2-3 inches of flat snow my buddy ran his ATV along side of me. Going full throttle and dead straight with my 13.5 SD I was able to hit just over 20 MPH with just me standing in the sled. That is wicked fast and I would never even think about going full throttle when dragging a sled with gear behind my stand up sled. I feel best just cruising along at around 10 MPH while pulling the train and am thrilled I no longer have to use leg power at all. I believe the SD track is 20 inches wide. It would probably be nice if they made one around 24 inches wide which might help when going up a steep launch ramp and towing a good load. The machine has no problem at all just going up with me in the sled behind but if towing other stuff it can lose traction and dig right down. Our ramps here are usually just lose stones and I have no problems if there is a good snow pack from other snow machines but if I am first or the stones are not already frozen solid to the ground the track will spin and throw stones if it bogs down.

Also keep in mind when dragging a few sleds the condition I call Wagging the Dog is ever present. Not so much on top of a snow covered lake but a wild ride on bare ice. The dog with the screw studded track stays straight but the sleds behind wander all over and can spin you out. I bet Metal Bender could figure out and design a set of ice scratchers to install on the shanty sled that would keep it in line and could be deployed only when needed.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Dec 11, 2018, 01:23 AM
The "sled Skates" that they sell as an accessery item work great.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: buckzone101 on Dec 11, 2018, 05:40 AM
Getting my parts together to build one.. best motor size... gearing... comet cv belt clutch? Centrifigal chain clutch.... best quickest easiest way to do this? Best place to get longer cables?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Dec 11, 2018, 05:56 AM
The "sled Skates" that they sell as an accessery item work great.

I have considered the skates but wonder if I need them on each sled? The one I stand in and the ones I am towing?

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Fisherman 1 on Dec 11, 2018, 08:44 AM
Getting my parts together to build one.. best motor size... gearing... comet cv belt clutch? Centrifigal chain clutch.... best quickest easiest way to do this? Best place to get longer cables?

Longer cables, probably an ATV or Motorcycle shop,  they can be made to order.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Dec 11, 2018, 09:18 AM
Longer cables, probably an ATV or Motorcycle shop,  they can be made to order.

YUP! You can also buy kits to make your own and probably at Rockymountain ATV or maybe Pro Cycle.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Dec 11, 2018, 09:35 AM
I used bicycle cables and brake levers. As for the clutch,  my first one wirh 7 hp had a centrifical clutch, worked ok but had it smokin' on numerous occasions. Limited to about 9 hp with a smaller one. Hd units are pricey.   The two to one clutch/gearbox does well with low speed gearing, still needs to hook up quick to limit slip time. If I were to build another, my choice will be a variable pulley type, larger than the common mini bike one though. A twenty inch wide track is far more stable than a fifteen.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Dec 11, 2018, 09:59 AM
I used bicycle cables and brake levers. As for the clutch,  my first one wirh 7 hp had a centrifical clutch, worked ok but had it smokin' on numerous occasions. Limited to about 9 hp with a smaller one. Hd units are pricey.   The two to one clutch/gearbox does well with low speed gearing, still needs to hook up quick to limit slip time. If I were to build another, my choice will be a variable pulley type, larger than the common mini bike one though. A twenty inch wide track is far more stable than a fifteen.

The Snowdog uses a CVT very similar to what I had on my Polaris ATV and the RZR and also the same as on many snowmobiles. I would have to say this is the pulley type you mention that transfers engine power from the rubber belt that raises as the RPMs increase and then it transfers that through a jack shaft to a chain driven sprocket set up. I would suspect there are gearing changes one could make by swapping various sprocket combinations to either go slower with a great deal more torque or go a lot faster if that is what you want. I am actually quite satisfied with this system as it is but I know from my dirt bike days that a couple tooth change in a sprocket can make a lot of difference one way or the other.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Dec 11, 2018, 11:32 AM
If I could do it over I would use the comet 40 series.
Make your own cables, Brake levers and housing and cable all purchasesble from a bicycle store.

I used a 7hp motor pull start, 150$ cdn

Easiest way to do it. Butcher an old sled with a good track.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Dec 11, 2018, 12:07 PM
The slightly beefier comet 40 has a smaller belt than a sled, also made to operate within the small engine rpm range. Could be a challenge getting the sled variable to hook up at low rpm. From my understanding, the small series comet only really drives on one side of the belt, something to do with the angle of the belt face being different from side to side. Russian tube vids have shown critical  belt failures with the small units.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Dec 11, 2018, 07:14 PM
I have considered the skates but wonder if I need them on each sled? The one I stand in and the ones I am towing?

Gam
Try putting them on 1 sled first, then switch the sleds around, front to back, back to front ,and see if additional ones are needed for the other one. One pair mounted in the back like the instructions recommend works for me.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Dec 11, 2018, 07:36 PM
Try putting them on 1 sled first, then switch the sleds around, front to back, back to front ,and see if additional ones are needed for the other one. One pair mounted in the back like the instructions recommend works for me.

Thanks! I drag at least one of my pop ups behind my stand up sled. Either a 2 man Clam Guide model when by myself or the bigger Otter pro resort when fishing with my buddies. Kind of hope that 2 pairs, one on each shanty sled in the back will do the trick. Last year I did tow my stand up sled with me in it and three other shanty sleds on glare ice. No problem at all with power for the pulling but man was it wild with the far back sled off to the side and trying to spin the entire train out. I had to continue to our spot at under 5 MPH just to keep all the sleds behind the dog and even then the rear one kept trying to pass me on one side or the other.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Dec 12, 2018, 05:23 AM
The slightly beefier comet 40 has a smaller belt than a sled, also made to operate within the small engine rpm range. Could be a challenge getting the sled variable to hook up at low rpm. From my understanding, the small series comet only really drives on one side of the belt, something to do with the angle of the belt face being different from side to side. Russian tube vids have shown critical 
belt failures with the small units.
I am making the 30series work without blowing belts and I’m happy, I think the 40 series would be better to operate with a small engine.
I don’t think the juice would be worth the squeeze to try and change a snowmobile clutch to engage at the proper rpms required for a small 4stroke. That would probably be difficult to make happen.

The 30 series is asymmetrical and does only drive one side. Pretty cool, different that typical belts and clutches.I bought a genuine comet and have only burnt one belt. That was when I had no idea how to gear it properly and was running the machine hard up and down hills with the belt cover on and she got too hot, cover off and gearing changed to the opposite side of the spectrum.
Ie. I went from a 14 tooth sprocket on jackshaft to a 72 lol  I haven’t been able to burn one out since. I’m gonna try and modify the cover for more airflow and reinstall and see if I’m still good to go.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: buckzone101 on Dec 12, 2018, 05:10 PM
Still getting the same performance or better? And what are ya running on the clutch side? Pics of your build? Im interested in talking with you 1 on 1 if ya dont mind.. iv got a ton of questions
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: VenomInjected on Dec 24, 2018, 11:27 AM
Anyone else make their own snow dogs?   Is there a target snowmobile that works the best?  (some newer ones I see online seem that the front is nose diving into the ground and almost plowing right from the get go.

Looking at making my own this off-season and will start part collecting now.  (Own a welder, and restore cars for a hobby so this "should" be within my grasp).
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Stickhick86 on Dec 24, 2018, 11:36 AM
Anyone else make their own snow dogs?   Is there a target snowmobile that works the best?  (some newer ones I see online seem that the front is nose diving into the ground and almost plowing right from the get go.

Looking at making my own this off-season and will start part collecting now.  (Own a welder, and restore cars for a hobby so this "should" be within my grasp).


I've seen a video where someone repurposed a tracked snowblower to accomplish what you are thinking about doing. they just took the snow auger and blower off of it. Seemed to work pretty well.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: VenomInjected on Dec 24, 2018, 12:21 PM
I've seen a video where someone repurposed a tracked snowblower to accomplish what you are thinking about doing. they just took the snow auger and blower off of it. Seemed to work pretty well.

Old snowmobile seems to be the way to go...
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MI0GVSP0fp4/hqdefault.jpg)

(https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/gq5pV44ZPWA/mqdefault.jpg)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: bowmandan on Dec 24, 2018, 12:25 PM
What size engines are on the snow dog? Also what size snowmobile would be big enough? I have an old Yamaha 250 exciter would that be big enough
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Dec 24, 2018, 12:27 PM
My snowdog is 13 hp.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Dec 24, 2018, 01:07 PM
The final drive on our Snowdogs is a roller chain and sprockets. From the engine to the CVT is a rubber belt. If I was building one on an old snowmobile track I would try to mount the engine as close to directly over the middle of the track as possible and then if you use a chain and sprockets to transfer the power to the track you can use what ever length chain it ends up needing. The one pictured above appears to me to be very weight forward with all the heavy stuff right at the very front. If it works then all is fine but it does seem to be front heavy IMO. Keep in mind that snowmobiles have skis out front that keep the front end up and a rider or two on the back that levels it out while the No Ski and NO Rider approach might cause undue wear right up in the front. Move the weight back so it is over the middle of the track would be my advice if that is possible. The more of the track that is evenly disbursed with weight on it the better.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: VenomInjected on Dec 24, 2018, 01:49 PM
The final drive on our Snowdogs is a roller chain and sprockets. From the engine to the CVT is a rubber belt.
Gam

Seems the same setup the homemade guys are using also.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Dec 24, 2018, 02:16 PM
On that one I see no reason why the motor could not be mounted further back and just with a longer roller chain. My 13.5 HP Snowdog will cruise along at a little over 20 MPH and believe me, that is plenty fast enough.
If I was building one from an old track I would concentrate on weight distribution as close to directly over the center of the track and the lowest possible center of gravity. What I find the very best with these types of machines is the pulling power. A snowmobile is basically pushing the machine forward kind of like a rear wheel drive vehicle while these machines are pulling more like a front wheel drive. I was absolutely amazed with my Snowdog the day I went out with 3 buddies who all have pop up shanties and gear sleds plus with my 2 shanties. As long as I had traction under the track to get the load moving I don't believe the dog even noticed how much weight was being pulled. It had plenty of power to even pull a heavy load up a steep launch ramp but traction under neath the unit was the only real issue.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Dec 28, 2018, 08:23 PM
Still getting the same performance or better? And what are ya running on the clutch side? Pics of your build? Im interested in talking with you 1 on 1 if ya dont mind.. iv got a ton of questions

Performance is great, going from a 12 tooth on clutch to a 72 tooth on the sprocket on jack shaft, remember the jack shaft transfers to axle shaft with whatever gear reduction the original sled came with, plus reverse.

As far as engine placement, when using an old snowmobile chassis to build on. The chain case is heavy and off centred, the engine must be placed perfectly to counteract the weight of the chaincase. If not your machine I’ll lean hard in one direction when on nice flat ice. It’s annoying and seems unfinished, balance is a lot more noticeable when on a trail and not perfectly flat ice. As far as chain length, the longer it is the more sloppy it is and more it will stretch, then you get into a situation for an idler is a must for tension, it’s just more work, if your side and front to back balance can be maintained ithout moving the engine very far back then there is lots of room for storage in the rear of dog.

 My dad and I have Built a second one I’ll try and add a couple photos. This time it’d a reversing transmission and a 5hp Honda driving centrifugal clutch.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Dec 29, 2018, 01:38 AM
Just a thought for us with a dog without a reverse gearbox. Why don't we try driving our dogs on to a dolly with wheels of some sort of the appropriate size? might make it easier when storing , or retrieving in the corner of a garage or shed.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Dec 30, 2018, 06:02 PM



Couple vids of playing around on glare ice, drives straight well but a sharp turn gives a whip like tubing behind a boat.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Dec 31, 2018, 08:31 AM
Just a thought for us with a dog without a reverse gearbox. Why don't we try driving our dogs on to a dolly with wheels of some sort of the appropriate size? might make it easier when storing , or retrieving in the corner of a garage or shed.

Good idea! I bet a mechanics “creeper” for working under cars would fit the bill.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Dec 31, 2018, 08:52 AM
Nice videos and on my first trip out on glare ice I found the same slip sliding and it was a lot of fun. Not so much fun when I was pulling my stand up sled and three pop up shanty sleds behind me that just wandered all over like wagging the dog and spinning me out. Once I added the Kold Kutter ice screws to the track the dog behaved perfectly but sleds behind still want to go in different directions. Snowdog sells Sled Skates you can add to the bottom of sleds that should keep them in line, go to accessories here. https://snowdog.com/products/access/. For the skis on snowmobiles I know you can add carbide runners that would also work and maybe even better.
I was very impressed that the Snowdog track with no studs at all was able to get up and go just fine on glare ice but the ice screws just add a great deal more stability and added traction. Either way I will caution all when playing around on glare ice. If the dog is sliding sideways and you hit a patch of snow that grabs the track you could flip it pretty quick.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Dec 31, 2018, 03:47 PM
Thats setup in the vid is a great idea with keeping the stock gear case/drivetrain for a premade jackshaft.the cvt clutch to a smaller/medium jackshaft sprocket being its already geared right at the original snowmobile drivetrain side.how would you get the sprocket on the drive shaft where the old torque converter was to stay on?have it keyed because i know the set screw wont hold.tack weld?thinking about starting making one of these.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Dec 31, 2018, 05:38 PM
Thats setup in the vid is a great idea with keeping the stock gear case/drivetrain for a premade jackshaft.the cvt clutch to a smaller/medium jackshaft sprocket being its already geared right at the original snowmobile drivetrain side.how would you get the sprocket on the drive shaft where the old torque converter was to stay on?have it keyed because i know the set screw wont hold.tack weld?thinking about starting making one of these.

I’m currently running the comet 30 series and it’s a bit undersized, I would go with a 2:1 wet clutch or a comet 40 series if I could do it again.

The CVT has a shaft that the secondary (driven) pulley is on, it also has a sprocket that drives the chain that drives the original Jackshaft of the snowmobile. A princess auto hub and sprocket and tack weld keeps the biggest sprocket I could get from the store onto the shaft. It’s got lots of torque and goes about 20km/h

Gamalot, I also added screws to my track, just atv screw in ones. I put 30 into the 121” track and it works well,
I just towed my biggest train yet but we have just got about an 1” of snow. No issues.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Hotlipsowilly on Jan 14, 2019, 07:59 AM
I have the 13.5 standard with reverse. Took it out for the first time icefishing and had to leave it on the trailer. For some reason fuel is dripping fast when I open the fuel valve and choke. She worked fine a few days before. ALSO, does anyone else have a hard time starting the snowdog when it's cold out? Takes me 5 or so turns before I can start the engine.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Jan 14, 2019, 08:27 AM
I have the 13.5 standard with reverse. Took it out for the first time icefishing and had to leave it on the trailer. For some reason fuel is dripping fast when I open the fuel valve and choke. She worked fine a few days before. ALSO, does anyone else have a hard time starting the snowdog when it's cold out? Takes me 5 or so turns before I can start the engine.

Sounds like a stuck needle valve under the float and a pretty typical issue especially if you use ethanol fuel in small engines. Mine did it once after fishing all day on the way home in the trailer. I learned quick to shut the fuel petcock off every time after running. Hard starting could also be attributed to junk fuel since ethanol does not have the same BTU ratings as real pure gas does. I recommend 91 octane real gas with a double dose of Sea Foam fuel stabilizer in every tank simply because these machines are subject to sit idle for long periods between trips. Almost all small engine manufacturers recommend against using ethanol fuel in their engines and many sell pure gas at their shops if non E gas is not available in your area. We have stations here that carry pure gas just for us, motor boats and lawn and garden equipment. My electric generator won't even start if I use E gas in it but fires right up with 91 Non E.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Jan 14, 2019, 09:47 AM
Yeah sounds like a stuck float needle or float.common issue small engines.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Hotlipsowilly on Jan 14, 2019, 05:07 PM
Took it to the shop. I only use non E fuel. The Tech checked for water in my fuel (none) then he pulled out the spark plug. It was soaked with gas. He shot in some carb cleaner, buttoned her back up and gave it a start. It sounded horrid but smoothed out quick. His best guess is it was well flooded. I kept it idle all the way home and cut the fuel off until is died.

He suggested a few things to me. One was to shut the fuel valve off and let it putter out like a generator when I'm done using it for the day.

He also wanted me to make sure I kept the line shut when transporting in the trailer.

Last was to pump the first gallon of gas into my truck before filling my gas can. High chance of the last guy pumping e85 in his car. This method should make sure you only get the nonE.

What do you all think?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Eyes R Bitin on Jan 14, 2019, 05:57 PM
Took it to the shop. I only use non E fuel. The Tech checked for water in my fuel (none) then he pulled out the spark plug. It was soaked with gas. He shot in some carb cleaner, buttoned her back up and gave it a start. It sounded horrid but smoothed out quick. His best guess is it was well flooded. I kept it idle all the way home and cut the fuel off until is died.

He suggested a few things to me. One was to shut the fuel valve off and let it putter out like a generator when I'm done using it for the day.

He also wanted me to make sure I kept the line shut when transporting in the trailer.

Last was to pump the first gallon of gas into my truck before filling my gas can. High chance of the last guy pumping e85 in his car. This method should make sure you only get the nonE.

What do you all think?

That all makes sense.  Especially the last itme about pumping first gallon into your vehicle.  Chances are the customer before you bought the least cost fuel for a vehicle, not a small engine.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Jan 14, 2019, 06:03 PM
Took it to the shop. I only use non E fuel. The Tech checked for water in my fuel (none) then he pulled out the spark plug. It was soaked with gas. He shot in some carb cleaner, buttoned her back up and gave it a start. It sounded horrid but smoothed out quick. His best guess is it was well flooded. I kept it idle all the way home and cut the fuel off until is died.

He suggested a few things to me. One was to shut the fuel valve off and let it putter out like a generator when I'm done using it for the day.

He also wanted me to make sure I kept the line shut when transporting in the trailer.

Last was to pump the first gallon of gas into my truck before filling my gas can. High chance of the last guy pumping e85 in his car. This method should make sure you only get the nonE.

What do you all think?

The only time the fuel petcock should ever be turned to flow is when you want to run the machine. Always shut it off when you are not running it. I highly recommend the dose of Sea Foam in every tank and would not worry too much about the fuel pump with a little E gas left in the hose as long as you do use some fuel stabilizer. What we should never do is to keep gas in our containers at home for more than a month or two and I don't care if it is real gas or E gas. Rotate the gas in your cans into you car every month or so just to be sure you always have fresh fuel. My dog starts right up every time I push the button but it has leaked from a stuck float valve while in transport.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Jan 14, 2019, 06:12 PM
Sometimes with a stuck float condition it will fill up the engine oil/block with gas also.i always turn off the fuel petcock when not running small engines.briggs are notorious for stuck needles or float.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Jan 14, 2019, 06:16 PM
Sometimes with a stuck float condition it will fill up the engine oil/block with gas also.i always turn off the fuel petcock when not running small engines.briggs are notorious for stuck needles or float.

Excellent point Doc. I would check the oil and see if it is milky, thin or smells like gas. If either then change the oil now.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Jan 14, 2019, 06:22 PM
Yes it will also read abnormally high on the dipstick.ive had a whole tank of gas come up missing in my lawnmower.it was super flooded and all the gas went into the block from a stuck float.lol.tapping on the carb bowl works alot for a easy fix.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Hotlipsowilly on Jan 14, 2019, 08:11 PM
Thanks for the help. I will check the oil in the morning and grab some seafoam. Maybe that will help with the hard start
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: ArronJames22 on Jan 15, 2019, 08:40 AM
I recently bought a Compact 13hp and I am just getting the hang of how everything works. does anyone have recommendations for ramps to load into a truck bed? if so maybe some pictures. Thx in Advance
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Jan 15, 2019, 08:45 AM
I recently bought a Compact 13hp and I am just getting the hang of how everything works. does anyone have recommendations for ramps to load into a truck bed? if so maybe some pictures. Thx in Advance

This one works pretty good. https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/ramps/1200-lbs-capacity-30-14-in-x-72-in-convertible-aluminum-loading-ramp-60333.html

I don't like the open ladder type ones that your leg could fall through but they work too and are a bit cheaper.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: badger132 on Jan 15, 2019, 09:08 AM
A friend that was a lawn service pro always replaced all his spark plugs every year. He said that the difference between starting first pull and third pull adds up on your arm over time. X2 for running the carb dry and transporting with the fuel shut off. That can prevent a lot of problems. Then the trick becomes remembering to turn the fuel back on before you spend 5 minutes pulling and cussing...

 :tipup:
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Jan 15, 2019, 04:38 PM
Thanks for the help. I will check the oil in the morning and grab some seafoam. Maybe that will help with the hard start
I to own the 13 horse compact. Do you choke the engine before you try to start when cold ?If not, do . It will run rough initially when cold. It takes a few minutes till they are properly warmed up.Then slide the choke lever back to fully unchoked. Should run smooth at this point. works for me.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Fogwoman on Jan 28, 2019, 10:23 PM
Regarding cold starts, I remove the air filter cover, pull the foam filter back a bit, and give it a quick squirt of starting fluid. The choke is on, and it starts right up. After a few mins, I turn the choke off and get on my way.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Jan 29, 2019, 08:50 AM
On the Briggs & Stratton official site they have some good info regarding fuel recommendations, storage and basic maintenance for their small engines. 90% of hard starting when cold are caused by poor fuel that has degraded over time. I use nothing but 91 octane Non Ethanol fuel in my dog and in all my other small engines and I treat every gallon with stabilizer. I prefer Sea Foam but most small engine companies have their own brands of fuel conditioners. Gasoline that is purchased in 5 gallon jugs at the fuel station and then left sitting around for 30, 60, 90 + days is a recipe for disaster. Gasoline left in your small tank for long periods is even more of a problem. Condensation is the most notable culprit and when the ambient temperature outside and in your storage area goes up and down the fuel in the tanks take much longer to acclimate to these changes and this causes condensation or Water in your fuel. B&S states that jug fuel begins to degrade after only 30 days and you can be very sure it is less for the fuel in your tiny tank. Ethanol fuel degrades much faster than pure gas but Non E gas is not available in many places. Use stabilizers recommended by the manufacturer and in almost all cases drain old fuel that has been in the motor's tank for more than 90 days before you even attempt to start it. B&S sells a fuel and oil pump out kit for around $30 and it is perfect for doing oil changes without the need to remove the drain plug and get oil all over the machine and floor. It also works perfect for suctioning the stale fuel from the gas tank.
I keep my 13.5 Standard Snowdog inside an enclosed snowmobile trailer year around. I use only 91 octane Non ethanol fuel in it and always treat the full 5 gallon jug with a few ounces of Sea Foam stabilizer. I also keep the battery on a very tiny trickle charger designed for AGM batteries. I have never experienced a hard start issue with my Snowdog since I found a source for non ethanol fuel. I also rotate all the fuel I buy in 5 gallon jugs right into my car after around 90 days from the date of purchase and go buy fresh fuel for the small engines. This is not rocket science but it is science, fuel deteriorates over time and in this process it both loses its octane or BTU rating and can attract moisture from normal condensation caused by temperature changes. On a very hot summer day I can open my cooler dark shed and the metal tank on my motorcycle is wet on the outside and you can be sure it is also wet on the inside. Once your ethanol fuel has gone through what is termed as "Phase Separation" it is absolutely no good to run through your engine or carb. Some say to run the carb dry by shutting off the fuel petcock and letting it run until it dies from fuel starvation. Others say leave the carb wet with fuel but turn off the fuel petcock. That is your choice. Some say to drain the fuel tank for long storage while others say fill it completely with stabilized fuel. Again, your choice and what ever floats your boat. After the ice season last April I filled my tank with non ethanol 91 fuel and double treated it with stabilizer. 7 months later in November while getting ready for ice fishing and just to prove to myself I fired my Snowdog up and it jumped to life real quick. Then I drained the old fuel out and replaced it with fresh treated non E gas just so I don't have trouble out far on a frozen lake. One problem I have had and I can't explain is if I fail to turn off the fuel petcock I have seen fuel leaking from the carb overflow. This means the float needle valve is stuck and not fully closing to shut off the fuel going to the carb. I suspect this has something to do with the changes in temperatures so out of precaution I always shut off the petcock after every use.
For those who have hard starting issues and who have replaced the stale gas with fresh and still have hard start issues I recommend you clean the carb and completely drain every ounce of old gas from the tank. When you remove the float bowl if done carefully you will probably find a white milky substance in the bottom. That is Phase Separated and moisture laced stale fuel. I drain my fuel into a clean white plastic pail and allow it to settle for an hour or two. In the bottom I can see the evidence of water in my fuel and if it is a metal gas tank from my motorcycle I can also see tiny rust particles from the inside of the metal tank.
I hope this helps some of you and I am pretty sure there will be a few who disagree with my opinions here. That's fine too because after dealing with this stuff for well over 50 years your arguments with my advice will most certainly fall on deaf ears. Every one of my small engines run just fine as long as I follow my own directions. You name it, Chain saws, Ice augers, Lawn mowers, Weed Eaters, Pressure washers, Snowdogs and snowmobiles, Roto tillers, ATVs, generators  and transfer pumps all start right up with just a few pulls or a couple presses on the electric start buttons and I have not had to rebuild or even clean a carb since switching to Non ethanol fuel.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Jan 29, 2019, 04:04 PM
On the Briggs & Stratton official site they have some good info regarding fuel recommendations, storage and basic maintenance for their small engines. 90% of hard starting when cold are caused by poor fuel that has degraded over time. I use nothing but 91 octane Non Ethanol fuel in my dog and in all my other small engines and I treat every gallon with stabilizer. I prefer Sea Foam but most small engine companies have their own brands of fuel conditioners. Gasoline that is purchased in 5 gallon jugs at the fuel station and then left sitting around for 30, 60, 90 + days is a recipe for disaster. Gasoline left in your small tank for long periods is even more of a problem. Condensation is the most notable culprit and when the ambient temperature outside and in your storage area goes up and down the fuel in the tanks take much longer to acclimate to these changes and this causes condensation or Water in your fuel. B&S states that jug fuel begins to degrade after only 30 days and you can be very sure it is less for the fuel in your tiny tank. Ethanol fuel degrades much faster than pure gas but Non E gas is not available in many places. Use stabilizers recommended by the manufacturer and in almost all cases drain old fuel that has been in the motor's tank for more than 90 days before you even attempt to start it. B&S sells a fuel and oil pump out kit for around $30 and it is perfect for doing oil changes without the need to remove the drain plug and get oil all over the machine and floor. It also works perfect for suctioning the stale fuel from the gas tank.
I keep my 13.5 Standard Snowdog inside an enclosed snowmobile trailer year around. I use only 91 octane Non ethanol fuel in it and always treat the full 5 gallon jug with a few ounces of Sea Foam stabilizer. I also keep the battery on a very tiny trickle charger designed for AGM batteries. I have never experienced a hard start issue with my Snowdog since I found a source for non ethanol fuel. I also rotate all the fuel I buy in 5 gallon jugs right into my car after around 90 days from the date of purchase and go buy fresh fuel for the small engines. This is not rocket science but it is science, fuel deteriorates over time and in this process it both loses its octane or BTU rating and can attract moisture from normal condensation caused by temperature changes. On a very hot summer day I can open my cooler dark shed and the metal tank on my motorcycle is wet on the outside and you can be sure it is also wet on the inside. Once your ethanol fuel has gone through what is termed as "Phase Separation" it is absolutely no good to run through your engine or carb. Some say to run the carb dry by shutting off the fuel petcock and letting it run until it dies from fuel starvation. Others say leave the carb wet with fuel but turn off the fuel petcock. That is your choice. Some say to drain the fuel tank for long storage while others say fill it completely with stabilized fuel. Again, your choice and what ever floats your boat. After the ice season last April I filled my tank with non ethanol 91 fuel and double treated it with stabilizer. 7 months later in November while getting ready for ice fishing and just to prove to myself I fired my Snowdog up and it jumped to life real quick. Then I drained the old fuel out and replaced it with fresh treated non E gas just so I don't have trouble out far on a frozen lake. One problem I have had and I can't explain is if I fail to turn off the fuel petcock I have seen fuel leaking from the carb overflow. This means the float needle valve is stuck and not fully closing to shut off the fuel going to the carb. I suspect this has something to do with the changes in temperatures so out of precaution I always shut off the petcock after every use.
For those who have hard starting issues and who have replaced the stale gas with fresh and still have hard start issues I recommend you clean the carb and completely drain every ounce of old gas from the tank. When you remove the float bowl if done carefully you will probably find a white milky substance in the bottom. That is Phase Separated and moisture laced stale fuel. I drain my fuel into a clean white plastic pail and allow it to settle for an hour or two. In the bottom I can see the evidence of water in my fuel and if it is a metal gas tank from my motorcycle I can also see tiny rust particles from the inside of the metal tank.
I hope this helps some of you and I am pretty sure there will be a few who disagree with my opinions here. That's fine too because after dealing with this stuff for well over 50 years your arguments with my advice will most certainly fall on deaf ears. Every one of my small engines run just fine as long as I follow my own directions. You name it, Chain saws, Ice augers, Lawn mowers, Weed Eaters, Pressure washers, Snowdogs and snowmobiles, Roto tillers, ATVs, generators  and transfer pumps all start right up with just a few pulls or a couple presses on the electric start buttons and I have not had to rebuild or even clean a carb since switching to Non ethanol fuel.

Gam
Star Tron, or Sta-Bil  works for me. And is way less of a pain to locate and expensive than ethanol free fuel.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Jan 29, 2019, 04:17 PM
Star Tron, or Sta-Bil  works for me. And is way less of a pain to locate and expensive than ethanol free fuel.

What ever floats you boat works perfect for me. Sorry you don't have non E gas by you but we had to fight like hell to get it here in NY. If what you do or the prep you use works then that's really all that matters, just do something and always remember that no stabilizer removes ethanol from the fuel and alcohol turns to gunk way sooner than real gasoline.


Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Jan 29, 2019, 04:52 PM
Just wanted to share an update, the dog is as refined as it’s ever been. I’m now standing or sitting directly in my two man flip behind the homedog. It’s slow, climbs Ontop the snow and is very mobile. Loving every minuite of it. Getting thumps up from basically everyone I drive past.

(https://imageshack.com/a/img921/3955/WQIpIr.jpg)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: VenomInjected on Jan 29, 2019, 08:28 PM
Just wanted to share an update, the dog is as refined as it’s ever been. I’m now standing or sitting directly in my two man flip behind the homedog. It’s slow, climbs Ontop the snow and is very mobile. Loving every minuite of it. Getting thumps up from basically everyone I drive past.
  what sled was your donor?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Jan 30, 2019, 03:55 PM
  what sled was your donor?

91 Polaris Indy classic 500
$100
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Windburned on Feb 03, 2019, 07:39 AM
Absolutely LOVE my Snowdog here in PA.  Couldn’t ask for a better machine!
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 04, 2019, 07:50 AM
We had a great day yesterday fishing a local snow covered lake. In the morning we hitched my Otter Pro Resort to the dog's sled plus two other smaller sleds loaded with heavy equipment and 3 guys and drove out about a mile in 6 inches of snow with absolutely no problems. Pretty amazing the power this 13.5 HP standard machine has for pulling. After fishing all day and with the temperature raising to almost 45 degrees it turned the surface to a mix of snow/slush and things were a bunch different towing back in. I had to make two trips with the Snowdog because there just was not enough traction with snow and slush on top of glare ice. Every machine has it's limitations but this was some real crap to tow through. The Snowdog had no issue at all with just me in the sled behind and not much trouble with my massive Otter shanty loaded with gear behind me.
By the afternoon it became a chore just walking to the tip ups through the slush and snow so I have no complaints that the machine was a bit overwhelmed on the return tow. I really can complain that the damn fish refused to cooperate and all we caught all day long were a bunch of dink perch not worth keeping. Just be real careful in slush because I think no machine does real well in that crap if it can't get a solid grip. My track is studded with Kold Kutter ice screws but even with them the track could hardly dig down to the ice to get the needed grip.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Feb 04, 2019, 07:03 PM
Was scanning the net and came across an ice fishing specific Vehicle called a "Wilcraft"? It even floats! I like it better than my dog. Priced out of my league though.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: 2labradors on Feb 04, 2019, 09:48 PM
Was scanning the net and came across an ice fishing specific Vehicle called a "Wilcraft"? It even floats! I like it better than my dog. Priced out of my league though.


I own both a snowdog compact 13, and a 2014 Wilcraft, they each have there place I use the Wilcraft until the snow gets to deep then it's time for the snowdog. Wilcraft is unbeatable on early or late ice will run on 1 1/2 inch of ice and you can float open water and get to the ice.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Ice Scratcher on Feb 04, 2019, 10:54 PM
Was scanning the net and came across an ice fishing specific Vehicle called a "Wilcraft"? It even floats! I like it better than my dog. Priced out of my league though.


So are airplanes and helicopters..

<°)))>{
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 05, 2019, 04:43 AM
Looking at the Wilcraft machines and all I can think is great on the ice and maybe the water but getting one High Centered in a snow drift or bog could be a real serious issue. As I have found with my own Snowdog that I take on a trailer with all my other gear the trailer should certainly be an enclosed snowmobile one to keep the road crap off everything. Maybe OK in the bed of an open pick up but not so cool if hanging off the back on a MC carrier rack unless you can wrap it up real good. The rear window of my 4 Runner is absolutely useless when driving on crappy roads because all the crap swirls behind in the vortex and gets deposited on the back end. My clam shell trailer looks like it went through a crap storm every time I drive to the lakes but the equipment inside is clean and dry.
I think if I owned a lake side home and had a garage large enough for the Wilcraft it would be a perfect machine. Dragging one to and from the water over crappy roads would require a rather large enclosed trailer which would also double as a storage unit during the off season so the mice and squirrels can't get near it and eat it to pieces. I can't store my shanties or my Snowdog in a shed or garage over the off season because mice can and do get in but they can't get in the clam shell snowmobile trailer that seals well. I have far too much invested between the 3-4 man Otter XT Pro Resort, Clam 2 man guide shanties, Snowdog and all the ice gear to allow mice and critters anywhere near this stuff 8-9 months every year.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: badger132 on Feb 05, 2019, 09:44 AM
I have also seen hovercraft on the Mississippi and it's backwaters. Again, a little overboard for most of us.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: 2labradors on Feb 05, 2019, 06:53 PM
On the Wilcraft if you do get stuck in the snow you just retract the wheels and then it's like a big toboggan, mine is and older 2 wheel drive and it will fit in the back of a pickup to haul. They have 11" of ground clearance and if you put skis under the front wheels they will go through a suprising amount of snow.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: joefishmore on Feb 06, 2019, 09:56 AM
How much Seafoam do you use per 5 gallons ?
Is Seaform considered a gas stabilizer ?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: JSONICE on Feb 06, 2019, 10:21 AM
I use 1oz to 1 gallon of gas.. Here you go for more....     https://seafoamsales.com/knowledge-base/how-to-use-sea-foam-in-fuel/
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 06, 2019, 11:14 AM
I use 1oz to 1 gallon of gas.. Here you go for more....     https://seafoamsales.com/knowledge-base/how-to-use-sea-foam-in-fuel/

My home generator has a 5 gallon gas tank and I add 10 ounces to it when I fill it for stand by readiness. Sometimes I go 6 full months between using the generator and it fires right up every time and even if the outside temp is below zero. I would not and never have put any ethanol gas in the generator. I use only 91 octane non E fuel in all of my small engines and have never had one refuse to start even after sitting for months on end. A Perfect example, my ice auger was stored last spring in early April after the season. Tank was filled with fresh seafoam treated gas in a double dose. I got it ready last week when we finally had safe ice and it took 5 pulls of the cord to get it fired right up.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: joefishmore on Feb 07, 2019, 08:24 AM
I use 1oz to 1 gallon of gas.. Here you go for more....     https://seafoamsales.com/knowledge-base/how-to-use-sea-foam-in-fuel/

Rhanks
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Feb 11, 2019, 07:50 PM
Wow that wilcraft is something else! Very awesome

Just wanted to share a video of some dog riding I did in some deep snow. I broke trail everywhere but camera angles were screwed so footage was unusable. Super impressed even the 5 hp dog we built astounds me.

Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 12, 2019, 05:33 AM
Nice video and you do exactly what I do, make your own track rather than ride in uneven existing tracks. It does appear your home made dog is lower to the ground and might have a lower center of gravity. A couple spots where you were off kilter I think my Snowdog would have wanted to take a trail side nap and I absolutely don't like the way you have your auger blade mounted. Mine rides facing north and south either in a sled behind my dog's sled or on top of the motor unit just in case I do flip over. I do wonder of mounting a set of snowmobile skis on each side as outriggers might help when we do get on a tilted slope or in deep ruts made by other machines. I was out yesterday on a local lake with no snow on top but lots of ruts left from other machines that were out on it when the snow was soft, it was a workout unless I was cruising along pretty slow. I did find a couple spots that were perfectly flat where I could go full throttle. If 20 MPH is full speed then I hit it a few times and can tell you that is plenty fast enough and I would not want to go any faster ever.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: eiderz on Feb 12, 2019, 06:40 AM
Interesting video Rapo, that's a nice machine you built. It breaks trail pretty good and looks like a really smooth ride in the powder.  :thumbsup: I was looking at the docks along shore cranked halfway up, at night you could get clothes-lined pretty bad by the legs.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 12, 2019, 07:28 AM
Interesting video Rapo, that's a nice machine you built. It breaks trail pretty good and looks like a really smooth ride in the powder.  :thumbsup: I was looking at the docks along shore cranked halfway up, at night you could get clothes-lined pretty bad by the legs.

You could get clothes-lined on any machine and that would not be good. Same for running through unknown fields that could have hidden tree stumps or large rocks. Track sleds need to be driven carefully just like any other off road machines.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: eiderz on Feb 12, 2019, 09:40 AM
You could get clothes-lined on any machine and that would not be good.
Gam

Yup, my snowsled is what I had in mind.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 12, 2019, 09:45 AM
Yup, my snowsled is what I had in mind.

Running out on the ice I always travel at least 100 feet from the shore line just for that very reason. Lots of folks here pull their docks out for the winter but the pillions could be just a few inches above plus we always find the weakest ice right close to the shore.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Feb 12, 2019, 03:13 PM
Nice video and you do exactly what I do, make your own track rather than ride in uneven existing tracks. It does appear your home made dog is lower to the ground and might have a lower center of gravity. A couple spots where you were off kilter I think my Snowdog would have wanted to take a trail side nap and I absolutely don't like the way you have your auger blade mounted. Mine rides facing north and south either in a sled behind my dog's sled or on top of the motor unit just in case I do flip over. I do wonder of mounting a set of snowmobile skis on each side as outriggers might help when we do get on a tilted slope or in deep ruts made by other machines. I was out yesterday on a local lake with no snow on top but lots of ruts left from other machines that were out on it when the snow was soft, it was a workout unless I was cruising along pretty slow. I did find a couple spots that were perfectly flat where I could go full throttle. If 20 MPH is full speed then I hit it a few times and can tell you that is plenty fast enough and I would not want to go any faster ever.

Gam

Hey Gamalot, glad you liked the video. The local fishing forum where I originally posted the details of my build seems to have maybe lost interest. That’s okay tho because until you operate these machines its really kind of tough to understand that they really are the ultimate ice fishing machine.

 Breaking trail is almost always more enjoyable than following a track, no matter what machine your on, I enjoy it a lot. Just riding a dog could be called slowmobiling and I’m happy with it lol.

 I haven’t had the chance park my homedog beside the real deal to judge overall height and such to get an idea of center of gravity. It should be obvious that’s the snowmobile track is longer and narrower than the legit snowdog and that allows for easier tip/lean turns. I mostly just lean it and then balance the machine. I’m in my 20’s and have spent a lot of hours riding and learning how to maneuver my dog and its not always easy. Once you get the hang of it you know how to manipulate it and when to do so. The biggest obstacle is uneven terrain. Anytime I’m approaching a hill or a side hill I am leaning the machine as to keep it level while the hill is sloped. Also staying on the top side of hills is easier than letting gravity throw you around. Speed comes into play, its hard to describe in words but the concept of how the track needs to be manipulated is similar to a snowmobile, just the input to make it do what you want is totally different from a snowmobile.

Sorry you don’t like my auger mount, I thought for a while how to do it and that’s the best, fastest and easily accessible spot I could come up with. More weight on the machine is better for me. I don’t want the auger rolling around in my towed sleigh with me. I can imagine a lake with only ruts would be tough to maneuver. Glad you found some flat stuff. My dog uses a 7hp and a comet 30 series cvt , while the original snowdog uses similar engine on theire compact model it is still equipped with the 40 series, which is what I wish I went with in hindsight. My dog top’s out at 20km per hour. Fast as hell on the trails... leaves something to be desired on the open lake. Oh well, some days I dream of the ultimate homemade dog. Then others I think why wouldn’t I just buy the Biggest snowdog and be done.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Feb 12, 2019, 03:26 PM
From the cvt sprocket to the next big sprocket on the original drive where the torque converter was.how many tooth sprocket are you running?i build briggs,tecumseh and predator motors and hop them up.ive got a 5hp briggs modded with a light aluminum flywheel hi compression piston,bigger valves and valve springs,racing cam,pipe with 1” crankshaft  so i can run the 40 series cvt.its probably 10hp now.i just need my snowmobile chassis.im guessing 72 tooth or more on the big drive sprocket?im fine with torque over top speed.to small of gearing will burn belts up.been there with the mini bikes I build.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 12, 2019, 05:07 PM
From the cvt sprocket to the next big sprocket on the original drive where the torque converter was.how many tooth sprocket are you running?i build briggs,tecumseh and predator motors and hop them up.ive got a 5hp briggs modded with a light aluminum flywheel hi compression piston,bigger valves and valve springs,racing cam,pipe with 1” crankshaft  so i can run the 40 series cvt.its probably 10hp now.i just need my snowmobile chassis.im guessing 72 tooth or more on the big drive sprocket?im fine with torque over top speed.to small of gearing will burn belts up.been there with the mini bikes I build.

Damn Doc, you just had to go and get all technical on us. I used to do all the sprocket play with my dirt bikes and to be honest I usually found the manufacturers got it as close to correct as most riders wanted them. I ride a Yamaha BW 350 these days that came with a 37 tooth rear wheel sprocket but I swapped it for a 43 tooth and those extra 6 teeth sure do make a world of difference but mostly in the low end grunt. Not sure if these track tow machines will benefit much with more low end grunt on ice or snow unless you stud the track with some real heavy grippers. I don't know what most snowmobiles use for the tracks width and length but at 20 inches wide and I think close to 50 inches on the ground I have about as much under me as most snow machines. Studs do add a bunch more grip but in the worst conditions they can dig a hole instead of get you out of one. I honestly think it is all about what you get yourself into and how you get out of it. Too much power or too much traction could probably tear the track to pieces if you push it too hard. I have had my Big Wheel Yamaha up to the sprocket in sticky mud and all I could do is go for help.

GAm
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Feb 12, 2019, 05:18 PM
Lol i just know that too small of jackshaft sprocket where the old snowmobile torque converter used to be with the original gearing from the snowmobile drive will burn up clutches and belts.i just need a ballpark of number of teeth to start with.i know the cvt drive is 10 tooth for 40 chain on most setups.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 12, 2019, 06:13 PM
Lol i just know that too small of jackshaft sprocket where the old snowmobile torque converter used to be with the original gearing from the snowmobile drive will burn up clutches and belts.i just need a ballpark of number of teeth to start with.i know the cvt drive is 10 tooth for 40 chain on most setups.

My buddies on the Yamaha TW forum helped me with the gear ratios once I got involved with these Big Wheel Yamaha's that have 2 chains and 4 sprockets. The final ratio to the ground was a bit mind boggling for me and I could change just one tooth on one sprocket and make a huge difference in the final drive. Jack Shafts change all the final drive ratios and I don't even know how to figure in the CVT belts that ride higher with engine RPMs. Back in the late 1960 s I used to be a real smart ass with this stuff now in my late 60 s I have become a real dumb ass. 14 teeth on the engine to 17 teeth on the inner jack shaft over to 13 teeth and back to 37 on the rear wheel and I get lost somewhere in there. My BW350 has a 530 size chain and sprockets on the inside and a 520 on the outside and I can't explain why. On my Polaris ATV/UTV machines they all had big rubber bands on the CVT pulleys and I never did figure them out and never did burn a belt.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: perchnut on Feb 12, 2019, 06:15 PM
'too small of jackshaft Sprocket'....no need to get personal now....  interesting Thread.  These machines are quite intriguing...I have a snowmobile that I use on the ice anywhere from 0-8 times per year, depending on ice, and almost zero trail riding.  Its a really nice sled, but not sure I would need all of that. 
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Feb 12, 2019, 06:24 PM
My buddies on the Yamaha TW forum helped me with the gear ratios once I got involved with these Big Wheel Yamaha's that have 2 chains and 4 sprockets. The final ratio to the ground was a bit mind boggling for me and I could change just one tooth on one sprocket and make a huge difference in the final drive. Jack Shafts change all the final drive ratios and I don't even know how to figure in the CVT belts that ride higher with engine RPMs. Back in the late 1960 s I used to be a real smart ass with this stuff now in my late 60 s I have become a real dumb ass. 14 teeth on the engine to 17 teeth on the inner jack shaft over to 13 teeth and back to 37 on the rear wheel and I get lost somewhere in there. My BW350 has a 530 size chain and sprockets on the inside and a 520 on the outside and I can't explain why. On my Polaris ATV/UTV machines they all had big rubber bands on the CVT pulleys and I never did figure them out and never did burn a belt.

Gam
ive got a vintage bonanza mini that I geared totally wrong.i started out its maiden run flipping it over and on my a$$ on the pavement,got back on thinking I was just stupid and to much throttle and ill put my weight up front..umm no flipped it again..i literally cant ride it because it wheelies to easy.i think its 12 tooth clutch to a 27 tooth jackshaft sprocket,then main drive side is 10 to 70 tooth sprocket..doesn't help I took the 3 hp that the gearing was meant for and stuffed a modded 7hp Tecumseh in the little frame.its all motor now.my daughter always wants me to ride it and flip again.she named it the minibike of death.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Feb 12, 2019, 06:33 PM
I think I’m 12 tooth on the comet, going to 72 on the snowmobile jack shaft. I started with a lot smalle sprockets and eventually figured it out after burning one belt. Torque troque torque.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Windburned on Feb 12, 2019, 06:34 PM

(https://i.postimg.cc/w3msQ7D0/952596-A5-B734-4-BB2-9-E9-D-A12-A6359004-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w3msQ7D0)
Love my snowdog!
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 12, 2019, 06:35 PM
My first real dirt bike was a Hodaka Ace 90 back around 1968. I wanted to be a wheelie king and did a bunch of sprocket changes. I don't remember the numbers but think I had a 55 on the rear and the only thing I could not keep on the seat was my own rear. I think I was wound as tight as the 90 cc engine could run at about 30 MPH and my buddies with trail 90s couldn't do very good wheelies but blew right past me once we hit the old RR bed. On the Yamaha TW200 forum they have posts in the technical section to figure out the final drive ratio and although it does not help with CVT trannys it sure can get you to a good combination.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Feb 12, 2019, 06:36 PM
Damn Doc, you just had to go and get all technical on us. I used to do all the sprocket play with my dirt bikes and to be honest I usually found the manufacturers got it as close to correct as most riders wanted them. I ride a Yamaha BW 350 these days that came with a 37 tooth rear wheel sprocket but I swapped it for a 43 tooth and those extra 6 teeth sure do make a world of difference but mostly in the low end grunt. Not sure if these track tow machines will benefit much with more low end grunt on ice or snow unless you stud the track with some real heavy grippers. I don't know what most snowmobiles use for the tracks width and length but at 20 inches wide and I think close to 50 inches on the ground I have about as much under me as most snow machines. Studs do add a bunch more grip but in the worst conditions they can dig a hole instead of get you out of one. I honestly think it is all about what you get yourself into and how you get out of it. Too much power or too much traction could probably tear the track to pieces if you push it too hard. I have had my Big Wheel Yamaha up to the sprocket in sticky mud and all I could do is go for help.

GAm
also rode dirtbikes my whole life,last bike was a 2002 honda xr400.it was a little low on torque with real tall gearing being a daul sport.and not very good on trails like that.16/54 gearing.i swapped out the the front sprocket to a 14 and left the back sprocket the same.front sprocket was easer to swap out.i think that was like adding a few teeth to the rear.so much more low end  torque.lost some mph but that's not needed on tight trails.2nd and 3rd gear riding instead of 1st and 2nd.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Feb 12, 2019, 06:37 PM
I think I’m 12 tooth on the comet, going to 72 on the snowmobile jack shaft. I started with a lot smalle sprockets and eventually figured it out after burning one belt. Torque troque torque.
thanks!!that's what I needed to know..dont need anymore extra sprockets laying around.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Feb 12, 2019, 06:44 PM
ive had pretty good luck with the cheap china comet knockoff torque converter systems on the predator engines. ive installed 5 on the baja warrior and baja heat minis.probably use one of those on my modded briggs to start with.they have 30 and 40 series comet knock offs. 
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Feb 12, 2019, 07:20 PM
ive had pretty good luck with the cheap china comet knockoff torque converter systems on the predator engines. ive installed 5 on the baja warrior and baja heat minis.probably use one of those on my modded briggs to start with.they have 30 and 40 series comet knock offs.

Please send me a link to the 40 series knock offs
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Feb 12, 2019, 07:53 PM
My bad.i thought the 1” shaft kits were 40 series but are just hd 30 kits.dirt cheap tho.ive ran these on predator 6.5 engines with no problems.but that on fat tire minibikes.https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F181538048087
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Feb 13, 2019, 08:53 AM
My bad.i thought the 1” shaft kits were 40 series but are just hd 30 kits.dirt cheap tho.ive ran these on predator 6.5 engines with no problems.but that on fat tire minibikes.https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F181538048087

I would NOT use the 30 series if I were you. 40 series is what I should have done. As much as myne functions, I usually run without the cover to keep the heat down. Use in warmer temperature’s is risking the belt even at my current gear ratios. Also I’m worried I am wearing out the weights on the inside of the clutches prematurely. Also I’ve broken the end of one of the springs on the driver which caused me to loose neutral. I fixed it by just bending a new “hook” end on the spring and re-connecting it.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Feb 13, 2019, 09:00 AM
I would NOT use the 30 series if I were you. 40 series is what I should have done. As much as myne functions, I usually run without the cover to keep the heat down. Use in warmer temperature’s is risking the belt even at my current gear ratios. Also I’m worried I am wearing out the weights on the inside of the clutches prematurely. Also I’ve broken the end of one of the springs on the driver which caused me to loose neutral. I fixed it by just bending a new “hook” end on the spring and re-connecting it.
they do have just the knockoff 40 series clutches and torque converters on ebay,i may buy the cheap 30 series kit and use the knock off 40 series clutch.im not paying up for the comet tav2 system its to expensive and almost identical to the china kits.i have to run all my minis without a clutch cover due to heat or  drill a big hole in the cover at the clutch.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Feb 19, 2019, 07:52 PM
I snagged this off kijiji, installed it last Friday night in about 3 hours by myself. What a difference.


(https://i.postimg.cc/gxXgb3V6/B21-AF8-E0-D40-B-4-D56-914-B-7-F5581920-FE9.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gxXgb3V6)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: 6x6 on Feb 20, 2019, 08:06 AM
So I have a brand new Snowdog.  Love it!  The only negative I have found so far is the sled.  On glare ice, is there a way to make it track better? 

We don’t get a lot of glare ice here, there is always some snow with the exception of my favorite lake!  Just a lot of issues with he sled sliding out as we were moving around. 

If the snow dog were studded, resulting in a better track, would that work? Seemed like the sled had a mind of its own regardless of what the dog was doing.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 20, 2019, 08:13 AM
So I have a brand new Snowdog.  Love it!  The only negative I have found so far is the sled.  On glare ice, is there a way to make it track better? 

We don’t get a lot of glare ice here, there is always some snow with the exception of my favorite lake!  Just a lot of issues with he sled sliding out as we were moving around. 

If the snow dog were studded, resulting in a better track, would that work? Seemed like the sled had a mind of its own regardless of what the dog was doing.

Ice screws in the dog's track make a big difference in how it handles glare ice but no difference for the sled. I bought these, cut them in half, and installed two on the back of my dog sled and two on the back of my Otter shanty sled. Both sleds stay right behind the dog now.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kimpex-Carbide-Runners-Wear-Bar-90-DEG-Ski-Doo-440-467-470-500-580-600-670-780/143075696728?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: 6x6 on Feb 20, 2019, 09:09 AM
I was wondering if these would work.  Thanks a ton!
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: joefishmore on Feb 20, 2019, 05:28 PM
Howmuch gas does the 13hp standard hpld ?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 20, 2019, 07:32 PM
Howmuch gas does the 13hp standard hpld ?

Nowhere in my owners manual or other paperwork does it give a fuel capacity amount. I am sure it holds at least 1 gallon but it could be a little more.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: 6x6 on Feb 21, 2019, 08:57 AM
Hey Gamalot, any way you could post a pic of how those runners are installed?  I now have them, and want to make sure I am doing that right. 
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 21, 2019, 10:40 AM
Hey Gamalot, any way you could post a pic of how those runners are installed?  I now have them, and want to make sure I am doing that right.

Here are the pics but if you got the exact ones I got it was easy. Cut them in half leaving 2 studs on one and only one stud on the other half I drilled and counter sunk a flat pan head stainless machine screw to make a second stud in the half with just one stud. I placed them on the rear of the Snowdog sled on the outside runner strips.

(https://i.postimg.cc/8skCzmh4/IMG-1772.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8skCzmh4)



(https://i.postimg.cc/wR3HcF2d/IMG-1773.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wR3HcF2d)




(https://i.postimg.cc/Bj5WFd3K/IMG-1774.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Bj5WFd3K)

I put the pair with 2 studs on them on my Otter XT Pro Resort sled the same way.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: 6x6 on Feb 21, 2019, 10:59 AM
Perfect!  Thanks.   My only concern is I did not get the sled that comes with the dog, so I don't have the already installed composite runners that are on the Snowdog sled.  I can definitely make it work though. 

Thanks again!
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 21, 2019, 11:11 AM
Perfect!  Thanks.   My only concern is I did not get the sled that comes with the dog, so I don't have the already installed composite runners that are on the Snowdog sled.  I can definitely make it work though. 

Thanks again!

In that case I am sure I would use a piece of flat aluminum stock on the inside just to beef up the plastic sled bottom. The carbide runners will have a lot of pressure on them and could probably collapse or break the plastic if not supported inside.

Gam
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Team Rapo on Mar 24, 2019, 01:06 PM
New milestone for the homedog...
check it out

Dad filmed in slow motion lol, I sped it up in iMovie but its still slowish lol.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: 6x6 on Mar 26, 2019, 12:53 PM
They are work horses.  That’s for sure!  I able to move a pretty heavy shed with mine at my property.  No problem at all. 
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Seus on Aug 28, 2020, 10:42 AM
I there anyone in Ontario that is willing to build one for a paying customer. I do not have the tools or the knowledge but would be willing to pay a reasonable price for one. Not going to pay the large amoune Snowdog wants for their machines.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: happyheber on Sep 01, 2020, 10:28 AM
I just thought I would share with you guys what followed me home today. For $500 I couldn't turn this deal down.
It runs excellent. It has a predator 6.5. The guy had fabed up a little cart to run around the yard to do yard work.
I got a heavy duty sled to go with it. With urethane wear bars. The way I understand it this is not a snow dog its a mule.
It was some of the first prototypes coming out of Germany. This one is about 6 years old. I can see my grandkids and
great grandkids loving this. looks to be put together real simple. My boys want to make a couple more. Tight Lines HH
(https://i.postimg.cc/9zDj7KgZ/sled-mule.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9zDj7KgZ)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: dsupercat on Sep 01, 2020, 02:40 PM
I have to ask as I have used a snowmobile for ice fishing for years and know the dangers that can be from using one.  As I look at these being most people stand up while driving them there has to be a few with some sprained or broken legs or arms.  Sitting down behind one would make sense but standing on such a small platform just seems to be a recipe for injury?  Would love to hear the stories.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Sep 01, 2020, 04:27 PM
I have to ask as I have used a snowmobile for ice fishing for years and know the dangers that can be from using one.  As I look at these being most people stand up while driving them there has to be a few with some sprained or broken legs or arms.  Sitting down behind one would make sense but standing on such a small platform just seems to be a recipe for injury?  Would love to hear the stories.
[/quot

Good observation and you would be correct if your assessment was right. You DO NOT ride on these at all and instead you get pulled in a sled attached behind them. You can stand or sit in the sled and these do not go all that fast. A real Snowdog might get up to about 20 MPH on a good day but wow are they mules for pulling a heavy load and even through pretty deep snow. Call it a tow motor or tractor because all it does is drag a load behind it. The one above in that picture has a platform in front for gear and the handlebars flip to the rear for driving it. For safety's sake if I was playing around with just me in the sled behind and doing stupid stuff at WOT I would recommend wearing a helmet because the ice is pretty hard on your noggin if you do dump it. When ever I use it as it was designed for I usually have 2 or 3 sleds/shanties behind it and I don't try to play or go real fast, just getting to where I want to fish with little effort. They can flip over pretty easily but going in a relatively straight line to the spot you want to get to is a breeze and not at all dangerous. On glare ice with no snow I highly recommend you stud the track or it will be sideways pretty quick. Kold Kutter Ice Screws work great.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: dsupercat on Sep 01, 2020, 04:34 PM
I have to ask as I have used a snowmobile for ice fishing for years and know the dangers that can be from using one.  As I look at these being most people stand up while driving them there has to be a few with some sprained or broken legs or arms.  Sitting down behind one would make sense but standing on such a small platform just seems to be a recipe for injury?  Would love to hear the stories.
[/quot

Good observation and you would be correct if your assessment was right. You DO NOT ride on these at all and instead you get pulled in a sled attached behind them. You can stand or sit in the sled and these do not go all that fast. A real Snowdog might get up to about 20 MPH on a good day but wow are they mules for pulling a heavy load and even through pretty deep snow. Call it a tow motor or tractor because all it does is drag a load behind it. The one above in that picture has a platform in front for gear and the handlebars flip to the rear for driving it. For safety's sake if I was playing around with just me in the sled behind and doing stupid stuff at WOT I would recommend wearing a helmet because the ice is pretty hard on your noggin if you do dump it. When ever I use it as it was designed for I usually have 2 or 3 sleds/shanties behind it and I don't try to play or go real fast, just getting to where I want to fish with little effort. They can flip over pretty easily but going in a relatively straight line to the spot you want to get to is a breeze and not at all dangerous. On glare ice with no snow I highly recommend you stud the track or it will be sideways pretty quick. Kold Kutter Ice Screws work great.

Yes I see that you ride behind but looking at those 2 wheels behind that one looks like I would be on the ground in no time.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Sep 01, 2020, 04:42 PM
Thats the summer/lawn attachment.similiar to the stand up mowers.probably for riding around hauling wood up front.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Sep 01, 2020, 04:55 PM
I have a Gravely sulky I ride behind my Snowdog on land and yup, you can get dumped off real quick if you ride like a fool. These things are TOOLS and not TOYS.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: happyheber on Sep 01, 2020, 08:35 PM
I have a Gravely sulky I ride behind my Snowdog on land and yup, you can get dumped off real quick if you ride like a fool. These things are TOOLS and not TOYS.
AMEN!
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: theskydiveguy on Oct 27, 2020, 04:59 PM
Hey Smarter and wiser people than me!

I need some help - I am a newbie clutch guy. I have a Honda GX630, I would like to connect that to a sprocket on a driveshaft on a snowmobile to run through the chaincase to rotate the track. I am looking for torque vs. top speed.  The Honda has a 1" shaft and 1/4" keyway.

What options (parts list) should I look at.

Can you help? Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Oct 27, 2020, 05:22 PM
I am not at all a rocket scientist but when you say the "Chain case" on the snowmobile I suspect that means some sort of a transmission or torque conversion unit. The gearing would be in the final drive of the existing track set up and all the Honda engine will be doing is providing the power to the drive shaft. Sprocket sizing would be determined by the sprocket size of the original motor you are replacing and how high it reved at WOT. This stuff can get real deep in the weeds since we don't know how much torque the new motor can produce or what the full sprocket arrangement entails.

What I can tell you is you do not need nor want a snow mule type machine to blast along at much over 20+ MPH. You do want it to have the low end grunt to pull a heavy load without burning up clutches or belts. How much weight the machine can pull is directly relative to how much weight is over the track and how much traction the track can achieve under it.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: theskydiveguy on Oct 27, 2020, 05:32 PM
So would you just connect the new engine to the jackshaft of the snowmobile track? Sorry you'll have to excuse me I am a complete newbie but I can weld etc.

If I did that it may make the fabrication harder, but gearing easier. I am not interested in blasting down the lake, just want to make my walk out a little easier.

Thanks
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Oct 27, 2020, 06:02 PM
You will need a torque converter system and then connect the chain Off that to a sprocket mounted on the shaft where the old pulley was on the snowmobile drive.google go cart torque converter or mini bike torque converter.a plain old centrifugal clutch will burn out in a few minutes trying to drive a track.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: theskydiveguy on Oct 27, 2020, 06:06 PM
Great - thanks. That's what I thought.

Now specifically, do you know of one that can handle that engine?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Oct 27, 2020, 06:17 PM
That is what I was trying to get at. Something must be between the track and the engine to control the spin. Some snow machines, probably most have a rubber belt on a centrifugal clutch or they have a chain with a torque converter/transmission.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Oct 27, 2020, 06:56 PM
Something like this.
(https://i.postimg.cc/3WVDJKZ9/632382-D4-CE3-F-488-B-A9-A9-9489-DA395-D43.png) (https://postimg.cc/3WVDJKZ9)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Oct 28, 2020, 05:31 AM
Something like this.
(https://i.postimg.cc/3WVDJKZ9/632382-D4-CE3-F-488-B-A9-A9-9489-DA395-D43.png) (https://postimg.cc/3WVDJKZ9)

Great info Doc! I am pretty sure they make similar converters in a larger size 40 maybe but the ones to ask for the best solution would be guys very familiar with the snowmobile machines. From my very limited knowledge of those types of clutches I have to assume they work when they are matched to the RPM the engine can produce. The faster the engine spins the higher the belt rides on the plates and the faster the track turns. If I am correct then the thing to get figured out for his particular needs might be the the strength of the clutch springs and the belt size.

My statement about getting into the weeds came from my experience with dirt bikes. Most have just an engine drive sprocket and a final rear wheel one so it was simple to play around with smaller tooth and larger tooth to achieve different results. Then I bought a Yamaha Big Wheel 350 that incorporated a Jackshaft and added two additional sprockets. Changing the tooth count on any of the 4 sprockets resulted in some very different end performance characteristics but it had to be done because Yamaha decided to discontinue production of just one of the jackshaft sprockets.

We do have a few members here who have converted sleds over to snowdog type machines and those members are usually very forthcoming with the trials and tribulations they learned in their builds. I don't often like suggesting the search function here but I suspect the term Snow Dog might bring up the threads I know are here.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Nov 14, 2020, 02:47 PM
Just a heads up to anyone who bought a Snow dog with out the reverse feature, who wants to retrofit one with that feature. Dang ! $800+. Part # 4488-9900-0000. For that kind of cash moving forward is the only way my dog will move.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Nov 14, 2020, 03:41 PM
Just a heads up to anyone who bought a Snow dog with out the reverse feature, who wants to retrofit one with that feature. Dang ! $800+. Part # 4488-9900-0000. For that kind of cash moving forward is the only way my dog will move.

Exactly Poco+loco! I was one of the first here with a Snowdog and it was near impossible to find one of the original models with the reverse option. They claimed there was some issue with the original reverse gearing setup and were doing a complete redesign of the system. Those who did get the original reverse were very dissatisfied with how it worked but the cost to either upgrade or add the newer reverse system is totally ridiculous plus to DIY the install is about a 5 to 6 hours job for a highly mechanical guy or gal with the necessary tools.

My Snowdog goes forward fine but for $50 I just bought a Harbor Freight cheap winch and can yank the dog backwards and forward if I get it stuck or laid on it's side. It is a process with a small kayak collapsible anchor but it will get me out of deep slush on the ice or backed out from a jamb in the woods.

I have watched guys with sleds stuck in deep slush and it is no easy job getting it out and usually takes a couple other machines and a few strong guys helping.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Nov 15, 2020, 01:32 PM
I have also used a furniture dolly that I  drive up on before storing in my shed,that makes moving it around and getting it back out a piece of cake.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Nov 19, 2020, 07:17 PM
I was also thinking about studding my track for more traction on glare ice. Do these studs  in any way gouge out the underside  of the laminated wood base that holds the whole thing together?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gunflint on Nov 19, 2020, 07:21 PM
Nope. The Dog was designed for them.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: metalbender on Nov 21, 2020, 06:31 PM
Just don't put in too many studs, steering problems will arise.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Nov 22, 2020, 06:31 AM
The paddle ribs on the track are set up for studding but just with Ice Screws. On the ribs you will see round rubber dots where the screws can go. I staggered my studding screws, 2 screws in one rib and 3 in the next one and this worked well on bare ice and snow. More importantly on bare ice is the gear you are pulling behind you staying directly behind you. If it starts wagging the dog and sliding all over it can spin the entire train. On my big shanty I had to install snowmoblie track runners made of carbide to keep it tracking straight on glare ice. I agree, too many studs in your track will make steering much harder.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Dec 07, 2020, 02:29 PM
Does anyone out there know what  size links  the sprocket drive chain on the Snow dogs are ?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Dec 07, 2020, 03:00 PM
I just looked through the owners and maintenance manual that has a section about adjusting and lubricating the chain but not a word about the size of the chain itself or the sprocket teeth counts.
I can't read any numbers on the chain and I will not guaranty this but it sure does look to be about a 428 standard Motorcycle chain. I would call the dealer where the machine was purchased to get the exact answer. If you can't contact your dealer then try mine, Cutting Edge Equipment, 845-306-7597, the parts/service department should have that info handy.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: happyheber on Dec 07, 2020, 11:27 PM
Does anyone out there know what  size links  the sprocket drive chain on the Snow dogs are ?
You might could ask your question on the facebook page It's called: Track Sled Builds of the North.
Them guys are really helpful on the builds. Good Luck.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: GWK on Dec 14, 2020, 04:06 PM
on my 2017 standard 13hp with no rev. the gears were 11 tooth on top and at the bottom was 32 teeth. I converted this machine with the reverse kit conversion which changed the gears to 11 top and 29 bottom.  also the chain on mine was  a #520 . the #50, #530 chain fit but the links where to wide for the 1/4 thick spockets. the 520 fit more like the factory chain.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Dec 23, 2020, 07:18 PM
Well, I went and did it,...and finally added the reverse kit to my Snowdog 13 Hp compact. Got an offer that I couldn't refuse, so what heck, my arm got twisted ( a little)  .Installation was easy, except the time I had to manually  lift the motor onto the new base plate. Also the stock chain was way to long.  ( a 60 link)And the one they supplied with the kit was to short (58 link).My dealer was called , appropriate length chain was sent out, that was still to long by one link.Cut two links off and added a master link ,presto a 59 link. which fit perfectly. By the way Chain is a 520. Ten feet of 520 chain and master link were ordered off of Ebay, and a required 59 link was made up, just for a spare No instructions were supplied with kit, but are  available online.In case someone is looking to do the same, the  Part number of the kit is: 4498-9901-0000.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: GWK on Dec 25, 2020, 08:52 AM
when i installed my reverse kit it came with a new lower spocket 29 teeth and a newchain with a half link that was riveted. did your kit come with the new lower gear? my lower gear with out reverse was 32 teeth.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Dec 26, 2020, 01:58 AM
The sprocket that came with the kit was the same exact size as my stock sprocket was. I didn't count the teeth on either just layed them back to back to compare. The chain that they supplied me came out to be 58 links total, including  the installed half link.Had  my supplier send me out a 60 link that was cut back to 59.Also shifting from forward to reverse, and vice versa is a little finicky most of the time. I have to rock the machine back and fourth slightly to engage itself in either direction.A syncromesh transmission it sure isn't.The kit also came with a handle bar mounted choke option. That I had already previously installed last winter.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: GWK on Dec 26, 2020, 08:09 AM
 mine shifts fine i shut off engine and a little jiggle and shifts right away. I did change out the original oil that was in the gear box  with 0w-40 full synthetic mobil 1 oil. I changed mine twice to get there 5w-30 oil out of the gearbox. on refill it only holds 80cc or 2.7oz.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Poco+loco on Dec 26, 2020, 01:59 PM
mine shifts fine i shut off engine and a little jiggle and shifts right away. I did change out the original oil that was in the gear box  with 0w-40 full synthetic mobil 1 oil. I changed mine twice to get there 5w-30 oil out of the gearbox. on refill it only holds 80cc or 2.7oz.
Isn't 0w-40 a little light for a gearbox?
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: GWK on Dec 26, 2020, 02:44 PM
the bulletin I seen from snowdog said that snowdog puts 5w30 in all there gearbox kits . my snowdog dealer [wisconsin] told me that they put in 0w40 in the gearboxes.  I have not had there gearbox apart but I think in forward it has a double roller chain and in reverse its runs through a counter spur gear . since I only use mine in winter and through recommendation from dealer I purchased the reverse kit from I just installed 0w-40. now if I used mine in summer also I would change oil out in warm weather and go up in the oil weight .
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Dec 26, 2020, 03:27 PM
Oil is for lubrication and the enemy for oil is heat. Synthetic is better for longer life when high temps occur while thinner oil is much better in severe cold conditions such as when we use our dogs. Probably 95% of the issues we have with oil viscosity comes at initial dead cold start up. Thinner is way better for initial start up in severe cold temps and in most cases when we do run our machines they likely never get real hot enough to warrant the use of heavier oils. Shifting from forward to reverse and back will be much easier with light synthetic and the one exception might be if you use your SNOW dog when we don't have any snow and the warm weather is here.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Avenditto on Feb 21, 2021, 03:12 PM
I built two of them last year.  They are the cat's ##s for ice fishing.  My second has a 19 inch track with a Chonda 15hp electric start.

Hey can I get more info from you on your builds? I'm looking to build one
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: happyheber on Feb 22, 2021, 08:35 AM
Hey can I get more info from you on your builds? I'm looking to build one
on facebook it is called track sleds of north ;D your welcome  ;D
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: hardwater diehard on Nov 07, 2021, 01:44 PM
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: John_Galt on Feb 07, 2022, 07:02 PM
Can anyone think of any potential issues driving from a sled that is much wider than the Snowdog? The Otter Pro Large is just under twice as wide at 44". Can you think of any possible issues/benfits from driving from a wide sled? Most probably from a seated position (don't have Snowdog, as of yet).  Thanks in advance for advice.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Feb 08, 2022, 03:26 AM
I guess I don't know what you are asking. I have had my Dog for 3 seasons now and I drag the largest Otter Pro Resort behind it. At the same time I also drag the sled I stand in and a 2 man Clam Guide shanty and  another equipment sled all tied together like a train locomotive. On a lake I have absolutely no problem with tow capacity and I venture to guess my turn radius is pretty close to what a sled will have. Can I run as fast, NO. The SnowDog is merely a towing mule capable of pulling a very heavy load but it is not a fun machine for playing on the ice or in the trails leading to the ice. The width of the dog has nothing to do with what it was designed to get done or how wide the gear behind it is. There are 2 basic issues with the dog that you should be mindful of when comparing it to a sled. Glare ice can be problematic if your track is not studded with good ice screws and the load behind can wag the dog. Slush is an issue with both sleds and dogs so avoid the deep stuff or be prepared to work. I have dragged through 8-10" of powder snow with no issues at all but if I get in 8-10" of wet heavy snow it does start to bog down more that a sled would because it does not have a front end with skis forward of the track to help it float above heavy and deep snow. I just go slower with all the pulling power I could ask for and I get to where I want to fish. Yes, it can be used off season to drag out game or firewood over bare ground but it is a workout I tend to avoid. Sleds need plenty of room to turn around also and the dog could navigate through much tighter spots between trees but it is tough and the dog is tippy. Both have their purpose by design but the dog is a tool and not a play toy. Who is John Galt ;D
(https://i.postimg.cc/bGqdThML/Snowdog.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bGqdThML)

(https://i.postimg.cc/ppWkdR8v/IMG-0686-Edited-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ppWkdR8v)
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: John_Galt on Feb 08, 2022, 09:12 AM
Thanks for response, Gamalot. Yep, I'm sold on Snowdog. Initial cost and storage space makes Snowdog a way more reasonable and attainable option.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Rugburn on Mar 10, 2022, 11:14 AM
Too bad they're made in Russia.   >:(
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 10, 2022, 01:47 PM
Too bad they're made in Russia.   >:(

Good point except that just about everything we buy these days have some sort of Communist influence and there is no getting around that. I don't know where the B&S engine is made but I suspect China or some other unfriendly Asian country just like my JD Gator and all of my TVs and kitchen appliances. If we need a machine made in America these days we might want to just buy a 4 legged Mule.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Rugburn on Mar 10, 2022, 09:33 PM
I get it, running my old Fadal now making parts. We need to get back to the basics at times. Just saying.
Title: Re: Snow Dog Track Sled
Post by: Gamalot on Mar 11, 2022, 06:29 AM
I get it, running my old Fadal now making parts. We need to get back to the basics at times. Just saying.

YUP! I don't know much about Fadal other than it started as an American company. Even at that I would bet if you dig deep inside of your Fadal you will find that Communist influence on many of the parts.
Just sitting here at my desk and laptop if I look around me just about everything I see has a Made In China label on it. Kind of scary if you ask me.